
My Philosophy – The Alchemy of Joy
Welcome to Alchemy Joy. My life’s work and passion are rooted in the belief that true wellness is a form of alchemy—a profound transformation of mind, body, and spirit. It’s about turning the lead of stress, stiffness, and disconnection into the gold of vitality, mobility, and renewal.
As a former competitive endurance athlete, public affairs leader, and dedicated student of esoteric arts, I’ve walked many paths. Each one has taught me a vital lesson: the body holds our stories, our strength, and our incredible capacity for healing. My mission is to provide you with the tools and guidance to unlock that potential.
“Stretching is not just about flexibility—it’s about freedom. A body that moves with ease is a body that lives with vitality, and a mind that breathes deeply is a mind at peace.”- LaRonda Koffi, Yoga Instructor & Founder | Alchemy Joy Inc.
My Journey – From Public Service to Inner Work
For over 20 years, my career was dedicated to public service, from shaping policy with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to serving as a member of the NJ National Guard. This world taught me discipline, leadership, and the power of community.
Simultaneously, my spirit thrived on physical challenge. As a competitive endurance athlete, I pushed my body to its limits, completing the Ironman 70.3, the TCS NYC Marathon, and earning a personal best of 3:36:21 at the Steamtown Marathon. This experience gave me an intimate, practical understanding of anatomy, performance, and the critical importance of recovery.
My path led me to realize that the outer work of public service and the physical work of athletics needed to be balanced by deep inner work. This is where I discovered the transformative power of Yoga and Qigong—practices that alchemized my understanding of strength into a holistic vision of well-being.
An Athletic Journey






A Commitment to Mastery
My promise to you is to always be a dedicated and knowledgeable guide. I honor this commitment through continuous, in-depth study with the world’s leading schools.
1600-Hour Yoga Master Course (YogaMu)
I am currently enrolled in this multi-year, advanced program to deepen my expertise in the therapeutic application of yoga, advanced anatomy, biomechanics, and the rich philosophical roots of the practice. This goes far beyond standard trainings to ensure I can serve students with the highest level of skill and care.
White Tiger Qigong®
I am a certified 5 Element QiYo (Qigong Flow) instructor with White Tiger Qigong and am furthering my studies with a Level 1 Teacher Training certification in 8 Trigram Qigong. This lineage is renowned for its deep, medically-focused approach to cultivating vibrant health and energy.
Certifications & Training
- In Progress: 1600-Hour Yoga Master Course (YogaMu)
- In Progress: 800-Hour Yoga Therapist Course (YogaMu)
- In Progress: White Tiger Qigong 8 Trigram Organ Qigong, Level 1
- Certified YOGABODY® Science of Stretching Yoga Coach
- White Tiger Qigong 5 Element QiYo: Qigong & Yoga (Qigong Flow) Certification
- Restorative Yoga Teacher Certification
- 500-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT 500)
- 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200)
- Student of Aikido and Esoteric Arts
- M.P.A., Policy Analysis, University of Pennsylvania
- B.A., Political Science & Economics, Rowan University



Verified & Trusted Professional
Your safety, trust, and well-being are my highest priorities. I am fully insured for Yoga & Wellness Liability and have passed a Checkr Background Verification, ensuring a professional and secure experience for all in-home and private sessions.

✦ More of What I Love
When I'm not teaching or meditating, I’m growing in every sense of the word.
📖 Chakras, Alchemy, and Transmutation: A Sacred Journey Through the Seven Gates of Spiritual Fire
An accessible guide to exploring your chakra system, energy flow, and personal transformation.
🌱 All Season Grow
My sustainable gardening brand, helping people cultivate beauty and food through eco-friendly grow bags and tools.
⚙️ Akanson Consulting Group
My strategic consulting firm that helps mission-driven businesses with automation, branding, and communications systems that scale.