The Healing Loft is the vision of Kendall Drake, a passionate wellness advocate whose life has always been guided by movement. With a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a Certified Medical Exercise Specialist (CMES), and RYT-500, Kendall’s career has spanned acute care, retirement communities, and the medical device industry. Along the way, she deepened her own healing journey through reiki, chiropractic care, and yoga, developing a profound appreciation for holistic wellness.
Driven by a long-held dream to unite diverse wellness modalities and group classes and offerings under one roof, Kendall embraced an unexpected opportunity to bring The Healing Loft to life. More than just a rental space, The Healing Loft is a sanctuary where teachers, practitioners, and wellness professionals can share their unique gifts with full freedom and authenticity—all while fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and community.
StrongFirst Level 2-Certified Instructor
Jen, a StrongFirst Level 2-certified instructor, began her fitness journey in 2008 when she first picked up a kettlebell—and she hasn’t looked back since. With a professional dance background and an advanced hot yoga practice, Jen specializes in group, personal, and long-distance training. Her perseverance, passion, and sense of humor have been key to her success, carrying her through monumental challenges, including her ongoing fight with cancer since 2016, which she continues to face with strength and resilience.
Training with Jen is about more than just fitness—it’s about building connections, finding joy, and discovering your inner strength. Jen inspires in everyone around her. Come take a class with her and experience why she is so special—you’ll leave stronger, smarter, and with a big smile.
Frances first discovered yoga in Tucson, AZ in late 2000 at the age of 18. At the time,
she was working in a tanning salon. One day, the yoga studio owner from two doors
down came in and offered Frances a job, pay raise, and the option to practice yoga.
And that is the (short) story of how yoga found Frances and hooked her immediately.
What spoke to Frances the most wasn’t the postures, but the depth of what yoga has to
offer, the ancient wisdom, and the teachings. From that point on, yoga has been a path
that’s naturally folded out before her, carrying her and guiding her, bringing incredible
opportunities and growth. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for this practice and
for the opportunity to share the practice with others, just like it was shown to and shared
with me.
Frances McQueen is a 500-hour certified yoga teacher (E-RYT ® -200, RYT ® -500) at The
Healing Loft and Shine Yoga. She teaches Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Slow Flow,
Meditation, and Pranayama. She is a certified provider of continuing education
(YACEP ® ) for existing yoga teachers.
When Frances isn’t on her mat, you can find her running, swimming, and doing all
things Mom!
Hi, I’m Sarah Collins! I live in VA Beach and have been practicing yoga since 2010. My yoga journey began during a challenging transition in my life, and I quickly discovered that the practice nurtured not only my body but also my mind and spirit. In 2015, I earned my 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification, followed by Barre training in 2016. In 2019, I expanded my practice by diving into Mobility Work, focusing on hands-on stretching techniques. Most recently, in 2022, I completed my Mat Pilates certification through Stott Pilates, which has been instrumental in helping me rebuild my core strength after having three children. Pilates has become a key part of my teaching and personal practice, offering a mindful approach to building strength, flexibility, balance, and posture through controlled movements and breathwork. Pilates is a low-impact, full-body exercise that helps engage the core, deepen stretches, and enhance overall well-being. I currently teach Mat Pilates at The Healing Loft once a week, sharing the benefits of this empowering practice with our community. Alongside my passion for yoga and Pilates, I’m an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast—I love hiking and embracing nature whenever I can. I truly believe that movement is a powerful tool for self-discovery and transformation, and I’m excited to guide you on your journey to inner and outer strength. I also offer private mobility sessions, providing personalized attention for those looking to enhance flexibility, improve mobility, and achieve their unique movement goals in a supportive, tailored environment. I look forward to meeting you on the mat and working together to build strength, resilience, and confidence—inside and out.
Michelle is a dedicated yoga teacher with a strong background in fitness and wellness. Her yoga journey began in high school, where she first explored breathwork and its benefits. In 2005, she became a certified group fitness instructor and has since taught a variety of classes for both adults and children.
In 2023, Michelle earned her yoga teacher certification, followed by a children’s yoga certification, allowing her to share the benefits of yoga with younger generations. She is also an author, creating mindfulness and gratitude journals for both kids and adults. Her journals, designed to inspire self-reflection and well-being, are available for purchase at The Healing Loft.
Michelle’s work reflects her passion for wellness, education, and creativity, making her a valuable guide for those seeking balance and mindfulness in their lives.
2380 Liberty Way, Suite 230 Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Hours
Sunday 9 AM–7 PM
Monday 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–8 PM
Thursday 8 AM–8 PM
Friday 8 AM–8 PM
Saturday 8 AM–8PM
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