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.

"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.

Diana currently serves as the Director of Empowered Yoga within the Hockessin Athletic Club.

"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.

"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 practice yoga because it is the one thing in my life that I can do that aligns me on a cellular, spiritual and emotional level."

When you walk into one of Jodi's classes, the stresses of everyday life might be with you physically and mentally, but when you leave, you are a changed person. She believes that teaching the basics is the where the practice begins and ends. Jodi is a playful, loving teacher, yet believes in structure that pulsates. She believes freedom comes through the aligning of the body and mind! Jodi believes to grow, to actually change the structure of the body, it has to be a dynamic connection of concentration of mind, focus on the body and surrendering into the moment. Jodi stresses the importance of hard work and discipline. She feels that becoming a yoga teacher is such a blessing because she has been given the opportunity to help people change their lives.

Jodi Davidson completed her 200 hour Teacher Training with Johnny Gillespie and Cara Bradley in 2005-2006. A stationary sequence and a vinyasa flow were the blueprints for the asana training. She also travelled to Costa Rica with Johnny for an intensive week long retreat in 2003.

“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.

"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.

“My life would not be complete without helping others achieve a healthier lifestyle; a fitness based lifestyle is the catalyst to a more fulfilling and happier life.”

Matt Vahey joined Johnny Gillespie on his venture of starting up Johnny Fitness in 1999. Matt is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a 200-hour certified yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance. Matt is also an avid mountain biker. His knowledge of fitness and nutrition coupled with an insatiable work ethic has helped him make his way up the ranks to placing in the top 3 at the semi-pro level.

Matt is known for his amazing attitude and empathetic nature. He prides himself on keeping up with new products, developments, and trends in the fitness and nutrition industries. Matt maintains a state-of-the-art, clean, crisp fitness facility located within the Vicmead Hunt Club. He is all about teaching fitness for life; by helping you go after your objectives and keeping you focused through a good fitness and diet program.

Yoga grounds me……it not only helps me to connect with my body but has been the most positive influence on how I live my life each day.“

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!!

"Every time I come to my mat if feels like it is New Years' DAY! Every class provides a chance to begin anew, to look at things with a fresh eye, to re-establish balance, direction and focus in an often too crazy world."

When attending Patti's class expect individualized attention making the class ideal for beginners and advanced students alike. Patti seeks to instill the importance of breath and alignment in her students and will surely push you to the edge both mind and body. Patti believes through the study of alignment one can begin to connect and upwind unwanted patterns within; inevitably grounding you down into your own magical experience!

Patti Zolnick has been in the fitness industry for 15 years. As an avid hiker, climber, biker and competitive tennis player, she physically toned and pushed her body her whole life. Yet, something was always missing. Yoga became her 'perfect chord' by combining a perfect set of exercises with the wonderful spiritual and meditative qualities that provided an escape from her hectic schedule connecting her to what really mattered. She immediately became a regular student at Empowered Yoga. Patti studied with Johnny in Costa Rica as well as completed a 200-hour teacher certification from OM Yoga. She hopes to continue the long process of yoga education with the same vigor that she brings to everything in her life.

“I practice yoga to be in tune with the spirit of life within me- by breathing consciously and watching my thoughts. Practicing yoga helps develop my strength and flexibility cultivating the optimum functioning of my physical body.”

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.

“I love to move my body and sweat. Fitness has got to be fun yet challenging! I believe the foods you put into your body play a huge role in creating the BEST YOU!”

Sara Gillespie will knock you over every workout with her gorgeous and contagious smile. She loves to combine many different exercise disciplines into a challenging and stimulating workout. The laughter can soften the intensity of her workouts which can be very tough.

Sara's love for human movement began at an early age of 4 when she began her youth career as a swimmer. Throughout her youth Sara excelled in swimming as well as on the track as a sprinter. She attended the University of Maryland on an athletic scholarship and graduated with a degree in Kinesiology, which is the study of human movement. Sara taught Physical Education for several years before joining Johnny Fitness. Sara is also passionate about yoga and has studied the Anusara method with Moses Brown and Kathleen Hogan.