About
Kayla Gonzalez
Founder of Resilient Joy
Yoga Instructor , Facilitator, Space Holder
Meet Kayla,
Kayla is a devoted yoga and meditation teacher, sacred space holder, and facilitator dedicated to creating experiences rooted in healing, connection, and personal transformation. Her work is guided by dignity, liberation, joy, and love, offering spaces where individuals can reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, embodied movement, and community.
She holds an RYT 800 certification through Empower Yoga Milwaukee, School Yoga Institute, and Maharishi Yogapeeth, with studies focused on intuitive wisdom and holistic psychology. Deeply inspired by yoga’s roots and Eastern spiritual traditions, she honors these lineages with humility and reverence in her teaching.
Having traveled and studied throughout the Himalayas, Andes, Caribbean, and Central America, Kayla brings a global perspective to her work. She leads classes, workshops, trainings, ceremonies, and retreats that support self-discovery, spiritual growth, and authentic connection.
Kayla is honored to share this work in Milwaukee, around the world, and virtually with communities seeking greater presence, purpose, and well-being.
Meet Our Partners
Resilient Joy thrives through community. We collaborate with gifted practitioners, teachers, and facilitators to create opportunities for healing, growth, and connection.
Swadharma Yogshala
Shobhit Ghanshyala
Founder of Swadharma Yogshala
Rishikesh, India
Shobhit Ghanshyala is the founder of Swadharma Yogshala. His journey with yoga began in his early twenties when he experienced firsthand the profound impact the practice can have on one’s life. What started as a personal exploration soon became a lifelong passion and calling. For Shobhit, yoga extends far beyond physical postures—it is a path of self-discovery, transformation, and conscious living.
Over the years, Shobhit has had the privilege of studying and practicing with respected teachers and masters from diverse yoga traditions, including Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga. Guided by a deep commitment to learning and personal growth, he immersed himself in the study of yoga and its rich philosophical and spiritual roots, drawing inspiration from traditions such as the Sivananda Ashram in Trivandrum and the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh.
These experiences have profoundly shaped both his personal practice and his approach to teaching. Today, Shobhit shares yoga with authenticity, humility, and reverence for its traditions, creating meaningful opportunities for students to deepen their connection to themselves and the practice.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
Hridaya Bhav Sangha Retreat | Rishikesh, India — February 2027
Hridaya Bhav Sangha Retreat | Kathmandu, Nepal — February 2027
Hridaya Bhav Sangha Retreat | Rishikesh, India — March 2026
Mary Steskal
Mary Steskal
Yoga Instructor, Facilitator, Space Holder
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Yoga fell into Mary’s (she/her) sphere when she was living in Northern California. The practice found her during a time that she needed it most (thanks to a friend inviting her to a class), and after continuing to show up over and over again, it reminded her of her own strength and capability to change her life. She felt the potent healing that this sacred practice offers first hand, and she knew that one day she’d share it with others.
In 2021, she received her 200-hour certification and began teaching, but soon realized there was SO MUCH MORE to learn! She completed a restorative yoga training in 2022, and finished her 300-hour certification in 2024. In 2025, Mary was fortunate enough to be asked by Anna Argeropoulous to help co-lead The Moving Galaxy’s 200-hour teacher training (it was a resounding “yes”)! Teaching has been Mary’s full-time “work” since around 2023, and she couldn’t imagine her life any other way.
Mary creates classes that are accessible to all by breaking down complex shapes in simple ways, and offering options for all levels in the room. She pours her heart into deepening her understanding of not just asana (postures), but also, yogic philosophy and mantra. Mary aims to create a grounded, open, and mindful state, so that students can enter into the deeper layers of the Self, exploring, uncovering, learning, unlearning, and integrating.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
Return to Bhakti: Cacao + Sacred Poetry — August 2026
Mary Frances
Mary Frances
Sound Healer, Reiki Master, Vedic Astrologer
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mary Frances is a Milwaukee-based sound healer, Reiki Master, and Vedic astrologer who helps people reconnect with themselves through sound, meditation, and ancient wisdom traditions. Drawing from over a decade of experience in yoga and mindfulness practices, she creates restorative experiences that support nervous system regulation, reflection, and inner alignment.
Her work weaves together sound healing, Reiki, meditation, and Jyotish (Vedic astrology) to help participants slow down, listen deeply, and cultivate a greater sense of wholeness. Through crystal singing bowls, chimes, gongs, mantra, and guided reflection, Mary creates spaces that invite both rest and meaningful transformation.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
The Solstice Within | Milwaukee Solstice Celebration —June 2026
Bethamie Wyatt
Bethamie Wyatt
Reiki Master, NIA Dance Instructor, Space Holder
Atlanta, Georgia
Bethamie Wyatt is an Energy Healer, Reiki Practitioner, Emotion Code Facilitator, and Wellness Educator dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their natural capacity for healing, balance, and transformation.
With over 20 years of experience in holistic wellness and community care, Bethamie combines Reiki, Emotion Code, somatic movement, breathwork, and mindfulness to support emotional well-being, nervous system regulation, and stress relief. Her approach recognizes the deep connection between the mind, body, and energy, helping clients release emotional blocks, restore balance, and cultivate greater resilience.
Through compassionate, personalized sessions, Bethamie creates a supportive space for healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. Whether you’re navigating stress, burnout, emotional challenges, or seeking deeper wellness, she helps guide you toward greater clarity, inner peace, and overall well-being.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
Cacao + Rest at Core El Centro — March, 2025
URLOVE Mysitc
Kathryn Julyan
Founder of URLOVE Mystic
Spokane, Washington
Kathryn Julyan, Ph.D. (cand.) is a philosopher, teacher, and pilgrimage guide devoted to embodied wisdom through Yoga, Ayurveda, Advaita Vedānta, and Divine Feminine spirituality.
She holds an M.A. in Philosophy from Tufts University and is completing her Ph.D. in Asian Philosophies and Cultures at the California Institute of Integral Studies, where her research centers women as wisdom transmitters within Advaita Vedānta. Kathryn taught Philosophy, Religion, and Gender Studies at Eastern Washington University for over two decades and opened Spokane’s first Ashtanga yoga studio.
A long-time student of Acharya Shunya and the Arsha Vidya tradition, Kathryn studied directly with Swami Dayananda Saraswati in India in 2008 and 2010. She has led and co-facilitated retreats and yoga teacher trainings in Costa Rica, Bali, and Peru, and her travels to India, Ghana, Mexico, and across Europe continue to inform her reverence for living traditions, pilgrimage, and cross-cultural devotion.
Her work weaves Advaita and Divine Feminine embodiment—honoring wisdom, beauty, and devotion as lived pathways to self-realization and love.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
Awaken Your Sensual Soul Women’s Retreat | Bali, Indonesia — January 2025
Breathe Massage Therapy and Wellness
Jessica Lara Sanchez is the owner and founder of Breathe Massage Therapy and Wellness LLC. With over 20 years experience in customer service, she has a passion for helping clients meet their wellness goals. Jessica is a graduate of the Wisconsin School of Massage Therapy (Germantown, WI). A fitness and health enthusiast, Jessica is certified by the Athletics and Fitness Association of America as a Group Fitness Instructor, and certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Corrective Exercise Specialist. When Jessica is not practicing massage therapy, she is a dedicated wife and mother of four. She lives an active lifestyle teaching group fitness at various fitness centers around the city of Milwaukee.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
The Inner Solstice | Milwaukee Ceremonial One-Day Retreat —June 2025
Jessica Lara Sanchez
Founder of Breathe Massage Therapy and Wellness
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rise with Karlie
Karlie Kuehn
Founder of Rise with Karlie
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Karlie Kuehn is a somatic practitioner, yoga teacher, energy healer, and life coach, she is a deeply intuitive and empathetic guide dedicated to supporting others on their journey of self-discovery and healing.
While these titles offer a glimpse into her work, she believes we are all far more than any role or label. Each person carries a unique light, story, and energetic signature.
An extroverted introvert with a natural intuition, she is passionate about storytelling, teaching, learning ancient practices from their roots, backpacking, heart-centered leadership, silent meditation, authentic connection, and movement-based practices. She is equally devoted to the inner journey—exploring, honoring, and integrating the shadows, and discovering the truth, wisdom, and beauty they hold.
Her greatest joy is helping others uncover and embody their own unique medicine.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
Bilingual English/Spanish Cacao + Meditation Gathering — May 2025
Solstice of the Heart | Cacao + Somatic Reset Ceremony — December 2025
Sigue Sanando Studio
Grizel Sanchez
Founder of Sigue Sanando Studio
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grizel Sanchez is the founder of Sigue Sanando Studio, a Milwaukee-based wellness sanctuary rooted in holistic healing, cultural connection, and community care. Through her work, she creates spaces that support community and connection.
Grounded in Mexican ancestral wisdom and holistic wellness traditions, her work supports healing, empowerment, and wholeness. Through her offerings, Grizel invites people to deepen their connection to themselves, their communities, and the wisdom that guides meaningful transformation.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
Hosted Resilient Joy as a resident at Sigue Sanando Studio in 2025, offering yoga and community gatherings.
Vibrant Vida Wellness
Mariyam Nayeri
Founder of Vibrant Vida Wellness
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mariyam Nayeri is the founder of Vibrant Vida Wellness, a holistic wellness, yoga, and culinary platform serving midwest communtiies and beyond. As a bilingual holistic health coach, chef, and E-RYT 200 yoga instructor, she is dedicated to helping others reconnect with their well-being through mindful movement, nourishing food, and the cultivation of joy. Her work inspires individuals to create sustainable practices that support a vibrant, balanced, and fulfilling life.
Collaborations with Resilient Joy:
Honoring Your Light Dia De Los Muertos Retreat | Oaxaca, Mexico — October 2025
Honoring Your Light Women’s Retreat | Oaxaca, Mexico — April 2024
Sana Sana Celebration | Summer Healing Event — September, 2023