Workout and wellness leader Melissa Wood-Tepperberg made a marvelous debut with SI Swimsuit earlier this year. The 2023 rookie was photographed by Yu Tsai in the breathtaking Dominica, and we still haven’t recovered from how gorgeous, earthy and powerful the images are.

The mom of two, who shares her young kids Elanor and Benjamin with husband Noah Tepperberg, is the founder of MWH, a platform that is focused on making mindful health and wellness accessible for everyone.

“It feels so beyond incredible to be a Sports Illustrated rookie. I can’t fully believe it, but then I can believe it because I’m here and I’m doing it, and it just feels phenomenal,” the 40-year-old said while on location. “Being with Yu Tsai and MJ [Day, SI Swimsuit editor in chief] and the entire team, I have to say that I felt so entirely supported throughout every single step of the way. It’s like working with a well-oiled machine, and I just felt like I was able to fully be myself and bring forward the real me in the most effortless way with incredible direction.”