About Us

Kathleen Maroney-Hesser, Owner

Kathleen is the founder and guiding practitioner of Sunflower Bodyworks. In 2004 she completed massage therapy training at Potomac Massage Training Institute. She has served on the teaching staff of PMTI and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. In 2005, she completed yoga teacher training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Kathleen is a member of the Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association, and Yoga Alliance since 2005.

In addition to various levels of Kripalu Yoga, Kathleen offers specialized classes in meditation, yin yoga and adaptive yoga. Kathleen believes that yoga is more than something we do – rather it is a way being in your body, in your life. This understanding is reflected in her open-hearted and joyful teaching style.

Over the years, Kathleen has developed close relationships with the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH Regional Rehab at Olney) and the Maryland Sports Medicine Center (also in Olney) to allow Sunflower Bodyworks to offer therapeutic massage and yoga that supports rehabilitation efforts.

Carol Ames

Carol completed her 200 level yoga teacher training in 2015 and an additional 300 level training in 2017 at the Yoga Center of Columbia. Since 2015 she has completed additional training in Ayurveda, Yoga for Arthritis and Osteoporosis, Advanced Yoga Skills Training for Therapeutics, Yoga Philosophy, and Three Wisdom Traditions Training (Yoga, Psychology, and Ayurveda). She is experienced and comfortable teaching all levels of yoga. She is a member of Yoga Alliance and IDEA Fitness. Additionally, Carol is an ACE certified personal trainer and health coach.

Through yoga, Carol realized that being physically fit does not mean that one is necessarily well.  She now believes that, although exercise and proper nutrition are essential for good health, yoga is our bridge to complete wellness as it provides a path that leads to a balanced, vibrant, and meaningful life.

Shelby Myers

Shelby believes yoga should be uplifting, challenging and relaxing. She received her yoga certification from the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. She also attended training in Yin Yoga. Shelby spreads her love of yoga to encompass diverse populations. She also hopes to imbue her students with the knowledge that everyone comes to yoga with their own set of strengths and weaknesses and that yoga is for every body. Shelby’s students love her peaceful and calm approach to teaching – to being.

Suzanne Aloi

Suzanne completed yoga teacher training at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in 2012. Kripalu yoga is a conscious practice of physical yoga postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques for integrating body, mind, and spirit. Suzanne believes that with the use of variations and modifications, anyone can practice yoga, and she aims to support each of her students in enjoying a long, healthy yoga practice. Through safe alignment and finding that joyful balance between ease and effort, Suzanne creates a safe space for you to find your yoga bliss. Having completed advanced training, Suzanne also offers, with great love, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra.