Our Mission
At Studio 23, we believe movement is for every body. Our mission is to create an inclusive, inspiring space to move with rhythm, energy, and deep connection. Through expert guidance, uplifting music, and a focus on form, we help you tune into your body's natural rhythm - building strength, awareness, and confidence from the inside out.
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We are more than a studio; we are a community. A place where accessibility meets transformation, where movement flows with music, and where each breath connects us not only to ourselves but to the rhythm of life itself.
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Come as you are. Move with intention. Leave feeling stronger, connected and alive.
Co-founder and Studio Manager,
Maggie McAuley
Maggie has been teaching movement and fitness for over 20 years. Starting out as a dance instructor, music has always been an essential part of her life. She has taught worldwide in Dubai, Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos. She has always envisioned a class that brings music, movement and fitness to the masses and for people to feel the joy of the rhythm of life.
Fun Fact: "I can shake my eyeballs"
Favorite Workout Song: 'Work' by Britney Spears
Abby Gearter
Yoga I Sculpt & Glow I Reformer Instructor
Abby has always had a passion for movement and fitness from an early age. Teaching for a variety of fitness companies and formats has expanded her knowledge and love for wellness that she’s excited to share with her community.
For Abby fitness and movement brings a sense of calm and a chance for you to be away from the day to day. Plan for a form-focused, quality-over-quanity, high energy class with a steady flow of jokes.
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Fun Fact: "I am an avid knitter!"
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Favorite Song: 'Principle' by Janet Jackson
Bec Fordyce
Yoga Instructor
Bec began her yoga journey while studying acting in Sydney at The Actors' Centre Australia. In 2018, she obtained her yoga certification through Jai Yoga Arts in Brooklyn, New York. She has taught private, corporate, and group classes at various studios across New York City and Philadelphia. Her primary objective is to help her students connect with their breath and body in each yoga class.
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Fun Fact: "I'm a filmmaker obsessed with the horror genre!"
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Favorite Song: "Banquet" by Bloc Party
Chloe Désir
Yoga Instructor
Chloe is a Haitian American 200 HR RYT from New Jersey that brings a heart-centered approach to teaching, weaving together her background in dance, environmental justice, and mindful movement. A graduate of a performing arts high school, and introduced to Yoga through dance, Chloe has been practicing yoga for seven years. It was her most recent reconnection with her practice that she decided to complete her Yoga Teacher Training at I'm So Yoga in 2024. Off the mat, she works as an environmental justice organizer and is currently pursuing her Master's in Public Administration at the University of Pennsylvania, aspiring to create more accessible spaces to provide tools and resources for liberation. Chloe teaches yoga as she believes self care is a form of resistance, and an opportunity to diminish barriers to strengthen our communities.
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Fun Fact: "I've been to 8 National parks!"
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Favorite Song: 'Ascension' by Maxwell
Damaris WIlliams
Sculpt & GLow Instructor
Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Damaris is a movement artist and fitness enthusiast dedicated to empowering others through rhythm and intention. Currently pursuing her BFA in Dance with a minor in Nutrition, along with her ACE Certification in personal training, she combines her deep understanding of the body with a love for musicality and cultural connection. In her mat sculpting classes, Damaris uses music as a driving force—not just for the beat, but as a way to explore and appreciate the history of genres in a high-energy, bubbly class. Each class is an experience built around a specific musical style, offering both a full-body workout and a deeper connection to the music that moves us. With her background in dance and strong sense of purpose, Damaris creates a high-energy environment where every beat counts and every move has meaning
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Fun Fact: "I play upright and electric bass and used to gig around the city in a band as a teenager!"
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Favorite Song: "Of The Trees" by The Bellmaker
Danielle Ferro
Yoga Instrucutor
Danielle has been a yoga and dance instructor for over 25 years. She has studied many different styles of yoga and is grateful for the many talented teachers she has had the opportunity to study under. She was 400 hour certified in 2003 at the Willow Street Yoga School in Takoma Park MD. She loves to share the joy of yoga and movement with her students. While not on the mat, you can find Danielle teaching dance throughout the Philadelphia area. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her children and traveling the world.
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Fun Fact: " I jumped off the top tier of a ship in the Halong Bay, Vietnam (in a bikini)!"
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Favorite Song: 'Can't Always Get What You Want' by The Rolling Stones
Julian Darden
Reformer Instructor
Julian studied performance and choreography at the Esther Boyer College of music and dance at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. As a teaching artist, he has worked with the youth of Philadelphia in association with the Lenfest Center, The Village of Arts and Humanities and presently The Philadelphia Ballet. He teaches Umfundalai, a contemporary African technique, at Temple University and has taught various adult classes in Center City at Urban Movement Arts and Range of Motion Philly (2018-2023). Standing on the Shoulders of his mentors Oluko C. Kemal Nance and his Mwalimu Monique Newton Walker, Julian received his professional teaching certification of the Umfundalai dance technique in February 2021. He performed in numerous productions at New Freedom Theatre and Philadelphia Fringe Arts Festival and had the privilege to work as an assistant choreographer in multiple music videos.
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Fun Fact: "My coolest high school memory is doing an aerial on the Great Wall of China!"
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Favorite Song: 'Temperature' by Sean Paul
Lydia Koku
Yoga Instructor
Lydia is a Ghanaian and Trinidadian 200-Hr Certified Yoga Teacher from Toronto, Canada. For over 14 years, Lydia has embraced yoga as a means of healing intergenerational trauma. Her Stretch & Flow classes offer a beginner-friendly, affirming, caring, nonjudgmental, and liberatory space to support people in experiencing freedom in their minds, bodies, and spirits. She is patient with herself and patient with her students. Her classes are sensual and musical, with moments of silliness and laughter. She infuses African and Caribbean traditions into her flows, which are often synced to old school and modern Afrobeats, Dancehall, and Soca tunes.
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Fun Fact: "Alongside teaching Yoga. I'm also a Perinatal Doula and support parents through their prenatal, birth, and postpartum Journeys. I'm working towards my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology at Temple University and will graduate in 2027."
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Favorite Song: "NDA" by Megan Thee Stallion
Mel Carranza
Yoga I Sculpt & Glow I Reformer Instructor
Born and raised in Miami, FL, Mel grew up dancing and practicing martial arts—two pathways that ignited her lifelong love for movement. She earned her AA in Dance at MDC and later completed a BFA at the University of Florida, where she also received her 200-hour YTT certification. While there, Mel fell deeply in love with somatic practices like Laban Movement Analysis and floor Pilates. Today, one of her greatest joys is working with the reformer. She believe it’s a holistic, nurturing practice that supports both health and mindful training. Her mission is to guide each person into a deeper connection with their own body, tuning into its wisdom so true healing and growth can unfold.
"I can’t wait to move—and heal—with you at Studio 23!"
Fun Fact: "I'm a HUGE foodie! I love exploring new flavors, diving into the world of gastronomy, and cooking up delicious recipes whenever I can."
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Favorite Song: 'De antes' by Cultura Profetica
Melissa Keppeler
Sculpt & Glow I Reformer Instructor
Melissa comes with over 20 years of experience working in the dance and fitness industry. That time was spent performing, coaching, training, and educating the art of movement. Specializing in compound exercises she loves to challenge balance, strength and mobility focusing on the importance of functionality. She believes in the power of music and emphasizes the effect it has on ones ability to connect body and mind.
Fun Fact: "I'm 'double-jointed' and can twist both of my arms completely around!"
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Favorite Song: 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' by Abba
Mimi Pabon
Yoga I Sculpt & Glow I Reformer Instructor
Mimi is overwhelmingly passionate about movement - Specifically the power of movement with music. You can always expect something purple, a thoughtfully crafted playlist and 111% energy from her! After nearly 10 years in the NYC fitness scene, She's excited to bring the fuego to Philly!
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Fun Fact: "I studied singing/dance/music and acting in the basement of a Broadway Theater!"
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Favorite Song: 'Boiled Peanuts' by Doechii
Sammi Barahona
Yoga Instrucutor
Sammi's teaching journey began in 2020, during a time when many of us were searching for grounding and purpose. While living in Miami, FL, she discovered a holistic yoga practice that deeply connected the spiritual and physical aspects of the discipline.
Today, Sammi specializes in Hatha yoga, breathwork, and restorative flows that allow the fascia to truly unwind, engage, and align. She's since returned to Philadelphia with the intention of sharing these practices-offering an experience that nurtures not just the body, but the mind and soul as well. She can't wait to connect with you and looks forward to helping you discover your individual flow-one that sparks joy and movement like never before!
Fun Fact: "I make beats for fun!"
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Favorite Song: 'Danielle (Smile on my face) by FredAgain
Snizhana Romashkin
Yoga Instrucutor
Snizhana is passionate about helping people improve their physical and emotional wellbeing through yoga and meditation. She's a certified Yoga Instructor (Yoga Alliance RYT 200), ThetaHealing practitioner and instructor, subconscious mind expert, and author of guided healing meditations. She has also lead nail-standing (nail board) practices and spiritual transformation workshops. "I truly believe in the power of the mind-body connection and am here to share that magic with others."
Fun Fact: "I love spontaneous travel and once showed up at the train station a whole day early - fully convinced my ticket was for that day. I even convinced the conductor to sell me a new one...only to realize that I was just 24 hours early. Luckily that bonus day turned into a great little adventure!
Favorite Song: 'Grow' by Facesoul