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Business

Blue Ridge Yoga gives back to community

January 21, 2026 by Tammy Cheek

Family and patrons of Blue Ridge Yoga celebrated a new milestone in giving back to the community $200,000, a $100,000 increase since 2121.

Using yoga classes and other fundraisers, owner Jessica Mishu and her staff have raised funds for such organizations as Girls on the Run, American Cancer Society, Hoops for Hearing for Tennessee School for the Deaf, Shangri-La Therapeutic Riding Academy, The Muse and many more since it opened in 2015.

When Blue Ridge Yoga opened, owner Jessica Mishu “had a vision that extended beyond teaching yoga,” Blue Ridge Yoga events coordinator Sierra Schrieber said.

“From the start, the studio was rooted in the idea that a small business could play an active role in strengthening the community it serves,” she said.

“Now, 10 years later, Blue Ridge Yoga has donated more than $200,000 to local nonprofits throughout the Knoxville and Farragut areas raised through donation-based classes, benefit workshops and community-centered events that allow students to support meaningful causes simply by showing up to practice,” she said.

KOC hand surgeon Dr. Robert Ivy retires

January 21, 2026 by Staff Reports

Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic recently announced Dr. Robert Ivy retired at the end of 2025 after 31 years as a hand surgeon.

During his tenure, he also served many years as president of KOC.

“Ivy has made a lasting impact on the Knoxville community, including patients, physician colleagues and staff,” a KOC press release stated.

“Dr. Ivy’s wisdom, compassion and leadership demonstrated what it means to be a KOC surgeon,” said Dr. Jay Crawford, fellow KOC surgeon and current president of Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic. “He has helped shape our medical practice into what it is today.”

Ivy joined KOC in 1994 as a specialist in the treatment of hand, wrist and elbow disorders after completing his training. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and was awarded the esteemed Justin Potter Medical Scholarship to Vanderbilt School of Medicine.

Also, Ivy completed a surgical internship and four-year residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in hand and microvascular surgery at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in Indianapolis.

business briefs

January 21, 2026 by

• Rather & Kittrell has announced the promotion of Hannah Whatley CFP, AIF, to senior advisor, Nathan Smith to chief of staff and Thomas Beahn, CFP, to advisor.

Whatley will continue working with Rather & Kittrell clients as they pursue successful financial futures. She is a certified financial planner professional and an accredited investment fiduciary. She also currently serves on the board of the Historic Tennessee

Theatre.

Smith will continue to be actively involved in the management of client portfolios and will continue to lead RK’s investment committee. He will be adding responsibilities for the firm’s overall operations, client service and company financials as part of the RK executive leadership team. Smith joined the Rather & Kittrell team in 2015 as portfolio manager.

Beahn will continue to work with Rather & Kittrell clients as they pursue a successful financial future. He joined the RK Wealth Management team in November 2024 as an associate advisor. Thomas collaborates with senior advisors to help clients make informed financial decisions.