YOGA TEACHERS IN SCOTTSDALE

Our experienced and compassionate staff have made their way to HYU from many different backgrounds and Yoga Teacher Training’s. It is this variety and the intertwining of dialogue and ideas that makes Hot Yoga University unique.

Our staff is dedicated to their own practice being students first. You can always find our teachers on their mats practicing right alongside you, taking care of themselves so they can guide you with a clear mind and open heart. We support you on your yoga journey.

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EFFIE

Teacher Bio

Effie is a 500hr Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT) and has been teaching yoga since 2014 after attending a 200hr teacher training in Baja, Mexico.

She is a recognized leader in the yoga community and her approachable and vibrant teaching style has earned her the title of the current lululemon yoga Ambassador at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Her yoga journey began while working as a professional makeup artist at M.A.C. Cosmetics when she started seeking more balance and peace in her personal and professional life. Through her yoga and meditation practice she discovered that her deep rooted passion in helping others wasn’t just about looking good, it was about feeling good. You can sense her artistic expression in her lighthearted and dynamic teaching through her creative cueing, visual storytelling and attention to detail. Her classes are playful, yet powerful, a safe haven for her students to explore what both the body and mind are capable of. She strives to create an environment of inclusivity for students to feel safe no matter their experience level.

“You’ll find more beauty through action, through closing your eyes and feeling, than you ever will through looking.”

Hot Yoga in Scottsdale & Tempe | Hot Yoga University

VERONICA

Teacher Bio

Veronica received her 200-hour RYT in the beautiful place Bali, Indonesia. She is E-RYT certified with over seven years of classroom teaching experience and gained accreditation by Yoga Alliance as an approved YACEP -Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider.

Veronica is endlessly grateful to all of her mentors who have lit the way, and is honored to share this light with others. She leads a spacious practice with focus on supporting the nature of all dynamic bodies, giving each student a chance to come home to their own human design through expression of breath and movement. As a nurse she strives to blend her thought process that nature expands and contracts, moves upwards and downwards, gathers and disperses energy. This energy that flows through nature also flows through our bones, veins, lymph vessels, and pathways, and to keep in balance we must learn to harness and move it wisely throughout our bodies.

If you see V on her mat, she’s “most likely” chilled out in a long savasana and when she isn’t teaching she enjoys hiking with her pup Charlie.

-Come join me on your mat YOGIS-

…Interesting Fact: I enjoy a classic gas station drive by to purchase a cold Arizona Ice Tea and I can crush a bag of BBQ chips..family size style.

Hot Yoga in Scottsdale & Tempe | Hot Yoga University

CAROL

Teacher Bio

RYT-200 Yoga teacher
Master Amrit Method Yoga Nidra practitioner
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
Certified Somatic Release Breathwork facilitator
Certified Sound Healing Practitioner
Certified Life Coach
Certified Usui and Shamanic Reiki Master
Certified Level 2 Theta Energy Healer

Carol is an Arizona native. She and her husband Jaime love to spend time with their
combined family of 4 sons and a daughter. Carol was graced with the job of being a
stay at home mom for over 20 years. Knowing that this was a temp job, she decided to
follow her interests to see where life would take her.
Carol took her first yoga class in 2002. She loved how strong and confident yoga made
her feel.

Carol has always been a seeker, obsessed with anything metaphysical. In 2004 during
a particularly low point in her life, she decided to seek healing by taking classes in all
things woo woo, including, the chakras, mediumship, astrology, graphology and tarot.
She became a Usui Reiki Master, and a Theta Energy Healer. She took numerous
classes workshops and seminars with many famous spiritual teachers and writers, in a
quest for deeper meaning and connection.

In 2014 Carol enrolled at Southwest Institute for the Healing arts. She took classes that
peaked her interests, such as Ayurveda, Urban Farming, Whole Foods Cooking, and
Aromatherapy. Her very first class at SWIHA was Yoga Nidra, taught by the magical
Kamani Desai. This is the yoga that had her hooked, and she’s been teaching it ever
since. Yoga Nidra is a meditative relaxation that creates more space in your mind,
opens a window into your soul and provides an opportunity to learn about yourself in a reflective and peaceful manner. This practice had such an impact on her life that she
became a Master I Am Yoga Nidra facilitator at the Amrit Yoga Institute in Salt Springs
Florida.

In 20017-18 Carol took yoga teacher training at Spirt of Yoga with Laura McKinzie and ,
Kundalini yoga teacher training at Yoga Phoenix, finally completing her 200 hour YTT,
at Hot Yoga University with teachers Karin Fellman and Effie Densberger
Carol took Yin yoga trainings from founder Paul Grilley and Dwayne Armitage of SOY.
She has been teaching the gentle and powerful practice of Yin at HYU since 2018.
In 2020 Carol started training to become a clinical hypnotherapist and life coach and
has been trained in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) & Neuro Linguistic
Programming (NLP). After completion of her clinical hypnotherapy program, she and her
husband became certified in sound therapy by the fantastic Hamid Jabar. Carol and
Jaime love playing the gongs, crystal singing bowls and the many other healing
instruments that they have acquired, especially during full moon meditation and sound
bath ceremonies at Hot Yoga University.
Carol was recently certified as a Somatic Release Breathwork facilitator, created and
taught by Steven Jaggers. She is so excited to bring this very powerful and healing
modality to HYU.

Carol has spent over two decades immersed in learning, teaching, and doing her own
“work” to now be at a place where she can fully support you in your own journey of self-
discovery, growth, transformation and healing.

Hot Yoga in Scottsdale & Tempe | Hot Yoga University

CHRISTINA

Teacher Bio

RYT-200 Yoga and Meditation Teacher

I first connected with yoga in 2005, just as I was graduating from The University of Texas at Austin. Soon after, I packed up everything I owned and left home for a wild adventure out west in Arizona. I continued to dapple in the world of Yoga, never really sure why I stepped on my mat day after day. I knew this was the only time during the day where I could just be myself. No judgments, no negative talk, just me and my mat.

I slowly learned that this practice is more than just butts and guts. It’s a proven ancient science that gives you the tools and ability to let go and to heal yourself from the inside out.

In 2013, I enrolled in a 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training program. It was one of the best decisions of my life.

It is my intention to facilitate a full and rich experience for students by staying present, aware and open. It is my hope that on some level I will be able to lead other students through a deeply healing practice and inspire them to let go and let in.

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JULIE

Teacher Bio

RYT-500

Growing up as a gymnast, Julie always had a talent for standing on her head and hands! However, it wasn’t until later that she discovered the art and healing power of yoga.

In 2015, after 9 years of yoga practice, she invested in herself and completed the Barkan Method 200 Hour Hot Yoga Teacher Training. In addition, she received advanced training with Kelly Green and Paige Held as well as completed the Core Power Yoga Sculpt training. Julie has over 600 teaching hours in Albuquerque, New Mexico and was the personal yoga instructor for the New Mexico Lobo Men’s Golf Team.

Julie loves to share her passion for fitness, music, humor and yoga with everyone who walks through the door. She believes that leading by example is most beneficial; and that mental and physical strength, combined with flexibility is the key to a long and healthy life.Julie hopes to see you on the mat soon!

Hot Yoga in Scottsdale & Tempe | Hot Yoga University

DIANA

Teacher Bio

Bikram Yoga Teacher Training 200hr – RYT-500hr

Diana has been teaching yoga for over 20 years, along side a rewarding career as an RN. And this parallel between the two is not by accident…. she believes strongly that the mind/body connection practiced in yoga completes a circle of self-awareness and peacefulness necessary to appreciate and nurture a healthy life. Diana’s hobbies include golf and travel. As a yoga teacher at HYU, her goal is to empower the whole being of each students o that they may continue to feel the benefits of their practice long after they leave the mat.

Hot Yoga in Scottsdale & Tempe | Hot Yoga University

LEXY

Teacher Bio

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Lexy found yoga when a classmate took her to the local studio near the university campus. After one class, she was hooked and after several years she took a 100 hr training with Amazing Yoga in Costa Rica in 2011. She taught locally in Pittsburgh then began her Master’s program at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and also completed a 200 hour YTT this time in Mexico.

Lexy helped start three yoga studios in the Raleigh/Durham area and had opportunities to take workshops with Brock & Christa Cahill, Kelly Greene & Paige Held, as well as Wade Imre Morissette. In 2013, Lexy completed her Level 1 Training with Baron Baptiste in Sedona. In 2014, Lexy & her husband moved to Scottsdale with their two dogs Lily & Lady, and their cat Pumpkin.

Look to see her in our HOTFIIT® classes too as she has her CrossFit Level1 Trainer Certification and is TRX certified. Lexy loves challenging classes to stay in tune with the present moment. She also has a playful teaching style that will make you laugh & smile even in the most unexpected moments.

EMMA

EMMA

Teacher Bio

Emma Pigeon: ERYT-500

Emma has been regularly practicing yoga since 2016, when she found herself in a hot yoga class slightly by accident. The improved strength and flexibility paired with better stress management and body awareness kept drawing her back. She loves the way yoga takes her out of her head and into her body, which is what she aims to share with her students.

She completed her 200-hour training at Hot Yoga University in 2018 and an additional 300-hours of training in northern India in 2020. She has over 1,000 hours of teaching experience from studio classes to retreats, and private lessons to workshops. She has also received a 50-hour trauma-informed certificate and 100-hour prenatal yoga certificate. She teaches vinyasa style classes with a focus on alignment and creative sequencing. Her goal is for her students to feel good, learn something new, and have fun doing it. Emma believes in always remaining a student, so you can find her participating in workshops, continued education, and attending classes.

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LILY

Teacher Bio

Originally from Dover, New Hampshire, Lilly graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts where she stayed active by playing on the women’s lacrosse team. After graduating, Lilly moved across the country with her boyfriend Jake, who received a strength coach position at ASU. She landed her first teaching job here in the desert and is now a 2nd grade teacher. Lilly’s brother, Nick, introduced her to Hot Yoga University when she moved here where she quickly fell in love with yoga, especially the PyroPilates class. It was a workout that she felt was as challenging and rewarding as her college lacrosse workouts. PyroPilates has made her a stronger individual on and off her mat so she decided to get certified to teach the class in November of 2021. It makes her feel like she can overcome any obstacle and that’s how she hopes you feel after every class.

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ERIN

Teacher Bio

In 2016, Erin moved to Scottsdale, AZ and attended her first hot yoga class. In hopes of finding a new and fun way to stay active, she discovered a practice that offered so much more. She began taking classes regularly and noticed the deeper connection to her sense of self alongside the stretching, strengthening, and sweating. Learning how to be more mindful and present through yoga improved her life off her mat, she was inspired her to deepen her practice even more. Erin completed her 200-hour RYT at HYU in May of 2022 and is committed to delivering a safe yoga practice suitable for every body shape and size, regardless of skill level! She believes yoga allows the space and opportunity for you to come back home to your body, and hopes you can leave her class feeling a little lighter than before. Outside of the studio, you can find her watching true crime documentaries, drag racing in her Prius, or visiting her home state of California. She hopes to see you on your mat soon!

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SYBIL

Teacher Bio

Sybil has practiced various yoga styles for over 15 years; she is currently a RYT 500 and certified breathwork facilitator. Her full-time work in the nonprofit and international development sectors has given Sybil a unique perspective and skill in working with a diverse range of populations at varying levels of physical, mental, and socioeconomic wellness. During her time in the Peace Corps, she took a hand at teaching yoga to local community members and discovered the joy and connection it brought her. Following this, she enrolled in an intensive 200H YTT in 2019, and went on to complete an additional 300H certification in 2021. Through her own personal exploration of healing and spiritual development, she has found a passion for supporting others in their healing journeys and recovering from the physical ailments of the body which can manifest through emotional suffering. Sybil’s ultimate goal as a yoga teacher is to make yoga and mindfulness accessible tools for all, and to put love at the center of her work.

Sybil’s main specialties include Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin & Restorative Yoga, breathwork, and guided meditations, however, she also has experience and knowledge of various other holistic modalities. When she’s not in the studio, you can catch Sybil getting outside for some hiking, camping, longboarding, water sports, etc., or on her eternal search for the best Taco Tuesday in town!

kassie

KASSIE

Teacher Bio

Hi there! My name is Kassie, I’m a registered yoga and pyroPILATES teacher. I’ve been practicing yoga for over 5 years and have personally seen the amazing benefits it has brought into my life. Yoga has helped me develop a deeper connection and understanding of my body and mind. I believe movement should be fun and we shouldn’t take it, or ourselves, too seriously. Looking forward to having a great time on the mat together!

lori

LORI

Teacher Bio

Growing up I was very active; I started gymnastics and ballet at the age of 6 and did those with some cheerleading through highschool. I have been active my whole life but in 2018 I realized how important living an active lifestyle was for me. I was working a corporate job in the finance industry that I did not exactly love and was going to business school at ASU full-time. I hit a breaking point with stress and my health, I was battling with the decision to quit my job and do something I truly loved…

I realized that I had to follow my passion in the fitness world when I started to help some friends workout and reach their fitness goals. I knew I wanted to impact more people! I studied my butt off for 2 months during my summer break from ASU and passed my ACE certification to be a trainer. It was the start of my fitness journey and it really has transformed my life.

Since 2018 I am now a full-time fitness trainer, I am living my passion helping others become stronger and healthier! It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, I wake up everyday with excitement and joy.

In April of 2019 I competed in my first NPC bikini competition and placed in the top three gaining a national qualification. I went on to compete in 2 more local amateur shows and my first national show, the prestigious Amateur Olypmia in Las Vegas. It was one of the most challenging things that I have done in my life but it helped me learn so much along the way. My entire purpose and goal is to help YOU transform in ways you didn’t think were possible before. I don’t believe there is only one way to approach health and fitness, I love HOTFIIT it has helped me mentally and physically, it challenges me to improve my stamina, mobility, and strength.

I am here to help you push past limitations you have placed on yourself, gain confidence, strength, and endurance! I am beyond excited and grateful to be a part of the HotYogaU family Lets get strong and sweaty!!!

victoria

VICTORIA

Teacher Bio

I began my yoga practice in 2013, looking to deepen my flexibility and build strength. A few years later I became a contortionist, and wanted to become a yoga instructor to learn how to safely hold poses for performances and training, as well as learn the philosophy behind the tradition of yoga.

received my YTT 200 certificate to teach Hatha Yoga from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe. During my training I was quickly drawn toward the practice of Yoga Nidra. After I graduated I continued on with more education and attended the Yoga Nidra training with Kamini Desai to become an I AM certified Yoga Nidra instructor.

Yoga has been an incredible blessing in my life, and has helped me expand as a stage performer, a musician, and a student. In my spare time, I sing in a Kirtan group, and I enjoy bringing the ancient chants I’ve learned into my yoga nidra classes to create a peaceful and soothing space. My main goal is to provide comfort, safety, and an overall sense of healing for my students each time they come to their mats.

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SKYLER

Teacher Bio

I was that kid that played and excelled in every single sport, I couldn’t decide which one I wanted to do. Junior year I was blessed to go to the National Junior Olympics for Track and to Nationals for Volleyball. All throughout high school I was a leader and loved pushing myself to be better. While attending Washington State tried out for their Crew team and made it after only a month of training to learn the sport! Something I have always known about myself is that I was going to do something with my passion for being physically active.

Looking for a change, I relocated to Arizona with my best friend. It was the best decision of my life as well as the hardest. With two suitcases in hand I took a leap of faith to change my world.

After being in AZ for about a year and a half I got into a bad accident. My lower back was injured and I tried everything to get my body feeling back to the way I knew it could be; physical therapy, chiropractic, and even got stem cell injections into my discs to try to get them to heal themselves. Feeling defeated I confided in my friend Veronica who had been trying to get me to go to yoga for years. When I finally gave yoga a chance I had no idea what an impact it was going to have on my life. It’s been a little over 2.5 years and I no longer have lower back pain, I am able to go into positions and postures I thought I would never be able to do! Yoga have given me my life back in more ways than one, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

In 2016 I trained and entered two figure competitions and with a four week prep, I won First place in Novice and First place in my open class! Eight days later I entered and won first place in the open class and first place as the overall champion at the All Natural OCB competition! It was a dream come true!

I am so blessed to be helping you reach your fitness goals as I teach HOTFIIT® as a fitness instructor and I couldn’t be more excited to share my passion for pushing the bodies limits with all of you!

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LEXY

Teacher Bio

As a full-time international real estate agent, Lexy understand the demands of life, and the importance of inviting in a deep spiritual practice as well as maintaining a healthy body.

Lexy began teaching power yoga in Pittsburgh, PA in February 2011. She completed her Yoga Teacher Trainings in Costa Rica, Tulum, Mexico, and Sedona, AZ. A decade later, Lexy returned to Costa Rica and received the message it was time to share her spiritual practice as well with her community here in Scottsdale, AZ.

You can find Lexy dedicating her Sunday mornings to our community through #SundaySoulService – a meditation and yoga Nidra with sound healing based class, followed by her playful yet challenging vinyasa class.

It is with deep gratitude & honor that Lexy guides our community weekly.

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KIM

Teacher Bio

500-hour E-RYT
Kim discovered her passion for yoga more than 20 years ago at a small studio called Hot Yoga Workout in central Phoenix. The studio owner encouraged her to become a teacher and helped her develop her skills in teaching Hatha yoga. Kim has taken many different paths along her yoga journey, including a 200-hour training at Yandara Yoga Institute, a
300-hour training with Sadie Nardini in Core Strength Vinyasa, 90 hours of yoga anatomy training with Leslie Kaminoff, and Yin Yoga training with Paul Grilley.
Following all of the training in the physical aspects of yoga, she began to take a deep dive into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The study of yoga philosophy has opened her eyes to
the endless depth of our yoga practice, and she loves to share these concepts in all of her yoga classes. She firmly believes that the practice of yoga, regardless of which style you
take or teach, is a path to self-acceptance. You will find Kim teaching Hatha classes and leading the Yoga Teacher Training at Hot Yoga University. Kim is in her final year at
ASU studying Anthropology with a focus on Archaeology, and will graduate with her B.A. in 2023!
Favorite quote: “Let’s trade in all of our judging for appreciating. Let’s lay down our righteousness and just be together.” – Ram Dass

laura

LAURA

Teacher Bio

For Laura, teaching yoga is more than just a job – it’s a labor of love. With 7 years of teaching experience in Phoenix, AZ, Laura has built a reputation as a compassionate and skilled yoga teacher who truly cares about her students. As a 500 hour RYT, Laura has dedicated countless hours to deepening her knowledge and refining her teaching skills. But it’s her love for yoga and her desire to share that love with others that really sets her apart. In Laura’s classes, students of all levels are welcomed with open arms and encouraged to embrace their own unique journey. Her teaching style is warm, nurturing, and infused with a sense of joy and playfulness. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll feel right at home in Laura’s classes.

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TANIA

Teacher Bio

Tania identifies as a yogi, cat lover, humor seeker, yoga teacher, and a spiritual being trying to figure out ‘what this human thing is all about.’

She is originally from South Texas and has been a yoga practitioner since 2012. Tania moved to the valley in 2018 when she obtained her RYT-200 from Hot Yoga University. She will be eagerly diving into her Nidra certification and RYT-300 to continue her studies. Her teaching approach is inspired by a motivation to help students experience, understand, and thus learn to listen to their bodies and breathe through supportive and precise cueing. Yoga has brought Tania peace and kindness in regards to the practice and her body. She intends to share a lens that is body-neutral and help others embrace their body day-to-day as it continually changes throughout life.

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ELIAS

Teacher Bio

Born is Queens, NY but raised in Pocono Lake, PA. Elias moved to Phoenix after graduating college. He has been practicing Yoga on and off for over a decade. One of Hot Yoga Universities 2022 (200hr) Yoga Teacher training graduates. Elias is extremely grateful and excited to teach as it has been a dream of his for many years. On his free time he loves to explore the beautiful nature in Arizona and beyond. He is also a Spin Instructor at CycleBar McCormick Ranch and completed his Pyro Pilates certification in early 2023.

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STEFANIE

Teacher Bio

A corporate supervisor by day and yoga teacher by night, Stefanie brings that same balance of work and play to her vinyasa classes. You will breathe, stretch, sweat, and maybe even laugh along the way. When she’s not at the studio you can find her reading books, playing video games, learning French, and studying tarot cards.

lyle

LYLE

Teacher Bio

If you’re reading this, Lyle is glad you’ve made it to our website and are interested in yoga with us here at Hot Yoga University!

Personally, Lyle started doing yoga in 2015 as a means for fitness and fun; This practice slowly developed through fitness and mindfulness, into a full life practice and philosophy!

During college he started taking classes on yoga and Buddhism. Which lead him to find his yoga teacher training in Bali Indonesia, where he then became RYT 200 certified in Hatha as well as vinyasa yoga.

In his past few years of teaching he has let go of many expectations of what yoga is; and has had an amazing opportunity of witnessing what the real time practice actually feels and looks like!

These days he enjoys holding a comfortable and safe space for a yogi on any journey to be able to come in, share in community, and personally benefit. Whether you come to yoga to heal and reconnect with yourself, or strengthen and become flexible; Lyle is beyond grateful there is space for us to all practice together, and Is excited to see you soon!

Cassidy

CASSIDY

Teacher Bio

I have been practicing for about 7 years and have loved it ever since. My yoga journey has started with HYU and will always continue. I have grown, l learned, and loved every minute of it. I started teaching May 2022 and have no plans of stopping anytime soon. Yoga has been the one staple in my life that always brings me back to myself. The times I have felt lost and unsure of how I’m feeling, I come back to my mat and it all melts away. My goal as a teacher is to create a safe space for yogi’s of all skill levels to be able to come and enjoy my classes. For those of all body types, mobility levels, and skill levels, you are welcome in my class and I hope to show you new ways of learning to love yourself through the asanas.

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GWEN

Teacher Bio

I started practicing yoga when I was really young. Back home in Illinois, one of my mom’s friend’s taught a class specifically for middle-school aged kids. I stopped going as I got older and focused on swimming in high school, but when I left home to go to school at ASU I craved an outlet to stay active. I started coming to HYU in 2018 and fell in love with yoga again. After practicing more consistently, I decided it was time to deepen my practice and get certified to be a yoga instructor on my own! I graduated from YTT in May 2021. I’m excited to grow even more as a yogi and learn what kind of teacher I’ll become. When I’m not practicing yoga, I’m working as a bartender, hanging out with my cat and coming up with new recipes in the kitchen.

Morgan

MORGAN

Teacher Bio

Morgan first began practicing in 2015 and quickly fell in love with yoga. Several years later she completed her 200 hr certification at Sumits Yoga Tucson. She is currently a student at ASU pursuing a degree in business. You can often find Morgan practicing in the hot room or behind the desk. She deeply values the strong sense of community at HYU so never hesitate to say “hi “if you see her around the studio! Morgan loves how yoga constantly requires change and growth, yet is always there to ground you. She finds the practice of yoga to be incredibly healing and could not imagine her life without it. Her favorite part of yoga is simply the way it makes her feel, and strives to share that feeling with others.

Nikki

NIKKI

Teacher Bio

Nikki began practicing yoga on and off in high school, originally viewing it solely as a physical activity. As her practice became more consistent, she quickly realized the immeasurable depth of benefits that yoga has to offer. Yoga became so much more than a physical outlet; it was now also a space to grow, feel, and release. This new-found understanding inspired Nikki to deepen her practice further. Nikki completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training here at HYU in May of 2022, and completed a 50-hour Aerial Yoga Teacher Training in May of 2023. Nikki’s goal as a teacher is for every student to feel safe and welcomed, and to have a positive relationship with their practice, regardless of skill-level.

Off the mat, you can find Nikki spending time outdoors; camping, hiking, and fishing in the summer, or skiing in the winter. Born and raised in Arizona, Nikki enjoys admiring the beauty of the desert she calls home, and doesn’t mind a little extra heat.