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

"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 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

“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.

Dan Griffin

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

“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, E-RYT-200

“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.

Emily Howes

“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.

Ellen Lebowitz, RYT-200

"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.

Heather Patricco, RYT-200

“I discovered yoga in 2003, just after my son was born. Having been a gymnast in high school, I’ve always been flexible, but yoga taught me much more about how to listen to what my body was telling me. I became addicted to “hot yoga” and haven’t found anything else yet that compares. In fact, when we moved to Delaware, one of my requirements for a home was that it be a short distance to a yoga studio!”

Heather Patricco’s classes contain specific cues that relate directly to how each pose affects your breath and your body. Each class is infused with mindful music and a mix of thoughtful insightful as well as purposeful silence. When you leave class, you will feel relaxed, yet invigorated.

Having practiced yoga for three years in New Jersey, Heather searched far and wide in Delaware to find a place and practice that “fit.” After her first class at Empowered Yoga, she knew she was home. She registered for the Yoga Teacher Training program one month later and loved every minute of it! She is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher, completing the Empowered Yoga YTT program in March of 2008. Heather has also participated in children’s yoga training at Little Flower Yoga in NYC and currently leads children’s yoga classes for fourth and fifth graders in the elementary school where she is a full-time teacher.

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 500

“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

“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

"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, E-RYT

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

Bio coming soon.

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

"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.

Marilyn Eller, RYT-200

“When we practice yoga, we are our true selves. Yoga heals the body and calms the mind, and has taught me patience, compassion and much more. Yoga has changed my life.”

Marilyn Eller teaches the importance of constant attention to the breath which makes yoga unique from other forms of exercise. Also, the importance of connecting the breath to the movements of the body while doing your best to maintain proper alignment.

After teaching group fitness classes, step aerobics, low impact aerobics, etc., at the gym, Marilyn developed an interest in yoga and began studying. She has been teaching yoga since 2000. Marilyn has a 200 hour certification from The Spirit of Yoga in West Chester Pa., and most recently completed a 200 hour certification with Empowered Yoga.

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

"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. 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

"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, RYT-200

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

“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.

Susan May, RYT-200

"Yoga keeps me centered, balanced, and calm. No matter what challenges life tosses my way, I can always rely on my mat to bring me back into focus and peace of mind."

Susan May's classes are both light-hearted and fun, with uplifting music and a strong sense of self-awareness. Susan encourages students to drop out of their minds and into the current moment.

Susan attended her first yoga class as a birthday gift in 2008 and has never looked back. She signed up for the Brand New Beginner Course after that very first practice. She loves how the practice of yoga compliments her strength training as well as the positive impact it has made on her spirit, affecting her both physically and mentally. Susan completed the Empowered Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program in March of 2010.

Susan Schwartz, RYT-200

"Yoga continues to light the path on my journey Yoga when practiced on and off the mat, is truly transformative and healing."

Susan Schwartz' classes are infused with a rhythm and a true sense of flow. Her direction is clear and encouraging to all students to challenge themselves. Susan infuses her classes with uplifting and inspiring music. Susan's love of physical movement began at age 4 when she began studying ballet, tap and jazz. She began the study of yoga in 2001, loving the obvious connection she found with dance. It wasn't until 2004, however, and the birth of her son that she began a serious practice at Empowered Yoga.

It was during this time that she came to yoga for some deeper healing on the emotional level, already aware of the awesome physical benefits. Her healing journey continues on every level through her dedicated practice and teaching. Susan completed the Empowered Yoga Teacher Training in March of 2008. She feels both honored and humbled every day to be a part of the incredible community of teachers and students at Empowered Yoga.

Tom Shea

“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.

Zach Plerhoples

“In yoga, my practice has become my life. Every day, and in almost every situation, yoga has had a serious impact in how I act and react physically, mentally, and spiritually. From the way I eat, sleep, work, drive, etc…it has all been affected by the practice of mindfulness. I cannot imagine my future without the passionate practice of life that is yoga.”

Zach Plerhoples is a teacher who is dedicated to integrating the body, mind, and spirit into one wise and gentle force that flows within the world around us. His classes will bring an attentive eye to the physical body of a practice that, with time, can translate into a path towards mental clarity.

When Zach found Yoga in the early Fall of 2007, he dipped one toe into the figurative yoga pool. Within the next few months he was doing three point dives with 180 degree twists. The more he practiced, the more he realized he didn’t know, but he was ready to learn. Zach has studied western science as well as eastern Yoga Science. The more he learns the better he becomes as a teacher, boyfriend, friend, co-worker and son. Zach continues to grow as he follows his own path in this beautiful thing we call life.

Zach completed the Empowered Yoga Teacher Training in March of 2009.