Get To Know Us

Michelle Fisher

Meet Michelle, our Studio Manager at Namaste. Since joining us in September 2021, Michelle has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of our studio. With a knack for organization/streamlining systems and a passion for providing invaluable support to our members through assessments and goal-setting, Michelle’s welcoming demeanor makes her the go-to person for any concerns, inquiries, or positive feedback.

With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Mount Olive College in NC and over 17 years of experience, including management roles at the New York Power Authority and the Department of Homeland Security, Michelle’s professional journey took a transformative turn when she personally faced multiple autoimmune conditions. This personal experience ignited her passion for health and wellness, leading her to become a certified personal trainer and a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition Health Coach I and II certification programs.

Driven by a commitment to personal development and growth in the health and wellness arena, Michelle is dedicated to empowering individuals on their wellness journeys. Since settling in the Greenville area in 2017, Michelle, originally from northern New York, has embraced her love for nature and outdoor activities, nurtured by her upbringing near the St. Lawrence River and Adirondack Mountains.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Michelle indulging in her favorite pastimes, which include hiking, kayaking, gardening, and soaking up the sun at the beach. Devoted to her family, she cherishes quality time spent with her husband, two sons, grandson, and her beloved Labradoodle, Willow, who occasionally graces the gym with her presence.

Ronel Freissle

Meet Ronel, a dedicated Certified Personal Trainer and Integrative Nutritional Health Coach who completed her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Throughout her career, Ronel has honed her expertise in various specialized areas, including the Psychology of Emotional Eating, Detox Your Life, Hormone Health, and Gut Health. Her participation in Tony Robbins events has enriched her with practical knowledge to guide clients in transforming their mindsets and achieving their goals.

Passionate about lifelong health, Ronel is committed to supporting members on their weight-loss and overall health and wellness journey by educating and sharing her experiences and knowledge. She delves into the psychological and emotional components underlying many health concerns, working collaboratively to challenge pre-existing beliefs that may impede weight loss progress.

Additionally, Ronel specializes in grocery store tours, pantry makeovers, meal planning, and preparation. She offers healthy, nutritious and delicious recipes to facilitate the transition from the Standard American Diet (SAD) to a nourishing approach to eating.

Originally from South Africa, Ronel has called the United States home for nearly 30 years. During her time in the States, she has raised four children who have grown into young professionals. In her leisure time, you’ll often find Ronel on the tennis court or experimenting with recipes to share with clients, family, and friends.

Paula Helms

Paula’s journey into health and fitness reflects a deeply personal experience. Having explored various modalities like yoga and boxing during her college years, she found solace and strength in exercise, especially following the unexpected passing of her father. For Paula, fitness is not merely about physical appearance but encompasses a holistic connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

Her certifications as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Institute of Integrated Nutrition Certified Health Coach, and Yoga Certified through YogaRenew demonstrate her commitment to helping others achieve wellness on multiple levels. She understands that exercise is not just a means to stay physically fit but also a powerful tool for emotional regulation and overall well-being. Paula believes in the transformative power of exercise to release negative energy and maintain emotional balance.

Her relocation to Greer in 2014, along with her husband Brian, has allowed her to explore new surroundings and create meaningful experiences, including day trips to Hendersonville and Asheville NC, culinary adventures exploring new restaurants, and enjoying outdoor activities with their dog Bear.

Paula’s passion for teaching proper exercise form and technique reflects her dedication to ensuring her clients achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively. Her personal journey and professional expertise underscore her belief that motivation is the driving force behind starting a fitness journey, while dedication is the key to sustaining it in the long run.

Morgan Liner

Morgan earned her first Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, then went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. After teaching for 13 years, she left the classroom to pursue a degree in Nutrition, followed by an NASM Personal Training certification. Years of infertility and gut health issues fueled her pursuit of a Nutrition career. She is currently working on a Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition. She is passionate about helping women stabilize their hormones, feel like themselves again, and learn to love the bodies God has given them.

Morgan is originally from Greer, SC, but has also lived in Charleston and Columbia, where she met her husband. They have 8 year old twins (boy/girl). She loves to tell people about their adoption story (please ask!!) When Morgan isn’t working out or working with clients, she and her family can be found hiking, camping, overlanding, eating good food with friends, and traveling. She also loves reading and listening to music. She is excited to be a part of Namaste! “I absolutely love the community and the support it offers to both members and trainers alike!”

Shawna Bennett

Shawna is an accomplished mental health therapist, holding dual licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). With her 200YT certification acquired in 2017, she is dedicated to fostering holistic well-being, adeptly merging her expertise in mental wellness with her proficiency in yoga. Shawna is also the proud owner of Clear Life Counseling and Coaching, a counseling practice that embodies her commitment to facilitating personal growth and clarity in individuals’ lives. Furthermore, Shawna’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create and partner with the studio to introduce the mental wellness coaching program called Namaste Mindset. Her classes are thoughtfully crafted to leave participants feeling empowered, centered, and equipped to embark on their day with a harmonious alignment of mind and body.

In her leisure time, Shawna finds fulfillment in spending quality moments with her family amidst the serenity of the outdoors. A highlight of their shared experiences includes a year-long journey traveling in an RV, during which they visited 30 national parks across the country. This enriching adventure not only deepened Shawna’s connection with nature but also underscored the importance of mental well-being in harmonizing with the natural world. Inspired by their travels, Shawna and her family aspire to continue exploring, with the goal of eventually visiting all 63 national parks, fostering their love for adventure and environmental appreciation.

Angela Costner

Health and fitness is at the core of Angela’s life. She has loved fitness from a young age, playing all kinds of sports: soccer, softball, and track. Angela’s passion for sports and the team environment lead her to getting her Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology. She then furthered her studies by becoming a Certified Yoga Teacher and a certified Personal Trainer.

During her college years, Angela coached girls High School Soccer and Lacrosse. After having her first child she wanted to stay active so she taught a Group Fitness Class for new and expecting moms with her daughter and later her son in tow. To gain more knowledge in this field, Angela took courses in Pre and Postnatal Fitness.

When she’s not at Namaste, you’ll find Angela coaching her daughter’s soccer team, volunteering for her kid’s school events, hiking, mountain biking, or going on adventures with her husband and two kids. Angela loves sharing her passion for Fitness and supporting people and can’t wait to meet you!

Jamie Bertolini

Jamie is a long-time Greer resident, and dedicated fitness and yoga instructor with four years of experience at Namaste Fitness Studio. He’s completed over 200 hours of yoga training and holds certification as a personal trainer.

Beyond his fitness expertise, Jamie is also an interior designer and licensed realtor. His passion lies in empowering others through yoga, fostering a welcoming environment where students of all levels can find balance and strength. You’re sure to experience some creative twists (pun fully intended) in Jamie’s classes!

Chad Moore

Meet our newest trainer, Chad Moore. Chad is thrilled to join the esteemed team here at Namaste. Chad is a proud South Carolina native, born and raised in Spartanburg, but has called Duncan home for the past 7 years. Having been part of the Namaste family for 2 years, “I am excited about the journey ahead.”

Outside of work, Chad is an avid outdoor enthusiast, finding joy in activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring nature’s wonders. Recently, he achieved his Personal Training certification and is eager to leverage his expertise to serve you through classes or personal training sessions.

On a lighter note, here’s a fun fact about Chad: at the age of 9, he had the privilege of appearing on the local TV show “Kid Sizzle” alongside the esteemed former weatherman, Jack Roper :).

Chad looks forward to contributing to the success and growth of our team and clientele here at Namaste.

Shannon Hutcheson

As a 200 RYT certified instructor with Yoga Alliance, Shannon found profound solace and transformation through yoga. Her journey began amidst postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter in 2018. Since then, yoga has been Shannon’s sanctuary—“a space where I reconnect with myself and find inner peace. It challenges me physically, emotionally, and mentally, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being.”

The profound impact of yoga on Shannon’s life inspired her to share its benefits with others. Teaching yoga allows her to impart the wisdom of breath, movement, and stillness, fostering growth and healing in her students’ lives.

“At Namaste, we offer more than just a workout—we’re a family-centered, Christ-centered, loving community. It’s a safe haven where every individual is embraced and celebrated for who they are. The unwavering support I’ve found at Namaste is unparalleled, and I’m immensely grateful to be part of such an incredible family.”

Originally from Philadelphia, Shannon is the eldest of three siblings. Though her family remains there, she now resides in Greenville with her husband, Mark, whom she married in May 2017. Together, they are blessed with three beautiful girls—Adrianna (15), Georgia (5), and Kennedy (2). During the week, you’ll often find Shannon enjoying quality time with her daughters, whether it’s exploring nature, practicing yoga, or simply soaking in precious moments together. Shannon also cherishes attending concerts, traveling, indulging in shopping trips, savoring the holiday season, gathering around bonfires with loved ones, relishing in laughter and new friendships.

She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to connect with each and every one of you and to share the joy and benefits of yoga together. Namaste!

Jackie Bryant

Jackie Bryant is a dedicated certified personal trainer and yoga instructor, bringing her expertise and passion to Namaste Fitness Studio since December 2020. With a genuine commitment to enhancing the well-being of every individual who walks through our doors, Jackie strives to empower and uplift her students through her teachings.

Having completed her yoga teacher training in 2018 and earning her RYT-200 certification with the Yoga Alliance, Jackie embarked on her journey as a yoga instructor with enthusiasm and purpose. For Jackie, yoga transcends physical postures—it has been a transformative force in her life, nurturing her physically, emotionally, and mentally. She is deeply passionate about her practice both on and off the mat, and she channels this passion into her teaching.

Jackie’s dedication to her craft is evident in her role as a workshop developer and creator, where she has contributed to the creation of numerous yoga workshops. She delights in teaching various styles and variations of yoga, including vinyasa, power, sculpt, and yin/restorative. For Jackie, teaching yoga is not just about following a routine—it’s about infusing creativity, fun, and safety into every session.

With a focus on fostering self-discovery, exploration, and mindfulness, Jackie endeavors to guide her students toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their yoga practice. She encourages them to embrace their journey with openness and expressiveness, allowing them to uncover new dimensions of their practice and cultivate a profound sense of freedom and authenticity.

Lindsay Hultquist

Shannon Beckwith

Shannon joined Namaste as a client in the fall of 2020 after moving to the Upstate from San Diego CA. She quickly became part of the Namaste family and joined the staff as the Social Media Manager/Studio Assistant in 2022. She documents all that happens around the gym, running the client group page, and creating inspiring content for members to see. She loves meeting new clients, learning about them, and witnessing transformations happening on a daily basis!
She has a BA in Studio Art from Sonoma State University (2009) and is an IIN Certified Health Coach (2022).

Outside of the gym Shannon enjoys exploring downtown GVL and visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains with her daughter Ava. “Namaste Fitness Studio is such an important part of our life. I’m so glad to be setting solid healthy roots for myself and my daughter here in Greer.”

Michelle Garland

Michelle Garland a transplant from Detroit MI owned a community care business where she actively cared for the elderly. Her passion for cleaning and staying busy led to her working for Namaste and caring for their clients. She is also passionate in keeping it clean and well maintained. Through her extensive years owning her own business she knows the effort and care it takes to make a place feel welcoming. Outside of Namaste, you will often find Michelle engrossed in carpentry or DIY projects, which are her favorite pastimes.