Teacher Training

Downtown Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is designed for students who want to deepen their yoga practice—both on and off the mat—while learning how to share the practice with others.

Throughout this training, you will explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga, gaining an understanding that yoga extends far beyond physical postures. While asanas (postures) are an important part of the journey, they are just one element of a much deeper practice.

You will learn how to safely and effectively guide students through postures by studying proper anatomical alignment, safety precautions, contraindications, benefits, and the intention behind each asana. The training will also introduce pranayama (breathwork) and how to connect breath with movement and meditation, encouraging mindfulness and a stronger mind–body connection.

While the program supports physical growth, it also emphasizes honoring the ancient wisdom and traditions of yoga, encouraging a practice rooted in respect, awareness, and authenticity.

This in-person training provides hands-on learning and real-time guidance from experienced teachers. Just as meaningful as the knowledge you gain are the connections you build with fellow trainees—relationships that often last long after the training ends.

Whether you aspire to teach or simply want to deepen your personal practice, Downtown Yoga Teacher Training offers a supportive and transformative experience.

Lynn Olexy, Jamie Schneeman and Chadd Schneeman opened Downtown Yoga in 2016. Since that time they have offered three teacher training courses through Charm City Yoga. In 2022 Downtown Yoga published curriculum that exceeded the requirements to be certified by Yoga Alliance, (the national and international credential registry for yoga teachers) and ran our first teacher training where students graduated in 2023.

In 2024 Downtown Yoga published their 300 hour teacher training curriculum. We will be running this program in 2026.

Lynn Olexy

Owner

Lynn Olexy is the co-owner and operator of Downtown Yoga. She comes to the mat with over 30 years of experience in health and wellness and her B.S. in Exercise Science, Dance Education and Business. Her passion for fitness took a turn when she discovered yoga 15 years ago and realized that “beating her body up” was not necessary to achieve her goals. She has a long history in the Carroll County community of establishing and managing a successful yoga studio. She has her 200 hour yoga certification through Charm City under the guidance of Kim Manfredi and in 2019 completed her 500 hour CYT at Downtown Yoga through Yoga Works. Her classes are athletic yet authentic in her combination of flow with breath. Off the mat you will find her spending time with her family and 2 basset hounds, enjoying the outdoors or spending time at the beach. Her motto is…be kind to everyone along the way, as we all have our own stories.
Jamie Schneeman

Owner

Jamie Schneeman is the co-owner and operator of Downtown Yoga. She earned her BS in Exercise Science and Sports Coaching and obtained her MA in Administration. She began teaching group exercise in Westminster, and was trained by Kim Manfredi of Charm City Yoga in 2012. She earned her 200 hour CYT from Michelle Allen at Downtown Yoga in 2017 and in 2019 completed her 500 hour CYT through Yoga Works at Downtown Yoga. She enjoys teaching classes where you challenge and strengthen your physical and mental capabilities. Jamie, Chadd, and Lynn opened Downtown Yoga in 2016.

Chrissy Niper

Chrissy’s yoga journey began in 2014 following a game-changing soccer injury that redirected her path. Through that experience she discovered the healing power of yoga, quickly falling in love with the practice and the profound impact it had on her life. Inspired to go deeper, Chrissy began traveling to study with renowned teachers and practitioners, exploring a wide range of yoga styles while continually returning to her roots in Vinyasa flow. In 2019, she co-created her first 200-hour teacher training, helping guide aspiring teachers through the transformative process of deepening their practice and finding their voice. This year Chrissy leads her sixth 200-hour teacher training. She is excited to share her knowledge and lineup of incredible teachers she has met along her journey, mentors and practitioners who have deeply influenced her path. Her teaching reflects a continued commitment to growth, authenticity, and inspiring others to explore the depth and transformative potential of yoga.

Course Requirements

Our Yoga Teacher Training is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. To maintain the integrity of the program and support each trainee’s development, the following requirements apply.

Attendance & Punctuality

Trainees are expected to arrive on time for all training sessions.

Arriving 15 minutes or more after the start time will be considered late.
Three late arrivals will equal one day of absence.
Trainees may miss up to two training days during the program.
Missed hours must be made up through:
- A private session with the lead trainer ($80/hour), or
- Attendance at the scheduled makeup immersion weekend (December 5–6) at an additional cost of $250 per person.
Trainees are responsible for obtaining notes and materials from fellow trainees for any missed sessions.

Required Reading

Please note: tuition does not include the cost of required books.
Required texts include:

Additional readings may be assigned throughout the program.

Practice & Observation Requirements

To deepen understanding through experience, trainees must complete 67 total classes during the training period.

20 classes with a lead trainer (approximately one per week)
4 observation classes
Remaining classes may be taken with approved instructors

Coursework & Assignments

Throughout the training, trainees will complete:

Homework assignments
Group projects and collaborative learning exercises
Reading assignments to prepare for group discussions
Class observation and attendance requirements

Community & Final Assessment

The training also includes:

Weekend shared community meals
Final teaching practicum with feedback
Final anatomy presentation

These elements help integrate the knowledge, practice, and teaching skills developed throughout the program while fostering connection and community.

2026 Training Dates (200-Hour YTT)

August 28 – 30
September 11 – 13
October 9 – 11
October 23 – 25
November 13 – 15
December 11 – 13
January 8 – 10

Tuition

Downtown Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training is an investment in deepening your understanding of yoga that will change your life.

Payment Plans

Early Bird if paid by June 14th: $3,300

After June 14th: $3,500

4-Month Payment Plan:
(first month starts at the start of teacher training or sooner, if preferred, payments will then be charged the following consecutive months)

Deposit: $1,000 & Per Month: $675

Refund Policy

$1000 deposit is non-refundable. Please note that once the program begins there are no refunds or studio credits except in the case of medical emergencies. If you are unable to complete the training due to a medical emergency, the studio will credit your account monies paid to use at our next YTT.

If you are interested in the training and have questions, please contact us. Everything shared is confidential.

The training facility reserves the right to dismiss any trainee from the program at any time if it is deemed necessary for the overall integrity and well-being of the program.