Our Instructor Team
Our instructors are all nationally certified black belts, each with a minimum of four years of training at Mt. Pleasant Ninjas before becoming eligible to teach. They embody the fundamental principles of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.
Ashley Heafner
Chief Instructor and Owner
Ms. Heafner began her Taekwondo journey in 1998, earning her Black Belt in 2001 and Instructor Certification in 2007. In 2009, she founded Mt. Pleasant Ninjas in downtown MP before relocating the school to its current location in May 2018. Over the years, Ms. Heafner has been ranked #1 in the nation multiple times, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. Since opening her school, Ms. Heafner has successfully trained over 100 students who have achieved the rank of Black Belt. Her unwavering passion for Taekwondo and teaching is clear to anyone who has had the privilege of learning under her guidance.
704.794-2482
Lacey Kyle
3rd Degree Decided Black Belt
Level 4 Instructor
Ms. Kyle started Taekwondo under Ms. Heafner in 2011. She was MP's youngest student to achieve Black Belt at the age of 7. In 2025 she was ranked number one in the Nation for sparring. She has been the number one free sparring champion for four consecutive years.
When not training or competing, Lacey enjoys playing basketball and volleyball for MPHS and is an active member of her church youth group, YCI and Beta Clubs.
Phoenix Yarnell
2nd Degree Decided Black Belt
Level 3 Instructor
Phoenix started Taekwondo in early 2021 and instantly fell in love with martial arts. He trains any chance that he can to improve his skills. He always strives to get an even better understanding of taekwondo. He is a Level 3 nationally certified instructor, and he truly enjoys helping students reach their full potential in Taekwondo
Abigail Myers
2nd Degree Sr. Black Belt
Level 3 Instructor
Abigail Myers began her Taekwondo journey at Mt. Pleasant Ninjas under Ms. Heafner in 2019 and has since earned her Second Degree Senior Black Belt. Now a Level 3 Instructor, she loves sharing her knowledge of martial arts with students of all ages, especially the Little Dragons. Teaching allows her to grow as a leader while working alongside her fellow instructors as a team. Beyond training and teaching, she enjoys all the extra opportunities Taekwondo offers, from leadership development to fun events like game nights. Abigail is excited to continue learning, growing, and inspiring others in their martial arts journey.
Lenny Wood
2nd Degree Black Belt
Level 3 Instructor
Mr. Wood began his Taekwondo journey in 2020 under the guidance of Ms. Heafner. He currently holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt and is a Level 3 Instructor. In addition to his Taekwondo achievements, Lenny is a devoted husband, father, and local business owner. Always eager for a challenge, he has competed in and earned medals at both regional and national events. Lenny is also an active member of our Demo Team. Outside of Taekwondo, he enjoys saltwater fishing and traveling with his family.
Kyle Mulvey
2nd Degree Decided Black Belt
Level 3 Instructor
Kyle is 15 and started Taekwondo in 2019 and Ninjatrix in 2020. Achieving his 2nd-degree black belt and becoming a level 3 instructor, he has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. For two consecutive years, he has ranked in the top 10 nationally, showcasing his competitive edge, determination and love of the sport. He has also been a member of the National Demo Team for 3 years. With a passion for both learning and teaching, he continues to inspire others in his dojo while striving for even greater success in his Taekwondo journey.
Danyel Furr
2nd Degree Senior Black Belt
Level 3 Instructor
Ms. Furr bio coming soon!
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Nolan Evans
2nd Degree Senior Black Belt
Level 1 Instructor
Nolan has been training under Ms. Heafner’s guidance since 2019 and is currently a second-degree black belt. In 2024, he earned his Level 1 Instructor Collar. Passionate about both teaching and competing in tournaments, Nolan is dedicated to advancing in martial arts and sharing his knowledge with others. Nolan has also been a member of our national winning demo team for the last 3 years.
Hudson Bankston
2nd Degree Decided Black Belt
Level 1 Instructor
Hudson is a dedicated 13-year-old who has been training under Ms. Heafner in Taekwondo since 2019. He earned his second-degree black belt and has shown exceptional skill and commitment in the martial art. As a level one instructor, he not only excelled in his own practice but also shares his knowledge and passion by teaching younger students. His hard work, discipline, and leadership in Taekwondo have helped him grow both on and off the mat.
Mac Romero
3rd Degree Decided Black Belt
Level 4 Instructor
Mac Romero started Taekwondo in 2013 under Ms. Heafner. They have competed in and medaled at many tournaments in their career. Mac enjoys photography, singing, and is also a Level 3 Yoga Instructor. In 2025, after teaching in Mt. Pleasant for ten years, Mac started working for 360 Taekwondo Academy in Belmont, NC. Mac is still a huge part of our Taekwondo family and still teaches on Saturday and comes to every testing and tournament event.
Emma Ashby
2nd Degree Decided Black Belt
Level 1 Instructor
Ms. Ashby bio coming soon!
:)
Jackson Kyle
4th Degree Black Belt
Level 4 Instructor
Mr. Kyle started Taekwondo under Ms. Heafner in 2010. He is one of our most active tournament competitors and was also voted "Student of the Year" in 2013 and "Instructor of the Year" in 2018. In December 2021 he graduated with his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Campbell University. In December 2024, Mr. Kyle became Mt Pleasant's first student under Ms. Heafner to own his own Taekwondo school. Mr. Kyle now owns and operates 360 Taekwondo Academy along with Mt. Pleasant's, Mac Romero, as his program director.
Josh Street
3rd Degree Decided Black Belt
Level 4 Instructor
Mr. Street started Taekwondo in 2009 under Ms. Heafner. Mr. Street has consistently been ranked among the top ten in the nation for several years. He is actively involved in kickboxing, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A proud husband and father of four, Mr. Street's wife is also a black belt, as are three of his children. He is currently working towards achieving his 3rd Degree Senior Black Belt.
Stephanie Street
2nd Degree Senior Black Belt
Level 4 Instructor
Ms. Street began her Taekwondo journey in 2010. Over the years, she has earned medals in numerous national and regional tournaments and has been ranked in the Top Ten nationally several times. In addition to homeschooling, she teaches for MPNinjas, volunteers with various non-profit organizations, and has a passion for gardening. Teaching is her greatest passion, and she takes great joy in watching others learn and grow.
