Teachers
Ali
Shape
Compose
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
Ali graduated Boston University and Western Maryland College with a Masters degree in deaf education. She taught deaf children for 5 years before having her first child. Ali trained to teach yoga classes to children, through Karma Kids Yoga in Manhattan.
Ali is a busy Mom who raises her 5 kids and maintains a busy and fulfilling work schedule.
"Hot Yoga has changed my life. I now have the opportunity to incorporate my love for yoga with my love for children. To be a Yoga teacher is the perfect medium to accomplish this."
Amy Jean
Flow
WESTWOOD, NJ
Amy Jean has studied with well-known yoga teachers including John Friend, Edward Clark, Anna Forrest, Erich Schiffman, David Swenson, Sri Dharma Mittra, Beryl Bender Birch, Sianna Sherman, Kenny Graham, Max Stromn, and Bryan Kest. Each offer their own style and philosophy for which she is grateful.
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“I teach using the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment. I encourage my students to remember their own divine greatness and connect with their hearts.”
Anayra
Shape
Flow
Compose
Fuse
Ignite
Flame
Warm
Flare
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
RUTHERFORD, NJ
Anayra completed her initial 200 hour yoga teacher training with The Yoga Institute and continued her studies Anusara founder John Friend completing over 100 hours of training with him and
over 200 hours of training with senior Anusara teachers Jackie Prete, and former senior Anusara teacher Doug Keller.
When Anayra isn't teaching Hot Yoga classes and Pilates, she is a high school English teacher in Jersey City. She has also developed yoga and Pilates programs for at-risk teenagers. She is currently working on her second master's degree in education.
“My love of Yoga began when I was an undergraduate student at Seton Hall University where I double majored in Religious Studies and English. After taking a Zen and Yoga class I knew that yoga was something that I would pursue.”
Bridgid
Shape
Flow
Fuse
Ignite
Warm
Kindle
NYACK, NY
RUTHERFORD, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
Bridgid received her 200 hour certification from Yoga Sutra NYC, where she studied asana, pranayama, and yoga philosophy under GutaHedewig.
Bridgid began studying yoga during college at The University of the Arts, where she graduated with a BFA in Dance.
I am very excited to be a part of FIRESHAPER. I love teaching Flow yoga classes. There are numerous and varied postures practiced during this class with a focus on synchronizing breath with movement. We call the class "Flow" because of the way the postures run together.
Caryn
Shape
Flow
Compose
Fuse
Ignite
Warm
Flare
NYACK, NY
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
The appeal of wanting to be a yoga teacher was to have a career which would very much benefit others as well as her. She began her training in the summer of 2004, and has never looked back.
Caryn has an International Business Degree, but being a gymnast for many years growing up, the Hot Yoga style very much appealed to her as it combines flexibility, strength, intensity and grace.
“One of my favorite quotes is from Audrey Hepburn. ‘Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm…As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands: One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.’"
Dan
Shape
Compose
Fuse
Ignite
Flame
Warm
Flare
RUTHERFORD, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
Having obtained hisBA, MA, LMT, and Hot Yoga Lineage Teacher. Dan sought out a Yoga Teaching training course in New York and became licensed to teach in the state of New York almost 7 years ago.
Shortly after beginning his career as a massage therapist he suffered an injury. This injury resulted in experiencing 'frozen shoulder.' Dan was persuaded by his wife to try Hot Yoga and in that moment Dan was empowered to heal himself.
“My Hot Yoga teacher is a believer in the ways of our "Hot Yoga lineage" and I’m not only a believer but a witness to the benefits of Hot Yoga. It's about empowerment…it's about healing – it’s about liberation.”
Danielle
Compose
Ignite
Flame
Flare
WESTWOOD, NJ
Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and taught in the NYC Public School System in the early 90's. She also has a Master of Science Degree in Special Education. She is a licensed Chiropractor in NY and NJ and currently has her own private practice in Englewood NJ. Danielle attended Hot Yoga training in the spring of 2007 in Honolulu, and has been teaching Hot Yoga classes regularly since.
Danielle who has been a Doctor of Chiropractic since 1998. Danielle finds the philosophy of chiropractic and the philosophies of Hot Yoga go hand in hand.
“During my first class, I fell in love with Hot Yoga and never looked back. I’ve been an avid exerciser since adolescence; however I find the Hot Yoga discipline to be especially unique. Hot Yoga classes are not your typical exercise; it involves mind, body and spirit. This combination is very significant for me.”
Danni
Shape
Tone
Ignite
Warm
Flare
NYACK, NY
RUTHERFORD, NJ
Having practiced yoga since 1992, when the teacher training program was offered Danni just knew that it was something that she had to be part of. Danni's hope and passion is a desire to teach students and lead them to a love of yoga.
Over the years yoga has proven to help not only Danni’s long-term respiratory problems but also with anxiety and stress issues. Four years ago a friend took her to the Westwood studio where she read about the yoga classes and wished that she could join. Danni's chaotic schedule prevented this until the Nyack yoga studio opened closer to home. Suddenly she found herself making time for hot yoga, taking early morning classes and squeezing it in whenever she could.
“My hope and passion is a desire to teach students and lead them to a love of yoga. I want them to find the peace and tranquility in a daily practice that I have found myself.”
Dianna
Flow
Ignite
Warm
Flare
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
Dianna draws upon the wisdom of many great teachers and integrates the ancient teachings of Yogic philosophy. She embodies a deep sense of love and gratitude for all who continue to guide her growth and development as a yoga student and instructor.
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“I teach an inspiring and poetic yoga class. My vinyasa style flows from the infinite wisdom of the heart. Playful and light, the class is infused with love and filled with joyful celebration.”
Dr. John
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Flow
Compose
Fuse
Tone
Ignite
Flame
Warm
Flare
NYACK, NY
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
In 1995, Dr. John had begun practicing Yoga on a daily basis to enhance his martial art practice. It began with Power Yoga and he steadily practiced postures in conjunction with his Martial Art teaching and practice. In 2000, Dr. John met his future wife Natalie and they started practicing Hot Yoga classes together in NYC. Over the course of many years Natalie and Dr. John have practiced many other yoga variations.
Born in New Jersey, Dr. John together with his wife Natalie Surie has two daughters, Sydney & Skylar Surie. Dr. John is a licensed Chiropractor in active practice since 1997 and has a full time chiropractic office in Paramus New Jersey. From the age of 12, Dr. John has been training in the Martial Arts and has been teaching steadily since the age of 16. Trained primarily in Hapkido, Dr. John has also trained extensively in USA Goju, Kung Fu, Judo, and Shaolin Chin Na.
“Blending the healing art of Chiropractic and other alternative healing principles with yoga has provided me with an endless supply of tools used to help lead others onto the path of health and wellness.”
Jessica
Shape
Flow
Compose
Fuse
Tone
Ignite
Flame
Warm
Flare
Kindle
NYACK, NY
RUTHERFORD, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
Jessicacompletedteacher training in Los Angeles in 2005 after having been introduced to Hot Yoga in 2000 in NYC.
Jessica is a full-time-mom by day and teaches Hot Yoga classes by night and weekends.
“I am grateful to be able to share the benefits of practicing Hot Yoga in New Jersey with others!”
Jody
Shape
Flow
Compose
Fuse
Tone
Ignite
Melt
Flame
Warm
Flare
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
RUTHERFORD, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
Qualified as a teacher for 10 years, Jodieis a passionate and committed practitioner.
Jodie ran the Rutherford yoga studio on her own before becoming part of the FIRESHAPER family.
“I started out as a teacher 10 years ago with a seed in my soul and a vision in my heart. I offered experience and teachings in hopes of cultivating a supportive, loving environment and that's just what I accomplished. I have helped to create a community of likeminded people whose desire was to make healthy changes in their lives so they could live with more vitality and passion.”
Kanan
Flow
Flare
Kindle
Glow
WESTWOOD, NJ
Kanan is certified in pregnancy yoga through Gurmukh'sKhalsa Way training and especially loves teaching yoga classes to mothers-to-be and kids of all ages, both privately and in group settings.
Kanan holds a Masters Degree and a License in Social Work and has extensive experience providing psychosocial counseling to women and children. Kanan is certified in hypnosis and received her training in childbirth education and birth doula with Debra Pascali-Bonoro, LCCE.
“I embrace a natural lifestyle which includes a yoga practice, homeopathy, essential oils, whole nutrition, and wellness care. I am passionate about creating art and parenting with the intention of pure joy.”
Kass
Shape
Compose
Flare
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
Kass is a licensed physical therapist and has worked actively in the sports medicine field for 10 years.
After having her second son in 2007 Kass found her passion for Hot Yoga as the bridge of a pursuit for a healthy mind and body. She immediately felt a positive change in her life and an immediate connection with others who practiced Hot Yoga techniques. Yoga quickly became her way of life.
“I combine my enthusiasm and love of Hot Yoga with knowledge of alignment, body mechanics, anatomy and physiology.”
Katelyn
Shape
Ignite
NYACK, NY
Katelyn suffered from lower back pain for years, but found that once Hot Yoga classes became part of her life the everyday back pain was no longer there. She discovered Hot Yoga in 2009. Since then Katelyn has become passionate about Hot Yoga and received her teacher certification in the spring of 2011.
Katelyn holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and works full time helping people with disabilities.
“For me, regular practice has not only healed my back but also positively transformed all aspects of my life. I hope to lead others in finding the benefits that I have found through my personal Hot Yoga practice.”
Kristine
Flow
Fuse
Flare
WESTWOOD, NJ
Kristine Deer completed teacher training in Florida, summer 2010.
Kristine is currently designing a collection of yoga apparel.
“As a passionate teacher, I love to share the amazing benefits of this Hatha yoga practice, focusing on foundation, alignment and modern spirituality.”
Maggie
Flow
NYACK, NY
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
RUTHERFORD, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
Maggie began practicing Bikram and discovered a strength in herself she didn’t know she was capable of, which she tapped into both in and out of the studio. While working on her Master’s Degree in mental health counseling Maggie decided to take her practice to the next level and become certified to teach others to find their own mental and physical strength. Maggie graduated from training in the fall of 2009 and taught at her home studio in Burlington, VT for six months, she then moved to NYC to build on both her teaching and her life.
Originally from New Jersey, Maggie moved to Burlington, Vermont to pursue a BS in Social Work. She spent several years working with at-risk youth and young people with autism during and after college.
Maggie is grateful to be able to help other people improve their lives through yoga as she strives to do.
Natalie
Shape
Flow
Compose
Fuse
Tone
Ignite
Flame
Warm
Flare
Kindle
NYACK, NY
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
RUTHERFORD, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
A native Australian, from Queensland’s Gold Coast,since 2002, Natalie has been faithfully teaching and practicing Hot Yoga along with a variety of other postures and advanced variations.
She enjoys nurturing her children with love and shares her passions of travel and yoga with them.
“I welcome you to join me at FIRESHAPER. I believe in the limitless power of self and raise my family through the most caring and healthful means possible.”
Raechel
Shape
Ignite
Warm
NYACK, NY
After very little time, Raechel’s yoga practice became the most fulfilling and challenging part of her athletic career. Since then, she has become an avid yoga practitioner and completed a hot yoga teaching certification program in the spring of 2011.
Raechel is currently working on her Ph.D. in History
“I am a life-long student and endeavor to not only share my knowledge with others, but to continue my own intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.”
Rebecca
Shape
Ignite
Warm
Flare
RUTHERFORD, NJ
Rebecca took her first Hot Yoga classes over 10 years ago and was captivated immediately. She has since practiced regularly at Hot Yoga studios throughout Westchester County and Manhattan and as a recent NJ transplant, is proud to have received her 200 Hour certification to teach through FIRESHAPER.
Rebeccaruns a marketing consulting agency called Highpoint Avenue Group, is an avid astrologer, and loves her e-reader and living in Weehawken with her husband and beautiful rescued pit bull, Lady.
“Yoga has helped me create space in my life allowing for more love, growth, healing and happiness and I look forward to sharing with my students in a safe and supportive environment.”
Sabrina
Shape
Ignite
Flare
NYACK, NY
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
RUTHERFORD, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
For years Sabrina was looking for something to fill the void that was created when collegiate sports were over. When a friend introduced her to Hot Yoga classes that void was filled. She went on to take her Hot Yoga teacher training course in New York and has just started her 2nd 200 hour certification.
Sabrina grew up immersed in athletics playing three sports in high school and soccer and track throughout college.
“I wish to combine my love and knowledge of all sports with yoga, the union of the mind, body and soul.”
Scott
Shape
Flow
Compose
Ignite
Flare
NYACK, NY
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
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Sue C
Ignite
Warm
Flare
WESTWOOD, NJ
The tranquility of Sue’s yoga practices led her to her discovery Hot Yoga, which culminated into the passion she feels for yoga today; the intensity of a hot room and the rewarding benefits which come after jumping into a yoga practice hooked Sue in such a way that changed her life forever. She graduated Fire Shaper’s first Hot Yoga Teacher Training program in 2011.
Outside of yoga, Sue lives in New Jersey, with her three children and four fat cats. Well, at least one is really big. =] Hiking and other outdoor adventures – like kayaking or white water rafting – truly give her pleasure, although she also feels that the simplicity of a book, and the sand of the beach between her toes along with the soft sound of the waves crashing on the shore are completely satisfying, as well.
Out of a desire to give back all of the healing benefits of body and soul Sue feels yoga is truly about, she has decided to begin a new chapter of her life as a yoga instructor.
Sue Z
Shape
Flow
Compose
Fuse
Tone
Ignite
Flare
NORTH HALEDON, NJ
RUTHERFORD, NJ
WESTWOOD, NJ
Sue has been practicing Hot Yoga since the winter of 2007, under the instruction of Natalie Surie, director of the Hot Yoga New Jersey locations at Westwood and North Haledon.
From softball, lacrosse, tennis, to figure skating, she has always been an active person.
“I am passionate about sharing the effects of yoga classes with others. During my class, staying in the moment, quieting the mind, connecting the breath to the body, and using the 90 minute moving mediation in whatever ways that serve you for that day are emphasized - focus, be still, and breathe."
Susan A
Shape
Compose
Ignite
Flare
NYACK, NY
Susan completed teacher training in the Fall of 2008, ten years after her first Hot Yoga class.
Susan has a B.F.A. in dance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.
“Yoga had done so many great things for me physically and emotionally, that I decided I wanted to study it more intensely and spread it to others.”
Tommy
Shape
Fuse
Ignite
Warm
RUTHERFORD, NJ
After injuring himself in a car accident Tommy endured several months of fruitless treatment. He was then introduced to Hot Yoga classes and that is when the deep healing began. At first he looked at Hot Yoga as his pain management program because it helped him to heal from the inside out. In time, he started to feel stronger and it became his workout time. Tommy has now gone on to complete his teacher training program
Tommy is an avid and talented drummer.
“Most notably Hot Yoga classes improved my drumming skills and gave me the endurance that I once had in my teens. At this point it has become the connection of my mind, my body, and my spirit. When I completed my Yoga teacher training in New York I felt that it was the next step on the journey that started years ago.”
