ABOUT US
Helping you become your healthiest, most vibrant self—inside and out.
Our mission is to support the whole person by blending mental health counseling with practices like yoga, fitness training, nutrition guidance, and more. We believe true wellness starts within, and lasting growth comes from addressing the challenges that shape your habits and self-perception. Inner Fitness is a safe, judgment-free space where you’re free to be authentic, feel supported, and explore meaningful change.
Our Founder
Valarie James,
LMSW, MPH, 200HR RYT
She/Her
Valarie James is a licensed Master’s Social Worker. She received her Bachelors from Grand Valley State University in Public Administration and a dual Masters from Michigan State University in Social Work and Public Health. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and 200HR Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. Valarie’s goal is to bridge the gap between mental health and physical movement through her practice of what she calls “Inner Fitness.” Valarie has a variety of experiences working with couples, families, adolescents, young adults, and older adults of diverse populations. She has a passion for assisting individuals with eating disorders, body image issues and mood disorders. Valarie strives to make mental health services and the ability to heal accessible for all without the fear of feeling judged. Her goal is to make every client feel respected, supported, and empowered regardless of background.
Jamise Lay
LLMSW
Jamise Lay is a clinical therapist who received a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Michigan University and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. She's a compassionate therapist who works with children, teens, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related issues, ADHD, life transitions, stress management, and self-esteem issues. She believes therapy should be a safe, supportive space where you can show up exactly as you are without judgment, just understanding, compassion, and a genuine desire to help you thrive. Her style is warm, encouraging, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness Practices, and Holistic perspective to help clients find emotional balance, self-awareness, and resilience. Her
background is in Outpatient Therapy, Family Therapy, Child Residential, and School-based Social Work.
She is passionate about making therapy not only effective but also engaging and empowering. Whether you’re navigating a tough transition, seeking healthier coping skills, or wanting to understand yourself better, she will walk alongside you on your journey toward growth. Together, you’ll create a space where you feel heard, understood, navigate challenges, celebrate progress, and build the tools, confidence, and clarity you need to feel more grounded, capable, and hopeful about what’s ahead.
Yamila Taylor
Group Fitness Instructor
Yamila is so excited to share her love of group fitness with you! She was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, and is married with two daughters: a teen and a toddler. Yes, she knows, polar opposite age groups. She likes to think of it as a superpower.
Her love for group fitness began 9 years ago, but she remembers enjoying Billy Blanks Tae Bo videos she watched in 6th grade during health class. Her favorite formats to teach are strength, core, and dance. Group fitness isn’t for everyone, but it’s for her, a people-person. She loves to help people feel good by moving their bodies and uplifting their spirits. She's excited to share her passion with you all and to get to know you.
Let’s move!
Brianna Self
LLMSW
Brianna is a clinical social worker who earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Western Michigan University. She works with individuals who are ready to take an honest look at what’s keeping them stuck. She enjoys working with teens and adults, supporting clients through a range of emotions, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and patterns that no longer align with who they want to be.
Brianna creates a warm, welcoming space while bringing a straightforward, results-focused approach to therapy. She partners with clients to uncover the root of their challenges, build practical tools, and create lasting, meaningful change—helping them feel more grounded, confident, and in control of their lives.
Her professional experience includes providing clinical social work and mental health therapy in private practice and in inpatient and residential care settings. Brianna believes therapy isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about gaining clarity, recognizing strengths, and moving gently toward the life you want. She is passionate about helping clients feel heard, understood, and supported in a safe and consistent space.
Brianna tailors each session to meet her clients' unique needs. She enjoys meeting clients where they are, helping them find strength in the present, and supporting them as they move forward. She focuses on helping clients uncover their strengths and gently overcome the barriers that stand in the way of living the life they truly want.
Brianna believes everyone has the capacity for growth, and she loves walking alongside her clients as they discover it.
Mallory Feyen
Group Fitness Instructor
Mallory has been a WERQ® dance fitness instructor and certified AFAA Group Fitness instructor since 2012 and is also a WERQ® Senior Rep (brand rep + lead/mentor instructor). She has also been a licensed Pound® Instructor since 2016 and licensed Zumba® Instructor since 2024. Mallory's passion is dance, and she has been dancing since the age of 10, has trained in various styles, and is now training in Latin and ballroom dance as well! Mallory loves to bring her passion for dance and movement to her classes and share that love and energy with her students. She has seen the power of dance bring so much healing - physically, mentally, and emotionally - to her students and is so grateful to be a part of that. Mallory's classes are full of joy, energy, and sass! Fun fact: Mallory loves to cook and bake (she's a trained pastry chef) and loves studying astrology!
Kelly Harris
LLMSW
Kelly Harris is a clinical therapist who received her Bachelor of Social Work from Hope Collegeand Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. She has nearly six years of experience working in trauma-informed residential settings, particularly supporting refugee and immigrant communities who have experienced complex trauma, cultural transitions, and major life changes.
Kelly works with children, teens and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, stress, trauma, life transitions, identity development, and relationship concerns. She believes therapy should be a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences and build meaningful change. Her approach is warm, compassionate, and person-centered, meeting each client where they are while helping them reconnect with their strengths and resilience.
Kelly draws from a person centered approach using therapy models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) mindfulness practices, and strengths-based approaches. She also takes a holistic lens in her work, recognizing the connection between mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. By considering the whole person, she helps clients develop practical tools that support lasting growth and overall wellness.
She is passionate about making therapy not only effective but also engaging and empowering. Whether you’re navigating a difficult transition, looking to develop healthier coping strategies, or hoping to better understand yourself, Kelly will walk alongside you in the process. Together, you will create a space where you feel heard and supported as you navigate challenges, celebrate progress, and build the tools, confidence, and clarity needed to feel more grounded, capable, and hopeful about what lies ahead.