Thrive is hosting the 2024 National Women’s Martial Arts Federation Midwest Regional Conference. The event is open to all women and LGBTQ+ folks (both members and nonmembers of the NWMAF) ages 12+ and features workshops in martial arts, healing arts, and Empowerment Self-Defense.
Saturday, November 16
8 to 8:30 am Sign-In
8:30 to 9 am Opening and Community Agreements
9:15 to 10:30 am Session 1: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
10:45 am to 12 noon Session 2: Intro to Kali/Silat
12 to 1:00 pm LUNCH
1:15 to 2:30 pm Session 3: Muay Thai Kickboxing
2:45 to 4 pm Session 4: Nia Dance
4:15 to 5:30 pm Session 5: Empowerment Self-Defense
Sunday, November 17
8 to 8:30 Morning Social
8:45 to 9:45 am Restorative Yoga
10 to 10:30 am Closing Ceremony
Instructor Bios
Devon Dean is a purple belt under Chris Howe (Jack McVicker/Megaton Dias) who has trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu for close to a decade. Coming to us from Indianapolis, she is also a master's athlete, retired roller derby player, and runner. Towering at 5'1", she proudly calls herself "small, but mighty."
Maria Mangione holds a black sash in Muay Thai and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and trains out of Club MMA in Cincinnati. A licensed DBT and EMDR therapist, she is also the head coach of the Storm Team Striking program at Thrive Empowerment Center.
Ashlyn Johnson is a nurse practitioner, assistant professor of nursing at Miami University in Ohio, and longtime martial artist. She has over 15 years of experience in the nursing field and maintains active clinical practice as a dual certified family and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner working with many patients suffering from PTSD. Her research interests include mental health, particularly related to trauma and resilience. Additionally, Ashlyn has been studying various martial arts systems for the past 25+ years, with a current focus on Kali and Silat. She wishes to express gratitude to her instructors including Guro Jeremiah Lovejoy and for the opportunity to be an apprentice under the esteemed Guro Dan Inosanto.
Erin DeSantis is a registered trauma conscious yoga instructor, a reiki master teacher trainer, and a meditation guide. She is also the Health & Wellness Librarian for the Kenton County (KY) Public Library.
Trish Riley is a certified black belt Nia instructor, with more than 20 years of teaching experience. She teaches regular Nia classes at both the Kula Center for Movement Arts in Newport, KY, and Thrive Empowerment Center in Covington, KY, as well as classes for special populations, including individuals with developmental disabilities and cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Lindsey Falcon is a multiple martial artist with a black belt in taekwondo from the World Taekwondo Federation and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Her ESD instruction has been certified through both the National Women's Martial Arts Federation and ESD Global. She is a co-founder of Thrive Empowerment Center and a certified sex coach and sex educator.
Register through the NWMAF website.