The Yoga Factory and Fitness Center

Hi, my name is Jud Beachler and I am the owner of The Yoga Factory and Fitness Center. Twenty nine years ago I was an air traffic controller in the United States Air Force stationed at RAF Bentwaters, England. One weekend I took a trip to Paris, France and on a rainy spring morning as I was walking down the Champs-Elysees, hungover and smoking a cigarette, i watched as thousands of men and women were competing in the Paris marathon.  Something happened to me that day, call it an epiphany, or a wake-up call, or perhaps God’s gentle nudge, but my life changed.  From the stressful life of an out of control air traffic controller my life took a major turn.  Instead of using cigarettes and alcohol to manage my stress and weight gain, I learned to use exercise.  Twenty nine years later I have gathered a wide variety of tools in my fitness tool belt.  I have seen what works and what doesn’t.  I have seen fad diets, shakes, and so called miracle pills not deliver on their promises and leave you disappointed and unhealthier than ever before.

Today I love what I do.  I feel fortunate to be one of the few people who can say that.  I have helped more than a thousand people change their lives over the past 29 years and i know I can help you too.  My style is not in your face but I am sneaky.  One day you will wake up and realize that you have been duped into liking this healthy lifestyle and will be preaching to your friends its benefits as well.  So take a look what I have to offer here and give it consideration.  I am open for coffee (consults are free) so give me a call or write me here at the Factory.  I truly believe that “together we can do amazing things.”

Gwen Surratt's yoga story begins in 1972 at a workshop on meditation and yoga. 

After returning home to Atlanta, GA; she practiced under the mentorship of Edie Wightwick; whom encouraged her to attend teacher training at The Sivananda Yoga Center in Val Morin, Canada. 

From there, she continued her studies in the Siddha Yoga path. 

In the 80's, Gwen studied with Alice Christensen at The Light of Yoga Society. During that time, Gwen became a licensed massage therapist and taught yoga part-time.  

Most recently, she continued her teacher training with Cathy Morse at The Yoga Factory, and Donna Winter at Balanced Yoga.  

Gwen's classes are vigorous and eclectic, but suitable for all levels and ages. 

She believes that the yoga practice enriches and enhances one's self, allowing the student to become who (and what) they would like to be. 

In addition to teaching yoga, Gwen is a fiber artist and enjoys the creative process.

Melissa was introduced to yoga in 2007 while attending dance classes in Santa Cruz, CA.

After completing the teacher training program with Janice George at Samyoga Institute in 2011, she continued her studies while interning at Yoga on High.

This year, Melissa returns to Samyoga Institute on staff as a program assistant; to share her experience, lead classes, and mentor new teachers.

Melissa's classes synthesize many approaches; rooted in traditional wisdom and philosophy, while incorporating modern application and techniques of the practice.

She believes that yoga's greatest gift is the opportunity to relax deeply; to manage stress, anxiety, and fear (while increasing confidence) in the mind/body through asana, pranayama, and meditation.

Off the mat; Melissa enjoys kayaking, snowboarding, reading, and working as a freelance writer.

Mary Donovan first encountered yoga in the 80's, returning to the practice in 2001 after a long hiatus. She found yoga to be different than other fitness programs; it offered a challenging workout, but didn't leave her feeling “burnt out” in the same way that other forms of exercise often had.

In 2006, Mary enrolled in teacher training to share the practice and its benefits with others. Her teaching is influenced by her study with Laurel Hodory, Paul Grilley, and Doug Keller. She is dual certified in both Hatha and Ashtanga, and has trained in Anusara. 

Mary's classes emphasize safety, alignment, and off-the-mat aspects of the teachings that students can carry into their daily lives. 

Outside the studio; Mary's interests include hiking with her dogs, drinking a glass of wine with friends, and practicing yoga on a standup paddle board. An expert in the field of organization, Mary can help you find space not only in your body and mind but also in your home or office.  Contact her at http://organizingmattersohio.com/  for more information. 

Tammy Plaxico earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in dance from the University of Iowa (1994,1998).  Over the next couple of years she became certified in Pilates Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, and Injury and Special Populations.  For five years she owned and operated BodyMind Balance Pilates Studio in Worcester, MA.

After relocating to Westerville in 2003, Tammy joined faculty of the Theater and Dance Department at Otterbein University. She also teaches at Ballet Met.

Her mornings and evenings are dedicated to her love of teaching movement arts. Afternoons are filled with the joys and challenges of homeschooling 3 children. Her oldest child is in the 2nd year of college already!

Tammy is looking forward to becoming more deeply connected to the wonderful people at The Yoga Factory.

Bethany Lee has always been a physically active person, participating in sports as a teenager and enjoying the exploration and play she found outdoors. She discovered her passion and gift for nurturing others through her training and practice in yoga and fitness and feels blessed to be able to practice this as her career.

For Bethany, health is the most important factor in life success, regardless of how one defines “success”. Good health extends well beyond the boundaries of the gym and it is her pleasure and goal in life to teach and express this philosophy to her clients.

Bethany is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). She received her yoga teacher training from Balanced Yoga Studios in Clintonville, Ohio and is certified in Thai Yoga Bodywork from the Om Yoga School of Thai Yoga Massage in Dayton, Ohio.

When not working with clients, Bethany enjoys hanging out with her husband and their four dogs.

Jen

Jen Wampler was introduced to yoga at a young age; after reading a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. 

She attended the ShivaShaktiSynthesis teacher training program at The Center for Wholeness in Columbus, Ohio in 2011. 

After earning her credentials as a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance; she continued her studies at The Kripalu Center in Massachusetts. 

Jen enjoys the connection she finds in the practice; to all parts of herself, and to others. She seeks to offer students the space to find this connection for themselves; through gentle movements and rhythmic breathing. 

On and off the mat, you will find Jen smiling and laughing, her quirky personality and sweet demeanor shining through to remind others of their own light that shines brightly. 

Jen other interests include: exploring local nature trails, drawing, and reading. 

Jenna

Jenna Brader Durban found yoga while rehabbing a career-ending soccer injury  during her senior year of college at Otterbein University.

In 2013, Jenna completed yoga teacher training with Laurel Hodory. She is dual certified in both Hatha and Ashtanga.

Her Vinyasa classes invite students to discover the conversation between the mental and physical self, quieting the internal conflict between the two, and finding balance.

She believes that yoga is a practice which is sustainable through all phases of life.

Off the mat; Jenna enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her husband Kyle and new baby, Gus Michael.