“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 stuck. 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.    

Yoga is about balance...within your life, body, mind, and heart. I practice yoga to find that healthy ratio between strength and flexibility."

Energetic is a word that best describes one of Carrie’s classes. By combining interesting transitions, attention to alignment and breath with a lighthearted spirit and a playful attitude; her classes help you to focus inward, grinning all the while.

Carrie Dehner was first introduced to yoga and yogic breathing while attending the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy, yet didn’t start taking classes until she moved to this area 3 years ago. After her first class, she was hooked, taking 5 classes her first week of yoga. As a professional massage therapist, Carrie is able to link the knowledge gleaned from yoga practice on the way the body moves and energy flows into every massage; the same is true in reverse, for every body has a story to tell, and each massage gives more clues on how to make a class enjoyable and helpful for all. This is a continuous and intense learning tool for absorbing more information about the body. Carrie gives great thanks to all the teachers in her life, especially Johnny, his wife Sara, all the teachers at Empowered Yoga, Frank and Margi from OM yoga NYC, and John Friend, founder of Anusara yoga, who she was lucky enough to spend a week’s retreat. NAMASTE!

“I practice yoga to experience freedom and cultivate discipline through a daily PRACTICE. The key to success in yoga is simple, PRACTICE. I teach yoga to study the ancient traditions of yoga. I teach to share this passion. I love to watch the brand new student cultivate a practice and walk out of class with a radiant yogi glow.”

When you come to one of Chris’s class you will encounter lots of Shiney, Happy, Sweaty people. Chris unveils the “mystery” of yoga in a friendly, supportive, and positive environment. Expect to give it your honest effort and leave the class feeling lighter, open, and detoxified.

Chris Rogers took his first Hot Yoga class in Aspen, CO to prepare for the 24 hours of Moab Mountain Bike race. When he went to his first class he was humbled. In 1998 Chris moved to San Diego, CA and completely committed himself to a daily practice at Synergy Yoga, completing the yoga challenge and transforming his life. Chris received his 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification from Jimmy Barkan. His classes are rooted in a life of discipline, adventure, and dharma.

“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 being present on the 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.

“Yoga is the perfect therapy for healing the body as well as preventing injury. Yoga makes me feel alive, and helps to anchor me in the perfect moment of NOW, on and off my mat. I've fallen in love with yoga and it brings me great joy to share this love with others.”

Danel's background as a physical therapist makes safe yoga practice number one priority, and her classes 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 your body asking for more.

Danel is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University with a Masters degree in physical therapy.  She has been a licensed physical therapist for the past 5 years, and uses yoga postures continuously to help patients in the rehabilitation of their injuries.  Knowledge of yoga asanas has been an enormous adjunct to her understanding of the human body's anatomy and biomechanics.  Danel is also a "health nut" who studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City.  She knows the importance of eating well for optimal results, not only physical results in sports, but also positive results in achieving your life's goals by creating and maintaining emotional and spiritual well-being in your life.  She recently completed her Empowered Yoga and Verge Power Yoga Teacher Training 200 hour certification 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.    

"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, for over thirty years, been devoted to helping others achieve wellness in their lives. She has practiced Iyengar, Bikram and Vinyasa styles finding at Empowered Yoga Vinyasa with Anusara alignment in a heated room- the best combination of all three! A recent graduate of OM Yoga's 200 Hour Teacher Training she currently assists with teaching the Brand New Beginners course at Empowered Yoga continuing to study with Johnny Gillespie and the other teachers at the studio.

“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.

“I practice yoga because I believe it is the “fountain of youth” for our body and mind”

Emily Howes approaches yoga the way she does her life: determination with a sense of humor. She began practicing yoga as a curious college student. Slowly, a couple of chronic injuries began to fade away and new sense of discipline and love for herself and others emerged. Her background includes dance and tennis, and she has taught both over the years. Emily believes that an open mind and heart will get you results on the mat, and you don’t have to be super spiritual or “granola” to benefit from practicing yoga. Emily’s passion and enthusiasm is contagious- be prepared to listen to great music, work your body, and most importantly- have fun!

Emily’s career is in corporate financial services. Her passion is yoga. She practiced Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga for six years in St. Augustine, Florida before moving to Wilmington and beginning practice at Empowered Yoga. She is an avid supporter of EY’s approach to yoga and credits EY with helping her break through a plateau in her personal practice. Emily recently completed the Empowered Yoga’s 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training.

"A dedicated, sustained yoga practice is the gift that keeps on giving. Practicing yoga has brought an attitude of gratitude and appreciation to the moments of my life; sharper mental clarity; greater strength and courage that allow me to meet and embrace many of life’s challenges; and trust which helps me keep an open heart.

One and a half years of private instruction in T’ai Chi introduced Ellen to the meditation/physical practice connection. She discovered Bikram Yoga in 1986, was fortunate to be able to take classes with Bikram in California, and attended a five day workshop with Rajashree Choudhury. For several years Ellen led regular group practices with friends, in her home. She’s attended various yoga and meditation workshops including those of Jimmy Barkan; the Nichtern’s; and a Tibetan Buddhist weekend with Venerable Kenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche.

Ellen Lebowitz teaches yoga as a result of her deep desire for an enlightened, compassionate and peaceful world, along with the wish to share with others 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.

“When I began the practice of yoga I approached it in a neutral manner, open-minded, and with an open heart. I admitted myself to a long run since I realized after my second BNB practice that yoga differs from all I have ever done in my life. Yoga is a gift and tool to the human kind. Cherish it. Live it. Preserve it. And buy a lot of towels!”

Frank Schneider is our on-staff German meister. His example of studentship is one for us all to follow.  Frank is a graduate of Verge Power Yoga/Empowered Yoga Teacher Training Program. Frank has extensive experience in field-and-track and in long-distance running. He competed in the German national championships during his youth and has been active ever since. Frank jumped into the Verge Brand New Beginner Series in August 2006 and since then, never looked back.

Frank is a web business technology expert at SAP Americas Inc., has several degrees in the sciences, is a trained Geologist, and lives in Ardmore, PA.

"Practicing yoga reminds me to live with an open heart. Because yoga rewards its practitioners individually, as each one best needs, teaching yoga is like giving perfect, if mysterious, gifts."

Jennifer Collison believes that teaching yoga must balance precise instruction and room for students to "go exploring," serious intention and a sense of lightness, and attention to breath, body, and spirit. She is honored to teach yoga as it has the power to transform anyone who practices it and, hence, to change the world.

After years of sacrificing exercise time to the duties of being a stay-at-home mother of three lively boys, Jennifer first experienced yoga in L.A. with her brother, a dedicated practitioner. It felt like coming home. Soon after that, she was lucky enough to find Empowered Yoga and have been practicing regularly there ever since. Though initially drawn to yoga for the way it made her body feel, she quickly grew to appreciate its other benefits: stillness, focus, the invitation to stay present, to seek grace. Jennifer is a graduate of OM Yoga’s 200 hour teacher training program as well as Next Generation Yoga's children’s yoga teacher training. Jennifer credits her peers at Empowered Yoga for inspiration; their commitment and thoughtfulness, energy, awareness, and ability to connect meaningfully to students are the qualities that make this place very special.

"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 class are filled with intentions of finding strength, stability, compassion and energy through breathe, grace and gentleness. You will deepen each practice by feeling and seeing each practice from the inside to the outside, keeping the student safe as well as giving 100% of themselves in each moment. You may smile a lot! Even laugh!

Jody started practicing yoga four years ago. He is a graduate of 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.

“Yoga is perfect fitness! I teach because I had and continue to have profound results from yoga. It has changed my life is every way possible.”

When stepping into one of Johnny’s classes expect to be grounded down in an inspirational and thought provoking theme. His classes guide you through an intense practice staying connected to the breath. You will receive methodical alignment cues while always being reminded not to take yourself too serious, just your practice! You will leave sweaty and inspired with a deeper level of clarity!

Johnny Gillespie began teaching yoga after a decade of study in the strength and conditioning field. After his first HOT yoga class he was hooked! As he did more hot yoga he began to study it like a scientist realizing the power yoga possessed. He continued with his practice while diving deeper into Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram and Vinyasa styles of Hatha Yoga. In January 2002 he founded the 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. He firmly believes that no matter what your intention for practice is, if you practice often enough you will realize it!

“Yoga is the consummate exercise for the mind and body, enough said carry on to my bio.”

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 recently completed her 200 hour certification with OM Yoga. Joyce holds Level I and II certifications in Thai Yoga Bodywork through Michael Buck and the Vedic Conservatory. Prior to here second career Joyce owned a Jazzercise franchise and taught classes for 20 years. Joyce currently teaches at Empowered Yoga, corporations and conducts private lessons at the studio.

“When I step on my mat to practice it feels like I am in a sacred space. Practicing yoga has taught me to accept myself right where I am, without judgment. My intention when I practice and teach is to be compassionate with myself and others and to try to carry that with me when I leave my mat and step out into the world. Yoga is a practice full of wisdom and when I am humble and listening I learn about myself and others.”

Students can expect an energizing Vinyasa flow style class where poses build strength, and improve balance and flexibility. You will be challenged to listen to what your body needs that day and find the balance between pushing too hard and not going deep enough. Whether you need a vigorous and energizing practice or a quieter, cooler practice various options will be given so everyone will benefit.

Kate Dupont is a graduate of Om Yoga’s 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. Kate is a registered Yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance.

"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.  Her exploration took Mara to outside activities as well, including sea kayaking, telemark skiing, and snow shoeing... it was on a rock climbing excursion in Utah that she discovered and fell in love with Pilates.

"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.

"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.

“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 from a background in classical ballet.  After nervously come to her first Brand New Beginner class in 2005, she found herself returning to her mat more and more. When she realized she was looking to take her practice further, she embarked on a journey within the Empowered Yoga Teacher Training. 

"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 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. Her love of teaching and her practice inspired her to complete the 200-hour Empowered Yoga/Verge Power Yoga teacher-training program.  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.