Who We Are

Project Yoga began with a simple idea: that healing should be accessible to everyone. What started as a volunteer-led class has grown into a citywide movement.

To promote mental health and physical well-being in underserved communities through trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness.

Our Mission

Empowering people with tools to build resilience, peace, and connection.

Our Vision

Meet the Team

Dr. Nikki Owens, E-RYT 500, serves as Executive Director of Project Yoga. A longtime supporter and educator, she has taught in our K–12 programs and led fundraising classes that reflect her deep commitment to our mission. With a doctorate in education and extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, Nikki brings a powerful blend of leadership, innovation, and heart to her role.
She is the owner of Mint Yoga Studio and has over 20 years of personal practice. In addition to multiple advanced yoga and wellness certifications—including Ayurveda, NLP, yin yoga, and pilates—she leads teacher trainings, workshops, and international retreats.
A passionate educator and mother, Dr. Nikki believes in yoga’s transformative power. As she shares, “Through gentle movement, compassionate guidance, and breath awareness, yoga provides a grounding that empowers students both on and off the mat.”

Liz Comstock has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and earned her RYT 200 certification in 2019. She has been a dedicated Project Yoga teacher ever since, sharing yoga in schools and community settings in ways that are accessible, joyful, and empowering for all ages.
Liz is especially passionate about supporting children and teens. Moved by the rising levels of anxiety among youth, she became a yoga teacher to offer young people tools for emotional resilience, body awareness, and self-love. Her classes are grounded in compassion and connection, helping kids feel strong in their bodies and safe in themselves. Liz believes that planting the seeds of mindfulness early can be life-changing—and she’s committed to showing up for kids, again and again, so they keep coming back to the mat.

Our Guiding Board

Bobbie Boyd, Chair

Bobbie Boyd has been involved with Project Yoga for many years, beginning as the Project Yoga Coordinator and teacher for Bethany House. She played a key role in the Strategic Plan renewal. Bobbie is a retired Associate Director from Procter & Gamble, where she led global teams and product development for brands like Olay and Head & Shoulders. She serves as a board member and volunteer consultant for several local nonprofits.
Liz Ranz, Secretary

Liz Ranz is a Senior Manager at Protiviti, focusing on internal audit and risk assessment services. She holds degrees in MIS and Economics from the University of Dayton. Liz is passionate about bringing the tools of yoga and mindfulness to underserved communities and increasing access to wellness practices.
Michael Hawkins

Michael W. Hawkins is a partner at Dinsmore and a civic leader, having chaired the American Red Cross and Cincinnati Bar Association. He volunteers as a Project Yoga assistant, teaching young children, and is a certified 200 RYT yoga instructor with a Reiki certificate. Mike also teaches workplace yoga and serves on several community boards.
Dr. Linetta Collins-Clemons

Dr. Linetta Collins-Durand is the CEO of AtteniL Consulting Group and has over 25 years in education and nonprofit advocacy. She holds advanced degrees from the University of Cincinnati in Educational Leadership and Urban Education. She’s passionate about community transformation, trauma-informed practices, and leadership development.
Sandra Mills, Treasurer

Sandra M. Mills, C.P.A., is Director of Finance for a regional nonprofit and brings decades of financial leadership to the Project Yoga Board. She has served in senior roles at Hebrew Union College, the Freedom Center, and Union Institute, where she was CFO, with expertise in program development, capital projects, and fundraising. She is a certified yoga instructor, Reiki specialist, and musician. Her leadership blends financial expertise with a deep commitment to mindfulness and community wellness.
Sheri Vogel, Vice Chair

Sheri Vogel is a Talent Management Advisor at the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati with 30+ years of nonprofit and healthcare leadership experience. She’s a certified executive coach and specializes in strategic planning, change management, and leadership development. Sheri has served as a volunteer consultant and board member across many local initiatives.
Lauren Albarella

Lauren Albarella is a Certified Yoga Therapist with advanced credentials from Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy and the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She meets clients individually and teaches group classes focused on trauma recovery and chronic conditions. Previously, she worked in finance in NYC.
Mary Beth Hines

Mary Beth Shipley Hines is a speech-language pathologist and host of the Keys for SLPs podcast. She is a RYT-200 yoga instructor with a passion for trauma-informed yoga. Mary Beth serves as Co-Chair of Project Yoga’s Development Committee and is committed to expanding community partnerships. As a speech-language pathologist and podcast host, she combines clinical insight with a heart for healing through yoga.
Uday Sheth

Uday Sheth is a seasoned R&D and innovation leader with over three decades of global experience at Procter & Gamble. With a deep commitment to community engagement, Uday also served as Interim Board Chair of the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative. He brings to Project Yoga not only strategic and technical expertise, but also a passion for empowering youth and expanding access to wellness and education in underserved communities.