Willow & Ash, a new yoga and therapy studio founded by Jennifer Francis-Gehring, has opened its doors in Owensboro, bringing a wide range of wellness services to the community.
Francis-Gehring, who spent months preparing the space with the help of friends and colleagues, named the studio “Florence,” affectionately called “Flo,” symbolizing the good energy she hopes to cultivate within its walls.
“I have spent my summer preparing and bringing to life this beautiful space,” Francis-Gehring said. “Flo is oh-so-good energy and ready to provide some of the most amazing opportunities for healing.”
Located in a 101-year-old house at 2031 Frederica Street, across from the Daviess County Public Library, Willow & Ash aims to offer a blend of yoga, psychotherapy, drumming circles, workshops, breathwork, and more to foster transformative and embodied healing in the community.
Willow & Ash is not just a yoga studio, as Francis-Gehring said it also hosts the first therapist collective in Owensboro, bringing together a diverse group of practitioners dedicated to holistic healing. The team includes:
- Crystal Newton, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), specializing in trauma therapy with a somatic approach.
- Marcie Vooris, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), offering in-person and telehealth sessions, trained in EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, nervous system regulation, and drumming.
- Allyson Karn, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LCADC), who will provide trauma-informed movement and breath-work programs, along with Animal-Assisted Therapy.
- Jan Alvey, Occupational Therapist (MSOT/L) and Yoga Teacher, offering Healing Touch, Yoga, and breathwork experiences.
- Mary Hansen, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), specializing in trauma-informed therapy for the LGBTQIA+ community, using techniques like EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Francis-Gehring, who is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Yoga Teacher, will offer a variety of services, including EMDR, Equine Therapy, drumming, Hatha Flow Yoga, Neurofeedback, and workshops on empowerment and breathwork.
“Our goal is to create a shared space where therapists can connect and collaborate without the traditional business model of taking a percentage of income,” Francis-Gehring said. “We focus on community and connection, providing a safe space for healing.”
The idea for Willow & Ash began two years ago as Francis-Gehring envisioned a space that combined healing, therapy, and nervous system regulation for the Owensboro community. The name was inspired by her favorite trees: the willow, which represents flexibility and resilience, and the ash, symbolizing strength and durability. The studio’s logo, a peacock, stands for renewal, power, and new beginnings.
“They symbolize a healing journey because when we are healing from trauma, we must be able to learn flexibility in our thinking and behaviors while finding strength from deep within as we stand tall in our truth and learn how to use our voice to speak our needs, set boundaries and develop goals for our future,” she said. “All of these characteristics represent a healing journey of transformation.”
Willow & Ash will offer a variety of yoga classes, including Hatha Flow Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. The studio emphasizes creating a welcoming environment for all, encouraging both experienced practitioners and newcomers to join. Classes are by appointment only due to limited space, and individual yoga sessions are also available upon request.
“We provide all the yoga essentials — mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, eye masks — to help you figure out how you and your body want to show up in a pose,” Francis-Gehring said. “Community and connection are the foundational principles to creating a safe space for all bodies to show up and learn beautiful, kind, and loving ways to move bodies and regulate nervous systems.”
Francis-Gehring’s yoga journey began in 2017, and in early 2023, she completed a trauma-informed Yoga Teacher Training program, despite facing personal challenges like the loss of her mother. She credits mentors and fellow practitioners for their unconditional support during this time.
“We create community and connection and this allows safety to flourish,” she said. “When our nervous systems and bodies feel safe, life becomes magical and manageable.”
Willow & Ash’s website, currently under development, will soon feature detailed information about its offerings, therapists, and how to schedule sessions. The studio also encourages community members to follow their Facebook page for updates on classes and events planned for 2025.
“This journey is going to be magical, spectacular, and offer to our community some amazing things that will help restore nervous system regulation, create connection and community, and most importantly allow healing to happen,” Francis-Gehring said.
For more information, visit willowandash.org or follow Willow & Ash on Facebook.
