Meet The Yoga Den Studio Instructors
Michelle Bucci
Michelle’s first experience with yoga was in college in 2000. She decided to take Hatha Yoga as her gym class and was immediately intrigued. She enjoyed everything about it, from the postures, to the breathing exercises, to the way it made her feel afterward. She grew extremely fond of her teacher and the sense of overall balance and peacefulness she radiated. Although she truly enjoyed Hatha Yoga, it wasn’t until she discovered Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga in 2005 that she fell head over heels in love with the practice.
Michelle had always been very athletic, dabbling in running, strength conditioning, boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but NOTHING compared to the physical and mental effect that Power Yoga brought to her. It didn’t take long for Michelle to begin practicing 3 times a week. She rapidly came to the conclusion that she wanted to teach. Michelle signed up for teacher training in 2006, but was unable to attend due to the pregnancy of her first child. She had to put her dreams of becoming an instructor on hold, knowing that when the time was right it would happen. After having her second child Michelle decided her time was NOW! If not now, when? She completed her teacher training in Philadelphia at Power Yoga Works in the summer of 2011, and received her 200 RYT. Michelle also trained with Baron Baptiste completing her Baptiste Level One Certification in February 2012. Michelle deepened her teaching skills with the Art of Assisting from the Baptiste Power Institute in August 2012 and she completed her Baptiste Level Two Certification in September 2012. Michelle is happily married with two beautiful children: Joey, 5, and Jada, 2. She is a graphic designer and also works for her husband’s jewelry store, Bucci’s Jewelry & Design.
Rachel Brennan
In 2011, looking for a good workout, Rachel, took her first yoga class. Around that time, she had been feeling the wrath of what she calls “quarter-life crisis”, constantly asking herself… “Who am I? What am I doing? What do I believe? What is my purpose? Is there a plan for me? And, does any of it really matter?”That day, she immediately took notice of the invigorating and overwhelming sense of groundedness and peace that she felt on the mat. The instructors words, “Be where you are right now and let go of everything else”, really struck a chord with her. Naturally,
that calm feeling began to dissipate off the mat, so she went back for more and continues to do so for the peace of mind, that, in her eyes, only yoga can bring. Plus, the strength and flexibility that come along with it are a nice bonus. Rachel completed her 200-hour vinyasa certification at Dana Hot Yoga. Her teaching style, much like her life, is always a work in progress- changing, flowing, and growing. Her goal is always to energize, strengthen and challenge her students, and hopefully, help them feel that sense of groundedness she so cherishes. Aside from practicing and teaching yoga, Rachel, is studying to become a certified sign language interpreter. She is also a professional actor/singer, teaching artist, and most importantly, a wife & mommy.
Kristy Mitchell
Kristy first discovered yoga in 2006. She’d always been active in outdoor sports, so going indoors to exercise was never on the radar. After struggling with back pain for awhile, she finally decided to take her friends up on their suggestions to try yoga. She entered the studio skeptically, but left completely addicted to the practice. It wasn’t long before she was practicing three to four times per week.Soon, she began to feel fantastic physically, lost weight, and found a sense of calm that she had been lacking. That’s when she decided she wanted to share this
wonderful practice with others and signed up for teacher training.When she’s not teaching, Kristy enjoys spending time with her husband and cats, traveling the world, and being outdoors as much as possible.
Janice Epting
Janice has always had a passion for sports and exercise. She played college level field hockey, has been training for long distance runs and learning all she can about good nutrition and exercise. However, she has just recently discovered the benefits of yoga for herself and children. Watching her daughter and nephew take part in child yoga classes made her realize that teaching yoga to children would be fun and rewarding.
Sharing this positive and enlightening activity with children helps foster a love for physical activity, strengthen their imagination and heighten their self-esteem, all in a noncompetitive environment. In July 2012, Janice completed a certification course in child yoga through Child Light Yoga and is ready to share her classes with The Yoga Den’s Jr Yogis!
Gretchen Myhre Hasson
Gretchen has been in the service and spa industry since 1991. Graduating from a leading skin care school in 1996, she worked for a husband and wife dermatology team for a year, providing Dr. level peels, microdermabrasion and pre/ post operative care for patients recovering from skin cancer and CO2 laser peels. Discovering yoga in 2001 began a whole new path, looking at the body as a whole working unit. Gretchen began teaching in 2004 and found comfort in assisting her students with her hands.
Her passion for the body and how it moves has leaded her to massage as therapy and not just for relaxation. Gretchen has worked with pro athletes, runners, and Mom’s to assist them in daily activities and sports training. She is dedicated to serving the needs of her clients and students by blending Yoga and Massage into her classes and private work. Sequencing Vinyasa and therapeutic styles of yoga to aid the body in opening with compassion in an organic way. Gretchen is a hospice volunteer in Chester County. Offering massage to patients and their families. The power of touch is amazing. Anatomy and kinesiology is her specialty and passion.
Chris Humbles CPT
Performance enhancement and training has been a part of my life for the past 30 years, in one form or another. Whether as a college football and track All-American, a United States Marine, or Training others to meet and exceed their performance and fitness goals. The joy in this for me, is in being of service to others to help them succeed, because that is where I find my happiness.
Tasha Parry
Tasha was quickly drawn to Hot Yoga’s restorative benefits because she has been active most of her life, has experienced a few running injuries and worked in a fast-paced corporate environment. Tasha loves the vigorous full-body workout Hot Vinyasa offers — especially the opportunity of always testing your edge by taking poses deeper and to the next level. While developing a regular practice in 2011 she pleasantly noticed her mind began to silence unnecessary chatter and stress levels decreased
and stress levels decreased after observing both mental and physical benefits from yoga, Tasha took her practice to the next level by completing her 200 Hour Teaching Certificate in June 2012 at Dana Hot Yoga. Tasha enrolled with the desire of giving back to the yoga community.
Tasha’s classes mirror her love of yoga. Her all-levels classes are challenging, destressing and FUN!
Off the mat, Tasha enjoys traveling and living in the moment with family and friends
Alicia Rudolph
After completing the Philadelphia Marathon in 2011, Alicia Rudolph was ready for a break from running and was happy to have more time back in her schedule for yoga. Until then yoga had been more of a hobby than a priority. That changed in January 2012 when Alicia registered for the 200 hour Registered Teacher Training at Dana Hot Yoga in Bala Cynwyd. Teacher training was a great way for Alicia to deepen her personal practice both physically and mentally, providing not only a great workout, but also a great release from stress.
One of her favorite things is to hear is how good new students feel after discovering yoga, and she shares these stories often, encouraging those around her to get themselves to a mat. Alicia encourages students to find the path that speaks best to their own body and mind, while challenging them to set goals to work to.
In addition to yoga, Alicia is an avid traveler and makes sure to find new studios while on the road, most recently practicing and teaching a class in Germany.
Nicole Werner
An avid runner, Nik went to her first yoga class in Albany, NY in 1999 to stretch her tight muscles and condition her mind to run longer distances. She sampled a variety of yoga styles including Ashtanga, Hatha, Bikram, and most influential, Power Vinyasa at the Cambridge, MA Baptiste studio in 2001. “I simply loved the practice. It challenged me physically, it was fun, and I found myself integrating the meditative aspects into my life on AND off the mat. That’s when I knew yoga was much more than a way to stay in shape.”
Nik began practicing at Power Yoga Works in Philadelphia in 2003, completed teacher training in the spring of 2006, is a 200 hour RYT. She continues to run, completing the Chicago marathon in 2004, and can be found in the pool or on her road bike getting ready for a triathlon. She is particularly sensitive to the needs of runners, swimmers and other athletes.
“I teach yoga because I know how powerful the transformation can be and am honored to be part of others journey. This practice provides so many opportunities to grow – physically and mentally. I try to take it all one breath at a time and not take myself too seriously, encouraging my class to do the same.”
Nik is a healthcare management consultant and most enjoys time on the trail with her family, Mike, Michael, Mary and yellow dog Bruiser. She is looking forward to participating in the University of Pennsylvania’s Mindfulness Meditation program this winter.
Emily L.
As a fitness coach I take people's goals and physical needs seriously when they are working with me, while sending them off with a smile. A very sweaty, exhausted smile, but a smile none-the-less. I am a high-intensity coach and want my clients to work as hard as they can for as long as they can while doing a workout I design for them.
I'm so driven by the outcome of a fulfilling workout love motivating others!
I always make time for hot yoga, love pushing prowlers, and see my own personal trainer at least once a week. When I am not grinding it out at the gym, I am at my sewing machine creating fashion accessories like the Yoga Mat Carriers you can find at The Yoga Den!
Christopher Timberlake
In 2010 Chris was sitting at work one day....and had a thought of helping other people out in a different way besides being a caregiver for mentally challenged adults. Saw a commericial about massage therapy...made the call to Lincoln Techincal Institute. Chris completed the 720 hr massage course with a 4.0 GPA and Suma Cum Laude. He enjoyed his course and the people that he met. With school, work and baby on the way Chris was busy as he could be.
And after graduation Chris still worked and started to build his massage business in Philadelphia and growing to surrounding areas. And now being able to help others in another way now....Chris is in another space in his life. When giving massages it's like being in another place to be able to help heal those aching muscles and stressful times. About after in the massage world for now 2 1/2 yrs Chris has added the peaceful feeling to his everyday life and being a dad. And now being apart of the Yoga Den family....another chapter is about to begin.
And when Chris is not doing massages for Knead A Touch Massage Therapy...he likes to play games and read with his 2 yr old son, play sports, stay up on current events, workout, enjoy great food and relax when possible.
Joe Nowlan
ERYT 200/Certified TRX/Personal Instructor Although he wasn’t sure he’d make it through his first down dog, Joe’s first yoga class, a birthday present in 2001, hooked him from the start. “I was shaking and the sweat was pouring off of me,” Joe remembers. He began taking classes once a week and worked up to practicing every other day. In his early twenties Joe was in a car accident which caused serious trauma to his body. As a result, he often wasn’t present in his body during times of stress. Yoga introduced Joe to his breath and its ability to unite the mind, body and spirit.
During a challenging asana, Joe stays present by keying in on the teacher’s breathing instruction. Once, after practice, a teacher suggested the Power Yoga Works (PYW) teacher training to Joe, and a seed was planted. In 2007 he earned his YTT, became a member of the PYW teaching team, and volunteered to assist in the Sunday and Monday afternoon all level classes at PYW in Malvern.
These experiences enhanced and reinforced his training. Along with teaching classes, assisting in teacher training, developing and hosting workshops, Joe has assisted in local All Day Immersion with Baron Baptiste.
Give it your all to discover more about yourself through your practice is the example Joe sets when he teaches. He hopes that everyone leaves his or her mat a little lighter, and inspired to live from a deeper place of gratitude.
Rebekah Rhodes
Rebekah aka Bekki works full-time as the Director of Finance and HR for a Technology company in the Blue Bell Area. While she is not crunching numbers, her love for her children (daughters Elisabeth and Anie) has and will always keep her moving, therefore being fit and healthy allows her to keep up with the demands of being a mother. If Bekki is not running the kids around or teaching Barre, you will find her in a spinning class, TRX or Yoga. After training for over a year and receiving her Barre certification through Ballerobica,
Bekki is excited to offer you a fun, upbeat and challenging “Oh yeah!! I can feel that!!” type of class. We guarantee you will leave feeling graceful, two inches taller, sweaty and always with a smile. In addition to teaching at the Yoga Den, Bekki is an instructor at Aim High Studio in Collegeville where she continues to enjoy her passions.
Jillian Bussey
As a lifelong runner, Jillian initially sought out the yoga practice in 2001 for the physical benefits of the practice. She immediately became enamored with the practice, feeling immediate, positive changes: physically, mentally and emotionally. Having studied the Humanities at Villanova University Jillian always craved to understand humans: our relation to each other, society, the world, a higher power, and of course how people consider themselves. Jillian found the yoga practice to be a similar discipline and appreciates the focus on connection: the physical movement and breathing connecting with the mental/emotional practice through the heart; she began to notice her connection with herself and others deepen. The way yoga changed her perspective led Jillian to want to share this gift with others. She enrolled in an Anusara-inspired yoga teacher training at Focus Fitness in Bryn Mawr, PA and became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) in 2013 and has hopes to continue on in a 500 hour training to practice Yoga Therapy this year. It is her hope that she will inspire others to utilize the yoga practice to make positive strides in their own life and that they leave her classes feeling cared for and important.
Jullia Paddison
Julia began her yoga practice in early 2011 as a supplement to running while training for a half marathon. It didn't take long before she began to feel all of the benefits of yoga; consistently feeling physically stronger and more at peace in her mind. Julia has always been drawn to healthy life style choices and activities, so it's no surprise that she fell in love with yoga.
To deepen her practice and to follow her dreams of becoming a yoga teacher, she enrolled in the 200 Hour Teacher Training Program at Dana Hot Yoga. After completing her training in 2012, Julia feels more passionate than ever about yoga and loves sharing her passion with others through teaching.
Rachael Lee Meek
Rachael began her yoga journey in high school practicing along to her mom’s exercise videos and continued during college gym classes. It wasn’t until she moved to Philadelphia and began working near a studio that she attended a hot yoga class. She was instantly addicted to the energy of the practice and the grounding effect it had over her both on and off the mat. In 2009, after completing grad school, she finally found the time to start a teacher training program at Power Yoga Works. Rachael has since been teaching at studios in the Philadelphia area and eventually completed her 200 RYT certification in 2011. She loves the strong community yoga provides and can be found practicing and attending workshops all over the region . Be ready to sweat and smile in Rachael’s classes! She loves the heat and flow of the power vinyasa style and likes to incorporate strengthening and balancing asanas. While she expects her students to show up and work hard Rachael likes to keep her classes light and fun. She believes that every time you come to your mat you should leave it feeling more focused, lighter, and at peace. In addition to teaching yoga, Rachael is also a holistic health coach and supports people to incorporate healthy habits into their daily lives. Rachael also enjoys running, cooking healthy meals and traveling as much as possible!
Diana Sweeney
Diana has been a student of movement for the majority of her life. Formally trained in dance since the age of five, Diana was eventually selected to instruct first at her home studio and then eventually for the community dance program while earning her undergraduate degree at Muhlenberg College. Shortly after earning her degree and moving to the Philadelphia area, Diana discovered Pilates and found it to be a great supplement to her dance training. Recognizing her desire to share it with others, Diana was certified to teach Mat Pilates in 2005. She taught at a variety of venues throughout the area while in grad school at Villanova University, including multiple yoga studios where she occasionally took class and got her first taste of vinyasa yoga. Unfortunately, it never quite stuck until Diana took her first hot yoga class in Sept 2011 at Dana Hot Yoga. She firmly believes that people find yoga (and stick with it!!) when they need it the most. At the time, Diana was struggling with being an unemployed high school teacher, unsure of when she'd land her next teaching gig and get back in the classroom. She needed the mental peace and guidance that she quickly found while spending consistent time on the mat. As Diana has told many friends and relatives who don't practice, it has quite literally changed her life!! As with Pilates, Diana realized she wanted to share her love of the practice with others, which led to her participation in Dana Hot Yoga's 250 hour teacher training program during the spring of 2013. Her experience was more transformative than she could have ever imagined, physically, mentally, and spiritually, which continues to affect her life even today. She can't wait to see you on the mat, hoping to help you develop your own love of the practice!!
Sarah Pitrus
I fell in love with yoga in 2008 when I wandered into a class at a gym. Soon I was taking different classes in various studios to investigate which styles resonated most deeply with me. I completed my 200 hour teaching training through Yoga Fit in 2010. My most influential and transformative yoga experience occurred when I attended Baron Baptiste’s Level One training in 2010. I have since attended other workshops presented through the Baptiste Power Yoga Institue, including Art of Assisting in 2012 and Advanced Art of Assisting in 2014. I completed Power Yoga Work’s 500 hour teacher training in 2013.
Having spent most of my life in an ongoing process to overcome depression and anxiety, my favorite benefits of yoga include greater clarity of thought and emotion, as well as improved self-esteem. I enjoy how surpassing previous limits during class is an inspiration for success and confidence in everyday life. I intend my classes to be friendly yet challenging, while encouraging mindfulness of the breath and body.
Carl Plant
Carl makes it a personal goal to ensure that all of his students work to their fullest potential and feel good about what they are accomplishing. He began his journey to good health 8 years ago when he decided to make a difference in his life and shed nearly 130 pounds. After completing his fourth marathon, he decided that he enjoyed exercising so much that he made it part of his career.
Carl has a deep connection with the art of Yoga. He began expanding his training repertoire by completing his certification in Baptiste Yoga. His classes are unique by combining the ancient tradition with a modern athletic angle. Yoga has given him a true definition of spirituality. It has grounded him and has helped him physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In addition, Carl is also an AAAI Certified Spin Instructor, and holds certifications in TRX, Insanity, and Barre. He was also recently nominated for the 2014 AAAI Fitness Trainer of the Year.
Caitlin McCormick
Caitlin found yoga after a car accident when she was 18. She tried months of physical therapy with no progress. She began going to a yoga class once a week and started seeing a difference immediately. Years later after having a baby she got back into power yoga. It made a tremendous difference on not only getting back into shape but to help with postpartum.
In the Winter of 2013, She finally decided to dive into the teacher training program at Power Yoga Works. Teaching has been extremely fulfilling for Caitlin. She loves seeing progress in her students and sharing this knowledge with everyone.
When not practicing, Caitlin loves spending time with her family