annie yokitis

I established Pure Power Yoga in 2014.  I wanted to create a space where people would feel welcomed and empowered.  A space where people could experience the transforming powers of the practice that enriches my life on a daily basis.  A space where others are inspired to embark on a yoga journey of their own.

I graduated from Alderson-Broaddus University where I studied biology.  I initially planned to attend medical school, but it turns out that God had a different plan for my life.  Always having a passion for health and wellness, I opened a personal training company upon graduation in 2009.  Yoga had been a part of my weekly regimen since I was 17 years old, but my “bread and butter” workouts consisted mainly of high intensity interval training.

In 2012 I began to delve deeper into the practice of yoga and decided to attend teacher training with Baron Baptiste in Sedona, AZ.  It was life changing.  I began teaching at several studios in the Pittsburgh area, but knew that I eventually wanted to open a studio in the Robinson area.  When I saw the small “for rent” sign in the window on Campbells Run Road in 2015 I knew it was the perfect location.

Fast forward to today.  We have grown from an empty corner spot into an AMAZING yoga community that uplifts and supports each other. We have 10+ knowledgeable, talented yoga instructors on our roster.  But best of all, we have a space where people can show up – just as they are – to move, to breathe, and to grow.  Whether you are a seasoned yoga practitioner, or have no idea what a “down-dog” looks like, you are welcome HERE.

My classes are sweaty, challenging, and have bumpin’ playlists (well at least I think so!).  I love to mix up my sequencing to keep students’ on their toes, so there’s a good chance that you won’t get the same class twice.  I absolutely love what I do and can’t wait to share this amazing practice with you!

I started my yoga journey in 2012 with not much of an understanding of what yoga truly was, let alone Power Yoga. At first I was just looking for a new way to occupy my time. It didn’t take long for it to become something so much more than that. 

After understanding how we can hold feelings, emotions and tension in the body I began to incorporate yoga into my daily life. Not only did I do this for myself and personal wellbeing but also into my work, proving just how accessible and adaptable yoga can actually be. Working in mental health, I love being able to help teach the tools needed for self regulation, as well as the understanding and ability to bring awareness into the breath and body. AND I also love providing the space to let you explore your boundaries in a challenging and physical way.

In addition to a 200 hr teaching training, I have multiple trauma informed yoga certifications.

stacey schaeffer

I began practicing yoga in 2001 while living in Chicago.  I was going through some difficult situations in my life at that time and yoga just came naturally. I experimented with a few different styles: Bikram, Anusara, Ashtanga , Iyengar and eventually moved back to Pittsburgh in 2007 and became certified as an instructor in 2016. I started coming to PPY a few years ago and just fell in love with this community. A dedicated home space and daily morning practice help me to stay centered and focus for my job as a hospice nurse which can be emotionally and physically exhausting .
I love it when I hear people say that yoga is just ‘stretching’. Yoga to me is the harmony of breath and movement and when they come together the right way it becomes effortless and results are life changing both on and off your mat. I look forward to the opportunity to teach here at PPY and be part of this amazing community!

timmy joy

Timmy was born and raised in the Pittsburgh region and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Throughout his youth, Timmy trained in various forms of dance, including ballet, jazz, and acrobatics, and it was during his years as a dancer that he was first introduced to yoga as a compliment to his training.
Though his involvement in dance grew to an end, Timmy continued to crave movement that combined flexibility, balance, muscle coordination, and a sense of grace – movement he is grateful to have found on his yoga mat.
Timmy has offered classes at Pure Power Yoga since 2021, and in 2023 he was named an Ambassador of Yoga for Lululemon.

jackie sciulli

I walked into my first yoga class in 2012, not knowing a thing about yoga, but hopeful I would find the stress relief I was craving while in nursing school. I was hooked. Since then, my appreciation for yoga has grown exponentially, not only for the physical benefits, but the mental benefits as well.
I completed my Level One training with Amazing Yoga in 2021 and plan to take my level two training soon. I am thankful for the instructors that have given me guidance and have become mentors along the way. I have gained not only yogi friends, but a wonderful yoga community that is supportive and encouraging. I hope that my love of yoga is transparent during my classes and inspires your own practice.
Off my mat, I love to spend time with my family, eat and make pasta, and find myself outdoors as much as possible.

leigh garbo-minniefield

Leigh Garbo-Minniefield’s heart is to serve and support others through healthy movement and provide a space for overall health and wellness.Leigh accredits yoga and her faith for laying the groundwork for her own personal healing; she fought a 15-year battle with an eating disorder as a young adult. As a result of this practice and her faith, Leigh is strong, confident, and lives and maintains a healthy lifestyle. Leigh believes that yoga allowed her to become more mindful overall & create healthy relationships with herself, with food, and with her personal relationships, all while reconciling the damaging thoughts associated with this disorder. Leigh possesses an attitude of gratitude both on and off the mat. She is passionate about sharing what she has learned and wants to support others on leading a healthy lifestyle.

Leigh has obtained three ~200hr Yoga Certifications through Amazing Yoga, Yoga Flow & Carson Calhoun Online Teacher Training and is currently researching 500hr trainings. Although she has taught various styles of yoga, her favorite is a leading a Power Vinyasa Yoga class.

She also has a bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from Duquesne University, is a certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Coach.

Leigh’s other titles include Wife, Mama, Polynesian Dancer and Follower of God. Leigh and her husband, Jacques, reside in Greentree, PA with their four precious sons.

nicole loncaric

Dancing, tumbling, or cheerleading in some capacity since the first grade, yoga seemed like a natural fit for Nicole when slowly returning to physical activity after tearing her ACL in 2017. Initially a low impact way to move her body, yoga has grown to fill up more and more space in her life over the years. Having personally experienced the physical and mental benefits of the practice, Nicole feels honored to share yoga with others and guide her students on their mats.In Nicole’s classes you can expect an engaging blend of movement and stillness with plenty of opportunities to explore or to settle in. Nicole likes to remind her students that everything she offers throughout their practice is a suggestion: take what you need; leave what you don’t.

When she’s not on her mat, you can find Nicole baking, cooking, cuddling her cats, rewatching New Girl, Sex and the City, and Gilmore Girls, or spending time with her husband.

amber wasko

I first stepped foot into a yoga studio in 2008 and haven’t looked back. Yoga has always been “my place” where I can leave all of life’s stressors outside and just breathe, be and re-connect. Now that my daughter is older, I decided that it was my time to commit to getting my teacher certification so that I can share my passion for yoga with the community!

I completed my level one 100 hour training with Amazing Yoga and will be completing my 200 hour level training in April of 2025. I am looking forward to sharing my love of yoga with you in class!

 

 

ameera venkataraman

My yoga journey started in 2018 and has been constant ever since.

Simply put, I see yoga as a radical release. By encouraging non-attachment (aparigraha) in my classes, my mission is to help students foster a true, organic connection of the mind, body and spirit, guided through breath and movement. I intentionally foster a vibrant community of inclusivity and warmth in every class with the hope that my students find a place of inner contentment and release in their yoga practice while staying open to realizations that can be taken off the mat. I truly believe that yoga is a lifelong journey of release and connection; a radical release.

I received my 200-hour yoga teaching certification from The Om Lounge & Wellness studio in 2022 and have been teaching ever since. Outside of the studio you can find me spending time with my family, exploring other group fitness classes or hunting down the best local coffee shops.