Rachael R. Resch, MS PT/LMT
Nia Black Belt Instructor

Hi, I'm Rachael Resch. In 1997 I fell in love with Nia in Vickie Saito's class in Portland. At the time I was very ill, and the loving, accepting atmosphere of the class, combined with the fun and deep form of Nia, drew me in and helped heal me. My path has always been one of synthesis, so Nia's blend of dance, martial arts and healing arts suits me well: I have danced professionally. I hold a green belt in Shodokan Karate. And I practice physical therapy at my clinic in Ashland, Synergy Physical Therapy. Nia has deepened my love for my own body and for the dance that is all things.

You can contact me at 541.488-1192 or by email.

Sarah Rose Marshank, MEd LMT
Nia Brown Belt Instructor

My name is Sarah Rose Marshank. I fell in love with Nia at a Thanksgiving Nia community dance taught by Rachael R. Resch, back in 2002. For me it is such a fun and exhilarating synthesis of so many arts which I love: dance arts, martial arts and healing arts. I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Professional Astrologer and an accomplished watercolor painter as well. I have a Master's Degree in Education and often find myself teaching. I love teaching Nia because it is a totally different sensation than taking. I love taking as well, and am so glad to have Rachael to learn from and collaborate with.

You can contact me at 541.973.9397 or by email.

  Ashley Updike
  Nia White Belt Instructor

My name is Ashley Updike. After practicing yoga on my own for ten years it was time to try something new. Upon an invitation from Sarah Rose Marshank I took her Nia class in 2006. We punched, kicked, blocked, twirled, shimmied, stretched and meditated. Intermixing the movements to heal, tone, coordinate and balance the body, mind, spirit and emotions, I stepped out of the class with the sensation of health and well being. It was love at first dance! I am now a certified Nia white belt. With the mentorship of Rachael and Sarah I have stepped in to teaching. Come try a class! You can reach me at 541.840.3053 or by email.