MEET OUR YOGA INSTRUCTORS

I credit my yoga path to the persistence of a friend that i now, and will always, hold dear to my heart. thank you, nelinda. In 2002, Nelinda introduced me to my first yoga class. I considered myself fairly athletic, but was amazed by the challenges I faced in that hour. I struggled to get through the standing series and by the time we hit the floor I felt as if I had been wrung out completely physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was eager to come back the next day, and the next, and the next. By day 4 into my practice I realized that the focus of my workout had morphed from being about how many calories I burned, what muscles I was working, into something much deeper.

The world around me became easier; my child was better behaved, people I met seemed nicer, and small things that used to bother me, didn’t. By getting rid of stress (that I didn’t realize I even had) my life started to change. I quickly dove into a 6 day a week practice, sometimes attending 2 classes a day. In 2003, I became certified to teach by completing a 500 hour teacher training course. Teaching then became my full time job and my life’s passion. After a 6 month life-changing stay in Thailand, I returned to the States in 2007 looking for a new studio to call home. I found Uptown Yoga. There was something special about the space: just walking in the doors made me feel at peace. At the time, the studio was a bit unkempt, the classes were small, and the overall energy was running low, but it had an undeniable pulse waiting to be revived. In the spring of 2008, the studio would get just that: I became owner and poured my heart into bringing it back to life. I brought in teachers that share the same energy and passion for teaching as I do . Together we laid the ground work for what the studio has become today, a beautiful community where everyone can feel comfortable exploring (or beginning) their yoga practice. Yoga has helped me through some tough times and brought me to where I am today; a place of complete love and gratitude. I am thankful to have been brought to Uptown, and to be surrounded by amazing teachers and students.

My yoga journey began in 2012, quite unexpectedly as a recreational activity with my adult children. Little did I know, it would become a transformative practice that continues to shape my life. Through yoga, I discovered a path of personal evolution and healing on the mat, where every breath and movement holds the potential for growth. Encouraged by this experience, I completed my 200-hour teacher training in 2015, followed by a 300-hour training in 2021. Today, I remain committed to learning and sharing my journey, emphasizing to my students that yoga transcends physical postures—it’s about embracing our true selves. I take joy in designing vibrant yoga classes that incorporate fluid transitions and inversions, exploring the profound connection between body and mind. My passion extends to delving into yoga philosophy, Ayurvedic ideals, and finding inspiration in the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. Above all, yoga has gifted me with meaningful connections that enrich my practice and life. This year marks ten years as an instructor.

In my classes I want my students to feel challenged and empowered so that they can use the strength and skills from practice off the mat, in their everyday lives.

When I’m not teaching or practicing, I love to garden, read, cook and spend time with family and friends.

My yoga practice began in 2019 at Uptown! I’m a “retired” athlete, and the years leading up to this felt like an endless cycle of injuries, no matter how much I adjusted my routine. Once I began consistently going to yoga, I noticed a lot of those aches and pains went away and I attribute that 100% to finding the right balance between easy movement and the different types of exercise I enjoy doing.

As someone that’s not naturally flexible, coordinated, or even balanced, I believe that yoga is for EVERYONE and consistency is EVERYTHING. I’ve seen the transformation in myself and I strive to bring that to my students. I want you to leave my class feeling challenged and empowered by what you were able to accomplish - and knowing that you’re always building for next time!

When I step off the yoga mat, you can find me running around Dallas and snuggling with my italian greyhound, Drew!

Amy Johnson has been teaching yoga in Dallas since 2003 and nationally since 2011. A former music educator, Amy teaches flowing yet powerful classes infused with the rhythm and grace of her music and movement days. Her path in sharing Yoga is not far off from her approach to teaching music—instilling discipline for practice along with encouraging freedom and creativity. Amy's classes create a sense of community and connection where students can grow and explore without fear or judgment.

She believes nobody should ever have to “sit” due to a physical limitation therefore incorporates several modifications for the beginner as well as adding layers, or kramas, for the seasoned practitioner. Amy went through her first teacher training in 2003 at American Power Yoga and her second with Shiva Rea in 2010. In addition to these formal trainings, she continued to study her craft with any teacher/any style she could. Having the opportunity to learn from seasoned teachers such as Beryl Bender Birch, Rod Stryker, Dharma Mittra, Aadil Palkhivala, Ana Forrest, Jason Crandell and Maty Ezraty to name a few, have shaped her teachings and are threaded throughout each class.

Amy, a breast cancer survivor, has taught yoga for 20 years and combined with her prior teaching career, has 28 years of professional education experience. She has been a presenter at the Telluride Yoga Festival, Texas Yoga Conference, Austin Yoga Festival, OYUSA, and the I AM Festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition, Amy has also consulted, taught classes, workshops and teacher trainings, throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado and West Virginia.

My yoga journey started in 2009, in an effort to find a quiet space away from the demands of my stressful corporate career. The practice ushered in a tranquility that transcended the yoga mat, infusing peace into every aspect of my life—professional life, family ties, friendships, and my personal space. With a commitment to expand my understanding, I completed two distinct 200-hour yoga certifications—one in the Baptiste method in 2015 and another more classical in its approach in 2017. In 2023, completed my 500-hour certification with Kathi Ering of Reef Point Point Yoga. Later that year, I participated in the most transformative training I've taken yet, a continuing education curriculum with an emphasis on Ashtanga Yoga, deep dive into the Yoga Sutras and meditation studies with Ricky Tran.

My teaching style is both invigorating and challenging, infused with yogic theory and laughter. In my classes, I emphasize finding joy in each posture through physical alignment, the harmonization of each posture with breath, and mental focus all leading the practitioner to find an inner transformative peace.

My love of movement began at the early age

Yoga has been part of my life for over 20 years. The practice of yoga has helped me find a better connection between my mind, body and soul. The physicality of the practice has made my body stronger and more flexible but the mental and emotional benefits are why I keep coming back. The challenges I've faced on my yoga mat have helped me face the ups and downs of my life off the mat. I'm blessed that I've been able to share my passion for yoga since 2015 in my studio classes, private sessions, workshops and retreats.

Currently my teaching level is E-RYT 500. I have over 800 hours training and more than 2000 hours teaching experience with certifications in Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Dharma, Power, Vinyasa Krama, Restorative, Yin, Wheel and Chair Yoga.

My goal in every class is to help students disconnect from the outside world so they can find peace, strength and resilience inside themselves.

Emilee began practicing yoga just after graduating from college I’m 2010. At first yoga was a great way to literally sweat out the stresses of a new career and big city. Over time, she began to uncover the detoxifying and spiritual qualities of yoga. She realized that yoga gave her the ability to focus, to gain a deeper understanding of herself, and to find a connection to the community around her. The journey she encountered over the first few years of her practice left her enlightened, inspired and eager to dive deeper. She left her corporate job in 2013 to seek out her teaching certification and has been teaching yoga ever since.

Emilee’s classes focus on empowering students to play and explore with alignment and foundation techniques to move deeper into their unique practice. Emilee encourages all students to fall in love with their practice and to embrace their yoga journey, wherever it may lead! 

I am so grateful I ventured onto a yoga mat in 1999. I have found the mind-body connection to be such a powerful and transformative experience, that I have been a seeker on the yogic path ever since. Once I learned to breathe deeply and quiet my mind, my life purpose came into focus, and I began to live life more fully and more in balance.

I began teaching as soon as I stepped out of teacher training in 2005. That seeker spirit has led me into a deeper study of Ayurveda, Thai Massage, Yin Yoga, and Sound Healing. I finished my 500RYT with Ayurvedic Practitioner, Arpita Shaw. I am an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor and a Licensed Massage Therapist continually cultivating my tools to support my students along their journeys. I continue to study yogic philosophy, subtle energy, and the effects of trauma on the body with my other teachers Rod Stryker, Tias Little and Seane Corn.

When you come to my class, I’ll ask you to be open and honest with yourself about where you are. I’ll invite you to release your resistance and be courageous. My own injuries have taught me to be an accommodating, compassionate practitioner and teacher, focusing on presence of mind and longevity of body – tools we need for a lifetime!

My spouse and two pups bring me an abundance of ojas to fuel life's journey. What feeds my soul when not on my mat is traveling, fair trade design, and practicing seva, yogic service.

My yoga journey began in 2015 during a challenging time in my life. Being on the mat gave me a safe space to explore myself. I was an athlete for many years, so the physical practice was the first time I experienced exercise that was not competitive. I had several knowledgeable teachers around me, who’s grounded presence inspired me to adopt a similar lifestyle. In an attempt to drop everything and focus on my own health I took a yoga teacher training. More than anything, I just wanted to learn from people who embodied gratitude and focus and also prioritized their health.

After my training I met my mentor who specializes in Yoga for Athletes. Working with athletes led me to an internship as a trainer that helped athletes prepare for the NFL combine and offseason. This deepened my understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, knowledge I continually reference in my teaching. I then took a Yin + Sound training at a studio where I was also teaching, which introduced me to the balance restorative practices can bring. This continued to lead to more diverse opportunities and allowed me to teach at several studios in Los Angeles. Eventually I decided to move back to Texas and continue to build on my career a little closer to family.

My love for different styles of yoga, sound, breathwork and other grounding practices motivates me to become a better teacher. My goal is to offer my students the quality of teaching that reflects the profound gift yoga has given me.

My first experience with yoga was when I was 19 years old and a freshman at SMU. That was 1980. Even as a young person I felt the extraordinary power the practice gave me to shape my mental and emotional state. The increased flexibility and feeling of physical lightness were just a bonus. Over the years my practice ebbed and flowed with life and I eventually came to a place, 25 years ago, where I felt the call to teach. I consider myself a student first, and a teacher second. I am deeply grateful to all my teachers for their wisdom, inspiration and guidance. For the past 14 years I have been a student of Yogarupa Rod Stryker who is a student in the Sri Vidya tradition of Tantra Yoga. I am passionate about meeting each student where they are and guiding them through a practice that will give them a way to balance their busy life and also provide the energy and clarity we all need to live in abundance.

I am certified as a 500 E-RYT and also hold a variety of other certifications that I use to bring as much knowledge as I can to support my students. I am a Yoga4Cancer certified teacher, an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist and a Para Yoga Nidra certified teacher. I am also a Holistic Health Coach certified through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

Teaching yoga is a calling that I am honored to serve and I am grateful each day for the students that trust me to guide them through their practice. Off the mat, I am mom to three grown sons and one perfect, adorable grandson. I have been married to my husband, John, for 35 years. He is my Home. I am eternally grateful for the life I have and for my yoga practice that has been the doorway to greater self awareness and so much Joy and Love.

I started my yoga practice in 2009, hoping to achieve the physical benefits of a lean, toned and flexible body. I quickly realized that an “ideal” body image didn’t solve for life’s miscellaneous curveballs and the emotional roller coasters they take us on. In turn I dove deeper into the eight limb path.
I became fascinated with the yamas and niyamas in how they encourage us to show up as our best selves. I experienced the impact of pranayama (breath), and how it plays a huge role in any physical or mental exercise. Lastly, I’m motivated by the ongoing practice of being able to let go of mental or material distractions and to concentrate the mind, in hopes of reaching a level of peace.
Through asana (physical poses), I believe we’re able to combine these other limbs with the connection of body, breath, and mind while on the mat, especially when flowing through a challenging pose or sequence. Practicing this control on the mat has built my awareness off the mat, providing strategies for how to encounter life’s curveballs.
My goal as an instructor is to create a safe space for students to find this connection during their practice and be able to apply the eight limb principles toward everyday life, ultimately finding a level of peace for themselves.

I began practicing yoga in my hometown of Tucson, Arizona in 2010. After relocating to Dallas in 2013, I was competing in a Crossfit competition and sustained injuries that pushed me back into my yoga practice. After that, I decided to deepen my practice and pursue my 200 hour RYT certificate, and I began teaching for Uptown Yoga in 2016.

I love to watch students build on their practice, and I strive to ideate and teach intelligent and creative sequences. In class, I encourage students to take things at their own pace while offering advancements to work towards. With me, there is always a joke or two thrown into a practice, and I am vigilant to remind students to always use their core (no stomping or scraping your feet!)

When I am not teaching, I am a Category Manager Senior Analyst assessing retail performance for a health and wellness company owned by Unilever. I am a volunteer at Our Friends Place and enjoy cooking, baking, working out, and traveling with my husband & our dog, Scout.

My yoga journey began when I was 15 years old. At the time, my primary focus was golf, which was not only my athletic passion but also my pathway to a college scholarship. My first yoga class was Hatha style, and I instantly loved it. My grandmother shared an interest in yoga, and together we attended both Hatha and Kundalini classes, which became a cherished bonding experience.

The turning point in my yoga journey came when a hot vinyasa studio opened in San Antonio. I fell in love with the dynamic flow of vinyasa yoga, which kept me strong and flexible for golf while also providing immense mental benefits. I believe that my dedication to yoga, combined with my golfing talent, played a significant role in earning me a golf scholarship to Baylor University. Despite the rigorous schedule of a student-athlete, I continued to practice yoga, advocating for its inclusion in our mandatory workouts.

In 2010, I moved to Dallas for an internship, where I discovered Uptown Yoga. The studio quickly became my second home, and I found myself attending classes twice a day. The consistent practice deepened my love for yoga, and three years later, a teacher suggested I consider the Uptown Yoga Teacher Training program.


I enrolled in teacher training in 2015, and it turned out to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. The training transformed my practice, boosted my inner confidence, and strengthened my connection to the yoga community. It exponentially expanded my knowledge and appreciation for yoga.

In the spring of 2021, eager to expand my knowledge, I enrolled in an advanced 300-hour teacher training offered by the studio. At the same time, my husband and I were expecting our first child. Teacher training provided a grounding force amid the big changes ahead as one month into the training, I was diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy due to placenta previa. I spent the final three months on bed rest in the hospital. Yet despite these challenges, I continued my training through virtual Zoom classes and earned my Prenatal Yoga Teacher certification while pregnant. Our healthy, vibrant son was born in August 2021. I completed my 300-hour certification in December 2022.

Today, I am honored to teach and share the practice of yoga, drawing on the profound personal growth and insights I have gained throughout my journey.

Sean has been practicing yoga since 2015 and completed his 200hr YTT in 2016. Before the Pandemic shifted our movement plans, Sean had started to travel to places like New York and Miami to learn different lineages and styles - like Ashtanga - from amazing teachers located all over the country. Through this, you will find his teaching style has a mix of influences. Always a student, Sean has just completed his 300hr yoga teacher training in 2024! Sean also tapped into his deep love of music and now specializes in Sound Healing.

Expect a mixture of dynamic purposeful flows with yoga philosophy added in when you come to Sean's classes. You will always find an intention and an uplifting message leaving you ready to take on any challenge off of your mat.

I had always danced and known I felt better when I could stretch, move, and challenge my body. Movement kept me present and “feeling good”. A friend introduced me to an Iyengar Instructor who was renting space at a ballet studio when I was in my twenties and recovering from 30-foot that had crushed my wrist and broken my pelvis. I had no idea who BKS Iyengar was at the time, but my teacher brought Iyengar to Dallas, from India, for workshops and I was able to work with him on asana modifications that would allow me to practice and recover from my injures as I regained my strength.

Over time Power Vinyasa began to be my go-to. I completed my first 200-hour Certification through YogaFit in 2008 and a second 200-hour Certification with a Power Yoga Studio in 2009. I had been teaching for a year or so when Baron Baptiste came to Dallas. After attending a weekend long training with Baron, I began my training with the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute in 2011 and I achieved my 2000-hour “Yoga Influencer” Certificate from the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute in 2017. This Certification involves striving for the mastery of teaching, communication, workshop and leadership skills utilizing asana (physical poses), meditation (being present), and inquiry (transformation through self-examination). I am now an E-RYT500 Advanced Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance, I hold my YACEP certification as a licensed Continuing Education Provider.

I have created assisted and hosted National and International trainings, written and taught curricula for 200 and 300-hour Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Schools, transformational trainings, weekend workshops and yoga-related programs of all kinds. I created and lead a yoga community dedicated to the creation of strong, high-integrity leaders for 10 over years.

In my classes, I emphasize the use of Sthira Sukham Asanam, balanced action, the importance of both strength and suppleness which brings stability and comfort to a physically challenging vinyasa practice. This means hard work balanced with laughter and fun!

I started practicing yoga back in 2015 as a way to change up my daily routine. I was unhappy with where I was at physically, mentally and emotionally so I knew something needed to change. While difficult at first to make it onto my mat, soon it became my most important priority to my day and eventually I decided to start Yoga Teacher Training. I did my training at Uptown Yoga back in 2017 and I have been teaching ever since. In my classes I strive to guide students into feeling strong both mentally and physically and to be open to all the other benefits that yoga can provide. In addition to teaching, I have a corporate day job in finance software. A lot of the rest of my time is spent riding my horse Charm and competing in Eventing.