About Us
Novel “Yoga” began in November 2021 as a Senior program at the Henderson County Library. With a focus on the under-served Senior community, we moved in January 2023 to Athens First Methodist Church. April 2024 brought us to the Van Zandt Coffee Company for some wide-awake yoga. August of 2025 led us to Tony’s Event Center on Hwy. 19 where we were slip-sliding away on a very shiny dance floor! Finally, on May 4, 2026, we expanded our class offerings and opened our very own Novel Living Studio in Athens, TX.
Henderson County Library
Athens First Methodist
Van Zandt Coffee & Tony's
Meet The Team
Dee McDonald, Manager
Dee received her yoga registration in 2013 from Yama Yoga in Canton, and is now a 500 hr. RYT. She is also certified in Restorative Yoga. She co-owns a mechanic shop, and stays busy keeping up with her 4 grandkids and extended family. Dee has taught in Ben Wheeler, Van, and now Athens.
Gail Eades, Tai-Chi
Gail has been teaching Tai-Chi for 20 years. She is an inspirational Senior who lived and traveled the oceans on a boat for 10 years. Originally from Arlington, TX, she has now retired to Athens, TX. Retired? Try to keep up with her on the Tour d'Athens bicycle challenge!
Diana Ayala, ZUMBA
Diana hails from California where she taught all forms of ZUMBA for over 20 years. She also served as an instructor for seniors and adaptive exercise classes. ZUMBA has been her exercise of choice since 2009! "Forget the workout and enjoy the party!".
Mackenzie Karg
Mackenzie has a dynamic background: Combining her 200-hour RYT, experience in children's activity therapy, gymnastics, and her pursuit of a Master's in Clinical Health Counseling—making her uniquely qualified to design holistic, therapeutic, and movement-based programs tailored for kids.
Kelsey Fenner
Kelsey is a local school teacher and graduated with her 200 hr. RYT in 2020. She believes in a whole-person approach to yoga. She holds a degree in Psychology from Texas Tech. Kelsey has taught all over East Texas.