Instructors
Click on a name to view individual bio pages.
Jason is a native to the northwest. He was born in Bothell, grew up in Everett and has lived in the Mill Creek area since 2000. Growing up, Jason was an avid athlete; playing football, basketball and running track. He endured many sports injuries over the years that eventually led him to hang up his cleats. Due to two ankle surgeries that led to a lack of activity and entering a busy corporate world, Jason began to pack on the pounds. In 2004, Jason discovered the mix of Bikram yoga and Power yoga and his life was transformed. He was immediately drawn in by the intensity of the hot yoga classes. He became addicted to the extremely powerful detoxifying effect of the sweat, the connectedness to himself and his breath, and the discipline and focus that it brought back into his life. His ankle and shoulder injuries began to heal and he was able to rediscover the strength and flexibility that he once knew as a young athlete. In addition, on this journey, Jason lost 80 lbs. doing the yoga and rediscovered his true self. Because of the life-changing effect the yoga had on his life, Jason embarked on a journey to become a teacher so that he could share this life altering gift with others.
In early 2008, Jason completed a 90 day challenge, in which he lost 40lbs. Later that year, Jason spent 9 weeks at the intensive Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Acapulco, Mexico. In 2009, Jason trained with Baron Baptiste at the Level 1 Baptiste Power Yoga Teacher Training, and in 2010, Jason obtained his Crossfit Level 1 certification. In addition, he continues to learn and evolve as a student and teacher by attending various workshops, trainings, and master classes.
In 2010, Jason co-founded Fusion Hot Yoga and is passionate about sharing his love for the yoga with the amazing community of students at Fusion. Most recently Jason has had the honor of being an ambassador for Lululemon in Bellevue and now for the beautiful new Alderwood Mall store. In April 2013, Jason was blessed to attend the Lululemon Ambassador Summit in Whistler, BC where he evolved as a student and teacher. In January 2014, Jason was featured as one of 130 inspiring yogis across 10 cities in the United States in the first issue of Mantra Yoga + Health magazine. Jason was also asked and is ecstatic to teach at Wanderlust Festival in Squaw Valley, CA this summer. When Jason is not in the hot room, he enjoys writing, reading, spending time with his wife and daughter, watching movies, traveling, working out and being in nature.
Click here to listen to Jason’s radio interview on Get Active with Pat Pauley (1/8/13)
Jen completed Bikram Yoga College of India’s 9 week, 500-hour teacher training program in 2005. She managed Hot Yoga Kirkland, Parkplace for 3 years, then opened Bikram Yoga Redmond in 2008. 6 years later sold the studio to go back to school for nursing, and now in addition to teaching yoga, she also works as an M.A. at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Adolescent medicine and Orthopedic and Sports medicine.
I started practicing yoga in 1998 at the urging of a good friend and my boss at the time, Vidal Bitton. As much as I initially resisted the invitation, I finally gave in and took my first class. Little did I know that first class would change my life forever. At the time, I was young and involved with the “wrong crowd” and an unhealthy lifestyle. I knew I wanted to make a positive change in my life but wasn’t sure how. Something clicked for me when I practiced yoga. I wanted to understand more. The yoga class was challenging both physically and mentally. Around 2000, I made the commitment to take the 30 day yoga challenge. I completed 114 days in a row. It wasn’t easy by any means. It was worth the sweat, tears, the hard work and total transformation of my entire being – inside and out. I gained a new life perspective, a sense of health and well-being I never experienced before, and a sense of confidence and purpose. Yoga was, to me, a representation and reflection of my life state – body and mind. It gave me an opportunity to look at life more objectively and make make better choices with greater awareness. If a simple yoga class could do this much for me, I knew I wanted to share these benefits with others. I decided to become a teacher and I haven't looked back (17 years later). I love supporting students with their yoga goals and beyond. I look forward to getting to know you and your life stories too. Let us continue to enjoy this beautiful, wonderful life journey together.
"Soul receives from soul that knowledge, therefore not by book nor from tongue. If knowledge of mysteries come after emptiness of mind, that is illumination of heart." - Rumi
Tessie was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in late '60's. She raised her only daughter who is now 47 years old and has the twin girl grand kids. Moved to Seattle in 2010.
In the late 70's, the sports of long distance running became my passion. I ran 8 full marathons in the early eighties throughout the 90's, until I endured so many running injuries where I can no longer run without pain.
I felt I that I needed to do more than walking and hiking and that's when I discovered Bikram Hot Yoga in our neighborhood at the age of 57. My very first class was so painful that I felt like walking out of the room and never coming back. But for some reason, I find myself practicing again and again where I was not even taking a day off!
Eight months into practicing Hot Yoga, I registered to participate in Teacher Training. I completed 9 weeks of intensive Bikram Hot Yoga certification in 2010 San Diego, California.
Since then, I have taught in different Bikram yoga studios, Vancouver, B.C., Woodinville, Yoga To the People in Seattle. Also, I taught in 2 Bikram Yoga studios in Manila, Philippines and Shanghai, China.
Three years ago, I had the opportunity to open the first Hot Yoga Studio in the upper highlands in the Philippines, city called Baguio City.
In my classes, I love to create a nurturing presentation of the dialogue adding a dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice. I seek to help others thrive in life by nurturing body /mind and soul with this gift of Yoga. And my hope is that you step off the mat feeling refreshed, nourished and balanced. I am here to help you find your release so that you can be comfortable and competently move your body through life.
Yoga has been part of my life now for the last 8 years and my practice has helped me grow stronger, more flexible and fearless, both on and off the mat. Yoga inspires me to live each moment more mindfully.
My goal is to encourage men and women my age to practice yoga.
I will always be a student of the practice and am deeply grateful for the loving wisdom I have learned throughout my yoga journey. My favorite place is anywhere people are gathered to sweat, breathe and break boundaries together.
Yoga came into my life at the most unexpected time. 5 years ago I started my practice with the hopes of gaining strength back from having an infected and failing kidney removed. It left me frail, anemic, and the most weakest I’ve ever been in both body, mind, and self confidence.
My first few yoga classes at Fusion were the most challenging and I remember being surprised at how tough the classes were. I wanted to see what I was made of and signed up for the 30 day yoga challenge. I finished it and felt somewhat lighter and noticed how much stronger I was getting. I was hooked. I signed up for the 60 and then the 90 day challenge. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and, also, one of the most significant experiences in my life.
When once I saw myself as weak and frail, I now felt strong, empowered, and passionate about life again. Following that, I switched careers to follow my passions and share yoga with others in hopes of giving others what yoga has given me.
Melissa Barasona
Certified Personal Trainer
ACSM-CPT, Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher
Andrea is an enthusiastic, skilled and empowering instructor. For the strongest athletes she can provide challenge and new potential. The new comer can expect a safe place with clear directions that suit each unique learning style and flexibility level. She delivers each class with the mission to support optimal health as she uplifts and respects each yogi. Her expertise and intricate connection to the benefits of the postures, empowers her students to feel their best after each class. Off the mat, she has been a student and facilitator of stress reduction incorporating skilled breath work and mindfulness practices. Andrea is passionate about naturopathic health and whole food wellness. She has been a yoga professional inclusive of teaching, mentoring and studio ownership. Her yoga journey began in 1999 after graduating from University of Washington with her BA in Psychology. Her training and credentials encompassed the following methods: Hatha; Bikram Choudhury (1999), Vinyasana; Jason Crandel (2014), and Groovy Kids; Greville Henwood (2016).
Suzanne took her first yoga class in 1999 at a local gym. It was a great compliment to her triathlon training. After suffering a debilitating foot injury a year later, her friend dragged her to hot yoga. She hated it—but was hooked! Compelled to share her experience, Suzanne received her teacher training certificate with CorePower Yoga in 2009. She strives to continue her education and has attended many different workshops and trainings with international and local yoga teachers like Baron Baptiste, Rajashree Choudhury, Bikram, Bryan Kest, Aadil Palkhivala, Troy Lucero and Liz Doyle. She loves to introduce beginners to yoga while challenging experienced yogis safely to new postures. "Watching students learn, grow and find peace is truly an inspiration!"
Colette discovered Bikram yoga in an unheated room at a Gold's Gym in 2000. She noticed right away that the postures required so much of her mental focus, the practice shut off the chatter in her mind. She eventually found her way to the hot room in 2003 at Hot Yoga of Laurelhurst, where she was fortunate enough to be taught by Krista Garvey Squibb, Audrey Benton Hamm, Saiko Shima, Toni Best, Jo Parsons, and Camille Schiele. She gradually grew more consistent in the practice and healed recurrent problems with her spine.
After accepting an offer she couldn't refuse to lead yoga at a meditation retreat in 2005, she realized she actually enjoyed offering yoga to others.
In 2006 she completed The Barkan Method Teacher Training Level I, and started teaching right away, leaving office work behind completely on December 31, 2006. In 2009 and 2010, between the births of her older and younger sons, she completed a second 200-hour certification, this time through The Samarya Center Teacher Training, founded by Stephanie Sisson and Molly Lannon Kenny. While there, she tried singing to a group of trainees/students at the close of Savasana, and it's rare now that she chickens out. She is also trained in Prenatal Yoga with Anne Phyfe Palmer at 8 Limbs.
Her yoga mission is to serve her students, honor her teachers, and benefit beings. She continually deepens her practice and her instruction by seeking out teachers in a variety of styles. Influencers include: Jennifer Isaacson, Seane Corn, Jo Parsons Engel, Bryan Kest, Jen Anderson, Shiva Rea, Megan Carroll, Esak Garcia, Tracy Hodgeman, and Amber Tande. She hasn’t been in a room with Paul Grilley yet, but hopes to soon!
She followed Audrey to Fusion a couple of years ago, and soon figured out every single teacher here is AMAZING and each of them has infused her teaching as well. “Inspired by Audrey's 365 Days of Yoga, I completed an intensive year of practice in March of 2015--255 classes in 365 days. Toward the end, I taught my first class at Fusion, realizing a long-cherished dream. I am so grateful and humbled at the opportunity to teach here. The community at Fusion is incredible, and I am blessed to be a part of it. JAI MA!!"
Anna is Baptiste trained, and has continued her training with Bryan Kest, Lisa Black, Jason Crandell and Seane Corn. With over 40 hours of Teacher Assisting training, she is invested in helping students experience yoga in the deepest, most satisfying way. Anna is also a Wanderlust Wayfarer and holds community benefit classes several times a year.
In 2012, after reading a blog chronicling a 30-day Bikram (Hatha 26&2) yoga challenge, Jordan Lydia Grimmer was inspired to try it herself. After 30-days of daily practice, she realized how beneficial yoga was and began practicing Bikram (Hatha 26&2) yoga and yin yoga regularly.
Balancing yang and yin elements, Jordan Lydia has passionately devoted herself to the study and path of the Bikram and yin yoga methods. Through yoga, she has managed to overcome the negative effects of scoliosis: alleviating lower back pain, reshaping and realigning her hunched shoulders, crooked spine, and swayed pelvic girdle.
HATHA 26&2: Jordan Lydia completed her Hatha 26&2 Yoga Teacher Training (200-hr.) in Seattle with Whitney McCormick. Always the student first - she has an inside-out, bones-to-skin LOVE for the quirky, whimsical, powerful, and life-changing Hatha 26&2 series.
ADVANCED HATHA 84: The world famous hot yoga Hatha 26&2 sequence was derived from a larger sequence of over 84 postures taught by Bishnu Ghosh and his disciplines in Calcutta, India. The 84 class is known as the ‘advanced class’.
Jordan Lydia has attended Esak Garcia’s e84 Bishnu Ghosh Advanced (Hatha) Teacher Training (200-hr.) and is currently in a two-year teaching, mentorship, and practice program. She has devoted a month to intensive training, practicing and studying the Advanced Hatha 84 series daily. Jordan Lydia firmly believes that when approached with patience and wisdom, the Advanced Hatha 84 series is therapeutic, healing, and transformative.
YIN YOGA: An avid practitioner of yin yoga for several years, in 2014, Jordan Lydia completed a rigorous Yin Yoga Teacher Training (70-hr.) and (18-month) mentorship. Her yin yoga teaching style is intuitive, therapeutic-centered, approachable and inclusive of all bodies and levels. A particular area of interest Jordan Lydia enjoys is the exploration of anatomical proportions and structures and the formation of the asana. She approaches yin yoga teaching as an art form and medium of expression — designing sequences to utilize specific asanas to stimulate meridian pathways in the body. Jordan Lydia has co-lead a Yin Yoga Teacher Training (200-hr.) with Audrey Benton (trained with Bernie Clark), including co-authoring the Yin Yoga Manual. She has mentored, trained, and provided support to yin yoga teachers.
Jordan Lydia’s goal is to create a healing space where students can engage themselves with curiosity and wisdom. I want students to feel empowered, content, peaceful, and limitless. I am just a vessel to pass on instructions and knowledge needed for students to access the healing naturally contained within themselves.
Jordan Lydia was the two-time Washington State Yoga Asana Champion and has demonstrated in Yoga Asana Championships on a national level. Outside the studio, she works as a Medical Device Quality Specialist. She loves cats and pictures of cats doing yoga!
Certifications/Skills/Training:
District Yoga Hatha 26&2 Teacher Training (200-hr.)
Esak Garcia’s e84 Bishnu Ghosh (Hatha) Advance Teacher Training (200-hr.)
Yin Yoga (70-hr.) Teacher Training and (18-month) Apprenticeship
Yin Yoga Teacher Trainer & Mentor
Workshop with Yin Yoga Founder Sarah Powers (Yin Yoga Founder)
Yoga Nidra Teacher Training with Audrey Benton 2015-2016 & 2016-2017 Washington State Yoga Asana Champion
Workshops/Trainings with senior Bikram (Hatha 26&2) Teachers: Emmy Cleaves, Mary Jarvis (Shapeshifting), Esak Garcia (Jedi Fight Club), Brandy Lyn, Zeb Homison, Kim Tang, Joseph Encinia, etc.
I took my initial yoga class from Colette Crawford at the Seattle Holistic Center when I was pregnant with my firstborn in 2003. It was through pre and post-natal classes that I first experienced the gift of yoga. Three daughters and nine years later, I found myself crawling back to my mat, this time in a very hot room. It was on my mat, and within the astounding community of people at FHY, that I fell in love with the practice of yoga all over again. I first came to FHY for the hard, sweat-pouring workout that I had been promised would help me be a stronger runner, and soon discovered my mat provides so much more. Yoga restores me physically and emotionally. It feeds my soul. My mat is a place where I can be strong and vulnerable all in the same breath. A place I can find myself when the chaos of life takes hold. The transformation, empowerment and possibility that is explored through Baptiste yoga inspires me to share it with others.
Prior to being at home with my three daughters I was a teacher. I earned my Bachelors of Art and Masters of Art in Teaching at the University of Puget Sound. In August 2014 I traveled to NY to attend the Baptiste Institute Level One teacher training. I returned to NY the following summer of 2015 to complete Baptiste Level Two. I've also completed Advanced Art of Assisting and Next Generation Yoga teacher trainings. During these trainings, yoga humbled me yet again. The art of teaching, like the practice of yoga itself, takes practice. I now can combine two of my greatest joys.
I'm blessed with the opportunity to share my passion for yoga with tweens and adults. As the mother of a tween myself, I know the possibilities yoga can offer during this critical time in a child's life. It teaches self-care, empowerment and self-confidence, as well as how to unify the body and the mind. Tweens' inquiring young minds are open to learning how to take their yoga practice off their mats and into their everyday lives. What a gift.
I started my yoga journey in 2006 was when I was pregnant with my first child. I was not comfortable going to the gym being so pregnant so I decided to try yoga at home watching a series called Namaste on Fit TV. I loved it and continued doing it for the next couple of years.
In 2010 a friend and I wanted to try hot yoga. We went to a studio in Mill Creek town center and got started with a new student rate. The first class I thought I was going to die! I couldn't believe how people could do yoga in this heat and humidity. Oddly enough I felt great that night and slept really well. I was already committed for several more weeks so I made the best of it and kept going back. By the third class I started to feel good and started to get used to the heat and the postures. By the tenth class I was hooked! I couldn't get enough of it. I have been doing hot yoga ever since. I make it a priority in my weekly schedule. I love the fact that a first time student and a seasoned yogis can be in the same class. Whether you are young or old yoga is for every BODY no matter what your body type is or what medical aliments or health restrictions you have.
In March 2015 I completed my 200 hour RYT certification through Global Vinyasa as a power vinyasa teacher. Besides teaching adults I also teach kids yoga. In Aug 2017 I earned my 50 hour certification through Next Generation Yoga as a kids yoga teacher for ages 2-13 yrs. olds.
I find that starting yoga at a young age helps kids develop body awareness, learn how to use their bodies in a healthy way, manage stress through breathing, awareness, meditation and healthy movement. It helps build concentration, increase their confidence and positive self-image. It helps kids feel part of a healthy, non-competitive group, and have an alternative way to decompress especially in our fast pace world of electronics.
When I am not teaching or practicing yoga I am a substitute teacher for the Everett School District. I am a wife and mom to two beautiful and amazing kids. I love to be active. I golf, ski, hike, read, garden, hang out with friends and enjoy time with my family. Every day that I can practice and/or teach yoga… I am truly blessed.
I found Bikram Hot yoga in 2009 by rooming with a complete stranger who was a Bikram teacher. At that time I stood at 5'7" and was 258 lbs. I had been uncomfortable in my own skin my entire life and had always felt that "some day" I will be more fit and feel comfortable. But I had been cheating myself of a life I really wanted. She encouraged me to take a class but promptly followed it up by saying that she didn't expect me to stay in the room or even go back. I took this as a challenge that it was and went for 45 days straight. Most of those days I could barely do more then sit in a puddle. But weight poured off of me with my sweat. This gave me the push I needed. Today I stand 80 lbs less prior to yoga. I train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Yoga regularly. Yoga has given me the push to find myself. I went through the infamous Bikram yoga Teacher Training in spring 2012. Carted my great dane to Houston, TX to travel and teach and came back home to Seattle, where I stay till the next adventure.
Bona started practicing yoga at Bikram Everett in May 2009, interested to add stretching to her exercise regimen of running. Though it seemed impossibly difficult and hot at first, within a few months she was practicing every day and seeing steady progress in the asanas. She enjoyed the uplifting feeling after a class.
"I remember looking at the pictures on the studio website of all those people dripping in sweat and I was fascinated, I couldn't imagine being that hot," explains Bona. A high school math teacher, it was natural that she gravitated toward the idea of becoming a yoga teacher. She took a semester off from teaching high school and attended Bikram's teacher training in Fall 2010 in San Diego. Bona now teaches math full-time at a alternative high school, in addition to practicing and teaching nearly every day. Yoga has become her complete exercise regimen, and more so a means for developing concentration and strength of mind.
She loves to travel, hike and read. Sometimes you can find her dancing to Shakira in the lobby before class. She's mom to two cats and two daughters. Her favorite books right now are Zen the Art of Happiness and The Manuscript Found in Accra.
"One of Bikram's quotes that has stayed with me is: if anyone steals your peace, you are the loser… no one can take your peace!" In addition to being fluent in Bikramese, Bona also speaks Portuguese.
Jo is the original co-founder and Director of Yoga of Urban Yoga Spa in downtown Seattle, WA. Jo was instrumental in starting and growing this thriving business with the owners who were not teachers at the time of it’s opening in 2009. She is credited with growing this premium, fun, exciting, and profitable yoga community that it is known for today!
Jo has over 11 years’ experience teaching Baptiste Power Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Hot Hatha Yoga, and is 300 hour ERYT Yoga Alliance certified. Jo’s training is Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Institute level 1 and level 2. Jo has also earned her 50 hour Yin Yoga Certification from Bernie Clark.
Jo's ability to connect with her students and understand their suffering, and their triumphs (emotional, physical, and spiritual) is as unique as she is. Jo always stands in her truth and power, and encourages those who take her classes to do the same. Students tell her all the time, “You kicked my butt, but I felt loved the whole time!”
Brian started practicing Hot Yoga about 11 years ago from the advice of a friend. He grew up playing sports, mainly soccer and snow skiing. He was a ski instructor for several years, realizing years ago that teaching others was something he had a passion for. Brian then got into Martial Arts. Studying Taekwondo, Kung-Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Brian also likes to spend time writing songs and playing music, as well as an occasional game of golf. Brian also has a passion for traveling and experiencing life to it's fullest. He has backpacked in over 35 countries to date because of a burning desire to understand the world and his place in it. Yoga has not only helped Brian with his ailments from many years of being active, but also helped him on his spiritual journey as well. “Only those who practice yoga actively can understand the positive effects it has on the entire mind, body and spirit”. Loving yoga and knowing his passion for teaching others, combined with his desire to help others receive from yoga the same bene?ts that he has, Brian decided to go to Baron Baptiste teacher training in August of 2010. He has been teaching ever since. Brian is now a full time yoga teacher and he could not be happier, because..... "living your passions is the best gift you can give yourself" !!! :)
Sandy has been practicing and learning Bikram's Yoga for many years, starting on her own in the 1970's with just a copy of Bikram's Beginning Hatha Yoga book in the 1970's when her boys were young and her back hurt. To her surprise, all the seemingly preposterous claims made by Bikram turned out to be true. The more she practiced, the better she felt and the better life became.
In 2003 she attended training at Bikram's headquarters in Los Angeles where she was certified to teach. She's been teaching ever since, first in Bozeman, Montana, San Jose and Fremont California, then in the Seattle area at many area studios. In 2005 she purchased Hot Yoga of Woodinville, managing and teaching there until 2013.
When not practicing or teaching, she stays busy as a Woodinville Water District Commissioner, working in her garden at 21 Acres, writing, and hanging out with friends and family She says "This year I turn 65, and can truly say a lifetime of practicing and teaching yoga has helped me through the hard times, kept me strong and happy, and brought me into a wonderful association with amazing people. I never want to stop."
Kara has a passion for movement and anatomy. Her love of movement began with dance and extended into teaching Pilates as an apprentice at the age of 17. A few years later, she was the youngest teacher to enter and complete the certification program from the Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado. Kara’s love of anatomy led to a certificate and career in diagnostic ultrasound but after working in the field for several years she realized how much she missed teaching movement. Kara came to yoga hoping to cope with stress, but she left with so much more: a peace and a sense of calm that she had never known before, as well as a physical challenge that was different from her previous forms of movement. After her first yoga class Kara knew she had to teach! There was no way she was going to keep this secret to herself. She completed Baptiste’s Level 1 teacher training program in 2012 and Tiffany Cruikshank’s (Yoga Medicine) 200 hour program in February of 2014. She is currently working towards her 500 hour certification. She enjoys studying various styles of Yoga from international and local master teachers. Combining love of movement and anatomical alignment, she hopes to spark and inspire joy and playfulness through her teaching. In addition to teaching, she is the owner and creator of her own custom yoga wear company, Zebra Mama Yoga.
Tracy has been practicing yoga for over 7 years. She started with a Bikram practice and then was introduced to Vinyasa flow and fell in love with it! Tracy was called to pursue certification to teach through the Baptiste Yoga Program in January of 2015 and has completed Level One, Level Two & Art of Assisting on her journey to complete final Baptiste certribution. She continues to study under the Baptiste Yoga Methodology and her transformation has been life changing! She shares her love of yoga and the Baptiste methodology with her students and loves to see students grow in their practice and work towards their health goals. She is passionate about her yoga journey and loves to share with anyone who will listen by bringing yoga to the world and inspiring others to make a difference in their own lives through their yoga practice.
Sustainability is my goal in my yoga practice.
2002 was the year I started to embark yoga, learned and practiced different styles and lineage. It all started for physical reasons only to find out few years later its depth beyond postures. And only then it has become an integral part of my life, it becomes the air I breath, my playground when I’m high in spirit, my refuge when I feel weighed down, on how I start my day or on how I end my night and in between. I practice the postural aspect of yoga to bring me to a space of acceptance [of my limitations], awareness and mindfulness [of my strength] of where, how and what I can do.
Fall of 2010 when I went to San Diego for Bikram yoga teacher’s training, I farther my yoga learning by taking more trainings and workshops e.g. Senior Yoga workshop in Portland, Gosh Vinyasa Flow in UK with renowned Tony Sanchez, completed the Yoga Applied Anatomy Intensive workshop with another brilliant teacher Asha Wolf in Boulder Colorado, finished Hot Pilates teacher’s training and consistently taking on line courses. I had the privilege to teach kids yoga and yoga classes for children with special needs which opened a whole new learning. I learn from trainings and workshops, from taking classes, from teaching classes from fellow teachers and from fellow students.
Yoga practice, both postural and meditative comes in different forms, styles and lineage, doing what feels right, appropriate and joyful - that is the kind of class I want to take and the kind of class I want to bring!
You will see me here and there in my kitty onesie/pajama especially early in the morning will give you a hint of what I am passionate about next to yoga.
While Working as a graphic designer I spent 10 hours a day in front of a computer, the amount of time I spent sitting at a desk left my body in a lot pain. I needed to make a change. I had always had an interest in massage therapy, so I decided to go back to school for massage school.
Just before my career change, I was involved in a car accident. After the accident I was in a lot of physical pain. After multiple doctor visits, X-rays and an MRI it was determined that I had 4 bulging discs in my neck, disc degeneration and abnormal straightening of the neck. By the time I was in my late twenties my body was beat up, inflexible and I had chronic pain in my back and neck. Then, a dear friend invited me to yoga. This is what brought me to my first Bikram Yoga class. After 5 years of a consistent Bikram Yoga practice, my cervical spine has been corrected and pain is under control. I haven’t stopped practicing in 10 years because the yoga works!
Bikram yoga method is the only program that makes my body feel like it did pre-accident. This is my physical therapy, this is how I stay healthy. It was soon after I started practicing that I knew I needed to become an instructor. Finally, I found my way to Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Fall 2011. During the training I had to face one of my biggest fears of public speaking. Since a young age I suffered a fear of speaking in public. From grade school to college my scores suffered at the thought of raising my hand to ask questions. The near thought of it would send me into panic. My body would tremble, my heart would pound and I would turn red from head to toe complete with sweating. During Bikram Yoga teacher training, I had to teach my fellow trainees in front of 500 other peers everyday for 9 weeks. I faced my biggest fear everyday in order to share this yoga. After 31 years of fear, I was now very comfortable speaking in public.
As a teacher I find it necessary to learn from other teachers, a steady practice and most importantly to learn from the students. Through this I hope to become the best teacher I can be. I know Every person is different and every “body” is different. It is never too late to change, just show up. I am excited to continue sharing the amazing benefits of this yoga with more people.
I discovered Bikram Style Hatha yoga in the winter of 1998. Growing up in the Seattle area with the gray skies and the damp cold, it was the perfect fit. I was a stay at home mom, who had two busy little boys. I tended to be a little high strung and stressed out, Bikram Yoga was exactly what I needed. I loved the yoga from the start. All my life enjoying sports and the outdoors, I thought I had done it all. Bikram yoga was more than I ever expected. After my first class I was exhausted, soaking wet, energized, relaxed, and excited all at the same time. I was hooked! I have been an enthusiastically dedicated practitioner ever since.
Having suffered from neck and back pain, stress and fatigue, yoga has helped me take control of my own health and well being. It continues to provide a centering, calming and healing presence in my life –physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I really am a better person, inside and out, when I practice yoga, just ask my family! As I continued to practice, I could see and feel the benefits. I watched as a better me happily revealed itself.
When my boys were a bit older I became a part time school teacher. With my yoga practice I was more energetic around the students, more present when I was with my family, calmer during stressful situations, and healthier during those cold and flu seasons. I was able to breathe better on my runs, bike rides and my climbs, and I slept better too! I told my husband, I wanted to be a Bikram Yoga instructor. 10 years later my goal was realized! I attended Bikram’s Yoga College of India teacher training fall 2008 in Acapulco, Mexico. I continue my love of the practice. I am enjoying every chance to teach and share my enthusiasm for yoga with others. As a teacher, I pursue growth and development of my skills through various yoga workshops, trainings and posture clinics. My goal is to teach with love and compassion, to connect with my students, to challenge them, to help them learn more about themselves, and to assist them in discovering what is possible through yoga.
Now that my boys are all grown, more than ever, yoga grounds me. Continuously opening my eyes and my heart during this new phase of my life. When I am not teaching or practicing yoga, I can be found enjoying the outdoors, fishing, traveling or just hanging out with my husband, Dave. I love my family, my life, and the peace that yoga brings to me.
Ariel Williams has been teaching vinyasa yoga since 2014 and started practicing in 2012. She started the journey of yoga to lose weight but found a whole new lifestyle, embracing happiness in each moment and the strength to let go of the past. Ariel became a Tier 2: 500 hour Baptiste Certified Teacher in February 2017, after studying with the Baptiste Yoga Institute. Ariel has also completed Shakti Vinyasa Yoga’s Teacher Mentorship Program April 2016. The supportive and encouraging Baptiste Community inspired her to give back through the service of yoga. She also received a BA in Environmental Studies focused in Society and Sustainability from the University of Washington in 2013. Ariel teaches to inspire change and transformation in the body and mind, “Dream, Believe, Succeed”.
Christine started practicing Bikram Yoga in 2001 through a chaperoned high school outing. After seeing results within the first five days--she touched her toes!--the week-long trial turned into a steady, consistent practice. It was a love/hate relationship at first, with the intense heat, humidity, Triangle, and Balancing Stick. But she soon started to crave the heat, and what it did for her poor circulation. Twice a week turned into three turned into four or five times a week practice!
Encouraged by her teachers, Christine attended Bikram's intensive nine week teacher training in Spring of 2007. It was the most humbling, challenging, and inspiring experience of her life. Three hundred plus like-minded people on the same path--studying, practicing, and breathing the yoga! She deepened her practice on a level beyond that could be achieved back home through the wisdom of the staff, guest teachers and lecturers that came through the nine week period.
Upon her return from beautiful Hawaii, Christine took on a full teaching load across studios in Seattle and the eastside. She also traveled to Texas seeking mentorship under the Bikram Dallas Studio owners and refined her teaching during her time there. The broad range of students and studio spaces she's come across has made her the versatile, demanding, yet compassionate teacher she is today.
Beyond teacher training and her stint in Texas, Christine has attended both Beginning and Advanced class workshops with senior teachers: Jason Winn, Lynn Whitlow, Esak Garcia, Craig Villani, and Brandy Lyn, the 2010 International Yoga Asana Championship winner. She also studied with Rajashree (Bikram's wife) and Emmy Cleaves (Bikram's most senior teacher) at their annual Women's Retreat in the fall of 2010 and received her re-certification.
Aside from practicing Bikram (Hatha), Power, and Yin Yoga, Christine enjoys hiking, traveling, tennis, and tending to her vegetable garden.
I started practicing hot yoga February 14, 2013. It was love at first practice. I then created a life schedule that allowed for my yoga practice to be a priority.
Through my yoga practice I have been able to find a balance for myself physically and mentally that allows me to overcome challenges that my present themselves.
I always say that if I go to yoga feeling bad, I come out feeling good. And if I go to yoga feeling good, then I come out feeling great!
I completed the Baptiste Advanced Art of Assisting in January 2015, Baptiste Power Level One teacher training in June 2015, Level Two in October 2016, Art of Assisting in March 2017, as well as many local workshops including Jo Parson's Healing Hands, Carrie Hopperstad's Assisting workshop, and Tina Templeman's Anatomy for Yoga. I became a certified Next Generation Yoga teacher for kids ages 2-7 in July 2016. I have been teaching power vinyasa since September 2015 and assisting classes since April 2016.