healing in community
Welcome to Ashara! The name, Ashara, comes from the Sanskrit word for hope. Built in 1900 and completely remodeled in 2025 for diverse therapeutic offerings, Ashara is a haven for connection, rest, inspiration, art, healing and play. We have a vibrant ecosystem of offerings, from individual sessions to groups and community events. Sign up for our mailing list to join our community and get involved!
the ashara garden
This unique outdoor space is flourishing with life and pollinators. Our garden includes hammocks under grandmother tree, a therapeutic garden, wildflowers, a fire pit, and more. Our garden space is open to all clients, practitioners, and those using the Ashara studio.
The ashara collective
We are a collective of independent businesses who nurture community for practitioners and clients alike, where collaboration and creativity thrive.
Ascend Coaching
and therapy
Aline Defiglia, LCSW, MPH
Aline is the dynamic owner and founder of both Ascend Coaching and Therapy and Ashara, where she integrates her expertise in mental health, personal growth, interdisciplinary collaboration and community building. Aline serves as a mentor and visionary, redefining therapeutic work for today's world through designing and leading innovative, group learning experiences. Alongside her leadership roles, she also works closely with clients and businesses as a psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and coach.
Waves Wellness Counseling
Jenna Parker, LCSW
Waves Wellness offers psychotherapy and ecotherapy for individuals and couples, blending traditional therapy with the healing, restorative power of nature. Waves Wellness also offers monthly wellness workshops, group psychotherapy, and ecotherapy consultation and clinical supervision for professionals.
Somatic Intimacy Coach
Shannon Hamaker
Shannon Hamaker is a speaker, somatic practitioner, and sex educator who supports women through midlife. With over 20 years in the sexual health space, she is a certified Sex & Relationship Coach, Level II Reiki Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Somatic Practitioner (TCS™), and helps others create Midlife Magic through coaching, retreats, and workshops.
Perimenopause Massage Therapy & Ayurveda
Jennifer Maklan, LMT
Jennifer is a Classical Ayurvedic Practitioner and the founder of Perimenopause Massage Therapy & Ayurveda. Specializing in the unique needs of women in perimenopause through post-menopause, Jennifer bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern hormonal health. Using traditional Indian methods—including dietary therapy, herbal supplementation, and restorative body treatments—she helps women regain their internal balance and vitality.
Ascend Coaching and Therapy
Collier Buck, LMSW
Collier is a clinician with Ascend Coaching and Therapy. She has specialized training in treating trauma, EMDR, and enjoys working with clients who are in a phase of self discovery, experiencing relationship conflict, or struggling to adjust to difficult life changes.
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Ascend Coaching and Therapy
Angela Bennett, LMSW
Angela is a virtual-only clinician with Ascend and works with individuals, couples, and families. She also does bainspotting and has special interests in identity/existential issues, relationship struggles, unprocessed childhood trauma, and/or addictions. She welcomes clients with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, complex PTSD, or personality disorders.
Ascend Coaching and Therapy
Daphne Jordan, M.A, LMT
Daphne is an Ascend clinician who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with clients as a massage therapist & yoga instructor prior to becoming a psychotherapist. She works with teens, adults, couples, and families in her clinical practice, and specializes in EMDR, ecotherapy, and somatic/mind-body approaches.
Laura Rocks
Counseling
Laura Rocks, LPC
Laura is a licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience. She offers alternative treatment approaches including Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and is currently training in hypnotherapy. She specializes in trauma/abuse, existential and relational issues and meaning-making.
Ascend Coaching and therapy
Kimberly Manis, LMSW
I work with children ages 3+, adolescents, and adults, with a particular passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community, trauma, and supporting children and families in building healthier, more connected relationships. I love to support clients who are questioning expectations they’ve inherited about who they are “supposed” to be. This may include exploring the impact of religious or faith-based expectations on identity, sexuality, gender, relationships, family dynamics, or personal values.
Whispering Stone Restorative Massage
Marian Heintz, LMT
Marian is a Licensed Massage Therapist and the practitioner behind Whispering Stone Restorative Massage. Her work is grounded in attentive touch, presence, and intentional care.
She offers restorative massage to support nervous system regulation, ease chronic tension, and create a sense of grounded well-being. She also offers separate biofield energy sessions incorporating sound and subtle energy work to support balance and relaxation.
We are here for you
Events at Ashara Studio
This month at ashara
When you arrive at
The AShara Studio
Location & Parking
Address: Ashara 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN
Google Maps Link: Ashara
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The Entrance: Please use the double doors on the left-hand side of the building. (Note: The front doors are reserved for practitioner offices).
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Onsite Parking: We have 18 spaces (including two handicap-accessible spaces). Please prioritize the lower-level parking pad to the left of the building for your studio users.
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Keep Clear: Please leave approximately 4 spaces free on the upper-level pad (front/right of the building) for our onsite practitioners.
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Overflow Parking: If the lot fills up, guests can park along the left-hand side only of Mimbro Lane (the closest residential street, connected via sidewalk). Please ensure no one blocks residential driveways.
