Monica is an artist, musician and yoga teacher from Lancaster, PA. She was first introduced to yoga as a teenager and loved it for its ability to ground her and bring her peace of mind. She slowly found herself coming to her mat more and more until one day, she realized yoga had simply become a part of her life. She is honored and humbled to be able to hold space for others as they walk their path. She currently resides in Lancaster, PA where she teaches a weekly Rising Sun Vinyasa at West End Yoga, as well as donation based classes around town in the summer.

“Becoming a yoga teacher was something I always envisioned as a very distant goal, but a series of life rattling events in the fall of 2013 left me wondering, how exactly are we to live in this body, to embody this life? This inquiry sparked a journey to Pavones Yoga Center in Costa Rica where, under the loving direction of Indira Kate Kalmbach, I spent January of 2014 completing my 200 Hour Multidimensional Yoga Teacher Training. In awe of the growth and healing that had taken place within my heart, yet feeling I still had work to do, I returned to Pavones in March for a series of intensives including in depth studies in Anatomy (with guest teacher Ray Long), Integrative Healing Yoga Therapy, The Art of Flow, and Reiki Levels I and II (with Avani Gilbert Ramirez of OM Puerto Viejo). I am a graduate of Pavones Yoga Center at the 500 Hour Level. Since completing my trainings in Costa Rica, I attended a Yin Yoga training in Arlington, VA, also with Indira. The yoga I teach is heavily inspired by the deep transformation I experienced on a spiritual level while immersing myself in these studies in Costa Rica, surrounded by jungle and ocean. It was here that I adopted the Sanskrit name of Soma, for its meaning "moon rays."

Immediately following my trainings, I spent a month living in Pavones and began teaching donation classes at the studio. I left Costa Rica in May and moved to Block Island, Rhode Island for the summer to teach  Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga and Candlelight Yoga with Reiki at Elevation Studio. I have now been teaching yoga for almost two years and I can't imagine my life without it. In addition to teaching at West End Yoga, the last year has brought me opportunities to teach in retreat, office, and one-on-one settings. I love teaching yoga in different settings because in yoga, no matter where we are coming from, we get to come home to ourselves-- and in this place, open up to the abundance of our loving universe. To share in this experience of divine love is the ultimate gift.”

Stephanie studied Yogic Philosophy, Pranayama, and Meditation in the Buddhist heartland of Dharamsala, India, where she earned her 200 hr yoga teacher training at Chinmay Yoga in 2019. She is trained in Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga, and holds a certification in Reiki. She has spent the past 3 years backpacking through Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central and South America. During her travels, she volunteered as an English teacher and Yoga Instructor to underprivileged children in the Himalayas and taught surf yoga in Baleal, Portugal. Stephanie is a Lancaster native who has a deep love for nature and the many colorful cultures of the world around her. She is currently working on her degree in Environmental Science and a second certification in Reiki.

When my local fitness center offered yoga, I jumped at the chance to try.  I was hooked.  After practicing on and off for several years I embarked on the journey of learning.  I received my 200-hour training at Evolution Power Yoga in Lancaster.  Shortly after that I went on to acquire my 300-hour training through Create Karma in Lancaster.  I have since become certified in Yin Yoga from Nectar & Nurture Yoga (Ryah Dekis).   I have become certified in both Chair and Restorative Yoga from Ignite Power Yoga in York.  I find it interesting that the person trained in accounting who avoided biology in college is now spending time learning more about the anatomy and in particular, fascia.  Additionally, I am focusing on comprehending my Ayurveda training to be able to help myself and others.  I continue to take courses online with Yoga International and Yoga Alliance to further my knowledge.

I encourage my students to honor their own body and engage to their own personal ability.  I have always wanted yoga to be accessible to everyone.  My flow is slower as I found I need more time to “land” in the pose.  I encourage use of props.  I want students to have fun in the class, too.  I love how the use of a prop can bring a difficult pose into an attainable pose.  

I live with my husband, an elderly dog and 2 cats who appeared as kittens on our property.  Besides doing yoga, reading about yoga, learning about yoga, I enjoy reading, gardening, and cooking.  I enjoy being outside and find it refreshes me.

Neida started her Yoga path with the goal of “taking 40 by the throat”. She pushed herself through heated Hatha styles of yoga growing stronger and more flexible as her practice grew. Her focus was attaining and holding the perfect posture, maintaining balance and alignment. She began taking more and more challenging classes at a variety of local and distant studios. With eyes towards becoming stronger and a desire to share yoga with others, Neida studied to become a Certified Yoga Teacher at Gateway Bodyworks and Wellness Center. It was there that she found a match to the Yang of her practice; the gentle Yin of her teaching. She went on to become certified in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Ballet Barre Connect. Neida has developed a beautiful style at the boundaries of a traditional Western class. She includes the rituals of mudra, breath, and motion in synchronicity, while encouraging her students to reach for the highest versions of themselves. Don’t be fooled though, she still moonlights as the tough one.

Helene Williams is a registered nurse, Reiki Teacher/Practitioner and published author.  She received her BSN from Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and is a graduate teacher of the International House of Reiki.  Her background in nursing includes oncology, hospice and orthopedic nursing. Helene has over ten years of experience providing Reiki sessions in a hospital setting and has a well-established private practice where she provides sessions and teaches classes.  She has presented information on Reiki and holistic health care at national nursing conferences, participated in a hospital-based Reiki research study, implemented and facilitated a hospital Reiki Volunteer Program and in 2013 established the Lancaster Community Reiki Clinic. She has six years of experience providing Reiki for Caring Hospice Services and actively volunteers at the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, PA, where she leads weekly Reiki infused mindful meditations. She is currently enrolled in the two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program facilitated by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.

I share my 20+ years of experience, which is comprised of a Master's in Education, two yoga teacher trainings, several retreats, and classes from over 30 different instructors.  Click here to learn more about me.

Katie is a physician and yoga instructor based in Lancaster, PA.  She started regularly attending yoga classes while studying medicine in Philadelphia, discovering the stress-relieving power of the practice.  Katie was a student at West End Yoga for 5 years before deciding to follow her passion to become a yoga instructor in 2020.  She wholeheartedly believes in the healing power of yoga for the mind, body, and spirit.  She completed a 200-hour certification program with Create Karma in Lancaster, PA.  Katie enjoys exploring healthy living and is passionate about sharing the benefits of nutrition, exercise, and meditation with her patients.  Outside of yoga, she loves reading and participating in book clubs.  Katie feels at peace when spending time in nature and enjoys exploring wooded trails.  She likes to travel and hopes to make it to every continent in the world one day.  Katie is a cat mom with a guilty pleasure for murder mysteries and documentaries.

Rachel has been teaching yoga for over 14 years and is a 2019 graduate of Jonina’s 200 HR Alignment Yoga Teacher Training. Loving yoga from the day she met it, Rachel’s practice has been one of rich discovery with the heart of giving back to everyone she meets, what she has learned to bring wholeness and heal shame. Heavily influenced by the teachings of Brene Brown & Richard Rohr as well as many others, Rachel’s teaching style and personal journey incorporates the depth of the spiritual practice along with the strength and comfort of the physical and emotional training. Her teaching style is strong yet soft, creating each class with the prayer and hope that every person who comes leaves with more grounding, life energy and inner strength and grace. Rachel is excited to be joining the West End teaching team and can’t wait to love the yogis of West End! Outside of the yoga room, you’ll find her enjoying all that Lancaster has to offer, finding nourishment in great books and podcasts, loving those she interacts with and enjoying life at home with her new husband and step-son and two kitties.  Please check out Rachel's Webpage including class links HERE.

Jonathan Lind has over 32 years’ experience practicing Tai Chi and has studied the art in New York City, Virginia Beach, the Baltimore-Washington DC area, and the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2016 he completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course of study and has woven those principles into his instructional style for Tai Chi. Jonathan has also been a classroom teacher of physics for 26 years and currently teaches at Warwick High School and Millersville University.  To checkout Jonathan's Webpage CLICK HERE.

Rachel Nye Sammon, M.S., C-IAYT, E-RYT, is a self-proclaimed yoga nerd. She is deeply passionate about her study of yoga and sharing the practice in a way that is both empowering and accessible for all. As a Yoga Therapist, her goal is to empower individuals to find a place of peace, safety, and wellbeing within themselves to help them live healthier, happier, and more connected lives.

“Before yoga, I was living on autopilot. I was disconnected from my body and out of touch with myself. When I discovered yoga and began experiencing huge shifts in my physical and mental health, I knew I wanted to share this practice with others.” Rachel began teaching in 2010 after completing her first 200-hour yoga teacher certification with Pam Guido at Shri Yoga and Wellness Center. Since then, she has continued to learn as much as possible through ongoing trainings and workshops in various yoga modalities, anatomy, meditation, and philosophy including a second 200-hour yoga teacher certification with Sue Elkind and Naime Jezzeny at Dig Yoga, a chair yoga certification with Lakshmi Voelker, and restorative yoga training with Jillian Pransky. In 2020, Rachel completed an M.S. in yoga therapy and a 500-hour teacher certification from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Rachel’s classes weave therapeutic alignment-based pose instruction with meditation, breathing practices, and yogic lifestyle philosophy to empower the whole person on their path towards growth, healing, and transformation. 

Jenn Applegate found her love for the Yoga practice 5 years ago here in Lancaster, after attending Tellus’ roof top yoga classes. After that, she kept up her practice while attending Cross fit classes for several years. Jenn opened a Yoga studio near her hometown in 2014, The Lime Tree Yoga, where she was blessed to share her love for Yoga, and Wellness with the community. She is trained in the Ashtanga style yoga, but also teaches Vinyasa, Slow Flow, and Kids yoga. In 2015 Jenn became a part of the Transformation Yoga Project and received her certification in Trauma Informed yoga practice. Jennifer recently moved to Lancaster full time, and loves the community feel here and of course the extraordinary yoga community! When she is not practicing, or teaching yoga, you can find her exploring all the hidden gems downtown.

Growing up, I was not an active child and I was not involved in any sports except for 2 years of track in High School. I occasionally worked out here and there and consumed a lot of processed, sugary foods. In my early 20s, I came across bloggers who posted pictures of themselves balancing on their heads, making pretty shapes with their bodies and eating a whole foods/plant-based diet. This lifestyle inspired me, and I wanted in on it (and to learn how to do a headstand!) This led me to take my first yoga class in 2014. I had no idea what I was doing. I had not even watched a YouTube video to see what I was getting myself into. The yoga instructor could tell I was new to the practice because she ended up staying after class to show me how to properly do chaturanga. Although I started off uncoordinated and confused, I stayed curious and showed up week after week and became addicted and inspired by my weekly improvements.

I wanted to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for yoga with others, so I decided to take my sincere passion to the next level and became a certified yoga instructor in 2020.

Yoga leaves me feeling taller, stronger, and empowered after each class. I want to share this with you!

Find me on Instagram @janna_omyoga

Michael’s yoga journey began on January 1st, 2012 as somewhat of a whimsical new  year’s resolution to commit himself to a regular exercise routine. At this time, he was a  consistent runner, although at the young age of 23 he was already beginning to notice some  deterioration in the cartilage of his knees and decided to adopt yoga for its holistic approach  toward health.  

A musician and occupational therapist by training, Michael’s life was flipped completely  upside down when he quit his band and immersed himself in the world of yoga philosophy and  practice that culminated in him receiving his teacher training certificate in the summer of 2013.  Since this time, Michael’s teaching and practice has solidified and matured after years of his daily commitment to the Ashtanga Yoga Practice as outlined by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, using his  lighthearted, yet analytical approach to help others reach their highest potential. “The practice  seems like it’s a little crazy.. and maybe it is, but by taking it one millimeter at a time one hardly  notices the deep changes that occur with each breath”. 

  Roberta seeks the unity of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation as a lifestyle.  In poses she works toward each person's alignment for posture and balance.  Each class cites a theme and some sort of lesson. Poses develop in sequence so there is always something new. Flow is slow. Be prepared for fun and learning. 

  Her yoga certifications came from Kripalu in 1995, then 13 years studying Anusara, and now Iyengar yoga.  She cites Doug Keller as a longtime teacher of Yoga As Therapy and the Philosophy of Yoga. Roberta taught yoga as part of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction team for 6 years. She studied Ayurveda at Himalayan Institute for 20 years and received an Ayurveda Counselor certificate from Kripalu in 2014. 

Melinda is an intuitive channel who has been working in the tri-state area for over 30 years.  A Meditation Guide, Reiki Master, Tarot Card Reader, and Intuitive, Melida sooths your soul with support and trust for exploring.  To learn more about Melinda, CLICK HERE.

Michelle Newman is a wellness and movement educator. Drawing from her background in massage therapy, physical therapy, yoga and a wide spectrum of other healing modalities, she supports people of all ages and walks of life as they navigate their wellbeing.

Megan is a 700 Hour Certified Yoga Teacher who believes that yoga should be an accessible practice for every single person, no matter their body type, gender, religious affiliation, or background. She encourages her students to listen to their bodies and move in ways that serve their body, mind, and soul in that moment. Megan is a wife, mother of two elementary-aged children, and a cat-mom. She has held many jobs including preschool aide, piano teacher, and professional musician. She owns a small outdoor yoga studio in East Hempfield, Unity Life Yoga, and is also the Creative Director at West End Yoga. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, sewing, playing the piano, and reading books about religion and spirituality.

Check out her webpage HERE.

Mary first discovered yoga in her early 20s. The loving and grounding practice helped her establish a stronger connection to the Divine. After years of intermittent practice, Mary became a certified yoga teacher through West End Yoga’s instructors course. Mary’s yoga classes focus on promoting happy, healthy, and holy experiences. Wishing each of you much peace and love. Namaste

My name is Sandra Rodriguez Olmos. I am a Hatha-Vinyasa Yoga Practitioner and a Level 2
Reiki Healer.
  I began my Yoga journey in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in 2017. At Healing Cabo, I earned my
national yoga certification and taught at a local architectural firm. I continued my yoga practice in Tehuacan, Puebla in Mexico, my home. There, I opened my own studio called Apapacho
Yoga. I also taught in a local studio, called Sevana Yoga. Throughout my practice and
continued training, I deepened my spiritual connection to yoga and it's meanings.
Since moving to the United States, I have begun to focus on the chakras, mantras, mudras, and
meditation, along with yoga. I have also attended various virtual yoga workshops which have
helped to introduce me to new practices like Meso-american medicine.
My yoga classes focus on promoting self healing and realization, peace, and deepening your
connection with your surroundings.

“I am an intuitive, energetic leader who believes everyone has a divine purpose for connection and joy. I  create a safe space for confident and connected leaders.” Since 2015 Amber Ackerley has taught over 2,500 hours of yoga. She teaches workshops and group yoga, coaches clients individually, works as a drug and alcohol counselor, is on the Create Karma Leadership team and is a Reiki Master Practitioner. 

Matt seeks to bring detailed knowledge of alignment & mobility to students in approachable, easy-to-digest ways. Health literacy is the foundation of Matt’s teaching: His classes, from sequencing to cueing, aim to help students understand foundational elements of anatomy and well-being so they can implement them not only in yoga classes, but in their everyday lives.  After three years of dedicated practice, Matt pursued his 200-hour training with Daniela Reis at Gaya Bem-Estar in Curitiba, Brazil. Most Recently, he completed his 300-hour training through Andrew Abaria's Yoga Masterminds program in York, PA. Matt is also a tarot reader and teacher, continually working to weave connections between the tarot and his yoga practice. (RYT500)

Hi! My name is Sonia, and I am so excited to practice yoga with you. After a few years of dedicated practice, in 2015 I pursued my love of asana and completed my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training at Bhakti Barn in New Jersey. I am deeply grateful for the wisdom of my beloved teachers, Betsy Davis and Lauren Magarelli. It is with a great sense of joy that I carry the teachings from my mentors in my practice and my life. Born from this lineage, my teaching style is a playful combination of Bhakti- mantra, mythology, and devotion, and flowing vinyasa with an emphasis on sequencing. Yoga history and philosophy inform our practice together, rooting our movement in the wisdom of the parampara.

I am passionate about the intersection of yoga and personal healing, and how ancient practice and modern quantum theory connect. My work as an energetic healer is centered on personal liberation and expansion. In 2018 I created the Yin & Reiki group healing to merge these practices and create an opportunity for communal healing.

My work is truly a blending of the many gifts of wisdom offered to me by generous teachers, which includes:

-International Death Doula Training with Ram Dass and Rev. Bodhi Be

-Yoga Nidra, The Bhagavad Gita, and Supreme Release Yoga with Kaya Mindlin

-Bhakti and Vinyasa studies with Raghunath

-Yoga Philosophy with Edwin Bryant

- Reiki Mastership, Karuna Ki Master Level, and 13th Octave LaHoChi Mastership with my dear friend Shannon O'Neill Loyola

-and many more!

Please CLICK HERE to go to my personal website.

Please CLICK HERE to see my Instagram Profile.

I offer an amazing virtual book club monthly!  Check out the Special Events!

Please View My Video Series, The Stories and Symbols of Yoga on YouTube and learn more about this amazing virtual series HERE.

Meghan McLane has been a yoga practitioner for over three decades and an instructor for about 25. The reason she teaches yoga is because it saved her life in her twenties, and she wants everyone to experience the gift of yoga! Additionally, she is a certified Pilates instructor. Meghan is also a trained dancer so you will find that she incorporates a lot of dance training and dancy vibes into all of her classes. Meghan has been a practicing Buddhist for 10 years. Her yoga fusion style tends toward spicey and challenging, but is always safe and FUN!!!

Anna, wholeheartedly, believes in the power of yoga to transform one’s life in all aspects: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Her personal practice helped her feel whole. Recognizing yoga’s healing ability, Anna began her 250-hour Foundational Vinyasa teacher training in Philadelphia at Wake Up Yoga Studio in order to be able to encourage others to find their own path towards presence utilizing yoga and mindfulness skills. While she was studying yoga, Anna received a Master’s Degree in Public Health at Drexel University. There, she studied trauma- sensitive yoga extensively. Anna works as a full-time yoga teacher and supports a non-profit organization, Transformation Yoga Project, which brings yoga and mindfulness to individuals in recovery and within the criminal justice system. Her teaching style of yoga is a blend of Yin (Passive/Restorative) and Yang (Active Vinyasa) to cultivate a deep connection and understanding of one’s body, breath, mind and spirit and find balance. Currently, Anna is also pursuing her Yoga Therapy Certification.

According to Hawa, life is yoga and yoga is life. The struggle, the journey and the Joy is to find the balance in our polarized existence. She employs these principles to her Yoga practices, incorporating the Yin and Yang principles into her functional movement and meditative classes; These active and receptive archetypes inform each and every teaching in order to help us all introduce balance into our daily lives.

Educated through Create Karma’s leadership program, Hawa gained her E-RYT 200 certification training under mentor Sarah Yukie Gingrich as well as an additional 200 hours of training through West End Yoga’s Yoga Sanctuary School under mentor Jonina Turzi. A shared principle learned through these renowned programs is being of service to the underserved through the power of her voice and intention. 

Finding balance outside of her Yoga practice has led her to begin a career in the trades as a HVAC and plumbing technician as well as founding a non-profit organization. Continuing her brand of focused community engagement, this iteration is called Discerning Eye Community Agriculture. DECA advocates for self-sufficient communities through Urban Farm-Gardening and creating agency and inclusion in the fresh food industry for at-risk communities. She also offers a one-on-one mentorship curriculum for those interested in the intersections of Eastern and Western Philosophy, Esotericism, and finding a personal connection to the Divine in our modern world. 

To learn more about work in Our Community lead by Hawa please check out the Backyard Farming CoOp website here, follow on FB here, and IG here.

Lilias Yoga!  planted the seed in the 1970s. Several years later, after college and law school, I returned to yoga through Community Classes.  I practiced Ashtanga Yoga for several years at Just Plain Yoga in Harrisburg. In 2008,  an Iyengar teacher, Dale Hails, moved to Hbg.  I took her once weekly class and applied her teachings to my practice.  As my practice matured, I appreciated the Iyengar teachings including alignment, timing and sequencing, especially the idea of bringing consciousness to every part of the body. I attended the Casey Health Institute and in June 2017 completed their 200 hour curriculum taught by senior Iyengar teachers.  In 2016 and 2018, I participated in the Yoganusasanum in Pune India and studied with the Iyengars at conventions and during this pandemic through online teaching sessions.  I continue my studies with senior Iyengar teachers, Dean and Rebecca Lerner and Holly Walck Kostura. I pass on what I have learned from my teachers.

Yoga is a way to realize the divine connection and will truly impact a yogi's physical, mental, and spiritual self in amazing ways.

  My practice began 9 years ago and has transformed my life in all ways.  After 6 years of personal practice I recieved my training from Jonina Turzi in the Yoga Sanctuary School at West End Yoga and hold a 200 hour YA Certification in Alignment Based Yoga.  I am experienced teaching Alignment Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, YoPi, Children's Yoga, Flexibiliy Training, and Chair Yoga.  

  My passion is for motivating others to realize their personal best.  My true calling- to help others to be their best selves for the benefit of others or of a Community is put into action as the Owner of West End Yoga.  I am so lucky and grateful to be serving for the benefit of the Students and Teachers in the West End Yoga Community and I will continue to try my best to ensure that this Community stays apart of Lancaster and continues to touch the growth of others with love, joy, and gratitude.

Jessica on YoutTube HERE

Jenn Applegate found her love for the Yoga practice 5 years ago here in Lancaster, after attending Tellus’ roof top yoga classes. After that, she kept up her practice while attending Cross fit classes for several years. Jenn opened a Yoga studio near her hometown in 2014, The Lime Tree Yoga, where she was blessed to share her love for Yoga, and Wellness with the community. She is trained in the Ashtanga style yoga, but also teaches Vinyasa, Slow Flow, and Kids yoga. In 2015 Jenn became a part of the Transformation Yoga Project and received her certification in Trauma Informed yoga practice. Jennifer recently moved to Lancaster full time, and loves the community feel here and of course the extraordinary yoga community! When she is not practicing, or teaching yoga, you can find her exploring all the hidden gems downtown.

My yoga journey began in early 1970 after reading the classic book, Yoga, Youth and Reincarnation. This book includes complete teach-yourself instructions. For over 40 years I practiced yoga by myself. In the early 2000s I had a second grade student whose mother was a yoga teacher. Xander’s mom is Briala da Silva. She was extremely influential to my yoga practice. In 2007 I took a 200 hour teacher training in Vinyasa Yoga at Power Yoga Works in Philadelphia with Bill Raup. I began teaching yoga at the school where I taught and in the community. When Briala offered a 250 hour yoga teacher training in 2012, how could I resist. I then began teaching yoga at Lancaster General Health to cancer patients. This opened up new and exciting possibilities. I participated in over 200 hours training in YCat - Teaching Yoga to People with Cancer and Chronic Illness. Additional training includes Yoga-Ed Instructor Training, Yoga-Ed Tools for Teachers, Thai Yoga Massage, the Trager Approach, and Reiki. I took a two year program, On Being a Spiritual Nurturer, that deepened my personal awareness of the inward presence of Spirit and how I may help others on their path.

In 2013 I began my studies to become a qualified teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction through the University of California, San Diego. This 8-week program teaches mindfulness meditation practices and helps participants cope more effectively with short-term and long-term stressful situations. It enhances participants’ focus, resilience and capacity to recover more quickly from challenging events. Movement meditation, Yoga and QiGong, are part of this program so it was a natural fit for me. Ask me about those 10 day silent retreats that are part of the training!

All of these teachings come together so I may offer myself and my clients a multifaceted approach of mind, body and spirit practices.

I was never an athlete – team sports terrified me – and I grew up on a diet of packaged and processed foods. Fortunately, at the age of 18, I decided to learn more about nutrition and, for the first time in my life, got in shape. I became a vegetarian and started running and biking. I continued an avid runner until a chronic injury forced me to stop. That’s when yoga became an important part of my life – I will still remember how amazing I felt after my first class!

In 2010, after 7 years of regular practice, I completed a 200 hour teacher certification in Power Vinyasa Flow. I have also studied Yoga Therapy at Kripalu, and done workshops in Thai massage, Ayurveda, and the History of Yoga. Even today, I really love teaching as much as practicing!

As a family medicine physician and instructor, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to combine my interests in health, yoga and education, leading multiple wellness programs, meditation workshops and 2 yoga retreats in Costa Rica. I hope to provide my students with a challenging practice that is also soul-enhancing and compassionate.

Outside of medicine and yoga, I love travel, hiking, gardening and Buddhist practice. I see much to look forward to as I pursue a path in Integrative Medicine, branch out in my understanding of yoga, and continue to appreciate the amazing and supportive yoga community here in Lancaster.

ERYT 200/RYT 300 Yoga Alliance Certified Vinyasa Flow/Power Vinyasa Instructor.
I have been an avid yoga practitioner since 1997 and a teacher since 2010. I completed my 200 hour RYT in Vinyasa Flow at Evolution Power Yoga and my 300 hour RYT training with Create Karma, both in Lancaster, PA. In addition, I’ve participated in numerous courses of study including Yoga Life Coaching with Deborah Williamson, two Thai Yoga Massage trainings with Mukti Michael Buck, and a 100 hour KidPowerment children’s yoga training with Christyn Schroeder. However, my greatest teachers are the students who stand before me with open minds eager to explore themselves from the inside out.

As both a practitioner and teacher, my goal is to establish a balanced mind body connection by seamlessly synchronizing breath with movement. Exploration of physical movement on an energetic level is of particular significance in my teaching style. I hope to empower people to deeply connect with and fully celebrate the unique energy within them. To trust that the growth they experience on their mat will support and guide them through their lives with strength, compassion and grace.

Jonina Turzi is a Lancaster native who has studied human movement and the physiology of core strength for over 10 years. She has a doctorate in physical therapy, a specialization in functional manual medicine, and is a certified Hatha yoga teacher through the Himalayan Institute. Her classes are alignment-based and focus on the healing potential of body and mind. Jonina’s vision of an integrative wellbeing and healing center for the Lancaster community has taken a significant step toward realization with her founding of West End Yoga.

My name is Samantha, I'm originally from South Florida and now in Lancaster PA. After years of having to rely on medication and suffering from anxiety and depression, I found my refuge in the practice of yoga. Through the asana, meditation and mindfulness I was able to heal mind, body and soul. Experiencing yoga's healing first hand through my own life inspired me to get certified and bring that opportunity for healing to others. I completed my training in Fort.Lauderdale, Florida with my home studio, Yoga Joint, through Yoga Alliance and have since then gotten an NASM certification in nutrition, as well, to further my yogic journey of healing. I wholeheartedly believe that when we lean into discomfort we are able to release fear and make space for growth. My goal is to bring my students a safe place to grow and find the path to their healing while having a fun, challenging flow that ultimately ends with a deep savasana.

Yoga has had such a positive impact on my life that becoming a teacher seemed like a natural step for me. In 2009 I received my 200-hour yoga certification, and I have been teaching a joyful Vinyasa flow to adults and children ever since. Using a mindful, yet playful style of yoga, my goal is to empower students to take chances, laugh and be inspired and empowered by their wondrous bodies. With a Masters of Education and a former life working in children’s book publishing, I believe you are never too young or old to start your love for yoga. I am presently working toward my 500 hour Yoga Therapy Certification—as I feel that the benefits of yoga are powerful enough to inform and to heal the body, heart and spirit.

Amanda, a Chicago native, hesitantly walked into a yoga studio in 2012 seeking an alternative route to balance her anxious mind. From her first class and first pigeon's pose, she realized the impact yoga would make in her life. Fighting anxiety and depression since a young age, the peace of mind and mental clarity she felt throughout class seemed serendipitous and helped harmonize her life on her mat, but more importantly off of her mat. Instantly, she started making friends with instructors and peers, connecting to a like minded community, and realized her whole life was gradually transforming for the better. Quitting the 9-5 world without hesitation, she enrolled in teacher training in hopes to give to others a sense of compassion the community gave to her at a time of transition. Always leading classes from the heart, Amanda's background includes instructing vinyasa, hot, and yin style classes. She has led several training over the years while teaching for seven, and is excited to be welcomed to West End with open arms.

Beginning her love affair with yoga at the age of 19, Lucy has now been practicing for 15 years, and teaching for 13. She began with traditional Ashtanga at a studio in Philadelphia after a teacher training with David Swenson. A few years later, she took another teacher training here in Lancaster, at Evolution Power Yoga, and began to teach in that style. As she continues to evolve, Lucy’s style could now be described as an invigorating vinyasa flow. She creates plenty of time for lunges and inversions, while also leading students through a relaxing, meditative cool down with thoughtful attention to detail. Lucy has also co-taught wellness programs, and two yoga retreats to Costa Rica. She has taken workshops with Kathryn Budig, Gina Caputo, and Maria Garre, as well as many others.