Meet Our Team
Ken Banwart – Founder/Executive Director
Certified Kripalu & Yin Yoga Instructor
Ken has studied and practiced a wide range of yoga, nutrition, general health, exercise and indigenous spiritual practices for over 30 years. He has been able to fully demonstrate the results of this training in his personal health practices and vibrant lifestyle. He was Founder and served as Managing Director/Chairman of the Board from 1981 to 2013 of Aspen Partners, Ltd., a successful investment management and financial services business.
Ken received his Yoga Teacher Certification from Kripalu School of Yoga in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. He has also studied and trained with other recognized yoga instructors including Sarah Powers in Yin Yoga. He moved to Blue Ridge, Georgia in 2007 and built his own yoga studio to focus his energies on teaching yoga and other health practices. He teaches and conducts international yoga retreats with his Daughter, Magen Banwart. Magen is Founder and CEO of MB Fitness in New York and was voted One of NYC’s Top 20 Most Popular Yoga Instructors.
Ken is one of the founding members of the Heartwood Community. This community is dedicated to living a more sustainable, supportive and intentional lifestyle in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He Founded Heartwood Development LLC, which is constructing more affordable and environmentally friendly smaller homes for Community Members.
Christina Law – Co-Founder/Managing Director, Practitioner, Chef
Resident Certified Yoga Instructor, Yoga Teacher Trainings, Ayurveda Practitioner, Thai Yoga Bodywork and Faster EFT
With a passion for health and over two decades of teaching Yoga, Christina Law, E-RYT500, brings a healing experience to her students and clients that is holistic and unique. She specializes in healthy vegan and gluten free meals and has a passion for offering guests nutritious and satiating dining experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime.
Learn about Christina’s Yoga Teacher Trainings, workshops and classes at Heartwood Retreat Center. You can find out more information about her events and services at awakening2balance.com.
Massiel Ocampo – Practitioner, Chef
Certified Yoga Instructor, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Reiki ll, Hypnotherapy
Massiel Ocampo offers Thai Bodywork, Reiki, Hypnotherapy for our retreat guests. She is also one of our lovely chefs.
You can find more information about Massiel’s services at thehealingheartcave.com.