EMMA SAAL (She/her)
Emma’s intention is to create a cheerful and safe atmosphere, where she can share her love, passion and knowledge of yoga, martial arts and dance. Emma’s classes are sweaty, challenging and accessible, intelligently blending a vinyasa flowing class with clear verbal and visual execution of the body’s foundation and healthy alignment; always leaving time to spoil the body with yummy stretches, and a deep delicious savasana. Her positive energy encourages her students to cultivate a practice that is personal and nourishing while exploring their edge, and her laid-back vibe allows one listen to their inner-teacher learning to accept from a place of gratitude. She believes the body has profound inner intelligence that we access during yoga practice to bring us self-awareness and comprehension that ultimately reveals our true core…pure love. Follow Emma on Instagram @emmakoepicko
AMIE DITOMASSO (she/her)
Amie began her yoga practice about 20 years ago. She was introduced by her mother, and then practiced on and off for a few years. Later in college, she developed a passion and commitment to the practice. As she immersed herself in the surrounding yoga community, she was drawn to exploring the breath, body, and mind connection. Her science background encouraged her to better understand how the body and brain influence and are impacted by the mental, physical, and spiritual elements of the practice.
Amie has completed over 500 hours of yoga training. She leads foundational and advanced level trainings. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master’s in Public Health and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Amie seeks to create playful, creative, vinyasa and fusion classes (inspired by yoga, Pilates, sculpt, & barre) with intentions of offering opportunities for her students to grow, explore movement, let go of expectations, and practice everyday mindfulness. As a hands on instructor, she provides extra good feels and guidance on alignment, all while trying to take you just a little deeper in your practice.
ARTHUR URATANI (HE/HIM)
Arthur was introduced to yoga about five years ago by his roommate. Initially, he committed to a regular practice as a way to alleviate the back pain he experienced from sitting at a desk all day, but he soon discovered the joys of yoga extended well beyond just physical relief. Arthur's goal is simple. He hopes that students leave his class feeling good about themselves. Whether that be because they connected with the playlist, enjoyed a particularly nice assist, or got further into a pose than they've ever been, that is what he's looking for. Arthur enjoys working on arm balances and inversions. He loves when he can help his students achieve breakthroughs in their practice. Arthur started off his early yoga career as a karma yoga at Epic and continues to volunteer to this day!
NADIYA MAHMOOD (SHE/HER)
Sitara Nadiya Mahmood has been practicing yoga asana for over 12 years. Nadiya received her 200 Hour CYT in Costa Rica in 2016 at the Marianne Wells Yoga School. She teaches different styles including flow and Vinyasa classes. Nadiya enjoys practicing power yoga and Rocket yoga on her own time. She prides herself on keeping her classes authentic to her true self. She also makes sure that her class is available to students of all skill levels from beginner to intermediate and advanced students are welcomed as well and loved equally.
Nadiya says “I like to make sure all my clients feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Maybe you wont be able to get a certain posture today, but if you continue to practice, one day you may be able to get that pose. Make the goal to be consistent, not to get to a certain destination”.
Deniece Dortch (SHE/HER)
Dr. Deniece Dortch is a gentle, affirming yoga instructor who believes yoga is a pathway to healing, empowerment, and self-discovery. Her love for yoga began as a personal practice and has grown into a heartfelt offering of care and connection to others. Rooted in compassion, Deniece’s classes create a welcoming space where all bodies and identities feel seen, safe, and supported. Her sequences are slow, intentional, and grounded in affirmations encouraging students to move with grace, breath, and self-love. When appropriate, she offers hands-on assists to support alignment and deepen students’ connection to their bodies.
Deniece brings a deep background in facilitation and training to her yoga teaching, drawing on years of experience creating inclusive environments that honor individual experience and collective healing. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher & Postsecondary Education Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, an Ed.M. in Higher & Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, an M.A. in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management from the School for International Training in Vermont, and a B.A. from Eastern Michigan University.
Through yoga, Deniece offers more than just movement—she offers presence. Her classes are invitations to slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with your whole self. Whether you're brand new or returning to the mat, you'll be welcomed just as you are.
AUBREY WALDOCK (SHE/HER)
Aubrey's yoga journey began in high school and as a college student, she delved deeper into her practice, exploring various yoga styles until she discovered her passion for Vinyasa. It was in the vibrant yoga community of Washington, DC, where Aubrey truly fell in love with the graceful flow of Vinyasa yoga, a style that resonated deeply with her background in dance.
Yoga has taken Aubrey around the world, participating in yoga retreats in destinations like Greece and Morocco. These experiences have broadened her perspective and allowed her to learn from some of the most inspiring yoga teachers.
Given her strong foundation in dance, Aubrey's classes are designed to focus on intentional balance and alignment, along with the fluidity and serenity of movement that yoga offers. She emphasizes the importance of the mind-body connection, breath awareness, and being fully present in class. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and the belief that yoga is truly for everyone. Aubrey is a graduate of Epic Yoga's 200-hour yoga teacher training program.
MARIAH MCPHERSON (SHE/HER)
I love yoga for its ability to teach us about our minds & bodies and the role we play in the world around us. In addition to being a yoga teacher, I am a holistic health coach. I believe that food and movement are powerful tools of self-care that can help us live more mindfully so we can be who we want to be. I hope to show you new ways to live, move, eat and think so you can find what feels good and natural to you. I got my yoga teacher certification through Mimi Rieger's Power of Teaching program. I teach Vinyasa Flow style classes with fun music and creative sequences to keep things interesting. I love strong core work to stabilize all our asanas and lots of stretches to keep the body feeling fluid and light. To learn more about me, you can check out my website mariahmcpherson.com :)
HAILEY WALDMAN (SHE/HER)
Hailey found yoga in high school and immediately fell in love with the practice. She initially was interested in yoga for the sole purpose of the movement, but quickly found that it was so much more than a physical practice. Hailey is currently a student at George Washington University and has seen the mental health benefits that a yoga practice can offer during the stress of her studies and school. She completed her teacher training during the height of COVID-19, and it was one of the best decisions she has made. Her classes are filled with lots of movement and playfulness, as we all navigate new ways to move the body. Be prepared to sweat, play with balancing postures and enjoy the music in her classes, while tuning into yourself.
NATALIE PETRULLA (SHE / HER)
Natalie is a graduate of Epic's 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) program. She began her yoga journey 10 years ago, using yoga as exercise for stress relief. While initially drawn to yoga for its physical benefits, she developed a true passion for yoga after incorporating pranayama and other elements of traditional yoga into her physical asana practice. She teaches her vinyasa-style classes as moving meditations, creating moments for both dynamic movement and stillness that allow students of all levels to de-stress and create connections between the breath, mind, and body. Her classes are centered around creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all students, regardless of where they are in their yoga journey, to cultivate a holistic yoga practice.
Elle Pierre (SHE/HER)
Elle is a Los Angeles native whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, exploration, and wellness. She began her yoga journey in 2007 while studying theatre in New York City and, in 2016, deepened her practice—earning her 200-hour YogaWorks certification in 2019 and completing a 120-hour apprenticeship. In 2020, she led a yoga residency with Ethel’s Club, a space centering the wellbeing of Black and non-Black creatives of color, including those in LGBTQ communities.
Elle now calls the DMV home, bringing her signature blend of yoga, intuitive movement, and community care to the district.
NAOMI PERRY (SHE/HER)
Naomi began practicing Pilates following an injury as a way to support her body with low-impact exercise. She quickly fell in love with the practice after experiencing transformative healing
benefits. Her mission as a Pilates teacher is to share feel-good movement that aligns the body and is kind to the mind. Her calm and centered classes are focused on form, flow, and fostering a lasting mind-body connection for her students.
Naomi is a graduate of Epic Yoga’s YTT program and is completing her comprehensive Pilates certification through Balanced Body. She lives in Georgetown with her fiancé and her adorable cavapoo, Kale.
SARA ANRRICH (SHE/HER)
Sara (she/her) completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at Epic Yoga DC in 2025. Her classes are well-rounded and thoughtfully crafted, featuring mindful breathwork, an emphasis on alignment foundations, fluid sequencing, and tunes to transport your mind to a far off place.
A long-time member of the Epic community, both as a student and a seva volunteer, her intention is to create a supportive and inviting environment for students to explore and enjoy the benefits of their own yoga practice.
Off the mat, you can find Sara browsing bookstores, researching her next travel itinerary, or testing a new recipe to share with family & friends.
BELLA PEDULLA (SHE/HER)
Before beginning her yoga journey Bella trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern styles of dance, which initially sparked her deep passion for movement. She began practicing yoga in 2017 to help recover from injuries that afflicted her dancing. Bella has since used yoga to heal from the mental and physical pressures she faced as a dancer, learning to find joy and liberation in movement, free from self judgment. She believes that the intention of yoga is not to look a certain way or to achieve a certain pose, but rather to be present and be grateful for where you are in your journey. Bella hopes to encourage others in finding wholeness within themselves by fostering a healthy mind-body connection and perception of self. In May 2023, Bella graduated from Skidmore College with a Bachelor of Arts with majors in dance and philosophy, and a minor in arts administration. She utilizes her studies in metaphysical philosophy and dance as sources of inspiration for her teaching and practice. Connect with Bella on Instagram @isabellavpedulla.
“In order to obtain happiness, we must have inner peace. Real, lasting happiness is not obtained from an external source.” - Traleg Kyabgon
KATIE VINCI (SHE/HER)
Katie started practicing yoga over ten years ago, seeking an outlet while working a stressful job. Long after leaving the job, yoga has stuck with her as a constant source of peace in her life.
She enjoys designing creative flows and playlists that offer that same sense of calm and escape. She aims to offer a space for students to explore new movements, find a challenge when looking for it, and leave class feeling grounded.
Katie is a graduate of Epic Yoga's 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program.
MELANIE SMITH
Melanie is a group exercise instructor based out of Silver Spring, Maryland. With more than fifteen years of teaching experience, Melanie’s classes have taken place in the indoor, outdoor, and virtual spaces with formats that include indoor cycling, cardio kickboxing, bootcamp, barre, stretch & mobility, and Zumba. Additionally, she’s led group fitness fundraisers for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and National MS Society raising thousands of dollars for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis research.
Outside of fitness, Melanie is a licensed pharmacist (Maryland, Virginia) and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She is passionate about empowering individuals to lead vibrant and healthy lives, no matter their age or stage in life, through wellness education and medication review. Connect with Melanie on social media platforms by following @moveswithmelanie.
JOHN BOTTINO (HE/HIM)
John embarked on his yoga journey in the summer of 2011 while attending classes at Harvard Summer School. His passion for yoga deepened as he became a student and later a Seva volunteer at Down Under Yoga in Brookline, MA—one of the nation’s top yoga studios known for its Iyengar lineage. During this time, John not only learned the discipline of disinfecting mats and mastering the art of blanket folding but also had the privilege of studying under the guidance of renowned teachers Patricia Walden and Natasha Rizopoulos, which cultivated his love for alignment-based flow.
John completed his 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (HYTT) at The Yoga Loft of Marblehead, MA, studying under the esteemed Vito Politano and Larisa Forman. Throughout his journey, John was a regular volunteer and student at The Nantucket Yoga Festival and frequently practiced at Kripalu in the Berkshires and the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in the Bahamas.
In 2018, John was part of the opening faculty at Eaton Wellness. His career progressed in 2023 when he became Program Manager at The Ranch Malibu, later advancing to General Manager of The Ranch Hudson, where he led the yoga program for The Ranch Pop-Up in Vail. John's connection with Epic Yoga was established while working as a consultant in Washington, DC, in 2016. From the moment he discovered Epic Yoga, John knew it was where he truly belonged.
COLLEEN MCMAHON (SHE/HER)
Colleen is a graduate of Epic Yoga's 200-hour yoga teacher training. Her journey with yoga began simply as a form of exercise, delving in and out of the practice for years. Feeling inspired after moving to the beach post-college, she found a consistent practice filled with creative flows. Since then, she has traveled the world experiencing different styles of yoga; each influencing the teacher she is today.
Colleen’s classes are a combination of yin and yang energies. Students can expect a thoughtfully crafted asana practice with funky playlists grounded in the connection to the body through breath and movement ending with a gentle cool down and a soulful savasana. Colleen seeks to make her classes a welcoming environment for all and encourages her students to drop their egos at the door— to explore, to connect, and to grow through a holistic yoga practice.
CLAYTON O’DELL
Clayton fell in love with yoga in high school for the mental and physical empowerment she found through it, and continued to deepen her practice throughout college. She traveled to Bali for her 200 hour yoga teacher training and then continued to teach in Australia while abroad. She taught fellow students at the University of Notre Dame until graduating, both formally in studios and informally in parking lots and backyards inclusive to all students.
She recently moved to DC and continues to passionately teach others what she loves about this practice. Clayton’s classes allow you to feel a physical strength in the movements while mentally escaping to a state of serenity through breath and movement. She hopes to cultivate a judgment free space for students to try new things and strengthen their practice. When she’s not teaching you a powerful, creative vinyasa flow class, you’ll probably find her running, traveling, scuba diving, hiking, or playing piano.
HANNAH FACKRELL
Hannah began practicing power yoga in 2021 at the studio in her college town. She became a studio ambassador shortly after and gained the aspiration of becoming a teacher. Over the next two years Hannah grew her personal practice and continued to love the time spent on her mat. After her graduation from college in 2023, Hannah traveled to Bali and completed her 200 Hour training through House of Om.
During her training Hannah became deeply connected with the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga practice and gained further instruction and understanding of the eight limbs of yoga, specifically asana and pranayama. After returning home from her training, Hannah began teaching at Homegrown Power Yoga in Herndon, VA where she continued to hone her teaching skills and connect to her personal practice. In November of 2024, Hannah moved to DC and was looking for a studio to practice and share yoga with, that’s when she found Epic Yoga! She is so excited to connect with all the yogis who walk through the doors, and to continue fostering a space for exploration, growth, and playfulness on and off the mat!