John Milham is a musician and yoga practitioner who began practicing yoga in 2003. He received his RYT 200 in 2013 with Rolf Gates, Augusta and David Kantra (Founders of CALM Living School of Yoga, and Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teachers). John furthered his training with them in 2015 and is now a certified RYT 500. Through his yoga and meditation practices, John has gained skills that have helped him to find discipline, courage, self-compassion, strength, patience, contentment, gratitude, peacefulness and open-heartedness in his life as a father, husband, musician and friend. His yoga classes are centered around a vinyasa flow style while incorporating many elements of mindfulness meditation to help his students learn breath, body awareness, and relaxation techniques helping them deal with the stress and busyness of everyday life. John lives in Laurel Mississippi with his wife and three children and is currently is studying with teachers Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach in a 2 year MMTCP (Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program) to become certified as a mindfulness meditation teacher.

Chataura Harper is a native of Laurel, MS. She graduated from Laurel High School in 2005, attended Jones College and graduated with a bachelors degree in Mass Communications from The University of Southern Mississippi. During her high school and college days she participated in several pageants, theatre shows, and recitals. She is most proud of being crowned Miss Jones County in 2010 and a member of the nationally known Dixie Darlings dance team at USM. Chataura taught dance and coached the Laurel High School Golden Girls for 6 years. She previously worked as an Admissions Counselor and in Student Affairs at Jones College. She is presently employed with the Jones County Economic Development Authority as a Career Coach at Laurel High School. Chataura has a deep passion for children and young adults in her community. This passion and a personal need, led her to provide after school tutoring services. From this, “The Noble Place” began. The Noble Place was named after her grandmother, Alberta who she was very close to. Alberta, in German, means noble.

Cristal Bautista and Mayra Paniagua have been a creative team for a couple of years. They have known each other for more than five years. Mayra started her path into photography and Cristal into the beauty industry. They both love to use their creativity with the people around them. “We are both overwhelmed with excitement that we have united our talents and to explore this new business opportunity. Our business stands firm on the power of experiencing long-lasting memories.

Cristal Bautista y Mayra Paniaqua se conocen desde hace 5 años y han sido un equipo creativo por dos años. Mayra empezó su camino en la fotografía y Cristal en la industria del maquillaje. Ellas aman usar su creatividad con la gente a su alrededor. “Ambas estamos super emocionadas de unir nuestros talentos y explorar ésta nueva oportunidad de negocio. Nuestro negocio se mantiene firme en crear momentos únicos para toda la vida.

Daycia Andrus is a passionate and dedicated dance professional with extensive experience in the dance industry. With a lifelong love for dance and a strong commitment to fostering artistic growth, Daycia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Destinay’s School of Dance.

Having trained in various dance styles from a young age, Daycia developed a deep understanding of the art form. After years of performing, Daycia transitioned to teaching and choreography, sharing her expertise with aspiring dancers of all ages. Her ability to connect with students on a personal level, coupled with their strong technical foundation, has allowed her to nurture the growth and potential of countless dancers.

As the visionary behind Destinay’s School of Dance , Daycia is committed to creating a positive and inclusive dance environment. Daycia takes pride in cultivating a supportive community where dancers can thrive, explore their passion, and achieve their goals.

My name is Florence Gonzalez. I’m originally from Chiriquí, Panama. I moved to the United States back in 2001 and Laurel has been my home since then. I’m thrilled to say that this is my first-time teaching English and Spanish to all ages and levels. It has always been rewarding and fulfilling to help others achieve their goals. My love for different languages and different cultures has inspired me to create our first language academy in laurel MS. Languages are my passion and I’m so excited to be able to teach English and Spanish at the Laurel Language Academy! I believe that foreign languages in general give us a unique and awesome perspective into the world and the people who we live in it with. The value of learning different languages extends beyond the ability to verbally communicate with others and provides countless neurological benefits, social advantages, and unified communities. I’m so excited for the opportunity to share my passion with the awesome students of Laurel Language Academy.

Laurel Language Academy mission is to provide high quality learning experiences for English and Spanish language learners to help them develop the linguistic and cultural competence they need to reach their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Mi nombre es Florencia González. Soy originaria de Chiriquí, Panamá. Me mudé a los Estados Unidos en 2001 y Laurel ha sido mi hogar desde entonces. Me emociona decir que esta es la primera vez que enseño inglés y español a todas las edades y niveles. Siempre ha sido gratificante y satisfactorio ayudar a otros a alcanzar sus metas. Mi amor por los diferentes idiomas y las diferentes culturas me inspiró a crear nuestra primera academia de idiomas en laurel MS. ¡Los idiomas son mi pasión y estoy muy emocionada de poder enseñar inglés y español en Laurel Language Academy! Creo que los idiomas extranjeros en general nos brindan una perspectiva única e impresionante del mundo y de las personas con las que vivimos. El valor de aprender diferentes idiomas se extiende más allá de la capacidad de comunicarse verbalmente con otros también nos brinda innumerables beneficios neurológicos, ventajas sociales y unifica nuestras comunidades. Estoy muy emocionada por la oportunidad de compartir mi pasión con los maravillosos estudiantes de Laurel Language Academy.

La misión de Laurel Language Academy es brindar experiencias de aprendizaje de alta calidad para nuestros estudiantes de inglés y español para ayudarlos a desarrollar la competencia lingüística y cultural que necesitan para alcanzar sus metas académicas, profesionales y personales.

Kensley was born and raised in the “Free State of Jones”, in the country town of Soso, MS. He is a 2002 graduate of Northeast Jones High School and 2009 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication & Journalism, with a minor in Sports Administration & Coaching.

Kensley possesses a wealth of experience as a Photojournalist in the TV news industry and DJ / on-air personality. Combining these skills with his passion for videography lead to the formation of his business, Scenic Productions, LLC; where he specializes in sports video/ photography, video production, radio/TV commercials, podcasts and livestreams…which later developed his passion for photography.

Kensley is excited to bring his videography and photography skills to Union Hall, in an effort to provide the studio experience to his clients.

Latisha Hamilton Earnest is a native of Sylvarena, MS, and has always been passionate about music. Latisha began singing and playing guitar at an early age. Latisha received her associate’s degree in Music Education from Jones College, Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi! She is the wife of Ryan Earnest of Laurel and they have two children Laila and Garrison Reese. She currently serves as Choral Director and Guitar Instructor at Laurel High School. Outside of the classroom, Earnest performs as a gospel quartet singer and guitar accompanist for her family group, The B&H Gospel Singers. She is a church musician and lead singer of her soul band “Latisha and Friends”. Latisha is grateful to be able to spread her love for music to others daily!