BLUE AWNING YOGA & WELLNESS

I discovered yoga through my local library over a decade ago. I’ve been on a journey of self-realization ever since. My practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible and grounded both on and off the mat. My training includes a 200-hour power yinyasa certification with South Hills Power Yoga. In addition to a 200-hour teacher training with Story Yoga located in Burlington, VT. Which focused on addiction recovery and trauma informed yoga. I seek to help others thrive by connecting body, mind and spirit. In class I like to combine creative sequencing, a spirit of playfulness and a dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice. My hope is that you step off the mat feeling refreshed and balanced.

After changing my own lifestyle to a health and wellness led journey I became a National Academy of Sports and Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) in the spring of 2021. Specializing in strength training and weight management as well as conditioning. Wanting to learn more on how to continue to expand my knowledge of health and wellness yoga was on my
radar. At first I did not know enough about yoga to have a valid opinion about it, so I took a class at my local Gym in downtown Pugh. This one class showed me that yoga would be a great
foundation for anyone. As a yoga instructor I strive to have a rhythmic strengthening flow in class. Using my fitness background to mix it up in class but it still will be a “yoga” class. I would also love to teach wall classes using this same style. One of my favorite sayings is “move forward with an attitude of gratitude”.

My name is Molly Knepper, 200 RYT, and I have been teaching yoga since 2016. I was first exposed to yoga as a child from a wonderful neighbor but stepped away from it for many years as I pursued competitive swimming. I returned to yoga as a public-school teacher in search of ways to manage stress. Soon after I completed a 200 hr. teacher-training course in Hatha Yoga. I taught with PIES Studio until I moved to Pittsburgh with my husband to start a family. Since then, I have been teaching at my neighborhood civic center, offering classes focused on strength and flexibility as well as relaxation. I love to help others discover yoga’s ability to build functional strength, reduce stress and promote relaxation. My goal as a yoga teacher is to help others learn and create an accessible and sustainable home practice.

Annie Lapidus is an advocate for inclusion and accessibility, whose approach is Collaborative and community-oriented. In partnership with Creative Citizen Studios, she has served as a consultant and trainer for organizations such as the Carnegie Museums, the Children’s Museum, and Attack Theater, where she has worked to systemically break down barriers to access and to create authentic welcoming strategies. Annie is the board Vice-President of the Bricolage Production Company and is the chair of their Inclusion and Accessibility Committee. Annie earned RYT200 Yoga Teacher Certification through Open Up Pittsburgh. She also holds a specialized certification in Accessible Yoga. These programs of adaptive and accommodating yoga practice are in alignment with her belief that meeting people where they are and using open communication are the best methods for allowing people to feel welcomed, wanted, and included.