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 first started dabbling with yoga in my dorm room in college, during my time as a competitive athlete, but it wasn’t until I found my way into a hot power yoga studio in 2010 that I developed a passion for the practice. I was first attracted to the physical challenge of the practice but soon discovered that I was able to connect with my body and my emotions in new ways. Through yoga, I have been able to cultivate the positive in my life, to respond to challenges I’m faced with, with love. I enjoy discovering new transitions on my mat, and the feeling of peace I have at the end of practice. I earned my teaching certification through Amazing Yoga, training in 2014 and 2016, and have taken workshops with Bryan Kest and Kathryn Budig, as well as practicing Iyengar and hot power yoga. I try to bring some playfulness to my teaching while giving my students to space to explore, learn, and have fun.
Off my mat, I am a die hard sports fan, and especially love cheering for the Pens. I also spend lots time with my wonderful husband, amazing family and friends, and my yogi squad.
colleen moran
Growing up as a dancer, I took yoga classes here and there to add some variety. I always enjoyed it, but it wasn’t until after college that my yoga journey really began. The physical aspects of the practice were the initial draw, but as I continued to show up on my mat I quickly realized there was more – a lot more.
At a place in my life where I was feeling very lost and inauthentic, yoga provided the tools and teachings I needed in those exact moments. I teach to engage and challenge others to be the best version of themselves. Being able to share the
practice of yoga and make a positive impact is truly a gift. Some days are easier than others but continuing to show-up and put in the work is what really matters, both on and off the mat.
My classes are challenging yet approachable and offer an opportunity for reflection and mindfulness.
I’m 200hr certified through GoYoga in Columbus, Ohio. After receiving my certification in 2015 I began
teaching vinyasa based yoga classes. New to the Pittsburgh area as of 2017, when I found Pure Power
Yoga I knew it was going to be a special place for me. See you on your mats!
cat cantella
Hi, I’m Cat! On my mat, I love to experience the feeling of strength and trying something new. I first began to dabble in yoga as a means of stretching between workouts about 10 years ago. Since then, the process of expanding the mind with breath, and being brave enough to try something new is my driving force in my own practice.
So, in my class expect to see creative sequences, use of props, and energy in class!
Outside of yoga, I enjoy hiking with my dogs, trying out all types of fitness classes, spending time with my family, and cooking!
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!
jeremy cook
Louisiana Native and Louisiana Tech University Alumni! Over the years, I have always tried to stay active with various physical activities by running, different circuit trainings, etc. but always felt like something was missing. I wanted and needed more. In 2012 a really good friend from my hometown Ruston, Louisiana had been begging me like there was no tomorrow to try a Hot Yoga class at one of the local home studios.
At first, my perception was “this isn’t going to be for me,’’ but I try to have an opened mind with everything and will do almost anything for my friends. So I said OK! After that first night of class, I can not express to you in words how mind blown I was. It was one of the biggest “WOW” moment I have ever had and was 100% grateful for stepping outside of my comfort zone to try something new. Long story short Yoga proved me wrong. To this day I haven’t forgotten my very first class and I never will. Fast forward Eight years later, and one move to Pittsburgh that was supposed to be only two months long in 2016, I’m still going strong and there hasn’t been a week to pass where I haven’t practiced some form of Yoga. Since day one of my very first practice, I have never been more passionate about wanting to know more about something than I have Yoga.
In August of 2018 I yet again stepped out of my comfort zone and completed Level One Training Journey Into Power in Phoenicia, NY with the Baptiste Institute. Level One was one of the best Lifetime experiences and it was just the beginning. There is a lifetime of continuous learning and I’m looking forward to it. Yoga has Empowered and transformed me into a completely different person mentally and Physically in almost every aspect of my life with work, family, ect. Practice has truly allowed me to “Be a Yes, Give Up What I Must, Come from you are ready now” and I look forward to hopefully help students achieve the same experiences I’ve had over the years.
carrie murrer
Pure power yoga is where I fell in love with power vinyasa yoga. I discovered this studio a few years ago when I came home to visit my family when I was on a break from school. I became hooked instantly. And ever since I found power vinyasa yoga, I persistently sought out yoga classes wherever I was living. Fortunately for me, I had a break in my schedule and was able to pursue a yoga teacher training. I wanted to learn how to share my love of yoga with others through teaching. I hope that my passion and enthusiasm for yoga comes across whenever you take my class. Yoga is great for the body in so many ways- I hope you become hooked too! I am forever grateful for this studio.
nichelle moran
Yoga feeds my center! It creates awareness with its stillness, and defines my presence through it’s movement. I stumbled upon exactly what I needed after years of beating myself up physically and mentally. I became a certified RYT-200 in 2013 after many years of regular time spent on my mat in various studios identifying mentors throughout a brilliant yoga community!
Personally my practice has grown, and continues to shift over time. My goal is to connect a powerful flow to mindful observations with enthusiasm and joy at each breath. I want to share with each student who walks in the door a passion to find their sense of self and just enjoy the moment!
Root to rise…to greatness! Nichelle
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 spent the last 10 years diving deeper into yoga to better understand its roots and benefits, and this past year, he took his yoga practice one step further by pursuing his 200 hour yoga teacher training. Off his mat, Timmy runs a pizza blog known as ‘Slice of Joy,’ travels as often as he can, and is a lover of Taylor Swift.
Because his dance training is what brought Timmy to his mat, he loves to use those roots when sequencing his classes to incorporate choreographic-style flows and graceful transitions. When joining one of Timmy’s classes, you can expect a dynamic sequence, lots of corny jokes, and maybe a Taylor Swift song or two. After class, don’t hesitate to ask him for some local pizza recommendations to make the most of your post-yoga bliss!
jacqy huyser
Jacqy was born and raised in the Philippines. She has been residing in Pittsburgh since 2016 and that’s when her yoga journey started. It all started as a student at PPY, and from the moment she stepped on her mat she never looked back.
Through her yoga practice she was able to ground herself and live life one day at a time. She believes that every person has their own story to tell. She lives by the quote “Be curious, not judgmental” by Walt Whitman.
While her classes may be challenging at times, have no fear as she will guide you to find your breath. Off her mat, Jacqy loves to cook, eat and spend time with her daughter, Harper, and husband, Kyle. She is looking forward to meeting you on your mat!
