By Cindy Hill-Ford, co-founder, SoulCare Studios
In a world that never seems to press pause, finding balance happens in the small, intentional moments we carve out for ourselves. Over the past year, I’ve focused deeply on gratitude. Living in the paradise of Santa Cruz County, I’m reminded daily that relationships and community are the best medicine for the soul.
Though my family and I have lived in Aptos full-time for only three years, we have learned so much from the amazing people here. My dream for SoulCare Studios was to bring diverse facets of wellness under one roof—a determination that only grew even as we navigated the construction on Highway 1.
And now we are celebrating our first birthday! We are so excited to mark our first year. Join us at our studio in Aptos Village (under the Aptos Station sign) on March 29th for our anniversary party. Please stay for a complimentary Yin and Harp class at 5:00 PM to close out the celebration.
The Heart of SoulCare: Our Teachers
Our instructors are the pulse of the studio. Dr. Bean brings contagious energy to strength classes—somehow making push-ups fun—while Melissa’s grace shines in Core Pilates. Autymn’s grounding Soul Flow and Meghan’s meditative “Mixed” Flow leave members centered and renewed.
Coco brings boundless enthusiasm as both a teacher and Studio Manager.
Elizabeth shares deep yoga experience and meditation insights, while Jessica McCord’s blend of yoga and Reiki leaves members floating.
Roxanne guides Qigong students through moving meditation, and we are grateful to welcome back Vaza and her wisdom-filled Strong Flow classes.
We’re also thrilled to welcome Catherine Anderson (Feel Good Aerobic Dance) and Marsea Marquis (Brazilian Dance and Beyond). Our new Express Flow launches M/W/F from 12:00–12:45 PM with Marcee Meinhardt—a quick midday reset where 20% of proceeds support Orchard School. Finally, our “Nerdy Scientist Yogi,” Rachel Nye, brings vibrant energy to Sundays—along with her amazing skincare line, Botane Skin Actives. (Stay tuned for Soul Food brunch to follow Sunday’s class!)
Our Specialized Care Teams
SoulCare is often called the “Cheers” of wellness—a place where everyone knows your name. This sense of belonging is fostered by our dedicated professional teams:
- Medical & Mental Health: Dr. James White and Kate May Clemens, PA-C, co-lead our medical team, offering the healing medicine of ketamine with deep compassion. Our innovative mental health team—Kaitlin Hebard, Alisha Slaughter, and Clinical Director Michelle “Shelly” La Place-Watts—integrates art, sound, and somatic practices to support transformational healing.
- Sound & Energy Healing: Kaitlin Hebard leads our monthly Women’s Moon Bath, while Sarah Newman and Justin “Case” Mosley fill the studio with music during bimonthly harp lessons. We also host the Monterey Bay Sound Healing Collaborative and our newest sound team members, Peggy Bascou and Ember Paige, for monthly Vital Vibes gatherings.
- For gentle restoration, Jessica McCord offers heart-centered Reiki energy Healing.
The Backbone of the Studio
Every visit is brightened by our support team. Beginning with my family, Roy and Zoey offer warmth and welcoming at the front desk. Michelle Dixon has been a cornerstone since our Grand Opening, always ready with a smile and Curly Chef’s food truly feeds the soul.
SoulCare’s foundation rests on the passion of Dr. Bean and Dr. LeTa, whose vision for community is truly transformative. We also honor Karen and Lee Holden, Sr., who were core presences from the dreaming stage; we mourn Lee’s loss and continue to surround Karen with love and SoulCare.
Our members are the heart of this community. Your dedication to personal wellness, your openness, and your joy are what make SoulCare so special. It is a gift to witness your journeys and transformations.
Looking Forward
In a world that demands we move faster, SoulCare Studios remains a sanctuary where you are invited to slow down. We’ve learned that wellness isn’t just about physical practice; it’s about the resonance of a harp string, the comfort of a known name, and the strength we find in one another. As we blow out our first candle, our mission remains the same: to be the heartbeat of healing in Aptos.
Come for the class, stay for the community, and leave feeling a little more like yourself.