About Us

The Turning Leaf is owned by Harriott Parker, certified yoga instructor & avid outdoorswoman. An appreciation for a healthy, active lifestyle and the belief that optimal wellness is achieved by setting goals and doing what you love is what motivates her.

"I feel that every workout should be more of an adventure and less of a grind.” Explains Harriott “Our studio offers a different approach to wellness by making each workout and therapy something that our clients look forward to. We are incredibly lucky to have found a group of talented instructors and therapists that are like-minded and passionate about sharing their individual skills. Whether you’re into yoga, Pilates, nutrition, massage therapy, running, biking, kayaking, swimming or all of the above we will keep it interesting and fun. Collectively we provide experiences that inspire and motivate each individual to stick with it!"

Harriott Parker began her professional career as an environmentalist and outdoor educator. Her travels to all parts of the world and country ignited her sense of adventure and deepened her appreciation for the environment. She moved back to her roots in Charleston five years ago where she lives an active life with her husband Andy and dog, Echo. She is passionate about running, gardening, yoga, biking, sea kayaking and cooking healthily. Harriott is an owner, certified yoga instructor and outdoor educator for The Turning Leaf.

Darby Tucker began her professional career as an architect and designer. Her interest in travel has taken her all over the world in search of adventure. Finding also a passion for running, she became involved in sports and leadership programs. Eager to inspire others in such life-altering events as the NYC Marathon, she now pushes others to test their boundaries & limits while maintaining a positive attitude. Darby is a certified personal trainer, kayak guide, multi-sport enthusiast, naturalist and educator.

Courtney Harris As the Wellness Coach, Courtney will help you to discover what eating & lifestyle plan will work best for you at this point in your life. While most dietitians dwell on calories, carbs, fats, proteins, restrictions & lists of good & bad foods, Courtney works with clients to create a happy, healthy life in a way that is flexible, fun and free of denial and discipline. No one diet works for everyone. Courtney will guide you to find the food and lifestyle choices that best support your individual needs. She will also help you to make gradual, lifelong changes that enable you to reach your current and future health goals. Learn more about her approach and 6 month wellness plan by scheduling a FREE Consultation with Courtney.

Stacy Gervon Previously, an owner of a Movement and Wellness center, Stacy Gervon is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor and certified Pilates Instructor with emphasis on breath, balance, alignment and flow. With a background in Modern Dance and Psychology, her experience and extensive knowledge of the body speaks to students of all levels and abilities. Stacy’s passionate and open nature will inspire you to listen to your body and to allow yourself to move mindfully and organically into stillness. Recently returning from a beautiful immersion into Yoga at the Nosara Yoga Institiute in Costa Rica, she is looking forward to sharing her gift with you. A student for life, Stacy is interested in all healing arts and conscious living. “Extend gradually from the center, each movement must be an art.” B.K.S. Iyengar

Alena Derby de Paz is a Power Pilates Instructor. I have always loved to be active, usually outdoors, cycling, hiking, kayaking & skiing to name just a few of my favorite sports. I started to make my career based upon being able to pursue my passions. When I discovered Pilates I was amazed at how great my body felt, stretching me while giving me deep strength. I know that I am standing taller, moving more gracefully & have become a better athlete because of the strength & flexibility that Pilates has given me. I love being able to share that with others, to make people stronger for whatever it is that they want to do, be it better posture for everyday life, or increased strength and flexibility. I am a certified Pilates instructor through Power Pilates and have completed additional training through the Kane School of Core Integration.

Cameron Gunter Practicing yoga for over 17 years and teaching for 8 years, Cameron infuses her classes with the organic wave like rhythm found within us. She has travelled with and assisted internationally known, Shiva Rea and is a part of her mentoring team for the Samudra School for Living Yoga in Santa Monica, CA. She is passionate about sustainability, living a hybrid life and enjoys her home base on Wadmalaw Island with her family and wee yogini, Sophie Wahe. If you are pregnant and looking for a supportive community and an amazing class, Cameron is a wealth of knowledge and support! She will share with you the incredible benefits that pre-natal yoga can bring to your life.

Marisa Connors discovered yoga while attending the University of Colorado in Boulder and walked out of her first class wondering why on earth she hadn’t tried that sooner? The sense of peace and clarity it brought about by focusing on breath and mindfulness both on and off the mat immediately resonated with her. Upon moving to Charleston almost five years ago, Marisa discovered Blue Turtle Yoga and immediately began making yoga a focus in her life. Marisa completed Blue Turtle Yoga Teacher Training (200 hr) in December 2008 and is very excited to be teaching an outdoor yoga class and power yoga flow at The Turning Leaf. She is especially drawn to the whole body approach to health and wellness and always likes to incorporate creative ways to keep a mind, body and soul happy.

Emily Etchason is a licensed massage therapist and yoga teacher. She offers a full range of massage treatments such as Deep Tissue & Swedish and looks forward to exposing clients to the physical, mental and energetic benefits of the ancient art of Thai Massage. She hopes to help her clients achieve balance with the power of touch. Some of her favorite hobbies are yoga, running, eating healthy and being creative. Emily shares a life in Charleston with her fiancé Chason and dog Bella.

Emily heals and transforms the body by working deep into the joints and muscles groups. She has developed a following through her experience, skill and positive personality. Call The Turning Leaf to make an appointment.

Sara Pettapiece discovered her love for martial arts inspired classes while trying to stay in "rugby" shape. She is a certified AFAA instructor and have been teaching Les Mills programs in Charleston since 2005.  Starting with Body Flow (mix of Tai Chi, pilates, and yoga), Body Combat (mix of various martial art such as kickboxing, karate, tae kwon do, and Muay Thai), and lastly Body Attack (high intensity sports conditioning).

Lauren Sykes is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, pre-natal and fertility massage techniques. Her massage is relaxing and fluid. She incorporates some Thai massage, hot stone, and sea salt/sugar scrubs into her routine, designing a massage that fits her client’s needs. She really enjoys specific work whether it is post workout stretching, trigger point therapy on certain problem areas, or just helping you relax and zone out to clear your head and ease your overall tension. She studied massage therapy at Southeastern School for Neuromuscular Massage Therapy and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the College of Charleston in 2005. She is a professional member of the Association of Bodywork and Massage which maintains the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Lauren has a passion for the outdoors and has traveled extensively to several parts of the world. Although a Charleston native, she has worked as a massage therapist in Baja, Mexico as well as traveling to Chiang Mai, Thailand to study Thai massage. Lauren is also a certified Nurturing the Mother Fertility Massage Specialist who did her training under Claire Marie Miller. Lauren strives to help her clients de-stress and relax to achieve harmony and balance in their everyday lives. Aside from massage therapy, Lauren enjoys living a holistic healthy lifestyle and spends a lot of time kayaking around the local waters.

Erica Girth has enjoyed the passion of dancing, on and off the stage, for over 15 years. Her long and growing enjoyment of Latin and International Beat Fusion, took her to Miami, to study Zumba with Eric Santana.  In her words Zumba is “ Fun, Hot and Sexy. Anyone can enjoy Zumba. The combination of various dance styles ~salsa, merenue, cumbia, reggaeton and samba~ to name a few, gives a new twist, to the meaning of “working out”. With over 10 years of experience, working within the sports field, I have found Zumba to be the most fun workout~non/workout, created to date. All that matters, is that you have a zest to enjoy and move your body! In my class, when all else fails, just shake it! Fitness is a process and Zumba is a way to enjoy it!”

Natasha Akery is a 200-HR certified yoga instructor through Holy Yoga’s Teacher Training Program based in Phoenix, AZ. She is an alumnus of the College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies and specialized in Judeo-Christian and Shamanic traditions. Her yoga practice began at an early age, but began to refine in 2007 under the guidance of several teachers in the Charleston area. Her method is challenging, but gentle; reflective and quiet. Natasha’s approach to hatha will bring you face to face with yourself through meditative asana to foster inner quiet so that you can hear your heart’s voice.