Karen Voepel is the founder of “Yoga at the Ranch” specializing in yoga instruction, self-care retreats, sleep dysfunction and test anxiety. Her primary business has been as a court reporter where she discovered yoga as a method of healing repetitive injuries. For more information, please go to www.yogaattheranch.info

Karen is certified as a Yoga instructor, Retreat coach and Family Mediator. In 2003, she released a 20-minute Yoga CD focusing on neck and back pain. She has spoken to various organizations on the healing effects of yoga for repetitive stress injuries.

Karen and her sister-in-law, Tonya Voepel, founded "Share the Spirit Foundation" in 2003.  All proceeds from Karen’s Yoga CD go to Share the Spirit Foundation.  “We enjoy giving 100% of the monies raised to those in need,” comments Karen. Together, they have raised thousands of dollars to help needy people nationwide.

Tonya Voepel is a graphic designer and owns Voepel Publication Services, Inc. in Springfield, Illinois. Her company offers professional publication assistance and coordinates the design, production and distribution of these materials. Tonya spent many years working as a graphic designer and art director for several associations before starting her own business in 1992. She received her BA degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University).

Tonya enjoys keeping physically fit by kick boxing, weight lifting and keeping up with her 9-year-old daughter. She has had the opportunity to attend several yoga retreats hosted by Karen Voepel, her sister-in-law and co-founder of Share the Spirit Foundation.

In 2002, Karen and Tonya came up with the idea of starting a foundation together and in 2003, “Share the Spirit Foundation" was started. Since then, they have continued on a wonderful adventure, which has taken them from the Grand Canyons to the mountains of Colorado, raising thousands of dollars and disbursing money to various organizations and needy people throughout the country and abroad. This has become a true passion for both women.