Education / Certifications
BS, Economics; MBA, Marketing; E-RYT 500, CVMT Certified Vishoka Meditation Instructor, AYS (Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist), AHC (Ayurvedic Health Counselor) all from the Himalayan Institute; Unnata® Aerial Yoga; Level 1 Reiki techniques; 3WT (3 Wisdom Traditions) Wellness Coach; 200-hour and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Trainer, with the Himalayan Institute.
Podcast Guest
Listen here - Yoga Discovery with Brenda Eppley or Nourish Podcast with Maureen Priest
Experience
Before 1996, June was completely immersed in a career of management, leadership & teaching. She started practicing and studying Yoga in 1996 as a method of managing the demands of a career-focused life.
After the birth of her second son, she became an at-home mom. Again, yoga was the great equalizer in balancing the demands of motherhood and serenity. Having experienced the benefits of yoga in her daily life, June realized sharing this experience w/ others was her dharma, as well as her passion.
She received her 200 and 500 hour Teacher Training certification through the Himalayan Institute Teacher Association (HITA). She has also been studying yoga as a healing art and a modality for preventing injuries. In 2011, she studied Prenatal/Post Natal Yoga. Currently, she is teaching and running the Himalayan Institute's 200 and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Moondog.
June is on the board of directors of Trauma and Resiliency Resources (TRR) and has been a yoga instructor for TRR’s Warrior Camp® since 2023.
June has been practicing since 1996 and teaching Yoga since 2005.
Philosophy
June’s belief in the transformative power of yoga fuels her dharma. “The changes in my life from yoga have been profound, and I want to share it.” She believes that everyone can benefit from yoga, and is passionate about finding new ways to make yoga accessible to all. “When someone comes into the studio, I feel so honored, because they are saying ‘Of all the places that I could be, and all the things I could do, I choose to be here.’” She has created an amazing, beautiful community and space at Moondog, where all are encouraged to find their yogic path.
June says her family is her greatest accomplishment, and she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. In general, she likes anything involving sun and sand, and is always open to trying things that are new, different, and fun.
Education / Certifications
- BA in Psychology - West Chester University
- RYT 500
-Ayurveda Yoga Specialist - Kathryn Templeton & the Himalayan Institute
- ChildLight Yoga & Mindfulness for Children: Advanced Teaching Concepts - ChildLight Yoga
- Yoga for Recovery - Transformation Yoga Project
- Embody Love Movement Facilitator
- Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
- WaterCoach Professional, Level One
Experience
Jamie had practiced yoga on and off for 10 years but an injury from running made her more serious about hitting the mat.
When her children began to show an interest in what she was doing, and she saw the impact yoga was having on them, she decided to pursue teaching it. She hopes to share both the mental and physical benefits of yoga with children and their parents.
Jamie completed her 200-hour yoga Teacher Training with the Himalayan Institute at Moondog.
Philosophy
Jamie has always genuinely enjoyed helping and to her teaching yoga is just an extension of that. Yoga has given her so much joy and she has personally seen many of the benefits that a person can receive from a yoga practice. If people, children or adults, take the time and make the effort to be on their mats, then she wants to help them find that joy.
In 2007 Jamie left her career as a Corporate Recruiter to be a full time Mom. Although she has been mainly focused on her children, she is also very active in the community.
Jamie enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children and will often be found curled up with a book.
Education / Certifications
200 hour yoga teacher in training, water coach professional level 1, barre instructor, cpr certified
Experience
kelsey says her life completely changed when she realized she was going to be a mom. she and her husband moved to quakertown in 2020, the same year their son was born. she had previously enjoyed yoga and fitness classes on occasion, but never committed to one studio or a regular practice. when kelsey realized moondog was within walking distance from her house, she decided to give it a try and again, her life completely changed. she found a community, her passion, and a way to be a better mom. she was taking care of herself which allowed her to be more understanding, patient, and confident. kelsey wanted to expand her yoga knowledge by enrolling in the 200 hour teacher training program where she found her passion in teaching. “everything that i’ve learned continually allows me to grow mentally, physically and spiritually and I want to share that with those who come to my classes,” says kelsey.
Philosophy
kelsey says, “yoga is special because it’s more than just a physical way to exercise or stretch the body. our breath is emphasized and is used as a critical anchor on and off the mat. when we challenge ourselves in asana poses, we are reminded of how we handle challenging situations in our everyday lives. i want my students to enjoy the time they’ve taken to take class while also learning to be kind, patient and confident in themselves.”
family is the most important thing in kelsey’s life. she enjoys visiting different parks with her kids and going on walks or bike rides. she likes to occasionally grab drinks with friends and catch up about their busy lives. she says, “my husband's family farm in perkasie has become a big part of our lives. we are becoming more involved in the produce and flower business there and I’m excited to add yoga events in the following years.”
Education / Certifications
MSN, RN, RYT 200, Reiki Master, 2nd Level Integrated Energy Therapy, 1st Degree Isshinryu Black Belt
Experience
Amy went to college at nights and weekends while working full-time during the day and raising her children. She earned her master’s degree in nursing with a concentration in Clinical Trials. She’s worked at the same company for over 33 years, directing a team of program managers who plan oncology clinical trials. Amy’s love of yoga started 20 years ago but her practice was off and on. It wasn’t until she moved to Haycock and needed to find a new yoga home that she re-committed herself to her practice.
Philosophy
Amy says, “When I stumbled upon breath-based movement, it was like finding a hidden treasure. I feel it’s the heart and soul of yoga, inviting you to fully embrace the here and now. With every inhale and exhale, you're grounded in the present, leaving behind worries about the past and fears of the future. By tuning into your breath, you start to feel more alive, more present. It's like stepping into a warm hug from the universe. Suddenly, the lines between you and everything else start to blur, and you feel this beautiful sense of connection with the world around you. It's magical, really.”
When Amy isn’t practicing or working she can be found at home with her mini-donkey, mini-horse, and her dogs. She loves gardening, cooking, baking, reading, crochet, and has a very competitive spirit when it comes to games.
Education / Certifications:
Psychology; Mizzou Group Fitness Instructor; ISSA Reiki Master Teacher, The Healing Arts Center; Level 5 Pranic Healing Practitioner, Institute of Inner Studies; Coach Certification, YCADA; CPR/First Aid/AED/Psychological First Aid, Red Cross
Experience:
As a lifelong athlete and performer, Ashley’s background in softball, cross country, dance and musical theater provide a foundation that translates into a fun fusion as a fitness coach. Kickboxing since 2018 and working with Energy since 2017, she loves to focus on functional movement, flexibility, stress relief and personal empowerment. She has been an avid meditator since 2011. She also enjoys running OCRs and Weightlifting.
Energy is everything! Ashley loves to talk energy. “Our entire Universe is at our fingertips. Through our energetic signature, we can create paradise and pour love into suffering and hatred. But, we are also beautifully human.” Ashley is an advocate for creating conversation and relationships between all humans that will foster an Energetic Evolution. She has personally overcome unspeakable odds and events in her life that have solidified her belief in the human capacity for healing and growth.
Ashley strives to live by example for her kiddos. She is a published author with a 2nd book due to release in early 2024. She works in the nonprofit sector and hopes to spread awareness of Energy Work as a complement to allopathic medicine and Holistic Wellness.
Education / Certifications
200 hour and 300 hour Yoga Teacher Certification , BS in Broadcasting and Business Administration, MBA
Experience
Becky has always been intrigued by eastern philosophy, however, she says that her understanding and foundation of yoga was built at moondog with june. Becky started making yoga a priority in 2016, when her anxiety was out of control, and she learned to “breathe diaphragmatically” at a workshop at moondog. She say this was a life changing “AH ha” moment for her. Fast forward to today--Becky loves being a yoga student and teacher and teaching restorative yoga to students at moondog. She says, “Teaching yoga and guiding students to be at ease with less effort is rewarding beyond measure. My yoga journey is life long and I am blessed to have the moondog community and june for unwavering guidance, love and light.”
Philosophy
Becky says, “Go outside and be in nature as often as possible, it does wonders for your soul. It is never too late to be kind(er).” “Do what you can to show you care about other people, and you will make our world a better place” ~Rosalynn Carter.
Other Interests / Personal Information
Becky has a close-knit family, which includes 3 rowdy, loving, and kind nephews.
She loves to read and be around books about yoga philosophy and Sanskrit. “I could not survive without lots of books.”
Becky enjoys time spent with friends that she is fortunate enough to know in this lifetime. She also relishes quiet time by herself to read, reflect, and rejuvenate.
“I also love numbers and I am lucky enough to love my full-time job as a credit portfolio manager for a boss that is truly an amazing human being,” says Becky.
“Other random tidbits about me…I am left-handed, you may hear me called Audrey in the studio, and I love Bruce Springsteen!!”
Education / Certifications
RYT 200 hour, RYT 300 hour – Himalayan Institute; BSW; MSW, LSW, ACM
Experience
Cheryl has over 15 years of experience as a Social Worker, currently working as a Care Manager at St. Luke’s. She has been practicing yoga at Moondog since not long after it opened and completed her 200 hour YTT in 2020 and 300 hour YTT in 2023. She teaches primarily All Levels, gentle, and restorative yoga. You can also find her working at the front desk on Thursday nights.
Philosophy
Cheryl would like students to begin to become aware of themselves and their bodies—how they work, feel, and move. She believes that there is no definition of a “pose,” and, instead, it is done the way the body allows. To her, yoga is more than what you see on social media. It is a melding of one’s mind, body, and spirit, and how we express that. She hopes to take her years of experience as a yoga practitioner and translate it into teaching a practice that everyone can enjoy. She says, “If you attend my classes you will definitely do malasana (garland) pose, my favorite pose. I also tend to focus on hips because, no matter who you are, you store emotions there—anger, anxiety, sadness, frustration—and opening the hips helps release those emotions, allowing more emotional balance.”
Cheryl is originally from Harrisburg but has lived in the Quakertown area for 23 years. She raised two boys, and now has two grandsons. She enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and has been to Ireland three times.
Education / Certification
Early Childhood certification, Certification in Asana Alphabet, Mindfulness workshops, CPR and first aid certified.
Experience
Colleen came to Moondog in 2016 when a parent from her preschool classroom recommended her to teach after school classes for June. She had been an early childhood educator for close to 30 years and realized how yoga helped children to focus and settle themselves in her classroom. She says, “I love the impact that yoga has on me and the children whom I work with.”
Philosophy
“I think kindness, respect, empathy, a nurturing spirit and joyfulness are most important, says Colleen. She believes in being able to help children feel independent and confident when faced with a new or stressful situation, and that is why she teaches children yoga. “I feel so relaxed and yet strong after I leave a yoga class.” Continuing her education and always being curious about the world around her, by reading and traveling is important to Colleen
“I love to travel! In the many countries I’ve traveled I’ve tried to spend time in different schools. When I traveled to Panama I spent many days in Hogar Orphanage. I raised money and donated supplies as well as my time to work with the children. I always feel that I learn so much from them,” Colleen tells us. When she was visiting Australia she spent a day in a classroom to understand how they teach young children. She gained the understanding of how music and movement helped children learn sequencing and rhythm in a joyful manner. Colleen loves to spend time with her family and live vicariously through her son and daughter. Her son is a pilot and her daughter lives in Australia. Colleen says, “I love their sense of adventure and the stories they share with me.”
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Education / Certifications
E-RYT 200, RYT 300; Unnata® Aerial Yoga; Prenatal and Yin yoga; MEd, Secondary Education and MA, English; BA, English
Experience
Diane spent a large part of her adult life accumulating advanced degrees, and has a life-long love for the English language. She enjoys teaching and has found many outlets for her skills.
Diane came to Moondog after about five years of practicing yoga under the guidance of several teachers and was hoping to find a more permanent home for her practice. She was hesitant at first to call Moondog home, but, after four years, took the next step and did her 200-hour teacher training, through the Himalayan Institute, with June. She loves the Moondog community, and has made wonderful friends by attending classes regularly. “My Moondog friends are some of the most important people in my life, and I am so grateful to be part of such a vibrant community,” she says.
Philosophy
Diane wants her classes to be welcoming and accessible for everyone. She likes restorative, yin, and gentle yoga and hopes that, at the end of her classes, her students feel restored and renewed. She believes that yoga is a powerful tool for self-discovery and for understanding more about your body and keeping it healthy. “One of the things I enjoy most about practicing yoga is discovering the amazing things that my body can do, and I want help my students on their own paths of self-discovery.” Diane finds satisfaction from the inward journey of yoga and meditation. “I know that yoga keeps my body fit, but what I appreciate even more is how it helps regulate my mind and spirit. Yoga has made me a happier person.”
Diane shares her home with her husband, and two dogs. She enjoys spending time outside: bird or butterfly watching, walking her dogs, or fly fishing. She and her husband, Will, spend some of their free time visiting local breweries and appreciating craft beer. Diane considers herself an insect enthusiast. She is especially interested in monarch butterflies and raises as many as she can in the summer months. “The butterfly lifecycle is a beautiful miracle that I never get tired of watching.”
Education / Certifications
- Yoga for Recovery - Transformation Yoga Project
Experience
Dorota has been teaching and practicing yoga and meditation for over a decade. She and June met in a yoga class they were both taking. She has been teaching at Moondog since it opened in 2010.
Philosophy
Dorota’s yoga classes offer a constantly changing variety of poses to promote your physical well-being, a necessary component for a happy life. A great deal of emphasis is placed on proper breathing. The breath is our tool for accomplishing clear thinking and a peaceful mind as a way of life. Her classes incorporate much individual attention and accommodate all levels of physical ability. She also teaches meditation classes, which are free of charge and open to everyone.
Dorota’s knowledge of the practice combined with the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the class makes each session a wonderful experience.
Dorota enjoys spending time with her wonderful dogs.
education / certifications
200 hour YTT (Himalayan Institute, Moondog)
experience
heide has lived most of her life in germany, where she was born. she studied there and worked in the business field, and raised her beautiful daughter.
in 2020, she moved to pennsylvania and got married. she attended her first yoga class in 2000. she practiced yoga regularly for about five years and after that time on and off.
also in 2020, her practice became regular again, first at home due to the pandemic, and in 2021 also at moondog, where she felt at home immediately. In 2022, she decided she wanted to learn more about yoga and signed up for 200 hour yoga teacher training.
philosophy
heide says, “yoga didn’t only help me to go through some physical challenges but also helped and supported me mentally, especially during the pandemic, when I wasn’t able to see my family abroad. having experienced physical and mental benefits by practicing and self-studying convinces me that yoga is for everyone at any stage of life.
yoga picks you up where you are which means there are modifications available for everybody in every posture.”
heide believes in a holistic way of medicine and studied a few semesters of naturopathy. She believes yoga can be a support of a healing process.
heide loves traveling with her husband and spending time with her daughter and family, walking her dogs, visiting museums, and cooking.
Education / Certifications:
BS Biology; BS Secondary Education; MS Biology; MS Secondary Education; 200 hour YTT certification
Experience:
Jodi has been a middle school science teacher for 30 years; Teaching is not only her profession, but it is also the essence of her being. She loves sharing passion with the students she meets each day.
She came to Moondog over 10 years ago, when she was faced with some challenges in her life. Yoga provided her with structure and support for her physical and mental health along with a welcoming community on which to lean when things become difficult. When life gets busy, Jodi relies on her practice on the mat to help her focus her life off the mat.
Even though she is a teacher at heart, it was an accident when Jodi signed up for the 200-hour teacher training session in 2022, but in life, there are no accidents. Through her dive into the yoga philosophy and applications of yoga teaching methods, Jodi knows this is exactly where she belongs.
Philosophy:
Jodi has always believed that you can meet any student where they are and help them grow to be even better for knowing her. She has seen this demonstrated on the mat for not only herself but also those around her. Yoga will meet you where you are on any given day, and she believes that no matter what your physical body has to offer you each day, your mental body will benefit from your practice. Yoga is there to give us the tools and the support we need when life gets difficult. It gives us the space and opportunity to learn how to focus our efforts and act from our heart not our head.
Jodi’s family is very important to her. When she’s not on her mat, she loves spending time with her husband and their grown son. She also enjoys traveling and reading and being with friends.
Education / Certifications
200-RYT, TYP certified, Unnata® Aerial Yoga, BA
Experience
Karen says, “i was simply drawn to Moondog. having dealt with anxiety and depression, I am most thankful for learning to be present, letting go of the past (depression) and trustful surrender to the future (anxiety). letting go of expectations and the practice of vairagya (non-attatchment) molds me into a more relaxed person, yogi and instructor.”
Philosophy
Karen believes that what is important about yoga is being present on and off the mat, letting go (judgement, attachment, expectations). what she hopes to bring to every class is: “believe in letting go, no judgement for yourself or others (ahimsa….no harm) and most importantly...yoga is for every BODY.”
Karen loves spending time with her daughter, friends, and her dogs and other pets. She spends a lot of time reading, hiking, kayaking, gardening. She loves the beach, and of course, all things yoga related. She is also a veterinary technician.
Education / Certifications
Certified Information Security Services Professional (CISSP), 200 hour RYT, 300 hour RYT
Experience
Kelly first fell in love with yoga over 25 years ago. As her young family blossomed and her corporate career in cybersecurity and technology grew, life got busy, and her yoga practice took a back seat. 10 years ago, she found herself back on the mat to balance the busy demands of life. Fast forward to 2021, with the global pandemic in full swing and her corporate travel schedule on hold Kelly decided to follow a bucket list dream to take a deep dive into Yoga philosophy by enrolling in the Himalayan Institute’s 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher training through Moondog Yoga and, as they say.. the rest is history. Kelly enjoys being part of the wonderful Moondog Yoga Community where she has met so many amazing people.
Philosophy
Kelly says, “Life is full of ups and downs, successes, and failures, and that is what makes us all human. Yoga gives us the tools to navigate life, skillfully, no matter what the challenges. It teaches us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in life. It teaches us that we are perfectly imperfect, and that’s ok! It teaches us to look within ourselves for the answers we seek. It starts when we step on the mat for an hour class and, over time, it gradually translates into life off the mat. The mat is always there for us, it patiently waits for us when life is too busy, until we are ready to return to it. It’s there for us through all of life’s ups and downs but it all starts with stepping on the mat.” Kelly believes in the profound physical, emotional, and mental healing benefits of Yoga and invites her students to step on the mat with her.
Kelly is a local girl, born in raised in the Quakertown area. Kelly’s heart is her family. She cherishes time with her husband, two sons, two dogs, and family and friends. She has a passion for travel, creating memories while experiencing different countries and cultures. She loves life and in her down time she likes to read, take walks, and paddleboard.
Education / Certifications
Unnata Aerial Yoga certification, 200 YTT from the Himalayan Institute at Moondog, AAAI aerobics certification, WaterCoach Professional, Level One, BA sport management, MBA supply chain management
Experience
Laura started at Moondog for the fitness classes and slowly came to enjoy yoga, after some resistance on her part. After about a year and a half of taking classes, she made the decision to get her yoga teaching certification. Taking the training really opened her eyes to her,practice and she sees how powerful it can be. Laura says,"Yoga has taught me how to breathe, which has been invaluable in all aspects of my life."
Philosophy
As a competitive person, Laura had to learn how to not compete or compare herself against others. She says, "It (yoga) has given me a better appreciation of who I am and what I am able to do, but also, see it in others and what they have to offer. I feel that I learn something new in every class I take and I do my best to be a positive light to the people I interact with."
When she is not studying for school, Laura likes going out to dinner with friends, reading, or playing video games with her husband.
Education / Certifications
-200 hour YTT (Himalayan Institute, Moondog), Associates Degree, Health Science, Registered Nurse, Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications
- watercoach professional, level one
Experience
Mary says, “I have taken many fitness classes over the years at various gyms. The first time I did Yoga I was in love! Years later I moved from Gym Yoga to Studio Yoga (yes there’s a big difference). I found Moondog, and loved it so much It inspired me to get my certification.”
Philosophy
Mary started her journey with Western Medicine but she loves a holistic approach to mind and body health and well being.
Mary loves spending time with her daughters, yoga, paddle boarding, paddle board yoga, hiking, and reading and gardening with her kids.
Education / Certifications: BA, Education; 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, Himalayan Institute
Experience:
Nikki graduated from West Chester University with an education degree and a teaching certificate. She quickly learned that this was not the correct application of her skill set and eventually found her way to Project Management. But after a few years in this field, she felt called back to education in some form. Nikki loves meeting new people and sharing things she is passionate about and was looking for an outlet. Yoga has become a core pillar in her life and she decided: “What better way to deepen my practice and share my passion than to become an Instructor!” It’s Nikki’s hope to make yoga accessible and approachable to practitioners of all levels and share why this practice means so much to her.
Philosophy:
Nikki came to yoga to find a form of fitness and movement that felt good and authentic. She started practicing with Moondog in 2016 and it immediately felt right. She says, “I spent many years prior exercising to make myself smaller, and I was ready to let go of that restricting mentality. I wanted to start moving to honor myself and my body rather than change it. Yoga has given me the confidence to take up space, it has given me mental agility on and off the mat, and has provided an outlet to express creativity. I no longer wish to change my body, I wish to celebrate all that it can do for me. It is my hope that through my classes, students will find this same freedom!”
During the day Nikki works from home as a Project Manager and can honestly say she loves her job! “I feel blessed to have the flexibility to spend time with my husband, who also works from home. We love slow mornings reading on our porch, and never turn down the opportunity to host friends for a board game night or to watch some philly sports!”
Education / Certifications
- Bachelors in Small Animal Science with a minor in Counseling Psychology - Delaware Valley University
- 200 hour RYT
Experience
“I first tried yoga because I hated going to the gym and wanted to find something I enjoyed that would keep me in shape or build my strength. Never did I expect 2 years later that I would be working at a yoga studio, let alone practicing to become a yoga teacher. Not only have I strengthened my body, but I have strengthened my mind, which has molded me into the person I am today. I can take each day slowly and realize what is in front of me without jumping ahead. What is happening in my life has become more clear and I can approach situations with calmness rather than stress. This is just the beginning of my yoga journey and I am very excited to see where it takes me.”
Philosophy
Always remember to BREATHE! Breathing helps calm and focus the mind on the present, which can help in your practice and everyday life. Renee hopes to bring positive energy to her classes and share what she has experienced with others, so that they too, can be enlightened!
renee loves going on new adventures with her husband and daughter. they enjoy spending time together by visiting a local zoo or aquarium, and catching a Disney movie inside or playing in the backyard, along with their many animals (dogs, cats, chickens, reptiles, skunk- just to name a few). besides the studio and family life, renee works full-time at a brewery where she runs front of house operations, payroll & HR.
Education / Certifications
200 hour and 300 hour RYT, Water Rower Water Coach Professional Level I, Associates degree, paralegal studies,
Experience
Tori dealt with depression and anxiety in the past and was advised to start yoga. She started practicing at home, and then found Moondog, where sh instantly fell in love. Going through the depression, she found that yoga really helped her out, and taught her how to accept and love herself.
Tori feels everyone can benefit from the self acceptance yoga offers, and know that who you are is enough. She says, “yoga really helps you to realize that (who you are is enough) and welcomes you regardless, of what you’re going through, or where you are in life.”
Philosophy
What Tori feels is important about yoga is that it teaches you so much about yourself. “Self-study is so important, and I believe that is important to everyone,” Tori says. She believes everyone should come to a class with an open mind, and willing to learn about themselves, and she will be sure to always welcome that. Tori says, “Aways remind students that this is their practice, their time with themselves and their mat, a safe space.”
Tori really enjoys hiking and paddle boarding, and pretty much anything outside. She takes her dog on long walks or hikes all spring and summer and absolutely loves it. She also loves to read. Spending time with friends and family and her nieces and nephews is also very important to her.
Experience
Jenna Gregory is a passionate fitness instructor who thrives on motivating others to achieve their wellness goals. As a busy mom of two boys, Jenna understands the importance of balance and self-care. Juggling her roles as a mom and an elementary school teacher at Central Bucks School District requires a lot of energy, which she gets from participating in various fitness activities.
Philosophy
Jenna’s love for fitness led her to specialize in barre—a dynamic workout that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, and strength training. She is thrilled to join the Moondog team, where she hopes to empower others through barre classes.
Outside of teaching and fitness, Jenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, paddleboarding, and staying active.