At Yoga Gives Back, we are continually inspired by the individuals who transform their passion for yoga into meaningful action. One such changemaker is Kay Epple (RYT-200, RCYT), a trauma-informed yoga teacher whose journey from a small passion project to a thriving wellness community exemplifies the true spirit of yoga, gratitude, and service.
Building a Wellness Community from the Heart
In 2019, Kay followed a vision that had been growing within her for years: sharing the benefits of yoga and mindfulness with children. She founded Just Bee Yoga + Well-being, a unique studio dedicated exclusively to kids’ yoga, serving everyone from babies to teenagers.
What began as a specialized offering soon blossomed into something much greater.
Partnering with her daughter, Hilary, Kay expanded that original vision into Dharamsala TC, a welcoming wellness home in Traverse City, Michigan. More than just a yoga studio, Dharamsala TC has become an inclusive sanctuary—a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect, heal, grow, and belong.
Today, Dharamsala TC offers a diverse range of programs, including:
- Kids and adult yoga classes
- Trapeze yoga
- Yoga teacher trainings
- Specialty workshops and events
- Mindfulness and well-being programs
The community’s response was so enthusiastic that in 2022, Kay and Hilary expanded their mission by opening a second location in the heart of downtown Traverse City.
Yoga as a Practice of Gratitude
For Kay, yoga extends far beyond the mat.
She believes that the gifts yoga has brought into her life come with a responsibility to serve others. This philosophy naturally led her to Yoga Gives Back and our mission to support underserved women and children in India—the birthplace of yoga.
Driven by gratitude and a desire to create meaningful change, Kay has woven service into the fabric of her studio community. Through Dharamsala TC, she hosts annual fundraising events where 100% of the proceeds are donated directly to Yoga Gives Back.
Among the community’s favorite traditions are:
Ladies Night In
Held each March in celebration of International Women’s Day, this special gathering brings women together to honor connection, empowerment, and collective impact.
Summer Solstice Celebration
Each June, Dharamsala TC welcomes the new season with a joyful community event that celebrates light, abundance, and giving back.
These events not only raise critical funds but also deepen awareness about the lives being transformed through Yoga Gives Back’s programs.
A Seva Journey That Sparked Even More Impact
In 2024, Kay joined Kayoko and Yoga Gives Back on a transformative Seva trip to India. Witnessing firsthand the impact of YGB’s work was a profound experience that strengthened her commitment to service and inspired new ways to engage her community.
The trip ignited an even greater fundraising spirit, leading Kay to introduce additional charitable initiatives during the winter season, including:
Angel Tree Initiative
A holiday giving program that invites the Dharamsala TC community to directly support women and children served through Yoga Gives Back.
Community Giving Class
A free yoga class offered each December, where participants are encouraged to make a donation in support of YGB’s mission.
These programs reflect Kay’s belief that every act of generosity—no matter how small—has the power to create lasting change.
Living the Spirit of Seva Every Day
Through every class she teaches, every event she hosts, and every connection she fosters, Kay continues to embody the true spirit of yoga: compassion, mindfulness, gratitude, and service.
Her work reminds us that yoga is not only about personal transformation but also about creating opportunities for others to thrive. By inspiring her students and community to give back, Kay is helping empower underserved women and children in India while cultivating a culture of generosity right here at home.
We are deeply grateful for Kay, Hilary, and the entire Dharamsala TC community for their unwavering support of Yoga Gives Back and their commitment to creating a more compassionate world.
Connect with Kay and Dharamsala TC
Website: www.dharamsalatc.com
Instagram: @dharamsalatc
Thank you, Kay, for showing us what it means to live yoga both on and off the mat.
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