We recently connected with Amy Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Amy, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
In 1996 I started my professional teaching career as the head band director of a 5A high school in Oklahoma. Typically, the jr. high director, or at least someone with experience, would be put in that role. I had just turned 23 and was hired to take over the position mid semester, in November, and of course, on Homecoming Day. Talk about jumping in feet first! My oldest student, who to this day I remain in contact with, was 20. So here I am. A kid teaching kids. And as most high school programs have at least two and up to four or five directors, it was just me, Fortunately I was blessed with supportive band parents and colleagues. Petrified, insecure and doubtful, I stepped into this job. I learned very quickly how to hold space, instill discipline, and create a community where these young people could flourish and feel safe doing so. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly did those young and dumb things that we all do as we are learning and growing into our craft. So this was my first important life lesson, I’ll call it the “art of showing up”. Being present and showing up for your students is the greatest gift. It’s not easy to learn to compartmentalize, and some may disagree with doing so, but when I step into that educator role I want my students to know they are my priority. That they matter. And this environment and community that we are all creating together is safe, compassionate, creative, loving and supportive.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas where I was involved in about every performing art there was. Dance starting at 3, piano at 4, Texas Girls’ Choir at age 7 and oboe/band at 10. So my entire life revolved around the performing arts. When I continued into adulthood and then into my career as a band director, I started to develop stomach ulcers. I’ve always loved performing and the competitions but my first job took a huge toll on my health. But I continued teaching music and by 1999 I was back in Texas teaching at Berkner HS in Richardson. By 2001 my stress levels were through the roof and I knew I needed to do something, so I tried yoga. I know a lot, probably most, start yoga for physical reasons…as exercise. But I was going for the mental and healing aspects in the beginning. Now, I have to say, it’s kind of a miracle that I ended up a yoga teacher. My first yoga class ever was Bikrim. That 104 degree, carpeted, nightmare. (That was my first impression) I had to be laid on the bathroom tile floor because I got so overheated! I thought I’d never go back. But then I found Yoga Power in Lakewood with the most wonderful mother/daughter duo. This was a Baptiste studio, which was different than Bikrim. Warm but not hot, music (at that time), and more creative movement vs. same series/movements. So on day one I was hooked. I knew I wanted to change careers after that first class. It was magical!
In the early 2000’s just about every “top tier” or “famous” yogi would come to teach weekend workshops, immersions or teacher trainings in Dallas. So I was fortunate to be exposed to different styles of yoga taught by their masters. By August of 2003 I resigned from teaching public education and completed my first 200 hr certification with Kurt Johnsen at American Power Yoga (APY). That was the beginning. I continued, and still continue, to further my education and become as knowledgable about my craft as I can. And I think that shows in my teachings. I’ve learned to thread different styles and different perspectives from all these amazing yet very different teachers that were so influential in my yoga development.
Along with teaching and taking trainings, I was helping out with desk duties which turned into management and eventually ownership. For some reason, I fell in love with opening studios from the ground up. Anybody thats gone through that, owner AND/OR teacher, knows how taxing that is on the mind and body. But when your hard work pays off, it’s indescribable. Watching a new community come together, through breath, movement, sweat, tears, determination and hard work creates roots. A foundation that is required in order for growth to happen. After opening APY Richardson, I was presented an opportunity to open a new space where a partial ownership plan was offered. So in September of 2008, Twist Power Yoga was opened. Shortly after, in February 2009, I was one of two founding teachers to open up Karmany, Dallas’ first donation based studio. Twist was my baby. It was the first studio that I had a hand in building and branding so it was my focus, my life. Karmany was different due to the format being donation based which produced something unique. Set in one of the wealthiest parts of Dallas, here was now a home for anyone, no matter what their means. Watching this diverse community come together created inspiration, hope and a vibrance I hadn’t quite seen in a studio. By 2010, both studios were flourishing and continuing to grow and that would continue for the next several years.
In 2017, when the owner of Karmany passed suddenly, this beautifully bonded community came together in a way that would keep our donation doors open. And by September of 2018, 10 years to the date Twist opened, Eastside Karmany was reestablished and I was now a full-time business owner. After closing in 2020 due to Covid, I continued to teach online and eventually made my way to YAM Dallas, which is my new yoga home for when I’m instructing in Dallas.
I have been a presenter at the Telluride Yoga Festival, Texas Yoga Conference, Austin Yoga Festival, OYUSA, and the I AM Festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition, have consulted, taught classes, workshops and teacher trainings, throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado and West Virginia. I currently teach privately, public classes, events and educational offerings including a mentorship program for previously certified instructors. More information and videos can be found on my website, www.amyjohnson.yoga.
I always felt in my gut that deeper things were at work when practicing Yoga. So in 2022, when I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, I now understood. Going through a double mastectomy, chemo, and reconstruction not only took a physical toll but honestly more of a mental toll on my being. And because I have ingrained in my brain for over 20 years that yoga is a discipline, I managed. I made it. I had gained a mental fortitude and strength that I had no idea was there. All that focus, commitment, practice…all of that discipline paid off. Although I still have a couple of surgeries to go, I know, I have faith, this practice will help me see this through.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Of course, as an educator, training and knowledge is crucial. But to me, that’s just part of it. You know that saying, “Those who can, do, those who can’t, teach.”? I’ve always thought that was a terrible quote. There is an art to teaching. There’s a special way great teachers know how to connect to their students. Anybody can be a teacher (maybe that’s the root of that quote), but it takes someone special to be a great teacher. Knowing how your students learn and being able to reach them on a deeper level is key. Understanding the different types of learners and discerning how to teach to each kind has been exceptionally helpful throughout my career. I also make a point to know my students name day one. It makes an impact and they love it!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe that making a commitment to furthering my education and teaching a nuts and bolts down to earth practice has helped to build my reputation in my community. Developing a greater understanding of anatomy and more so functional anatomy and how it pertains to the individual, has been instrumental in my teachings. I think that helps the student feel safe, allowing them the space to explore. You also won’t hear things like butterflies, rainbows and good vibes only in my classes. Life is messy, unpredictable, joyous and painful. That’s what I teach to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amyjohnson.yoga
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amydjohnson73/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=730816210