In the heart of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a unique sanctuary of wellness, education, and empowerment is flourishing under the guidance of Dr. Michelle El Khoury. As the Founder and Managing Director of Yogamazia, Dr. El Khoury has created more than just a yoga studio; she’s cultivated a community where families find support, children discover resilience, and wellness becomes a way of life.

---

Celebrating exceptional local women making significant impacts in our community.

Our 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners were nominated by peers and selected by the Family Focus Media team based on their achievements and dedication to creating positive change, as revealed through comprehensive questionnaires. Their profiles showcase their inspiring journeys and accomplishments.

Beyond the awards, our Women of Influence Luncheons and Speed Networking Night attendees form our growing “Women of Influence Network,” a community fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. We invite you to explore our Award Winners’ stories and leverage our Network Directory in the Women of Influence Guide. Reach out to fellow members to harness the power of our network through shared growth and support. For further engagement, we welcome business and nonprofit leaders to join our Family Focus Media Community Builders Group on Facebook and our NEW Women of Influence LinkedIn Group.

---

Nominated by Monica Minniti, a member of Yogamazia Studio

“Michelle is the owner and founder of Yogamazia located in Richboro, PA. Her mission is to create a space founded in wellness as families transition into parenthood. Michelle seamlessly blends her clinical background with yoga principals while uniting the community. As a new mom, attending her class was the one thing I looked forward to each week. Michelle’s studio helps guide parents through child birth, and offers mommy and me classes and beyond. Her community outreach is exceptional, being recognized as a Pennsbury Community partner. Her warm heart, loving spirit, and grace are what makes this community a special one. Michelle works to empower children and parents alike by teaching us all to slow down and breathe a little deeper.”

From Healthcare Executive to Wellness Innovator

With over two decades of healthcare experience, including a notable career in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. El Khoury made a bold decision to leave her executive position and create Yogamazia. 

“There came a point in my life where I felt the need to marry my experience with my passion,” Dr. El Khoury explains. This transition wasn’t just a career change, but a calling to address critical issues in maternal health and children’s wellness as maternal mortality rates, especially among women of color, and suicide rates among youth aged 10-21 continue to soar in the United States.

Yogamazia: More Than Just Yoga

Yogamazia serves as an educational haven, offering not only yoga but comprehensive wellness support from birth through the postpartum transition. It provides a nurturing environment for children and families to thrive, addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Dr. El Khoury’s approach is holistic and inclusive. She uses yoga as a platform to initiate discussions on crucial topics such as race, gender, and social health inequities. Her goal is clear: to empower women and nurture future generations of leaders.

Risks and Rewards

Opening Yogamazia was a significant risk for Dr. El Khoury. “Leaving a six-figure income job and steady salary to focus full time on a business is a huge risk,” she admits. Despite facing skepticism and challenges, her intuition and commitment to making a positive impact have propelled her forward.

The rewards, however, have been immeasurable. “When I hear the stories about the lives we have impacted through our work: from pregnant women, to new parents with their babies, to parents with children, even from children themselves, and from teachers and schools – THAT is why I do this,” she says with pride.

Community Impact and Recognition

Dr. El Khoury’s commitment to community service is embedded in Yogamazia’s mission and core values of G.R.A.C.E. (gratitude, respect, authenticity, community, and equity). The studio donates 10% of its annual income to charitable organizations aligned with its mission.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Yogamazia has partnered with numerous local and national non-profit organizations, including Yoga Gives Back, Pine2Pink (now Main Street and Unite for HER), Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA), and Newtown Rotary Club Next Generation. In 2023, Yogamazia was recognized as the Pennsbury Partners Program Business Partner of the Year for its exceptional contributions to the school district.

Balancing Act and Self-Care

As a business owner, author, and mother, Dr. El Khoury understands the importance of balance. She emphasizes setting boundaries and maintaining self-care rituals, including mental health check-ins. “Having ‘me time’ is critical in being able to serve others,” she advises.

Words of Wisdom

To women aspiring to make an impact, Dr. El Khoury offers powerful advice: “You are a Goddess of courage and strength. Remind yourself of this over and over.” She encourages women to draw on their personal power and build on their strengths, even those they might not recognize at first. “Remember to bring your own chair – don’t wait to be invited to have a seat at the table.”

A Legacy of Empowerment

Dr. Michelle El Khoury’s journey from healthcare executive to wellness innovator is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and intuition. Through Yogamazia, she has created a space where families find support, children learn resilience, and communities come together.

As she continues to advocate for maternal health and children’s wellness, Dr. El Khoury stands as a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere. Her work at Yogamazia is not just about yoga; it’s about creating a healthier, more inclusive world, one breath at a time.