Meet The Team
Debbie Sheme ~ Wellness Director
Debbie Sheme is the owner and Wellness Director of the Pilates Yoga Loft in Saint Augustine, FL. She is very passionate about empowering clients with health and wellness at her studio located in Saint Augustine, Florida. She loves guest teaching at many locations in the US and being a mom will always be her greatest accomplishment. She is thrilled to take her mission of Freedom 2 Be You Yoga Retreats to around the world.
Debbie's Ballet, modern dance and Pilates background grew at the University of Arts in Philadelphia, PA in concentration in dance and choreography. She danced professionally for many years but now finds her greatest joy in teaching others. As an educator, Ms. Sheme draws on many years of experience! She traveled and studied internationally and received her first 200 Hour E-RYT certification with Yoga Energy School -Yoga Alliance in Greece. Debbie received her 300 E-RYT with Yoga Teacher Academy - Yoga Alliance in the state of California. Debbie is a 500 Hour E-RYT YACEP, and a RYS school with Yoga Alliance. She is the lead teacher trainer for the Pilates Yoga Loft 200HR teacher training certifications, continuing educations courses, and Aerial Yoga teacher trainer nationally with Yoga Alliance. Also, her studios in Saint Augustine is officially a RYS registered Yoga & Pilates schools with Yoga Alliance. Debbie is a certified Pilates instructor, Pilates Reformer teacher and holds certifications in Ayurveda Medicine, Yoga Therapy, Reiki Master, SUP Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Modern dance, Ballet and is a Wellness Advocate for the company doTerra. Debbie teaches Pilates at the Loft and also she guest teaches and offers YTT and master classes through out the United States. Debbie is grateful to call Saint Augustine, Florida her home. However traveling globally with her mission that yoga and holistic wellness changes lives is her soulful purpose with her Freedom 2 Be You Retreats.
Stephanie Crown ~
Food Director/Chef
Stephanie is a 200 hour ERYT with Yoga Alliance. She received her yoga certification in 2016 with Sanibel Pilates & Yoga. As a yoga instructor, Steph strives to help beginners in yoga feel comfortable in class, learn essential postures, and ensure a safe practice for everyone. Steph enjoys teaching Beach Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Vinyasa, Gentle Yoga, and Pilates Mat classes. Besides Stephanie completing her 200hr yoga teacher certification she holds Aerial Yoga Level I and II certifications and Pilates Mat & Reformer Certification with the Pilates Yoga Loft and Transcend Yoga.
Stephanie graduated Everglades University in Sarasota with a Bachelors of Science degree in Alternative Medicine. She is excited to share all of her knowledge about holistic health and wellness with her students. Stephanie is the head vegan chef for the Freedom 2 Be You health and wellness yoga retreats. Her vegan cuisine and talent in the culinary arts started at a young age. She has been a manager and head chef at several vegan cafes on Sanibel Island, FL, St. Armand’s Circle, FL and Sarasota, FL for many years. Stephanie brings lots of love to her clients with her amazing cooking and brings fun and positive energy to her classes.
She is excited to now be living in Saint Augustine Florida. Stephanie was awarded the first paid internship program at the Pilates Yoga Loft as the studio manager and full-time assistant working along side our wellness director Debbie Sheme. Stephanie looks forward to seeing you at our next upcoming retreat. Namaste!
Edwin Uribe ~ Acupuncture and Contemporary Chinese Medicine
Edwin Uribe is a Licensed Acupuncture Physician who specializes in Traditional and Contemporary Chinese Medicine, as well as Sports and Orthopedic Acupuncture. Additionally, he specializes in Cupping, Tui na Massage, Moxibustion, Laser Therapy, Chinese Herbology, Diet Therapy and QI gong. Edwin graduated from Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine in 2014 and continued his education by studying under many seasoned practitioners thereafter. In 2017 he became a supervisor in the student clinic to help students transition into independent practice with the confidence and skills necessary to be successful. As a Colombian American, Edwin has always felt it as his mission to be a cultural ambassador in order to transmit the warmth, love, and compassion that we can share with one another when we are at our best, in order to create a caring community that will sustain us when, inevitably, we are not. Dr. Edwin loves helping all of the clients at the Pilates Yoga Loft located in Saint Augustine, FL. He is very much looking forward to sharing his passions with holistic wellness with all the guests attending the Freedom 2 Be You Retreats.
Tonya King ~ Guest Services
Tonya received her 200 Hour YTT in 2020 from Pilates Yoga Loft, an experience she is grateful for as it changed her life! She is currently working on more certifications. Tonya met Debbie many years ago while living in Pennsylvania. Debbie's love of yoga and teaching inspired her to begin her own journey with yoga. Tonya is dedicated to growing personally and professionally through the 'Freedom 2 Be You' retreats. Being a part of the retreat team combines her passion for helping others and her love of traveling. Tonya strives for each guest to be taken care of while they experience these amazing retreats! She looks forward to meeting you and your needs on the next retreat.
Sarah Karsmarski
Retreat Acupuncture Physician
Dr. Sarah Karsmarski is a board-certified and licensed Acupuncture Physician in Saint Augustine, Florida, with 15 years of experience. She received her degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture from Five Branches University, in Santa Cruz, California where she started her first private practice as a Chinese Medicine Primary Care Physician. She is also a licensed Doctor of Acupuncture in Rhode Island where she had a thriving practice for the last 7 years before moving to beautiful Saint Augustine with her family.
In 2012 Sarah completed an advanced study program at integrative medicine hospitals in Hangzhou, China, and worked with specialists in women’s health, mental health, pediatrics, and nutrition. Besides her private practice, she has helped run community acupuncture clinics to provide services to Veterans, and those in mental health programs. She has also worked with top doctors providing fertility treatments and pre and postnatal care. Sarah completed a master study program in Herbal Medicine with Heiner Fruehauf in 2022. In 2023 she trained with Michelle Gellis in cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling. Sarah is also certified in Acupuncture Injection Therapy, and is trained in Japanese style, Five Elements, and in Yin Tuina.
Dr. Sarah Karsmarski loves spending time with her family in nature. She enjoys the arts and travel. Sarah is passionate about fitness and yoga, staying active in her community, and learning about new discoveries in health and wellness.