Meet Our Team
Ashley Cocchi-Miller
Ashley is a Dekalb native who adores working with kids. From a young age, Ashley knew she loved teaching and pursued a career in elementary education. As a classroom teacher, Ashley started bringing in some of the techniques from her yoga practice to help her students manage their feelings; including stress and anxiety. Working with a diverse population of students, Ashley quickly realized that no matter what background they were from, kids just want to be heard and valued. These yoga techniques had been profoundly impactful with her students and Ashley wanted to continue teaching children, but in a different, and much needed, capacity.
Ashley is a certified classroom teacher (P-5) and has taught 1st-5th grade over the last 14 years. She attended Kennesaw State University and completed her Bachelor’s of Science in early childhood education in 2010 along with a reading endorsement and a minor in Spanish. That same year, she started her career in education as a third grade classroom teacher. In 2013, she received her Master’s of Science in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University. In 2015, Ashley completed her gifted endorsement to continue cultivating an academically challenging classroom environment.
Ashley found her love of yoga almost 20 years ago. Finding it to be a great way to alleviate daily stress and become more connected to herself, Ashley quickly became a lifelong yoga practitioner. She is a 200 hour registered yoga teacher and has completed Kidding Around Yoga’s 26 hour and 95 hour trainings to teach kids yoga.
Combining her passion for working with kids and her expertise in kids yoga and academic enrichment, Ashley founded Intentional Minds. Ashley is dedicated and motivated to make her classes fun and engaging for all while giving students tools to take with them off the mat.
Ashley enjoys backpacking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jennifer Arnold
Jennifer took her first yoga class in 2006 and began teaching in 2013 through a certification from the National Exercise Trainers Association. She recently graduated from a 200 hour yoga teacher training program through Yoga Roots on Location.
Professionally, Jennifer has spent much of her career working with children and families at the intersection of education, spirituality, and justice work. She has worked as a public school teacher, hospital chaplain, private school religion teacher, and director of children’s ministries at a local Atlanta church. In her spare time Jennifer loves spending time in nature, baking, reading poetry, and hanging out with her friends.
Jennifer believes yoga extends far beyond the mat; it is a way of connecting mind and body which moves her to deeper compassion and connection within herself and for others. She loves sharing this practice with children and helping them develop the skills and mindsets necessary to build their resilience and confidence.
Myrriah Elmore
Myrriah is a certified yoga instructor, children’s book author, and early childhood educator with over 10 years of yoga experience. She creates fun, engaging classes that help kids move their bodies, calm their minds, and feel confident. With a background in teaching and a love for storytelling, she blends movement, imagination, and mindfulness in every session. Her goal is to make yoga a joyful, empowering experience for every child she meets.
LaKendra Mathews
LaKendra Mathews is an accomplished educator with over 14 years of teaching experience, currently serving in Georgia. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University and began her career in education by teaching in Alabama for five years. For the past nine years, she has continued her mission of academic excellence in Georgia’s school system.
LaKendra is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning
environments and actively supports enrichment programs beyond the classroom. She has coached a LEGO League Robotics Club, helping students build teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a love for STEAM.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, LaKendra enjoys reading, playing kickball, and spending time with her family and friends.
Heather Jernigan
Heather Jernigan is a performer and has been a theatre educator for the past 25 years. She has worked with children of all ages, and is thrilled to be assistant teaching with Intentional Minds.
