Jason Salgado is a longtime student of 15th-generation Wudang Sanfeng Kung Fu Master Zhong Xuechao (Master Bing), with over fourteen years of training since beginning Wudang Qigong and Taiji in Southern California in 2012 and multiple trainings in the Wudang Mountains in China.

Jason teaches Zhan Zhuang, Eight Pieces of Brocade, Five Animal Qigong, and Wudang Taiji forms throughout Northwest Arkansas. He has performed and taught at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, volunteered teaching Qigong to veterans at the Fayetteville VA, and presented for Parkinson’s support groups at Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2026, he was featured as an instructor at Big Cedar Lodge’s Wellness in Nature retreat. (www.OzarkTaiChi.com)

Maria Chowdhury is a Holden Qigong instructor and herbalist who guides students through embodied practices that weave ancient wisdom with modern insight. Her teaching supports nervous system regulation, energy restoration, and a deep reconnection to inner vitality.

In her classes and workshops, Maria draws inspiration from nature’s cycles, offering movements that balance activation and restoration while cultivating harmony and wholeness. Her approach invites participants to move with grace, ease, and joy, remembering that every movement is a step toward a more vital, grounded way of living. 

(www.pathwithharmony.com, www.birthsongbotanicals.com)

Susan retired after 21 years as an elementary school teacher, a career rooted in patience, curiosity, and care—qualities she brings naturally to her yoga teaching. She began her yoga journey as a student over 12 years ago and completed her 500-hour yoga teacher training. When she’s not on the mat, Susan enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, and traveling. She believes deeply in the transformative power of yoga and is passionate about sharing the joy and balance of the practice with others.

Mike Blackwill is a retired firefighter and paramedic with 25 years of dedicated service, and a lifelong practitioner of the martial arts. He holds ranking in Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo as well as the Filipino Martial Arts systems of Serrada and Kombatan. His training also includes Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Serak Silat, and Modern Arnis.

Throughout his martial arts journey, Mike has studied under respected instructors including Hanshi Bruce Juchnik, Maha Guru Horacio Rodriguez, and Grand Master Shelley Millspaugh. While he teaches practical self-defense skills, Mike’s primary focus is on preparation, awareness, and self-preservation—particularly empowering women with the tools and mindset necessary to stay safe and confident.

Charmaine’s love language is food — and feeding everyone around her. Her passion for sharing meals and meaningful experiences inspires every class she teaches. Her culinary journey began in the Philippines, where her family owned two restaurants, and continued through growing up in the vibrant Southern California food scene. Along the way, she has gathered recipes and inspiration from her travels, blending tradition with personal discovery. Now based in Arkansas with her husband Jason, Charmaine shares her cooking experiences through classes and wellness retreats. She further honed her craft by earning her culinary degree from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food in Bentonville, AR where she deepened her commitment to creating nourishing, flavorful meals that bring people together. (www.OzarkAsianChef.com)

​Cassidy is a self taught sourdough enthusiast who’s passion for this healthier, traditional way of baking emerged when her husband developed an allergy to conventional wheat. She has since gained years of experience and wisdom with this method of baking and enjoys helping others get started on their own sourdough baking journey. Her sourdough starter has no doubt made its way into many homes of Northwest Arkansas. More about Cassidy HERE

Olivia Wu is an emerging acoustic soul singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt originals and intimate live performances. Performing regularly at local music venues in Northwest Arkansas, she brings an emotional blend of folk and soul influences to her music. Olivia’s performances include both original compositions and stripped-down arrangements of songs you know and love. More about Olivia HERE