Meet Our Team
NAYA F. POWELL - CEO & FOUNDER
Naya F. Powell is an award-winning CEO of Topia, a pioneering B2B SaaS digital health platform dedicated to transforming workplace well-being. With a focus on tackling the urgent challenges of mental health and burnout, Topia offers organizations a comprehensive suite of services, including 24/7 access to nearly 1K on-demand wellness classes, coaching, and customizable workshops designed to enhance employees' physical, mental, and emotional health. Topia is honored to be a member of the prestigious 2024 Techstars DC class powered by J.P. Morgan and a Google for Startups Accelerator graduate.
A best-selling author of "30 Days to Utopia Living," Naya has earned recognition as one of the Top 50 Most Admired Women Leaders in North Carolina, a recipient of funding from Google as one of 50 Founders, and has been featured in CNBC’s Women Rising Africa for her impactful global wellness and social initiatives.
With over 15 years of experience in global talent and leadership development, Naya is a trusted advisor to leading organizations such as Microsoft, Google, The NFL, Red Hat/IBM, UnitedHealthcare, Merck, Korn Ferry, Duke University, ESPN, Capital One, Fidelity, Meta, and the International Monetary Fund. These institutions rely on Naya's expertise to empower their teams and drive strategic initiatives in mindful leadership, diversity, inclusion, well-being,
and organizational culture.
Naya believes in the philosophy that Topia Living is rooted in giving back. She serves on the board of the Daniel Center of Math and Science, engages with various colleges and universities as a speaker, and mentors emerging leaders through The Woman Boss initiative in The Gambia, West Africa.
Her mission is to spread life-affirming services globally and inspire individuals to live passionately and purposefully—*wholistically!
KIMMI TROY - SOUL FLOW & HIP HOP YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Kimmi brings over ten (10) years of experience as a health and wellness instructor. She is a certified Yoga and Zumba instructor and member of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance. She specializes in Soul Flow Yoga, Beginner Yoga, and Trauma Informed Yoga. Kimmi has worked with The University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, and the city of South Bend, IN, leading various wellness-related programs and enjoys public speaking. Kimmi is a graduate of Saint Mary's College and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, and is a proud member of the Saint Mary's College Board of Trustees.
SMITA (LUNA) SHARMA - MEDITATION INSTRUCTOR
Smita Sharma (Luna) is an International Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher, trained in India in Swami Sivananda's form of Hatha Yoga. Originating from a family of Yogis, meditation has always been part of her life, she has been actively practicing it since 2001. She specializes in Yogic meditation practice of Yog Nidra & Antar Moun and has received advance training under the lineage of Bihar School of Yoga, Munger (India) established by Swami Satyanand Saraswati. She trained in Mindfulness from MNDFL Studios (NYC), Mindful Schools and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at UMass Medical School - Center for Mindfulness.
These traditional & secular trainings have enabled her to create unique programs that incorporate ancient Meditation techniques with modern, well researched & simplified Mindfulness tools. Luna has lived and worked in 3 continents (India, New Zealand & United States) and as a worldly, adventurous spirit is skilled in employing global, ancient concepts in combination with certified, national practices.
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MARY STEILEN - YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Mary has been guiding yoga practices since 2013 and is an E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. Over the years she has taught gentle, vinyasa, slow flow, beginners, and yin classes. She is a student first, and strives to learn and grow as both a teacher and practitioner. Mary encourages her students to meet themselves exactly where they are at. Yoga is a practice and you do not have to be perfect. Strength, flexibility and balance, all develop out of a consistent yoga practice. Her goal is to help students create more space in their bodies, minds, and hearts.
LESLIE STEVENS, M.Ed. - LCMHC, COACH/LICENSED THERAPIST
Leslie Stevens, M.Ed., LCMHC is a North Carolina and Virginia board-certified licensed professional counselor. She has successfully helped hundreds of people navigate stress, depression, anxiety, and perfectionism. Leslie is the co-founder of the Congruence Counseling Group, PLLC located in Carrboro, NC.
The Congruence Counseling Group is a space that she co-created to serve the ever-growing population seeking mental health counseling. In addition to serving as a licensed clinical mental health counselor, she has been a leader, speaker, teacher, mentor, and administrator in various settings for over 15 years. She has also served in ministry in the local church. As a natural empath, Leslie can feel deeply. Her passion and purpose in life is HEALING. Through counseling, she helps people understand their own thoughts, feelings, and patterns and facilitates healing through that work. Leslie shows up with accurate empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. Her work is deeply rooted in Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
PRIYA AMARESH - YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Priya completed her Intermediate, & Advanced Yoga Teacher Training in the beautiful setting of the Integral Yoga Alliance in Yogaville, VA.
Priya earned a Bachelor’s & Masters in Education from the University of Michigan. She is a teacher by profession. Also, having grown up in Michigan in a spiritually and culturally rich home, Indian traditions were ingrained in her. Therefore to instruct interesting & creative classes while drawing in philosophical & cultural themes seems natural for Priya.
She likes to make her practice fun and accessible to all levels from basic beginner to advanced, helping students to reach their own potentials for personal transformation, balance, and bliss. Priya likes to remind practitioners that the main intention of yoga is to not only nurture the body, but also the mind and soul so that once you step off your mat you feel refreshed, nourished and balanced.
SEUNG SONG, INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING MARTIAL ARTIST - PROFESSIONAL TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR
Seung Song has spent a lifetime practicing Taekwondo, Hapkido, Tai chi, Baguazhang, Hatha Yoga, and the healing energy art of Qigong.
He has won awards in international martial arts competitions and has taught in Korea, China, and the United States. With humility, gentleness, and great skill, Seung teaches students at all levels. He integrates healing and meditation into daily life, aspiring to create an enlightened society through the care of mind, body, and spirit.
SRIVIDYA NARATAJAN - ZUMBA DANCE WORKOUT INSTRUCTOR
Srividya is a certified Zumba instructor who teaches virtual and in-person dance fitness classes at gyms and to private groups. Additionally, she has conducted dance sessions at corporate events and special celebrations.
Srividya started her career in administrative positions working for various companies after earning her Bachelor’s in Commerce from the University of Delhi in India. Since her childhood days, dance has always been a passion that led her to participate in several groups and solo performances. Growing up in a metropolitan city like Delhi taught the diverse and rich Indian cultural dances that exist in India. After migrating to the US, she reinvigorated her passion when attending a Zumba class where she was introduced to newer dance styles. Since then, she decided to take this up as a career and aims to make fitness a joyous event by providing an energetic, fun-filled workout that feels like a party with great music! Her dance routines combine various Latin dance forms (like Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton), Indian styles (like Bollywood, Bhangra, Folk, South Indian street dance), belly dance, and Hip Hop!
ARAMIS PERRY - CERTIFIED TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR
Aramis Perry is delighted to share his journey with you. In 2017, he began his Tai Chi Chuan journey with Wu Tai Chi Chuan Academy Detroit in Ferndale, Michigan, under the guidance of Sifu Michael Ashmore. Training under Sifu Mike and the 5th Generation Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu (Eddie) has been an incredible experience, and Aramis is proud to be a disciple to both individuals. Initially drawn to Tai Chi Chuan for its self-defense applications and to maintain his health, Aramis also sought relief from troubling shoulder pain that consistently flared up when lifting his right arm. Through consistent practice, he was amazed to find that the shoulder pain completely disappeared, showcasing the transformative power of Tai Chi Chuan on his physical well-being. Aramis's passion for this martial art has continued to grow, and he is dedicated to sharing the teachings of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan with as many people as possible. He firmly believes that this ancient practice can offer significant benefits and enhance the quality of life for individuals. Visitors to his website are thanked for their time and encouraged to join Aramis on a journey of health, wellness, and self-discovery through the practice of Tai Chi Chuan
ELLIE GERVAIS - INTUITIVE EATING COACH
Elizabeth Gervais is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Food Freedom Coach, living on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. Her approach is grounded in her background of biology supported by her bachelor’s in science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Elizabeth has spent the last few years dedicated to liberating people from their frustrating, cyclical, and self-sabotaging cycles with food and dieting. She helps her clients find peace and freedom in their relationship with food and ultimately, helps them reignite their inner intuitive eater.
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JACQUELINE PAIGE - ZUMBA & HIIT
Jackie Paige is a certified NASM Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, as well as a certified AFAA Group Fitness and Zumba Instructor. With over five years of experience, she has collaborated with notable organizations such as the YMCA, MedStar Hospital, LA Fitness, FIT DC, and the Virginia Housing Authority. Jackie is dedicated to helping clients achieve their fitness goals through personalized training and engaging group classes. Her vibrant teaching style and commitment to wellness inspire individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.