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. He has worked with the University of Delaware football and lacrosse teams as a yoga coach and is a national presenter on yoga and fitness. Johnny is currently writing a book entitled, Balanced Athlete, which explores the principles of yoga and his philosophy of creating the balanced athlete.

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!!

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.

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.