Amy Denstman, RYT 200

“When we practice yoga we are more ourselves and more than ourselves. Our body and mind experience tremendous transformation that will result in a better being”

Amy Denstman didn’t find her passion in life until she found yoga. A good friend convinced her to try the Brand New Beginner course. After she let go of the first initial giggles, she knew she was hooked. Since 2006, she’s been returning to her mat everyday experiencing the asanas as if it were her very first class.

Amy was introduced to Bikram yoga while attending school in Miami, Florida. It was during that time where she was certain she wanted to become a teacher and help others. After returning to Delaware in 2008 to pursue her Masters in Business, she began the 200-hour teacher training at Empowered Yoga. Amy enjoys teaching and wants to help students understand what is required to bring the mind, body, and spirit into balance in order to realize full potential.

Amy Hertzog, RYT 200, CCLYI

"Yoga has truly changed my life. My practice has given me the tools to be a better mother, wife, friend, and human being. My daily practice includes many pauses to breathe and enjoy each moment for what it has to offer."

Amy Hertzog's classes will encourage you to step out of your busy life and step onto your mat. Each pose will give you the opportunity to focus on your breath and feel your body, allowing you to slow down your mind and come into the present moment.

Amy walked into her first Brand New Beginner yoga class in September, 2008 seeking stress relief. Once she learned that she could practice yoga off of her mat to bring peace into her life and family, she knew this was where she was meant to be. Amy worked as a pediatric nurse before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her five energetic children. She completed her 200 hour teacher training through Empowered Yoga in March, 2010. She completed her Child Light Yoga Certification in June, 2010 and loves to share yoga with children of all ages. She looks forward to this lifelong journey and continuing to grow as both a student and a teacher. She is continually inspired and amazed at the goodness within all of the people in the EY community. She is honored to be a part of this community!

Chris Vennard, RYT 200

“I find yoga to be the perfect form of exercise. It nourishes both the body and the soul, and gives me a sense of patience and gratitude every day – whether on or off the mat.”

Chris Vennard experienced her first hot yoga class in Reno, Nevada while visiting friends. Soon after, in 2006, she signed up with her son to take the Brand New Beginners Course and definitely became hooked on the practice and living of yoga. Chris completed the Empowered Yoga and Verge Power Yoga Teacher Training in March 2008.

Chris encourages her students to stay focused on their breathing and be present on their mat – leaving the day’s worries behind. Chris believes that yoga is the willingness to do just what you are capable of, and allow yourself to be open to possibilities. It is not about doing the perfect yoga pose, but coming back to the mat, time after time, that allows us to live life to the fullest.

Cassie Plumb, RYT 200

"The goal is not to tie ourselves in knots ...we're already tied in knots. The aim is to untie the knots in our hearts. The aim is to unite with the ultimate, loving, and peaceful power in the universe. – Max Strom"

Always interested in exercise, Cassie took her first yoga class in 2001 because she thought yoga might be a good way to increase flexibility while getting a great workout. What kept her coming back were the mental and emotional benefits and the impact they had on her daily life.

Wanting to deepen her practice and continue to see where this journey would take her, Cassie completed the Empowered Yoga Teacher Training in the spring of 2010. She strives to support and challenge her students while creating classes that explore the many wondrous paths of yoga.

Dave Pusey

Bio coming soon.

Danel Lombard, RYT 200

“Yoga is the perfect therapy for healing the body as well as preventing injury. Yoga helps to anchor me in the perfect moment of NOW, and serves as an honest mirror of my life and my thoughts. I've fallen in love with yoga and it brings me great joy to share this love with others.” 

Danel Lombard's background as a physical therapist makes a safe yoga practice number one priority. Her classes are anchored in basic alignment principles. Attending her classes will leave you energized and grounded at the same time, as focus on the breath and the present moment is continually emphasized. Her enjoyment in bringing this practice to students shines through and will leave you asking for more. 

Danel graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy and currently practices as a licensed physical therapist.  She uses yoga postures and breathing techniques to help her patients in the rehabilitation of their injuries. Knowledge of yoga asanas has been an enormous adjunct to her physical therapy practice. She received her 200 hour teacher training certification in 2008 with Johnny Gillespie and Cara Bradley, and continues to expand her knowledge and understanding of yoga, the human body, and how it moves by attending workshops and intensives regularly. Danel is also a "health nut" who studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, and has her certification in holistic health counseling. She knows the importance of eating well for optimal results in sports, but also in life.  Creating and maintaining emotional and spiritual well-being is the first step in healthy eating and living. In addition she received her certification in advanced energy healing from Inner Focus School of Energy Healing in 2010.  She finds that in “yoking” physical therapy, yoga, nutrition, and energy healing, they not only compliment one another, but work in perfect harmony for optimal health, wellness, and happiness.

Deb Dandrea, RYT 200

“Becoming a yoga teacher has helped me enhance my practice both on and off the mat. Sharing my personal yoga journey with my students and watching them grow in their own practice is the most rewarding experience I could have as a yoga instructor. Learning and experiencing the practice with my students sends healing energy out into the universe to help touch the lives of individuals who may need extra loving care.”

Deb Dandrea’s classes are filled with friendly, positive energy, allowing the students to release stress and tension through their practice. With the poses, students begin to naturally release the body and open the mind. During her classes, students are reminded that they are the sole owners of their practice. By embracing their practice, students invite both peace and calmness into their life. Quieting the mind and allowing the body to naturally experience the breath is key to the practice during Deb’s class.

Deb has always been inquisitive about meditation and the natural healing power of the body. In 2007, her journey truly began when she stumbled upon a yoga class at a local fitness center in Delaware. Wanting to gain more knowledge about meditation/yoga and eager to share her experience with the others, Deb became a certified yoga instructor for children in 2009. Deb continued her practice and study to become a certified yoga teacher through the Yoga Teacher Training Program with Empowered Yoga in 2010.

Diana Hoscheit, ERYT 200 – RYT 500

“Yoga continuously makes me feel grounded, balanced, and connected, freeing my energies to reach out to others and facilitate positive change.”

Diana Hoscheit believes a practice that emphasizes correct alignment with mindful transitions in and out of postures translates to the ability to move through life with grace. Come to your mat, drop all of your roles and responsibilities, and join her in a moving meditation that invites you to connect with self and spirit.

Curiosity is what brought Diana to her first yoga class in early 2003. The immediate physical benefits of the practice, including a complete remission of a hematological disorder, kept her coming back. Before long, yoga became a way of life and the source of strength and flexibility that has sustained her during difficult times. Initially, she registered for the 2006-2007 Empowered Yoga & Verge Power Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training Program as a way to deepen her own daily practice. After just her first teacher training session she knew she would teach in order to share the transformative power of yoga with others.

Ellen Lebowitz, ERYT 200

"Practicing yoga and meditation has cultivated an increasing sense of gratitude and appreciation for all moments of my life. My practice gives me sharper mental clarity, greater strength and the courage to meet and embrace life's challenges, while wrapping me in a deep trust that keeps my heart open."

Ellen made the meditation/physical practice connection several decades ago when she embraced T'ai Chi through private instruction. Later she experienced Bikram Yoga in 1986, and took classes with Bikram Choudhury and attended a five day workshop with his wife, Rajashree. After her introduction to Bikram Yoga, Ellen led regular group practices with friends in her home. She continued her study of yoga with Johnny Gillespie, Jimmy Barkan, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, and Gurushabd Singh Khalsa. Ellen's meditation studies have focused on travels down the Buddhist path; she is a sangha member and student of Her Eminence Mindrolling Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche, and has received teachings from the Dalai Lama, Venerable Kenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche, Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, Pema Chodron, David Nichtern, and Ethan Nichtern.

Ellen Lebowitz received her 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification in 2008 from Empowered Yoga and Verge Power Yoga. Her teaching is a natural result of her deep desire for an enlightened, compassionate and peaceful world, along with the wish to share this jewel which has brought so much to her life. She brings her warmth and genuine interest in the well-being of all students to each class.

Mary Currie

Bio coming soon.

Janice Roosevelt, RYT 200

“Yoga expands my views, heals my body and enriches my spirit. What a relief that I can ‘practice’ yoga and don’t have to be ‘perfect’! What inspiration to connect with others on a journey that allows us to become the most empowered self possible – one breathe at a time.”

Janice discovered yoga in 2005 at a vinyasa workshop and has not stopped practicing since. She has explored various styles of practice from Yin to Bikram to Ashtanga. She treasures the relationship of mind, body and spirit and helps students to find their own unique connection. A retreat with Deepak Chopra fired her passion for meditation and she continues to devote time to this aspect of the practice as well. Expect to experience compassion and kindness mixed with discipline during one of Janice’s classes.

Janice was asked to start training as a teacher with the Kennett Area YMCA and YogaFit. She has trained with Beryl Bender Birch, Rolf Gates, Susan Smith, and Johnny Gillespie; most recently graduating from the Empowered Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program in the spring of 2010. Her background also includes national certifications in personal training, Pilates, and cycling.

Janice Trevisani, E-RYT 200

“Yoga is an opportunity to slow down, to connect to body, breath, and spirit.”

Janice Trevisani brings her passion for the practice into each class and encourages a willingness to explore what your body needs from moment to moment. She believes that it is important to always give your best effort and then let your best be enough.

Janice began practicing yoga in September of 2000 when a friend told her it was a great work out. While the physical benefits where wonderful, the mental and spiritual benefits were life transforming. Her gratitude for the practice and the dedication of her teachers inspired her to give back. In February of 2002, Janice attended her first teacher training workshop with master teacher Beryl Bender Birch. In spring of 2004 Janice completed a 200 hour teacher training at Power Yoga works in Malvern, Pa. Always looking to grow as both a student as well as a yoga teacher, Janice came to Empowered Yoga to try the Stationary Sequence class and enjoyed the heat and challenge. In March of 2008, she completed her second 200 hour teacher training with Empowered Yoga/Verge Yoga.

Joanne Ambrogi, MSPT, ATC, CMT, Cert. MDT, RYT 200

“Yoga has brought greater insight to the mind body connection and has transformed me in ways I had not imagined. Yoga enriches my connection to my surroundings and those in it.”

Joanne Ambrogi first came to the mat in the early 90’s. She returned in 2006 as she prepared to attend a course on Yoga and Osteoporosis. Little did she know the impact that class and the next 4 years would make on her life.

Working as a physical therapist, Joanne utilizes the mind body connection in assisting her patients to heal. Likewise, her yoga classes are rooted in basic presence and facilitating acceptance. Her humorous way of teaching facilitates finding compassion for all that life has to offer. The passion for life that she brings to the practice will leave you feeling courageous and inspired for more.

Joanne graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training in 1988. She became a Massage therapist in 1993 and received her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from Neumann University in 2001. She has worked with athletes of all ages and levels, from middle school to Professional/Olympic. She was a member of the US National Lacrosse team and continues to give back to the sport as a coach for local youth programs. She understands the connection of the body and mind in relationship to athletic performance and its importance in reaching new levels of success.

Jeannette Oshitoye, RYT 200

"Yoga is oxygen; without it there is no tomorrow."

Jeannette considers the opportunity to be on her mat and move her body a great honor that may not be granted tomorrow. With this belief at heart, she embraces the gift and attempts to make every second on the mat count. Jeannette shares this same philosophy with her students. She shares the nuances she learns through her own practice so that students may benefit from the knowledge also.

Jeannette has been practicing yoga since 2003. She began in a love-hate relationship with Bikram Yoga in Dallas, Texas. Determined not to give up, Jeannette continued with her practice, blossoming into a practitioner who considers yoga central to her existence. She is a graduate of the 2009-2010 Empowered Yoga 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program. In addition, Jeannette is an independent Ph.D.-level Program Evaluator & Grant writer.

Jody Spinosa, RYT 200

"I was told by a friend, that maybe yoga would help my back. Not only did it stop my chronic back pain, it changed my life by healing me physically and spiritually."

Jody Spinosa’s classes are filled with intentions of finding strength, stability, compassion and energy through breath, grace and gentleness. While keeping the student safe, Jody encourages his students to give 100% in each moment. You will deepen your practice by feeling and seeing each posture from the inside to the outside. You may smile a lot! Even laugh!

Jody started practicing yoga in 2005. He is a graduate of the 2007-2008 Empowered Yoga/Verge Power Yoga Teacher Training. His education continues through frequent workshops at Empowered Yoga and elsewhere. His journey continues through regular practice 5-6 days per week.

Johnny Gillespie, CSCS, CPT, ERYT 200 – RYT 500

Johnny Gillespie, a dynamic and youthful 10-year teacher of health and fitness, has motivated thousands of students in the mid-Atlantic region and as far around the world as Costa Rica. Johnny is particularly fond of the yoga discipline and believes that it is perfect fitness! “It’s not just working out, it’s working in.” Johnny focuses on both physical wellness and the cultivation of inner strength and wisdom. Education in exercise science and a desire to bring professionalism and consciousness to the fitness industry prompted him to create a health-and-fitness company, Johnny Fitness, in 1999.

In 2002, he founded Wilmington Yoga. He has studied with many world renowned teachers yet ultimately believes it is the practice that is the greatest teacher.

Johnny is a graduate of West Virginia University’s School of Physical Education and holds numerous certifications in the fitness field including the National Strength and Conditioning Association certified personal trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. In January 2002 he founded Wilmington Yoga, now Empowered Yoga, which has become a blend of all his study as well as the teachers who make up our yoga family. Johnny is currently writing a book entitled, Balanced Athlete, which explores the principles of yoga and his philosophy of creating the balanced athlete.

Joyce Ostrand

Joyce Ostrand is REALLY funny and brings that lightness and humor into her classes. Joyce feels strongly about the student learning to be their own "teacher." Her teaching emphasis the need to understand the importance of body, breath and mind "co-existing" in an atmosphere of "ease & effort" to create an effective and enjoyable practice.

Joyce was first introduced to yoga in 1995 yet it wasn’t until years later she found Empowered Yoga and a permanent place to practice. Joyce began her yoga career with Johnny Gillespie in 1999 and by 2001 was teaching and apprenticing in the studio. She completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Om Yoga. Joyce holds Level I and Level II certifications in Thai Yoga Bodywork through Michael Buck and the Vedic Conservatory. Prior to her second career with Empowered Yoga, Joyce owned a Jazzercise franchise and taught classes for 20 years.

Kate Szczerban

"I come to yoga for just as much of a work out, as a work IN. Applying the principles of yoga has taught me the awareness and courage needed to face everyday challenges both on and off my mat."

Kate's classes are cathartic, healing, and challenging enough that practitioners get to enjoy the reward of sweet release after serious effort. Highlighting the parallels of life and yoga, Kate encourages students to approach resistance and tightness within their bodies with the same compassion they would give an old friend. The pain you carry in your heart is much like the pain you carry in your lower back, neck, or joints. Kate is there to encourage and support you as you meet your struggles head on and replace them with breath and understanding.

What started as a casual mother- daughter activity in 2005 has evolved into a lifelong commitment to physical health and mental clarity. Kate completed 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Empowered Yoga in March of 2010.

Kim D’Antonio, RYT 200

“Stronger, fitter, leaner, more disciplined and focused, more confident and energetic, plus a unique sense of inner calm and contentment… these are just some of the amazing benefits I have enjoyed since beginning my journey into the world of yoga. It has positively affected all areas of my life. I am so excited for each new class to begin so that I can use what I have learned to help others discover yoga in their own extraordinary way.”

What started as a curiosity has blossomed into a full-scale passion. A Christmas gift from her husband, Chris, got the ball rolling and it has just continued to gain momentum ever since. The more benefits she experienced the more hooked she became and the more she wanted to share this with others. Kim achieved her 200-hour certification to teach yoga in March of 2010, under the watchful and trained eyes of revered teachers: Johnny Gillespie, Diana Hosheit, Nancy McConnell and Chris Rogers. She continues to be an enthusiastic proponent for the practice of yoga.

Kim comes to Empowered Yoga by way of Kutztown University where she majored in fine arts and specialized in jewelry fabrication. She has conducted a jewelry arts class at the Wallingford Art Center since 2001. Teaching is her outlet and her favorite form of therapy. With a drive and desire to help others she incorporates a lighthearted, fun attitude with a very personable and hands-on approach that ensures all participants get the full benefit from each session. She is inspired by her students to help them unleash their inner sparkle. Her goal is for all that attend her classes to leave better, happier and more energized with each class.

So… bring your mat and let’s get started!!

Liz Freeman

"Along my journey of life, yoga helps me stop to smell the roses rather than eagerly focus on my destination."

Liz Freeman's classes offer students support, comfort and calmness to experience all that a yoga practice can offer. While a class may only be 60 - 90 minutes, one's yoga practice can last a lifetime. Liz creates a space where students take comfort in their progress – physically, emotionally and mentally – throughout each day in their yoga journey.

Liz completed her 200 hour teacher training certification with Empowered Yoga in March of 2009.

Mara Raskin, RYT 200

"Guiding others toward more fulfilling lives is why I teach. Whether they become better able to walk up and down their stairs at home, can enjoy longer play time with their children, or improve their Iron Man event times, it is watching others gain a better quality of life that inspires me to continue teaching safe and stable movement."

Mara Raskin will challenge your body and your spirit... both of which will undoubtedly soar when practicing with her. Her methods are foundationally grounded in classical exercise principles, and Mara has two industry-leading certifications in the Pilates Method of Total Body Conditioning and has completed the Empowered Yoga/Verge 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program. Mara assists you in creating awareness of how you carry yourself ("live in your body") on a daily basis and then together you work to better improve your posture and alignment focusing areas that need specific attention and love.

Mara discovered the rush of exercise at a very young age and was a competitive gymnast through high school. Mara assists you in creating awareness of how you carry yourself or “live in your body” on a daily basis and then together you work to better improve your posture and alignment, focusing on areas that need specific attention and love.

Maria DiCamillo, RYT 200

"Yoga forms the natural connection between mind, body and spirit. It keeps me in the present moment during my practice on the mat and during my daily journeys in life. Yoga enables me to be grounded and balanced as I spread my wings to fly."

During Maria’s classes, you will enjoy the traditional postures and movements of yoga and emerge with a deeper understanding of self. In practicing, you will learn to integrate breathing and movement, you will coordinate awareness and alignment, and you will grow in strength and flexibility. Through flowing forms and dynamic dance, yoga will reward you with balance and transformation, while you forge a deeply personal connection with your inner self.

Maria Di Camillo began practicing heated yoga in 2000 in the Philadelphia area. Having studied Ashtanga and Vinyasa styles of Hatha Yoga, she has been practicing with Empowered Yoga since Johnny opened in 2002. Maria completed her 200 hour certification with OM Yoga in 2005, and she has attended many workshops and retreats. Previously, Maria was a Jazzercise fitness instructor for six years. Maria looks forward to helping you evolve in your journey toward inner peace and balance.

Mary Snowdon, RYT 200

"Yoga is about transformation from the inside out."

In Mary's classes, the priority is staying focused on your intentions, your breath, and working to your edge. While she finds it important to take practice seriously, she reminds students to have a sense of humor and accept where they are in the present moment. Being and feeling are the goals, rather than jamming the body to get further into a pose.

Mary Snowdon has been a therapist for 15 years. Her compassion, warmth and desire to help people change drew her to her profession. When Mary's own yoga practice deepened, she experienced firsthand how being present on the mat provides insight into opportunities for growth outside of class. She loved the idea of helping people grow and heal in a non-clinical setting. In 2006, Mary completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher's Training with Johnny Gillespie and Cara Bradley. Her yoga also reflects the influence of Seane Corn, Bryan Kest, and Baron Baptiste.

Mary Ward, RYT 200

“I'm just an ordinary person who has found this wonderful practice of yoga. My body, mind and spirit crave the daily practice. My body for the enormous physical benefits, my mind for the calmness and clarity it brings and my spirit for allowing me to connect more fully with everyone I come in contact with.”

When you take Mary's class you can expect a calm, friendly atmosphere. her soothing voice will remind you to relax and find the balance between effort and ease.

Mary Ward came to yoga looking for something more than just exercise. She found a disciplined practice that touches both body and soul. She took the Empowered Yoga Teacher training in 2005 and has been teaching ever since. Her greatest joy at EY is teaching the Brand New Beginners.

Michelle Schuler, RYT 200

"Yoga allows me to breathe, to be, to shine and take that into the world with confidence, strength and grace. It grounds me and allows me to take flight at the same time."

Michelle Schuler's classes will encourage you to check your ego and competitive drive at the door and breathe. For an hour or more with no e-mail, cell phones, or drama; focus on you, your breath and your body. There is wisdom and peace in the simple alignment of your mind, your heart and your body with the satisfaction of a need to look inward... and be pleased with what you see. Clean the slate with each pose, celebrate what you and your body can do, and learn to enjoy the moment. Michelle will guide you through a practice of key poses that will allow you to extend the gift from your mat to the rest of your life.

Michelle walked into an Empowered Yoga class and knew she had come home after years of searching for the "right" form of exercise. For an hour or more with no email, cell phones, or drama, focus on you, your breath and your body. She continues to be inspired by her students and fellow teachers on a daily basis and works to share that inspiration and passion with her classes.

Muri Duncan, RYT 200

"I practice yoga because it keeps my mind and body grounded. It gives me inner freedom and peace. My hope is to be able to share what I've learned with my students and inspire them the way I was inspired by my teachers."

Muri Duncan first came yoga to complement a running routine and for stress relief. She never imagined that her passion for running could be overtaken by something else until she discovered yoga on a trip to Montreal in 2007. She studied under the guidance of a very gifted teacher there and came back inspired and ready to put her heart and soul into it. Muri hasn't looked back since. Yoga has been transformative in a way that she had never experienced before.

Soon after returning from her trip to Montreal, Muri discovered Empowered Yoga and began practicing daily. She completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Empowered Yoga in the spring of 2010. Muri is currently studying for personal training certification through NASM.

Nancy McConnell, ERYT 200 – RYT 500

Nancy McConnell came to her first yoga class over three years ago looking for a new form of exercise, not having any idea how many doors this journey will open. During that class her teacher invited everyone to “Just be”. Those two simple words are what keep her coming back to her mat each day and wanting to share this yoga experience with others.

As an owner/director of a local preschool, Nancy began teaching yoga to young children in 2003 after being certified by Next Generation Yoga in NYC with Jodi Komitor. She has also been assisting Johnny at Empowered Yoga’s Brand New Beginner’s classes for the past two years. While she is teaching her focus is on alignment and keeping her students safe while also helping her students discover the many benefits yoga can bring to their lives both on and off the mat. Nancy completed her 200 hour teacher training certification from OM Yoga in 2004. Beware her passion for yoga is contagious!!

Ryan Burnes

Ryan’s classes focus on a balanced effort between being in the present moment, strengthening the physical body and expanding the breath. His classes partner well with strength training, cardiovascular training and or any activity that requires functional use of the body and mind. Ryan’s hope for all of those that come into his class lies in the experience of a deep and unchanging peace within-being free from attachment to life’s temporary situations. He teaches the importance of standing strong to any challenge life offers- not by the students own strength alone- but by the spirit of God!

Ryan Burnes completed his teacher training through OM Yoga in 2005 and continues to study with Johnny Gillespie.

Sarah Rogatz, RYT 200

“I came to yoga to stretch and strengthen my body. What I discovered was a life long journey of self-discovery. The mat may measure 2x6 but it provides limitless space to grow. Each time I step onto my mat, I gain insight-about a pose, about myself, and about the world. This also holds true when I teach.”

When Sarah Rogatz teaches, she encourages students to move on their breath, focus their mind, and listen to their body. Her upbeat music, encouraging words, and friendly and warm nature promotes an atmosphere where judgment is left at the door.

Sarah is a former elementary school teacher and mother of two teenage boys. She began practicing yoga when Empowered Yoga was known as Wilmington Yoga. After a hiatus from yoga in 2003-2004 she came back and has never left – yes, you can come home again! She completed the Empowered Yoga 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program in March 2010.

Barb Stitz

"Albert Einstein once said, 'A hundred times a day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in measure as I have received and am still receiving'. Through asana, physical practice, we can reach a spiritual awareness with gratitude for these gifts and the enthusiasm to give of ourselves."

In Barb Stitz's class you will share in the gifts given to her from each and every one of her teachers. Within her own daily practice, she is continually learning, growing, and bringing a newfound awareness to the mat. A balance of physical effort and ease with attention to breath and body are a key focus as a reminder to students to remain present, aware, and compassionate.

Barb's yoga practice evolved much the same way it does for many. An avid runner for years, she was experiencing back pain which kept her off the road. Conventional physical therapy seemed to only provide temporary relief so in 2007 her forward-thinking orthopedic doctor encouraged a regular yoga practice. Barb discovered that the practice not only kept her physical body in check, but brought her spiritual self to a more grounded and balanced place. While enrolled in the Empowered Yoga Teacher Training as a way to enhance her personal yoga experience, Barb attended the Costa Rica retreat in January of 2011. This experience had a profound effect on her as she witnessed a shift in all who attended. With the encouragement of her facilitators she felt called to pass on the gifts given to her. Completing her Teacher Training in the Spring 2011, she started down a new path as an instructor with Empowered Yoga.

Susan Schwartz, RYT 200

"Yoga continues to light the path on my journey through life. When practiced on and off the mat, I believe it has the ability to awaken true healing and transformation within oneself. And this is the reason I practice."

Susan's classes are infused with rhythm and a true sense of flow. Her direction is clear and concise, and her ability to be present at each moment and at each breath with her students is evident. She creates an atmosphere within class, with the use of great music, that allows students to go within and find their own power, their own presence. Her classes are challenging physically, without a doubt, but there is always room for beautiful pauses, and constant reminders to balance one's effort with softness, grace and ease.

Susan's love of movement comes from many years committed to the study of dance, including ballet. She began practicing yoga in 2001, loving the obvious connection yoga has with dance. It wasn't until 2004, however, after the birth of her son that Susan came to Empowered Yoga in search of some deeper mental, emotional and spiritual healing. That is when her true practice began. She believes so much in Empowered Yoga's methodology, not just because it keeps people safe and builds real strength, but also because of its simplicity. It is this simplicity which, she believes, is essential in allowing people to go within and truly explore a meditative state while practicing. So, after practicing a few years and finding constant inspiration from fellow students and the amazing teachers here, Susan enrolled in the Empowered Yoga Teacher Training, graduating in March of 2008. The rest is history. This is home.

Tom Shea, RYT 200

“I practice yoga to gain mental clarity, to be aware of my body, to stimulate my cardio-vascular system, and to cleanse. In yoga my spirit finds connection to the universe.”

Tom encourages his students to observe their practice of yoga with the wondrous eyes of a beginner; with compassion and not judgment. Tom teaches listening to the ebb and flow of the breath as a meditation and a means to moving deeper into the postures and practice. He reinforces finding a balance between effort and ease, shining in the pose with a soft gaze and a smile. Tom wishes his students strength, peace and joy, on and off the mat.

Tom has been an avid student of yoga since 2005 and is a life-long practitioner of dynamic strength training. Tom was introduced to yoga by Plexus trainer Matt Vahey as a way to heal his body from the rigors of aggressive mountain biking and trail running. Having had two spinal injuries, Tom deeply understands the importance of maintaining physical health to promote mental health. Tom completed the Empowered Yoga 200 Hour Teacher Training Program in 2010 and is enormously grateful to all his inspirational teachers.

Vicki Neylon, RYT 200

"I began my personal journey of yoga to help heal a physical injury. The benefits of yoga strengthened so much more than my body; I began to have more compassion, patience, and think with a clearer mind. When these changes began to impact those around me, I knew then that practicing yoga was going to be a life long journey. When teaching, it is my intention to be a source of mental and physical support to the students as they venture down their path - that is yoga. "

Vicki Neylon believes that the inner peace and outer strength that one can accomplish from yoga will enhance ones life in every way imaginable. Don't be surprised to find yourself completely present on your mat in Vicki's class. Her focus is not only correct alignment but also steadiness of mind, body and breath. The ease and softness of her voice will help you to relax and enjoy your practice.

After viewing exercise as "me time" away from the challenging role of stay-at-home mom to two young boys, Vicki found herself frequenting Empowered Yoga. The feeling of being "present" and the "quieting" of the mind are what kept her coming back. After practicing for 2 ½ years, she credits her decision to teach to the exceptional staff at Empowered Yoga. Vicki completed the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program at Empowered Yoga in the Spring of 2009.

Jill Reed

Bio coming soon.

Angie Hall

Bio coming soon.

Charlene Sams-Livingston

Bio coming soon.

Rachael Hotchkiss

Bio coming soon.

Debbie Galla, E-RYT 500

“Commitment is the inspiration that can transform a life searching for direction to one that is filled with positive energy. I am committed to yoga as an all encompassing lifestyle and hope to impart a spark of that commitment to others."

Debbie Galla focuses on a series of basic postures that are proven to restore youthful flexibility and vigor to the body. She shares her knowledge of the principles of alignment so that students can enter and exit the poses safely. Her attitude of "just give YOUR best effort" allows students, no matter what their ability, to feel comfortable in class.

In her profession as a social worker and now as a yoga teacher, Debbie has been devoted to helping others achieve wellness in their lives for over thirty years. She became certified at the 200 Hour Level with OM Yoga in 2005 and received a second 200 Hour Certification with Empowered Yoga in 2006. In 2008, Debbie completed a 500 Hour teacher training at Golden Heart Yoga in Annapolis, MD. Debbie began a second 500 Hour Teacher Training with Tias Little, Founder of Prajna Yoga, in Sante Fe NM in October 2009. She is currently registered with Yoga Alliance as a 500 RYT, is recognized as an Anusara-Inspired Teacher, and has completed over 75 hours of Yoga Therapy.