Testimonials from Students and Practioners
❤️ What Our Community Is Saying
Real Stories. Real Impact. Real Connection.
Holistic Healing & Private Sessions
"I can't believe how much my life has changed."
"I have been doing one-on-one holistic healing practices with Melissa each week for a little over a year and I can't believe how much my life has changed. I was in a serious car accident and had neck and back injuries as well as childhood trauma—and she has changed my life! I can't even explain how, but when we do the sacred journeys, I 'wake up' a new person. I honestly feel like Spencer has brought back pieces of my soul that were lost or missing. I would highly recommend her holistic therapies and counseling sessions."
— Robert
"14 years of compassion, wisdom, and healing."
"I have been doing weekly one-on-one private sessions with Melissa Spencer for the past 14 years, sometimes twice a week. Melissa is a conscientious therapist who takes the time to learn exactly what I need each session and tailors the class accordingly. I've experienced floor yoga, restorative yoga, sound healing, assisted stretching, and more. I don't know what I would have done without her kind and compassionate presence."
— Linda
🪑 Chair Yoga & Senior Wellness"Chair yoga keeps me young!"
"Melissa says chair yoga isn't just for old people—it's for people who want to stay young and mobile. I'm 99 and a half years young thanks to her classes. I've been practicing with her for over 10 years and I feel better after every class."
— Charlie, 99.5 years old, senior resident
🥁 Drum Circles & Community Rhythm"Drumming changed my life at 81."
"Melissa comes weekly to our retirement center and brings us together in a drum circle. She even wrote grants to get us arthritis-friendly drums. She helps us prepare for our yearly talent show, where we always shine. But more than that, she's taught us that whatever we learn on the drum, we carry into our lives. That was powerful knowledge for me to gain at age 81."
— Carol, senior resident
"The drum circle is a monthly gift."
"I had never played a drum before attending Soul Rhythms, but Melissa made me feel relaxed and capable. I’ve learned rhythms I didn’t think were possible, and I love moving around the circle trying different percussion instruments. These circles are a joyful, healing experience."
— Anne
"It’s more than drumming—it’s healing, community, magic."
"Joining Melissa’s drum circle was truly transformative. I came in feeling stressed and disconnected, and left feeling energized, joyful, and deeply connected to everyone around me. The rhythms stayed with me long after the session ended. It’s more than drumming—it’s healing, it’s community, it’s magic."
— Sarah J., Community Participant
"I want to do it again tomorrow!"
"I got to play the big drum and make loud sounds! We all made music together and it felt like a big happy party. I want to do it again tomorrow!"
— Liam, age 5
"Drumming makes you feel young again."
"I never thought I’d be drumming at this age, but it’s become something I look forward to every week. The rhythm gets into your bones and makes you feel young again. Melissa makes it easy for everyone to join in, no matter your ability."
— George R., age 82
"Music for the soul."
"The drum circle brings so much joy to my heart. I feel connected, alive, and part of something bigger than myself. It’s not just music—it’s medicine for the soul."
— Evelyn M., age 76
"Drumming is actually awesome."
"At first I thought drumming would be kind of boring, but once we started, it was actually awesome. It helped me let go of a lot of stress and just be in the moment. I didn’t expect to feel so calm afterward."
— Jordan, age 16
"We were all connected through the beat."
"I loved how everyone was playing together—even the adults and little kids. It made me feel part of something, like we were all connected through the beat. It was fun and super chill."
— Maya, age 17
"It’s more than a class—it’s therapeutic."
"Melissa’s drum circles have brought an incredible sense of energy, connection, and joy to our community. Residents who are often quiet or withdrawn come alive during her sessions. It’s more than a class—it’s a truly therapeutic experience that supports physical, emotional, and social well-being. We’re so grateful to offer this program at our center."
— Karen L., Director of Community Life, Harmony Senior Living
"Drumming gave us something new to share—at 100!"
"At 100 years old, I never imagined I’d be learning to play the drum, but here I am, keeping the beat with my son beside me. It’s brought us even closer. We laugh, we play, and we feel the rhythm of life together. These drum circles have given me something new to look forward to, and that’s a gift at any age."
— Frank, age 100, and his son David, age 68
"Drumming helped me grieve without words."
"After losing my husband, the silence in my life felt unbearable. When I joined Melissa’s grief drum circle, I didn’t have to find the words, just the rhythm. With every beat of the drum, I felt my heart soften. It gave me space to feel, to release, and to connect with others who truly understood. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone."
— Margaret S., age 72
🎓 Peaceful World Yoga Teacher Training
"PWY helped me find my confidence."
"Peaceful World Yoga gave me the exact environment I needed to grow: a small group, personal guidance, and access to excellent materials and teachers. The program covers Yoga Alliance standards deeply, while allowing for flexible learning styles. I started teaching right away."
— Cece, Children’s Yoga Instructor & Mindfulness Educator
"Above and beyond what I ever expected."
"Melissa lives and teaches the yogic lifestyle with such authenticity. Our training group was guided by her example—not just lectures. The skills and experiences I gained will stay with me for life."
— Amanda, 500 YTT Anatomy Instructor, Yoga Teacher
"More than a yoga studio—it's a second home."
"My self-awareness grew tremendously during the YTT 200 program. Melissa is highly respected in the yoga and mindfulness community and adjusts her curriculum to meet students' needs. We covered topics typically reserved for 300-level programs!"
— Lisa, Owner of Downward Dog Pet Services
"This program changed my yoga journey."
"PWY made learning accessible for me in a way other programs didn’t. I felt seen, supported, and empowered to connect with yoga teachers, workshops, and resources in my community. Forever grateful!"
— Jackie
"A deep and well-rounded education."
"This training offered a beautiful blend of teachers and teachings, especially focusing on all eight limbs of yoga. It was more comprehensive than I expected and has given me a new lens on yoga and life."
— Cami, Purple Sloth Yoga
Real Stories. Real Impact. Real Connection.
Holistic Healing & Private Sessions
"I can't believe how much my life has changed."
"I have been doing one-on-one holistic healing practices with Melissa each week for a little over a year and I can't believe how much my life has changed. I was in a serious car accident and had neck and back injuries as well as childhood trauma—and she has changed my life! I can't even explain how, but when we do the sacred journeys, I 'wake up' a new person. I honestly feel like Spencer has brought back pieces of my soul that were lost or missing. I would highly recommend her holistic therapies and counseling sessions."
— Robert
"14 years of compassion, wisdom, and healing."
"I have been doing weekly one-on-one private sessions with Melissa Spencer for the past 14 years, sometimes twice a week. Melissa is a conscientious therapist who takes the time to learn exactly what I need each session and tailors the class accordingly. I've experienced floor yoga, restorative yoga, sound healing, assisted stretching, and more. I don't know what I would have done without her kind and compassionate presence."
— Linda
🪑 Chair Yoga & Senior Wellness"Chair yoga keeps me young!"
"Melissa says chair yoga isn't just for old people—it's for people who want to stay young and mobile. I'm 99 and a half years young thanks to her classes. I've been practicing with her for over 10 years and I feel better after every class."
— Charlie, 99.5 years old, senior resident
🥁 Drum Circles & Community Rhythm"Drumming changed my life at 81."
"Melissa comes weekly to our retirement center and brings us together in a drum circle. She even wrote grants to get us arthritis-friendly drums. She helps us prepare for our yearly talent show, where we always shine. But more than that, she's taught us that whatever we learn on the drum, we carry into our lives. That was powerful knowledge for me to gain at age 81."
— Carol, senior resident
"The drum circle is a monthly gift."
"I had never played a drum before attending Soul Rhythms, but Melissa made me feel relaxed and capable. I’ve learned rhythms I didn’t think were possible, and I love moving around the circle trying different percussion instruments. These circles are a joyful, healing experience."
— Anne
"It’s more than drumming—it’s healing, community, magic."
"Joining Melissa’s drum circle was truly transformative. I came in feeling stressed and disconnected, and left feeling energized, joyful, and deeply connected to everyone around me. The rhythms stayed with me long after the session ended. It’s more than drumming—it’s healing, it’s community, it’s magic."
— Sarah J., Community Participant
"I want to do it again tomorrow!"
"I got to play the big drum and make loud sounds! We all made music together and it felt like a big happy party. I want to do it again tomorrow!"
— Liam, age 5
"Drumming makes you feel young again."
"I never thought I’d be drumming at this age, but it’s become something I look forward to every week. The rhythm gets into your bones and makes you feel young again. Melissa makes it easy for everyone to join in, no matter your ability."
— George R., age 82
"Music for the soul."
"The drum circle brings so much joy to my heart. I feel connected, alive, and part of something bigger than myself. It’s not just music—it’s medicine for the soul."
— Evelyn M., age 76
"Drumming is actually awesome."
"At first I thought drumming would be kind of boring, but once we started, it was actually awesome. It helped me let go of a lot of stress and just be in the moment. I didn’t expect to feel so calm afterward."
— Jordan, age 16
"We were all connected through the beat."
"I loved how everyone was playing together—even the adults and little kids. It made me feel part of something, like we were all connected through the beat. It was fun and super chill."
— Maya, age 17
"It’s more than a class—it’s therapeutic."
"Melissa’s drum circles have brought an incredible sense of energy, connection, and joy to our community. Residents who are often quiet or withdrawn come alive during her sessions. It’s more than a class—it’s a truly therapeutic experience that supports physical, emotional, and social well-being. We’re so grateful to offer this program at our center."
— Karen L., Director of Community Life, Harmony Senior Living
"Drumming gave us something new to share—at 100!"
"At 100 years old, I never imagined I’d be learning to play the drum, but here I am, keeping the beat with my son beside me. It’s brought us even closer. We laugh, we play, and we feel the rhythm of life together. These drum circles have given me something new to look forward to, and that’s a gift at any age."
— Frank, age 100, and his son David, age 68
"Drumming helped me grieve without words."
"After losing my husband, the silence in my life felt unbearable. When I joined Melissa’s grief drum circle, I didn’t have to find the words, just the rhythm. With every beat of the drum, I felt my heart soften. It gave me space to feel, to release, and to connect with others who truly understood. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone."
— Margaret S., age 72
🎓 Peaceful World Yoga Teacher Training
"PWY helped me find my confidence."
"Peaceful World Yoga gave me the exact environment I needed to grow: a small group, personal guidance, and access to excellent materials and teachers. The program covers Yoga Alliance standards deeply, while allowing for flexible learning styles. I started teaching right away."
— Cece, Children’s Yoga Instructor & Mindfulness Educator
"Above and beyond what I ever expected."
"Melissa lives and teaches the yogic lifestyle with such authenticity. Our training group was guided by her example—not just lectures. The skills and experiences I gained will stay with me for life."
— Amanda, 500 YTT Anatomy Instructor, Yoga Teacher
"More than a yoga studio—it's a second home."
"My self-awareness grew tremendously during the YTT 200 program. Melissa is highly respected in the yoga and mindfulness community and adjusts her curriculum to meet students' needs. We covered topics typically reserved for 300-level programs!"
— Lisa, Owner of Downward Dog Pet Services
"This program changed my yoga journey."
"PWY made learning accessible for me in a way other programs didn’t. I felt seen, supported, and empowered to connect with yoga teachers, workshops, and resources in my community. Forever grateful!"
— Jackie
"A deep and well-rounded education."
"This training offered a beautiful blend of teachers and teachings, especially focusing on all eight limbs of yoga. It was more comprehensive than I expected and has given me a new lens on yoga and life."
— Cami, Purple Sloth Yoga