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healing in community

Welcome to Ashara-opening March 2026! 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. 

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The AShara Studio

1000 square feet of open space for workshops, events, and somatic practice. Our studio is handicapped accessible and enjoys easy access to our outdoor green space. For more information on renting the studio for your event, click below. 

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the ashara garden

This unique outdoor space will continue to come to life as we build and plant in 2026. Our vision 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. 

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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. ​

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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. 

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Midlife Embodiment &
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.

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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.  

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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 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. 

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Ascend Coaching and Therapy

Daphne Jordan, M.A, LMT 

Daphne is a clinician with Ascend Coaching and Therapy. Working collaboratively with teens, adults, couples, and families, she navigates trauma, grief, sexuality, and faith deconstruction. Integrating mind-body perspectives and somatic interventions, she offers acceptance for your whole self through experiential approaches.

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Laura Rocks
Counseling

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. 

Laura Rocks, LPC

  • Roots & Radiance: A Women’s Circle (Drop In)
    Roots & Radiance: A Women’s Circle (Drop In)
    Multiple Dates
    Fri, Jun 12
    Jun 12, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
    Ashara Garden, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    A Space for Rewilding, Reconnecting and Renewal
  • Cuddle Club June 13th
    Cuddle Club June 13th
    Sat, Jun 13
    Ashara Studio
    Jun 13, 2026, 5:45 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    The Chattanooga Cuddle Club’s Monthly Snuggle is a non-sexual, touch based event exploring platonic intimacy in a safe environment. You will be guided through a series of learning and practice exercises that maximize safety and create a space of easy openness and compassionate connection.
  • Midlife Magic
    Midlife Magic
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Jun 21
    Ashara
    Jun 21, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
    Ashara, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    Helping women slow down, soften, and release what’s been building in the body. To Register: https://www.shannonhamaker.com/
  • Connection Lab June 22nd
    Connection Lab June 22nd
    Mon, Jun 22
    Ashara Studio
    Jun 22, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    Connection Lab is a live, guided relational experience where we practice authentic relating, nervous system awareness, embodiment, movement, and playful connection exercises, we explore how to express ourselves honestly, connect more deeply and communicate boundaries.
  • Quiet Cuddle (open only to those who have attended a monthly cuddle event)
    Quiet Cuddle (open only to those who have attended a monthly cuddle event)
    Jul 07, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    This is a two-hour event for participants who have previously attended at least one full-session 4-hour Monthly Community Cuddle. There are two of these in July! The overall goal of this event is to be in physical proximity with folks who want to breathe into connection without the extra noise.
  • Connection Lab July 28th
    Connection Lab July 28th
    Tue, Jul 28
    Ashara Studio
    Jul 28, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    Connection Lab is a live, guided relational experience where we practice authentic relating, nervous system awareness, embodiment, movement, and playful connection exercises, we explore how to express ourselves honestly, connect more deeply and communicate boundaries.
  • Cuddle Club August 8th
    Cuddle Club August 8th
    Sat, Aug 08
    Ashara Studio
    Aug 08, 2026, 5:45 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    The Chattanooga Cuddle Club’s Monthly Snuggle is a non-sexual, touch based event exploring platonic intimacy in a safe environment. You will be guided through a series of learning and practice exercises that maximize safety and create a space of easy openness and compassionate connection.
  • Chattanooga Coffee & Connections with TN Women Connect
    Chattanooga Coffee & Connections with TN Women Connect
    Aug 19, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
    Ashara, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    Join us for networking, conversation, and collaboration with other local business women. Hosted by Perimenopause Massage Therapy & Ayurveda and TN Women Connect.
  • Connection Lab August 25th
    Connection Lab August 25th
    Tue, Aug 25
    Ashara Studio
    Aug 25, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    Connection Lab is a live, guided relational experience where we practice authentic relating, nervous system awareness, embodiment, movement, and playful connection exercises, we explore how to express ourselves honestly, connect more deeply and communicate boundaries.
  • Cuddle Club September 19th
    Cuddle Club September 19th
    Sat, Sep 19
    Ashara Studio
    Sep 19, 2026, 5:45 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    The Chattanooga Cuddle Club’s Monthly Snuggle is a non-sexual, touch based event exploring platonic intimacy in a safe environment. You will be guided through a series of learning and practice exercises that maximize safety and create a space of easy openness and compassionate connection.
  • Cuddle Club October 17th
    Cuddle Club October 17th
    Sat, Oct 17
    Ashara Studio
    Oct 17, 2026, 5:45 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    The Chattanooga Cuddle Club’s Monthly Snuggle is a non-sexual, touch based event exploring platonic intimacy in a safe environment. You will be guided through a series of learning and practice exercises that maximize safety and create a space of easy openness and compassionate connection.
  • Cuddle Club November 14th
    Cuddle Club November 14th
    Sat, Nov 14
    Ashara Studio
    Nov 14, 2026, 5:45 PM – 10:00 PM EST
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    The Chattanooga Cuddle Club’s Monthly Snuggle is a non-sexual, touch based event exploring platonic intimacy in a safe environment. You will be guided through a series of learning and practice exercises that maximize safety and create a space of easy openness and compassionate connection.
  • Cuddle Club December 12th
    Cuddle Club December 12th
    Sat, Dec 12
    Ashara Studio
    Dec 12, 2026, 5:45 PM – 10:00 PM EST
    Ashara Studio, 842 S Germantown Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412, USA
    The Chattanooga Cuddle Club’s Monthly Snuggle is a non-sexual, touch based event exploring platonic intimacy in a safe environment. You will be guided through a series of learning and practice exercises that maximize safety and create a space of easy openness and compassionate connection.

Events at Ashara Studio

This month at ashara

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6:00 PM
Roots & Radiance: A Women’s Circle (Closed Group)
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9:00 AM
A Practitioner's Guide to the Autonomic Nervous System
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6:00 PM
Roots & Radiance: A Women’s Circle (Drop In)
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5:45 PM
Cuddle Club June 13th
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2:00 PM
Midlife Magic
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5:00 PM
Connection Lab June 22nd
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Quiet Cuddle (open only to those who have attended a monthly cuddle event)
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Medical disclaimer

No service or information provided by our company is intended to replace the advice of a physician. 

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