Meet Our Teachers
Guiding Your Journey, TogetherAt Yoga for the People, our instructors are passionate guides committed to creating an inclusive, supportive space for everyone. With diverse backgrounds and teaching styles, each teacher brings something unique to your practice. Whether you’re just starting or deepening your journey, our team is here to support and empower you every step of the way.
Leah Werner
Founder, Teacher, RYT 200
About Leah: Leah has been passionate about yoga since she stepped into her first class over a decade ago. Spending much of her 20s traveling around the world for work, yoga was a cornerstone of consistency, grounding, and gratitude in her life. Throughout the years, Leah has had the opportunity to practice at studios in every corner of the globe, and loves to enrich her classes with new things she’s learned along the way. Leah obtained her RYT 200 training in 2022 with a focus on Vinyasa, and has been teaching classes in Pittsburgh and Seattle ever since. She has also received training in Yin and Children’s yoga.
You can expect a casual, fun approach in Leah’s classes. No need to worry about being “flexible” or a “yoga person” – just show up with comfortable clothes, a smile, and an open mind. Leah prioritizes making students feel comfortable and confident in finding what works best for their bodies… because the best type of yoga practice is the one you actually do!
Outside of the studio, Leah works as an engineer. Having worked in manufacturing and construction for almost a decade, she is passionate about making yoga approachable to people who work in those fields. When she’s not working or teaching yoga, you can find Leah gardening, cooking, working on projects around her house, and spending time with her dog Blanche and cat Tino.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Chair Pose
Carley Depasquale
Teacher, RYT 200
About Carley: Carley’s yoga practice began in 2018 shortly after moving to Pittsburgh. Yoga helped her find focus and presence during a difficult transition in her life. In 2022, she completed her 200-hr teacher training and began teaching vinyasa classes. With a deep desire to learn more about yoga philosophy, her personal practice shifted, and she began regularly attending Ashtanga yoga classes. Carley is a devoted practitioner of the Primary series and also teaches Ashtanga classes at The Shala of Pittsburgh. While teaching is her passion, she considers herself a forever student, always seeking new opportunities to learn. She is excited to be continuing her studies through a mentorship program with authorized teacher, Taylor Hunt, and looks forward to sharing this knowledge with her students. Carley is also a certified kids yoga teacher and has regularly taught kids classes around the Pittsburgh area since 2023.
You can expect a playful, lighthearted vibe in Carley’s classes. With her experience in kids yoga and education, she firmly believes that we do our best learning when our minds are in “play” mode. She delights in helping students make a connection with their inner child, ultimately their most authentic self. Carley is a firm believer that the most important yoga happens off the mat and delights in helping others expand their practice beyond the physical postures.
Carley works as an educator and has 10+ years of experience in autism support. In her spare time, she’s likely reading, hiking with her dog, or playing card games with friends (euchre is her favorite!).
Favorite Yoga Pose: Down Dog
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Tree
Ameera Venkataraman
Teacher, RYT 200
About Ameera: Ameera has been practicing yoga for many years after falling in love with its deep history, philosophy and the natural connection of the mind, body and spirit. She earned her RYT 200 certification in Pittsburgh and has been teaching ever since.
Outside of teaching yoga, you can expect to find Ameera bouncing around the Pittsburgh area finding new restaurants and coffee shops to try.
Least Favorite Yoga Pose: Fish pose (Matsyasana)
Sydney Samery
Teacher, RYT 200
About Sydney: Sydney first started to explore yoga online and was immediately drawn to its calming effect. Aside from the many physical benefits, she fell in love with the ways yoga opens the mind and heart. It wasn’t until moving home to Pittsburgh after 5 years of living in Los Angeles that yoga became such an integral part of her world, supporting her through life’s transitions. Sydney’s practice grew while trying various studios around the city. It was when it brought her back home to herself that she realized yoga was no longer just a personal practice-it was something she felt compelled to share with others. That desire led Sydney to Kathmandu to pursue her 200 Hour YTT at the Himalayan Yoga Academy.
Warm and welcoming is always the goal of Sydney’s classes. Knowing yoga is for every body, she puts an emphasis on warming up all parts of the body and breaking down poses to ensure proper understanding and alignment. You’ll experience the power of your breath while cultivating presence, strength, and stability. No matter the class size, your practice will be one of playfulness and expansion.
When not in yoga class, Sydney works in tech, making movement even more vital. Disco nights, wandering the city with her favorite people and pup Lula, and seeking out nature are her favorite ways to move. Community is a pillar in Sydney’s life both on and off the mat.
Favorite Pose: Pigeon pose
Least Favorite Pose: Camel pose
Lindsey Best
Teacher, RYT 200
About Linsey: Lindsey has been practicing yoga for over a decade. She discovered yoga while she was a student at Clarion University, studying psychology. She then used it as a way to move her body and get out of her own head. As she continued learning the philosophy of yoga, her passion grew stronger. After years of surrounding herself around a yoga community and having a daily practice, yoga became more of a lifestyle. What she loves most about yoga is that she can forever stay a yoga student; learning and growing. She values that yoga gives the opportunity for a mindful moment to look inward.
Lindsey holds a 200-hour yoga teacher certification and currently offers sound healing in her practice. As a wellness enthusiast and Certified Recovery Specialist, she enjoys bringing community together and helping others achieve personal growth and wellness.
In Lindsey’s class, you will find an inclusive sacred space. She utilizes pranayama, mindfulness, meditation, and sound healing.
When not on her mat, you can find Lindsey paddleboarding, creating art, or spending time with her loved ones.
Least Favorite Pose: Humble Warrior