Meet The Team

Sara Hoenes is an entrepreneur, community builder, and 200 Hour E-RYT with over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry.

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As the founder of Alchemy DC, she leads musically driven workouts that connect body, mind, and spirit, helping people feel strong, supported, and challenged. Known as the ultimate “fitness bestie,” her approach is warm, kind, and encouraging.​​

Through Alchemy, she curates transformative fitness retreats and dynamic wellness events, blending movement, mindfulness, and adventure. From local experiences in Washington, DC, to international retreats in breathtaking destinations, she creates opportunities for people to come together, challenge themselves, and build lasting connections.

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Based in Washington, DC, she brings the same precision, dedication and artistry that once made her a Radio City Rockette into every class, retreat, and event.

Sam is an experienced mountaineer, ultra runner, climber, big wave surfer, and adventure photographer. Based in Washington, D.C., Sam is an Arc’teryx Ambassador Athlete and seeks to explore some of the most challenging environments, testing what's possible as an adventure athlete. After trail running the Presidential Traverse, his next big adventure awaits in Patagonia.

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Jess joins the Alchemy team to support operations and ensure retreats and events run seamlessly, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering high-quality experiences. Since moving to Washington, DC, she has completed two half marathons and developed a deep love for yoga, Pilates, and movement that restores the body and mind. Guided by a belief in the power of holistic wellness, Jess is intentional about living a life fueled by nutritious choices, good energy, and meaningful connections. She is excited to contribute her organizational expertise and enthusiasm for wellness to the Alchemy community.

Nikki has been a runner since before she could walk—as her mother used to say, it's always been part of her nature. Nearly 30 years later, running feels embedded in her DNA, helping her defy the odds after an accident that promised she'd never walk again. With both yoga sculpt and running coach certifications, she channels her passion for movement into helping others. She founded a run club in Washington, DC to create a welcoming space for beginners, inspiring them to embrace what running can do for the mind, body, and spirit. Her impressive athletic achievements include global races, ultra marathon relays, a triathlon, 4 marathons, and 5 half marathons. She is excited to partner with Alchemy for the Chamonix retreat, because she knows experiences like these consistently leave her not just a stronger runner, but a better human, partner, and friend.

Burns is a fitness industry leader and the Founder of WØRK Strength + Performance. She believes movement is the catalyst for tapping into infinite potential, and uses her high-energy classes to help her everyday athletes level up while having a blast. She's your number one hype woman and you'll leave her fitness experiences feeling invigorated and powerful. 

Monica Jones is an Under Armour Athlete, wellness coach and content creator who helps people move with purpose and heal from the inside out. Raised by hustlers and shaped by instability, Monica has dedicated her career to challenging societal norms by prioritizing self love. 

Featured in Sports Illustrated and Refinery29 for her efforts in improving mental health, Monica is passionate about making wellness accessible to all with short yet effective practices. 

Over her 13 years as a fitness professional, Mon has supported multiple communities by facilitating out-of-the box concepts of movement meditation. From boxing to strength training, community has been the strongest factor in her personal health. Monica truly believes that the key to a fulfilling life is connection.

If you're looking to crank up the intensity, move intentionally and feel empowered by your strength, then you don't want to miss movement with Mon!

Alex Trakas is an American Entrepreneur, health and wellness industry leader, and Breathwork expert. In the last decade Alex has Co-Founded three companies ranging from 7 figure group fitness studios, a holistic wellness community, and an international retreat business focussed on healing through shadow work and somatic practice. Alex will be guiding us each day in either a shadow work workshop or a somatic practice and breathwork journey. These tools that have helped shape the leader, woman, and person she is are the keys to her magnetic authenticity. Join us for transformational moments where the masks are released, emotional blocks are severed as we turn and tune inward to our true selves. 

Kiki’s love for running is full of joy, purpose, and contagious energy. Originally from Haiti, she found running during the chaos of 2020 as a way to stay grounded, and it quickly became a powerful part of her life. Growing up dancing but never running, Kiki once believed running was only for the super fit or those who started young. At first, she couldn’t even run a single block—but she kept showing up. Today, she’s crossed countless finish lines, from half marathons, to marathons, to ultra relays, proving that the starting line is wherever you decide to begin.

Since her first run, Kiki has encouraged many to lace up and join the FUN. She brings happiness to the pavement by keeping the vibes HIGH—always smiling, dancing, and making every mile feel like a celebration. Her motto? Everyone is a runner. Whether she’s cheering from the back or leading with energy up front, Kiki makes sure no one is left behind and that everyone feels welcome. Run your pace, vibe with Kiki— every step is a party when she is around. Kiki is all about wild adventures—the crazier the idea (340 miles across the desert), the more fired up she gets. Always chasing the next BIG thing, Kiki meets every challenge with a big smile and the belief that if she can do it, so can you.

Kiki is so excited to welcome YOU to Chamonix and celebrate every single step of the retreat together!

*Don’t give her any crazy ideas, she’ll def pull through.*