BIO COMING SOON!

Ava is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), RYT500 teacher and has been teaching for 6 years. She has been teaching at Hotbox since 2019. She received her 200 HR Yoga Teacher Certification with Free to Be in New Orleans in 2018. Since completing her training she has completed the Social Impact Training and Hands on Assisting Training with Grace & Glory Yoga, the 40 Days to Personal Revolution Facilitation Program through the Baptiste Institute, and the Personal Best Immersion with Luca Richards. In addition, Ava is certified in Yin Yoga through Grace & Glory, Kids Yoga through Yoga Ed., and YOD Level 1 through Danielle Jonkinen. Ava received her 300 HR RYT with Kripalu’s Therapeutic Yoga Program.

Current Mantra: “This is it” - Thich Nhat Hanh

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? I love the sense of community. I know that on any given day I can walk into Hotbox and have amazing conversations. Hotbox is a space that is welcoming and I have made friendships that will last me a lifetime. Teachers are committed and really care about deepening their practice & their teaching methods. 

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? I am a twin!

What are you most passionate about right now? I am most passionate about yoga, gardening, cooking, and spending lots of time outside.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Probably in the Wissahickon with my dog, Henry and my boyfriend, Courtney. 

Current Mantra: Practice the Pause

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? Golden hour at the studio. The windows in the practice room let in so much light — it’s pure magic. Not only do they let the light in, they offer endless options for Drishti.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? I am filled with so much gratitude for each and every person who carves out the time to make it to their mat. This practice is challenging & sweaty and it is an honor and inspiration to witness each person’s greatness & growth.

What are you most passionate about right now? Movement. When life is chaotic and anxiety settles in, movement, of any kind, allows me to get out of my head and into my body.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Chasing my dog Theo around Manayunk, riding my Peloton, or drinking coffee.

Current Mantra: Leave every place better than you found it.

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? Our community is unmatched. I can practice yoga anywhere in this city, but our community makes Hotbox feel like home. I’ve made so many yogi buddies here as a student and instructor. The best part is when we take the friendship off the mat and link up as non-sweaty humans in real clothes.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? We are such an incredible collective. The love, strength, and energy we all bring to this space is so infectious. It’s personally been so healing for me. I love seeing people come to Hotbox for the first time, and then watching their power and confidence shine over time as they keep coming back. I hope y’all know the power each of you carries—own it.

​

What are you most passionate about right now? Choosing joy and being my most authentic self above all things. There are very few things we can control in life, but these two things are golden. I happen to be in a very vulnerable season in my life right now where so much is shifting; while Idk my outcome, I’ve learned that joy and pain can co-exist, and I can choose to lean into joy every time. I’ve also learned that even the most difficult decisions feel more bearable when I know I’m honoring myself.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Depends on the day and the mood…but either…catching up on my stories (Real Housewives is my guilty pleasure), nature walks with friends, cute lil dinner or brunch vibe—gotta get these fits and laughs off, plotting my next travel adventure.

BIO COMING SOON!

Current mantra: Live life to the fullest; enjoy every day.

Favorite thing about Hotbox: The space breeds creativity. And that floor!!! 

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox Community? Try my class and share my passion for yoga. 

What are you most passionate about right now? My next playlist.

When you aren’t at the studio, where can we find you? You can find me walking my Great Dane Teddy.

Current Mantra: Transformation after Trauma

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? The community and commitment to education. I remember taking class in many a workshop in the Manayunk location and love likeminded vibes.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? I love this practice. All of it. The poses the meditation the friendships and the relationship with my self.

What are you most passionate about right now? Trainings and retreating. I love sharing the teachings of the practice as well as doing it all around the world.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? You can find me at home. As self aware as I think I am ~ I love Bravo Reality TV.

Name: Joy! But this is short for “Ethel Joy,” because I’m named after my mom, Ethel, who became totally blind at 30. She gave birth to me 5 years after losing her sight. I’m her only daughter and her joy, “Ethel’s Joy.”

Current Mantra: It is never too late to embrace peace, in whatever way feels right to you.

What's my favorite thing about Hotbox? Our community! It has been such a source of incredible support and grounding, especially during life's ups and downs. As a student, I'm immensely grateful for this community and as a new teacher, I hope to give back as much as I've received. Also, I adore the tree(s)! At Hotbox Manayunk, I love to practice in the front row and experience the changing seasons through our beautiful tree in the window. Hotbox Ambler has sooo many trees and the sunset backdrop adds so much beauty to our evening practice.

What are you most passionate about right now? biggest passion is health equity. Last year, I pitched my business idea, "The Wellness Co-Op," for the #wellcitychallenge, a Shark Tank style competition focused on social impact in healthcare, powered by @independencebluecross in partnership with the @economyleague and Accelerate Health Equity. I won the Judges' Choice Award for Supporting Community Connections and $10,000 in seed funding. Life interceded, so I've put this dream on hold, but I am still committed to eventually bringing The Wellness Co-Op to life. Follow @wellwithinreachcoop for updates and check out my pitch video. I'm always open to connecting and collaborating!

When you aren't at the studio where can we find you? Practicing piano and other random instruments; hanging out with my senior creamsicle cat, Rusty; singing karaoke (especially belting out Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know"); wearing something black and glittery while dancing at a local goth night; teaching as an adjunct music therapy and counseling professor at Drexel University; working my social services day job as the Director of Place-Based Initiatived with the Philadelphia Housing Authority; and enjoying a pre/post yoga sweet treat @boostinbowlsphilly in Manayunk or @alohasmoothiecoambler in Ambler!

Current Mantra: Do it scared

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? The spaces. Both Manayunk & Ambler have the perfect light and feel like home away from home.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? I’m a special events planner by day, and I used to jump rope competitively, of course.

What are you most passionate about right now? Yoga, travel, finding balance, gardening

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Walking around Germantown with my husband and rescue greyhound, Dixie or exploring a bookstore (and buying books!)

BONUS: Julie’s favorite book is “Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooney!

Fun Fact: Julie is technically my nickname - my legal name is Julia! (I prefer Julie)

Current Mantra: Show up with joy, accept the rest

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? The ever-evolving and yet still so steadfast community.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? I want to share the joys and benefits of gentle yoga and meditation. I want to help open people’s eyes to how valuable and meaningful a slow, intentional practice can be in their journey to health.

What can we expect from gentle yoga class? You can expect a totally different experience than usual at Hotbox - the pace, the poses, the use of props, even the lighting! My goal is for you to walk away feeling calm, steady, and at peace in the present.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Fixing up my new house in Glenside! Or somewhere in the wild.

BIO COMING SOON!

Current Mantra: I’ve got two!

All of us have made it through 100% of our bad days.

An attitude of gratitude is the highest Yoga.

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? That Hotbox has brought a beautiful yoga community to MY community. I am Lower Gwynedd born and raised, and Hotbox is the PERFECT addition to this community.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? My gratitude for those who come to practice with me. I may be guiding you through practice, but I’m also LEARNING from watching and guiding all of you, and that makes me a better yoga teacher. Thank you.

What are you most passionate about right now? Momming with a yogi heart and mindset.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Either in clinic (recommending yoga to most of my patients!) or spending time out in nature with my family and friends.

Current Mantra: Don’t wish for it. Work for it.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? I grew up in Blue Bell and recently moved back to the area after living in Philadelphia for the past 15 years.  I now live 1 mile away from Hotbox Ambler.

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? The heat! And the community of interesting, like-minded people.

What’s something that you are passionate about? Power yoga! There is nothing like the feeling you get after stepping off your mat in a power class.  I love this practice and get on my mat as often as I can.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? When I’m not at Hotbox I am either working as an attorney or spending time with my kids, Maddie (4) & Mikey (1) & my husband Kevin.

Current Mantra: And now it’s like this.

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? The warm and wonderful energy of the people and the space

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? The magic of Yoga!

What are you most passionate about right now? All things nature and adventure

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? In my garden, or on a trail in the trees - anywhere outside!

Nickname: Rainbow Brite

Current Mantra: Shine bright.

What's your favorite thing about Hotbox? How instantly welcoming it is to step into this space, being greeted with smiles and warmth. 

What's one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? Each time we step onto our mat is a unique experience with ourselves. Our job as practitioners is to listen to our bodies and inner guidance.  The time we spend on our mat mirrors how we show up in life.  So tune in, and be present. 

What are you passionate about right now? Showing up, being me, and honoring wherever I am at that moment. Finding peace in presence.  

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Tie dying or dabbling in something creative.  And wearing rainbows. 

Current Mantra: Everything doesn’t always have to be so heavy. Find moments of lightness, ease, and breath.

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? Community, community, community. The energy in this community is contagious & never fails to ignite a spark inside of me!

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? I used to coach girl’s basketball for 4 years before moving to Philly (I promise I won’t make you do drills during class)

What are you most passionate about right now? Living yoga — incorporating my practice in all aspects of my life.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Walking my four-legged nephew around Manayunk or spending time with friends!

Current Mantra: Breathe in, breathe out.

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? Everyone is so friendly, diverse, open, it’s a universal language.

What are you most passionate about right now? Using as many platforms as I can, I aim to educate and inspire everyone who crosses my path, showing them that they deserve happiness and health and can take steps to achieve it.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Another yoga class, Rayah’s gymnastics studio, Niyah‘s soccer field, or my 5th Grade classroom.

Current Mantra: If it’s not a hell YES it’s a hell no.

Why Hotbox? COMMUNITY! Hotbox is a magnet for beautifully spirited like minded souls. The interactions before & after class fill my cup as much (if not more) than the vinyasa itself.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? Every single person who walks into Hotbox adds so much value to the space. If you’re coming to a class seeking connection and community, know that I’m here for it and we’re here for you. If you catch my class or see me on the mat, come say hello! I cannot wait to meet you.

What are you most passionate about right now? Rediscovering myself after becoming a mom. My yoga practice, my routines, my desires and my boundaries.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? With my family! My husband, our toddler Autumn, and our two fur baby dogs. With the weather warming up you can find us at the parks, the library or the zoo.

Current Mantra: Change the things you can change. Make peace with the things that cannot be changed.

What’s your favorite thing about Hotbox? Being able to practice with my wife Jill (a powerful Yogi) and all the great friends, both old and new, I have made over the years.

What’s one thing you want to share with the Hotbox community? Great and meaningful music via the albums I play during my class, Friday Sounds with Steve.

What are you most passionate about right now? Spending quality time with my friends and family.

When you aren’t at the studio where can we find you? Fronting Concrete Charlie, a rock and soul cover band.