Our Instructors

Get to know the team that makes Homebody what it is! Click through to learn about what brought them to yoga, what to expect from their classes, and fun facts like their favorite local spot in Raleigh and wishlist concerts. Each person’s unique background shines through in their classes so make sure to try as many as you can!

Jayne Vecchio

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Why yoga? I first tried yoga in 2017 while finishing up grad school. I was an avid runner at the time and did not think I would enjoy yoga because I assumed it was “just stretching” and I thought I would prefer something “more intense.” I finally agreed to take one yoga class and was absolutely humbled. I fell in love with how yoga made my body and brain feel. I am also a Registered Dietitian and feel that practicing yoga is a wonderful way to find gratitude for the body and all it does for us each and every day.
Teaching background? I dedicated half my life to competitive cheerleading and yoga soon became my creative outlet after college. I dove into teacher training in 2019 and have been teaching since. I love seeing my students feel strong and capable during class while challenging themselves.
Other movement? I love a good run.
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Goodnights Comedy Club
What do you hope people take away from your class? Trust yourself – we are capable of more than we think.
Bucket list travel? Greece, Southern Italy, Spain, Paris, Bali. Anywhere and everywhere.
Favorite concert? Austin City Limits 2023 – I cried when I saw Mt Joy for the 8th time

Conner Burke

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Why yoga? I grew up with a panic disorder, but I only recently learned the words to describe how I've always felt. Connecting mind and body through movement has helped me understand feelings that words can’t. I came into teaching in hopes that I could share how the yoga practice has benefits that go far beyond the physical body.
Teaching background? I started teaching as a way to share the practice with others - especially the mental health benefits. I’ve been teaching for 3 years but have been practicing for 10 years. All of my classes are trauma-informed which comes through in the cues I use and music I choose to pair with the practice.
Other movement? Catch me popping into run groups around Raleigh. I also love weight lifting and walking.
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Raleigh City Farm
What do you hope people take away from your class? My direction is only a suggestion to guide your own practice. I want students to show up for themselves and move how their body needs.
Bucket list travel? Mediterranean
Favorite concert you've ever been to? Dermot Kennedy at Red Rocks

Glenn Cheatham

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Why yoga? I started practicing yoga in 2016 while in college. I was a struggling, anxious, stressed college student who found so much community, calming, and security in establishing a yoga routine. Yoga was the thing that helped me feel strong not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Teaching background? I decided that I wanted to teach yoga while I was sick and in and out of hospitals. While recovering, I got to participate in gentle yin yoga and yoga nidra. It was a first-hand experience of how impactful and healing a yoga practice can be, and I felt so passionate about being able to share that with others. I’ve been teaching yoga for four years and have incorporated my teaching into my career as a therapist, as well as becoming a trauma-informed yoga teacher.
Other movement? I love a lot of different styles of movement! I mainly practice kettlebell movements like swings, snatches, and Turkish get-ups. I love to create full-body kettlebell flows that work in some yoga/animal style movements like beast (hovering table) and crab reaches (like wild thing).
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Boulted Bread for a morning bun, Black & White for a brown sugar oat milk latte, Standard for a What’s In A Name cocktail, and Player’s Retreat for a mushroom & Swiss burger.
What do you hope people take away from your class? I want people to establish a deeper connection to themselves and leave feeling like they are more aligned with themselves and more attuned to their own energy.
Bucket list travel? Bike trip in Spain! Japan! Mexico City!
Favorite concerts or wishlist concerts? Maggie Rogers' most recent tour! Wishlist concert is Teddy Swims or Anderson.Paak

Matt Michael

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Why yoga? I first tried yoga doing P90X in college. I then did yoga sparingly for several years, as a complement to running. Eventually, I ended up at a yoga studio and fell in love with the practice. Haven’t stopped since.
Teaching background? My partner convinced me into doing yoga teacher training in 2018. I hadn’t planned on actually teaching yoga but fell in love with sharing my practice with others and have been teaching since!
Other movement? Running, weight training, cycling!
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Natural Science (PS2)
What do you hope people take away from your class? That yoga is fun and accessible to anyone!
Bucket list travel? Redwood National and State Park
Favorite concert? King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard at Bonnaroo ‘22

Layla Christie

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Why yoga? I started practicing yoga in college, and I immediately felt like it was more than just a "workout." The studio became a place where I could leave everything at the door and walk in feeling the open arms of the yoga room. Building a good community became easy with the students who considered themselves continuous learners. Yoga challenged me to be bold, build trust, and show up as myself. Moving to Raleigh, I knew no one, and quickly became friends with the yoga teachers whose classes I frequented often.
Teaching background? I got into teaching to meet two simultaneous goals: to encourage myself and others to find their voice.
Other movement? Running, playing basketball, and walks!
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Milk Lab
What do you hope people take away from your class? Feeling refreshed and more at peace than when they walked in.
Bucket list travel? Taiwan, the South of France, Austria, Egypt, and Australia!
Favorite concert or wishlist concert? Samia on my birthday at Cat's Cradle. Wishlist concert would be Zach Bryan.

Allison Cornelius

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Why yoga? Yoga is a way of life, and I want to live in a way that brings me more appreciation for the little things, and less worry about everything else. I found yoga at a time when I needed it, but didn’t appreciate it for all that it was. I hope students walk away from my class knowing that they are enough, and present enough to appreciate the life and abundance they already have.
Teaching background? As a school teacher I naturally love sharing what I love and what’s important to me, so after practicing for 3 years it just felt natural to start teaching. Now I’ve been teaching for 4 years and still learn something new every day and every practice. Around 2 years ago I got certified in prenatal and postnatal yoga and now it’s one of my favorite and most rewarding communities to teach.
Other movement? Walking.
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Mr. Mike’s Used Bookstore
What do you hope people take away from your class? I want everyone to learn something from my classes, I always include some non-physical aspect of yoga to deepen your practice off the mat.
Bucket list travel? Back to Greece or the South of France
Favorite concert you've ever been to? Favorite I’ve been to is Ed Sheeran. The Eras Tour is on my wishlist!

Anil Patel

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Why yoga? I started my yoga journey during a transitional period in my life. Unsure about the next step, it was a push from my mom, that started me on a new path. She signed me up for my first set of yoga classes and I took an immediate interest. The movement, relief I felt while on my mat, and community, kept yoga an integral part of my life.
Teaching background? After practicing for a couple years, I wanted to learn more, specifically alignment. I taught my first class shortly after, and it was fulfilling. I knew I wanted to teach. I’ve been teaching for 9 years now. Along with receiving my E-RYRT 200, I completed my Level 1 and 2 training though the Baptiste Institute
Other movement? I walk everywhere. I also enjoy dancing, free weights, soccer.
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? NCMA
What do you hope people take away from your class? I want to give students agency over their yoga practice. My flows are designed to be accessible and challenging.
Bucket list travel? Cape Town, Tokyo, & Shanghai
Favorite concerts or wishlist concerts? Drake and 21 Savage

Hannah Weinberger

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Why yoga? I started yoga as an addition to my movement practice but more importantly as a way to support my mental health and help with anxiety. Yoga allows me to to disconnect from everything going on off of my mat, slow down the chatter of my mind, and be present.
Teaching background? I already had a background as a certified personal trainer and health mindset coach, and then a solo trip to Bali with lots of time spent reflecting finally nudged me in the direction of pursuing teacher training. I’ve been teaching for going on two years now and now teaching easily competes with taking classes as one of my favorite things to do!
Other movement? I’m a movement junkie and love it all! I strength train regularly, love a Pilates class to mix things up, and of course enjoy taking my own yoga classes as a student too. I also love walks, hikes, paddle boarding, and any other kind of movement that gets me outdoors!
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? It’s a tie between Two Roosters and The Optimist!
What do you hope people take away from your class? My favorite thing about yoga is that it has served as an amazing creative outlet. I grew up dancing so I love that I’ve been able to use my creativity in a similar way through yoga. My goal for every class is that my students have fun, feel challenged, and walk away with a little something unique or new every single time.
Bucket list travel? Thailand
Favorite concert? The Lumineers

Lianna Lee

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Why yoga? During my junior year of High School, we were given the opportunity to practice yoga at a local gym as an alternative to attending a regular gym class. I definitely enjoyed it far more than dodgeball, but still wasn’t hooked. By the time I was in college, I decided to try stress-reduction techniques offered by the campus health department, one of them being yoga nidra twice a week. It was in those classes that I truly realized the power of yoga, and decided to dabble in other styles at local gyms & studios such as Vinyasa, Yin, & Iyengar. I couldn’t imagine life without it!
Teaching background? While unfulfilled at my 9-5 back in 2015 & after reading “Life After Death” by Damien Echols for a second time, I had found the motivation to make a big life change & sign up for YTT. His book discussed yoga & meditation practices that kept him sane while suffering in a tiny prison cell despite his innocence, and it was then that I had the realization that yoga was the path I was meant to further pursue. I have my 500 RYT certification in vinyasa, along with certifications in hot, yin, chair, trauma informed yoga, yoga for recovery, SUP, barre, & more! My next goal is prison yoga YTT.
Other movement? I am also a barre instructor & love pilates too!
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Chapel of Bones, Irregardless, & the State Farmers Market
What do you hope people take away from your class? My hope is for students to understand their power of choice. One day it might feel appropriate to step outside of their comfort zone, while the next day it might make more sense to just lay on the mat in savasana the entire time. Both are valid options & both are yoga! I also hope my classes teach people that they are capable of more than they may think!
Bucket list travel? Italy, Greece, Barcelona
Favorite concerts or wishlist concerts? I’m a diehard Nirvana fan so I wish I could’ve seen them before Kurt left the earth, but am VERY grateful to have seen the Smashing Pumpkins 10 times (so far)!

Em Collie

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Why yoga? I started practicing yoga as a form of active recovery for my pre-professional ballet training and professional ballet career. I have been practicing yoga since 2015 and it has become a source of peace, insight, connection, and challenge that continues to support my mental and physical well-being.
Teaching background? Yoga has had a profound impact on the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual parts of my life. I am drawn to teaching as a way of facilitating deeper connections within myself and others, to challenge myself, and to build skills that support my career as a mental health therapist.
Other movement? Strength training/weight lifting, barre classes, running, dancing, hiking, time in nature, and anything you invite me to do! As you can tell, I really love to move.
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Little Blue Bakehouse and Sweet Nothings Bakery! I have a big sweet tooth and can’t eat gluten, so this place is heaven to me.
What do you hope people take away from your class? First, yoga can be so much more than the asana/poses. Next, the power of the present moment and bringing awareness to our mind-body connection can make a difference in our lives on and off the mat. Last, there are no expectations and curiosity and playfulness are encouraged!
Bucket list travel? Anywhere and everywhere! If I had to pick a few, France, Netherlands, Japan, and Spain are some top ones for me.
Favorite concerts or wishlist concerts? Cage the Elephant, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, or Shakey Graves… can’t pick one.

Sydney Santoro

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Why yoga? I’ve been practicing yoga for 10 years now, I started during college to help manage my anxiety. I quickly fell in love with the practice and started bringing aspects of yoga, outside of the physical asanas, into my everyday life. There’s so much to learn within the yoga community I love that it’s an ongoing/evolving practice for each individual.
Teaching background? I originally started my teacher training in 2020 because I had seen how yoga improved my quality of life, and I wanted to help my dad when he was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I didn’t know much about anatomy or how to safely guide others. I learned specific ways yoga can truly benefit everybody, it’s amazing to witness. Since then I’ve also become certified as an E-RYT 200, Myofacial bodyworker, as well as credentialed in yin+restorative modality’s.Other movement? Strength training/weight lifting, barre classes, running, dancing, hiking, time in nature, and anything you invite me to do! As you can tell, I really love to move.
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? I have a sweet tooth and Andias milkshakes never disappoint! I’m also a regular at Sushi 9.
What do you hope people take away from your class? My hope is that students leave class feeling like they were able to connect with themselves and find moments of introspection. I try to incorporate unique dharma discussions as well as anatomical guidance so students can stay curious and learn off the mat.
Bucket list travel? One of my long term goals is to visit all 7 continents. I’ve still got Africa, Australia, and Antarctica to cross off.
Favorite concerts or wishlist concerts? This is a very difficult question! It’s got to be a tie between magical Fleetwood Mac and Maggie Roger’s for the best concerts I’ve seen. Watching Cher perform would be pretty life altering.

Joanna Gaertner

STUDIO LEAD

If you’ve received a text message from us or emailed us with questions, chances are Joanna is the one who’s been behind the screen chatting with you. She helps us to keep the studio sparkly clean, is a smiling face and listening ear for anyone who walks through the doors, and a works alongside Emily to keep everything running smoothly. Her and Emily have been working hard to bring Homebody to life and it wouldn’t exist without her!

My high school field hockey coach emphasized versatility by introducing her athletes to various fitness modalities. Yoga formed the foundation of this approach, incorporating breathwork techniques for use both on and off the field. Shortly after being introduced to these practices, I suffered a back injury that limited my mobility. It was then that I turned to yoga, learning to listen to my body and utilize breathwork in my recovery process. This experience sparked a lifelong commitment to yoga. I've maintained my practice over the years, allowing it to grow and evolve with me, continuing to benefit my physical and mental well-being long after my high school athletics career.
Other movement you love? I love to bike, skateboard and above all I love to walk!
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? The State Farmers Market, it never gets old!
Bucket list travel? South Africa
Favorite concert or wishlist concert? My favorite concert I've attended was Noah Kahan at Red Hat. The dream would be going to Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Emily Winters

OWNER & FOUNDER

As the founder and owner of Homebody, Emily has put her heart into creating a yoga home in Raleigh for those seeking a place to practice where focus is on how you feel, instead of how you look. She provides mentorship to her teachers so they feel encouraged to express their own unique styles within a creative sequencing framework. She believes in multiple levels of intensity in every class for students to fluctuate between based on how they’re feeling in the moment. Her dog Bucket is the honorary Homebody mascot.

I started practicing yoga is 2006 as a sophomore in high school looking for a physical and creative outlet, as well as a space where I felt safe to process my thoughts. I've always struggled with anxiety. Yoga and meditation have played a big role in helping me say centered and to be honest, sane.
After consistently practicing for over 10 years at various studios across the country, I completed my yoga teacher training in 2018 at Up Yoga in Minneapolis, MN. I've been teaching ever since! I've completed a few other trainings as well including a mobility & asana course, Flow School with Bonnie Weeks, and I'm working on my 300 HR YTT with Awakening Yoga Academy led by Patrick Beach and Carling Harps.
My teaching style is founded on functional movement, strength, and connection to breath. You’ll leave feeling grounded, strong, and like you just learned a few new dance moves.
Other movement you love? Strength training, Barre Eclipse, and walking!
Favorite local spot in Raleigh? Left Hook Coffee for their oat milk matcha latte, Bold Batch Creamery for their Oreo Borealis, Oberlin Regional Library to pick up yet another book from my holds list.
Bucket list travel? Croatia, Southern Italy, Colombia, Joshua Tree National Park
Favorite concert or wishlist concert? Maggie Rogers at First Ave in Minneapolis, October 2018. She played the entire Heard It In A Past Life album, except it hadn’t been released yet so it was complete silence and awe as everyone took it all in. I also saw Brandi Carlile at FloydFest in 2015 and I’ve seen her live at least 6 times since then. Wishlist concert is Brandi Carlile at Red Rocks for sure!