What is Amity?
What is Amity?
Amity within yourself refers to a state of inner harmony and self-acceptance. It involves maintaining a peaceful and balanced relationship with your own thoughts, emotions, and actions. When we discover inner peace, we begin to perceive peace in the world around us. As we cultivate a peaceful state of mind, it naturally fosters greater peace in our surroundings.
I chose the name Amity Yoga because of the balance within myself that I’m always searching for. My favorite analogy of finding this Amity, this peace, is thinking about a serene mountain lake. When the water is calm and peaceful, the mountain peak and clear blue sky are perfectly mirrored in the water below. However, when we begin to wade into the water, stirring up silt and mud—akin to the worries and fears in our minds—the reflection on the surface becomes clouded. Similarly, when we persist in thoughts that create ripples on the water, we lose the peace and serenity of the mirrored reflection.
Yoga provides a way for me to find my Amity – to create this mirrored reflection in the serene mountain lake. It allows me to calm the water, to find stillness in my mind while moving my body, and to help me show up to reality better equipped to handle stressors that come my way. And most importantly, it enables me to laugh at myself when I make a mistake, instead of exercising harsh judgment. It allows me to find peace with my humanity and with those around me.
This is what I want to share with others.
This is what I want to help people find—their own clear mountain lake . . . their own Amity.
Our logo represents this philosophy perfectly, with a lotus flower beautifully mirrored, symbolizing the serene balance and inner peace that yoga can help us achieve. It depicts Amity.
Are you ready to find your Amity?
Meet Our Instructors
Erica Cooper, Owner/Instructor
After 13 years as a spirited elementary teacher (yes, I was the one teaching on tables and rocking Ms. Frizzle-worthy outfits), I’m thrilled to channel that same passion into teaching yoga.
My yoga journey began with a weekly practice that grew into daily meditation and asana (physical postures). Now, I’m honored to guide others in discovering the transformative power of yoga. As a certified RYT 200, I’m continuing my studies toward a 300/500-hour certification, constantly learning and growing in this beautiful practice.
I believe yoga is for EVERY body—even if you don’t think of yourself as flexible. (Spoiler alert: flexibility isn’t a requirement!) My goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome, empowered, and inspired to explore their own strength and cultivate inner peace.
I can’t wait to practice with you!
Jen McQuay, Instructor
Jen’s wellness journey began when her son, Dawson, made an early entrance into the world, inspiring her to prioritize health and fitness. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness, became an ACE-certified Health Coach, and fell in love with yoga during her first studio experience in St. Louis, MO.
Now an RYT-500 with certifications in Accessible Yoga and Personal Training, Jen blends her expertise to guide others on their wellness journeys. She’s passionate about helping people connect their mind, body, and spirit—while keeping things fun, welcoming, and judgment-free!
When she’s not teaching yoga or coaching, you’ll find Jen hanging out with her husband, Chris, son Dawson, her cats Mala and Weasley, and her two adorable pibbles, Winnie and Ella. Whether it’s on the mat or in the gym, she’s ready to cheer you on every step of the way!
Jen McQuay, Instructor
Jen’s wellness journey began when her son, Dawson, made an early entrance into the world, inspiring her to prioritize health and fitness. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness, became an ACE-certified Health Coach, and fell in love with yoga during her first studio experience in St. Louis, MO.
Now an RYT-500 with certifications in Accessible Yoga and Personal Training, Jen blends her expertise to guide others on their wellness journeys. She’s passionate about helping people connect their mind, body, and spirit—while keeping things fun, welcoming, and judgment-free!
When she’s not teaching yoga or coaching, you’ll find Jen hanging out with her husband, Chris, son Dawson, her cats Mala and Weasley, and her two adorable pibbles, Winnie and Ella. Whether it’s on the mat or in the gym, she’s ready to cheer you on every step of the way!
Amy Rowland, Instructor
Amy is passionate about helping others reconnect with their intuition and build self-trust through yoga, breathwork, and meditation. As a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance, she brings over two decades of experience in counseling and mindfulness practices to her teaching at Amity Yoga.
With a deep belief in yoga’s ability to restore resilience, joy, and balance, Amy creates a welcoming space for students to explore and grow. She has studied meditation with Jesse Israel, who toured with Oprah, and completed an advanced six-month meditation and breathwork course. In addition, Amy holds a 300-hour certification in Ayurveda from the Shakti School, blending these ancient practices with modern strategies to help clients develop meaningful habits that enhance vitality and well-being.
Amy’s classes are designed to support students wherever they are on their journey, offering tools to cultivate clarity, connection, and peace both on and off the mat. Her compassionate and holistic approach makes her classes a space to thrive.
About the Studio
At Amity Yoga we’re about making connections, focusing on the wonderful benefits of a physical practice, harnessing the power of the breath, and of course: having a good time!
Yoga has the power to detoxify, de-stresses, and strengthen us both physically and mentally – increasing our capacity for acceptance, openness, and gratitude (just to name a few)!
With all of the benefits of yoga, why wait?!
DON’T HESITATE!! Come to a studio class and leave with your heart full and your cup overflowing!!