Julie Bates MacGillis (she/her/hers) is a biracial yoga teacher with a passion for healing and community, and a belief that in order to care for our families and those around us, we must first nourish and care for ourselves. A lifelong seeker, Julie came to yoga in 2008 and experienced a profound journey of healing in her relationship with her body, her sense of self, her relationships with others, and her joy.
In 2016, Julie completed her 230-hr yoga teacher certification with the Yoga Center of Minneapolis and became a nationally registered yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance. Julie is currently enrolled in an additional four-year course of study with Chase Bossart and the Yoga Well Institute to become a yoga therapist in the healing yoga tradition of Śri Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar. Her primary teacher and mentor is Dr. Dolphi Wertenbaker, yoga therapist, M.D., and student of Mr. Desikachar for more than 30 years. In addition, Julie studies Sanskrit chanting and Vedanta philosophy with Caprina Brown, and Ayurveda with Elizabeth Cunningham Bossart, M.A.
Julie teaches yoga to adults of all ages, cultures, and abilities, with a particular emphasis on yoga for women, people of color, elders, and people interested in trying yoga as part of their own healing journey—whether for body, mind, or spirit.
Julie creates a warm and welcoming energy of acceptance, inviting you to “come as you are”
—with nothing to fix or change in order to begin. Practices with Julie focus on deep relaxation, nourishment, self-love, and releasing deeply held tension through breath, mind,
and gentle movement.
Julie welcomes all bodies, all genders, all peoples. No experience necessary.
Teaching Certifications:
1000-Hr Yoga Therapist Training, Yoga Well Institute, Mill Valley, CA, 2016-2020 (Ongoing)
Meditation Teacher Certification, Yoga Center of Minneapolis, MN, 2016
230-Hr Yoga Teacher Certification, Yoga Center of Minneapolis, MN, 2015-2016
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), 200-hr, Yoga Alliance
Additional Study and Training:
Personal Practice, Individualized Study with Dolphi Wertenbaker, 2016-present
Embodying Ayurveda, Sukha Wellness, Mill Valley, CA, 2017-2018
Sanskrit Chant & Vedanta Philosophy, Caprina Brown, Minneapolis, MN, 2014-present
Essentials of Yoga, Sivananda Ashram, Paradise Island, Bahamas, 2013
Meditation Level I & II, The Meditation Center, Minneapolis, MN, 2013