Linda Burch is a lover of life and has compassion for all living beings and things. She is a natural teacher, and possesses the gift to recognize greatness in others. She is a lifelong learner and spends much of her time studying the art and science of healing.

She grew up in an environment where whole foods were the only food available, and that inadvertently taught her that we have a responsibility for our own health. There were no Twinkies or Wonderbread in her cupboard, even though back then she wished there were! She has expanded on her teachings from childhood and has spent nearly the past 20 years self-studying Chinese medicine, the benefits of organic foods, and the detrimental effects inhumane treatment of animals have in our bodies and on our earth.

Linda studied Computer Science at the University of Phoenix and Interdisciplinary studies at the University of Washington. She studied herbology at BCC, and Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, at Bastyr. She was drawn to yoga in 1998, and took her first yoga class at Hot Yoga of Kirkland. Linda loved it so much, she bought the studio! Yoga had such a profound effect on her that she continues to open studios making yoga available to as many people as possible.

She has been teaching yoga since 2002 and has studied a variety of yoga disciplines, including being formally certified in Baron Baptiste’s Power Yoga & Bikram Choudhury’s Bikram series. In 2009 she decided to take the most salient attributes from her studies and share this knowledge by conducting yoga teacher trainings in Washington.

Linda’s students come from all walks of life, and include professional athletes. Linda’s classes are also extremely popular, average class size is fifty people, and offers yoga five times day at three different studios. Linda is also one of the largest employers of certified yoga instructors in Western Washington.

Linda has been fortunate to have traveled all over the world. Her favorite place is Thailand which has expanded her knowledge of healing in a way books cannot. She is of the belief that we manifest our life and thoroughly enjoys her earthly experience and spiritual knowing. She will joyfully continue studying and growing throughout her life.

*Ali Valdez* taught her first yoga class in 2000, when she was asked by her fellow students to fill in for their teacher when she was unavailable. She has been actively studying, serving students and teaching others since. She is the Director of Training for Hot Yoga, Inc. She formally completed Yoga Teacher Training in Vinyasa flow at Samadhi Yoga in 2003. Samadhi program meets the National Educational Standards and is registered with Yoga Alliance. She has also studied extensively with a variety of wonderful teachers in a variety of traditions around the world: Aadil Palkhivala, Jille Renee-Celeste, and has done many workshops over the years with Jenhangir Palkhivala, Edward Clark (Tripsichore), Pattabhi Jois (Astanga), Linda Burch (Hot Hatha) and Katerina Wen to maintain her studies and expand her capacities as a teacher. This year, she is continuing her learning by taking Edward Clark's Foundations course in London, studying with Andrey Lappa in Singapore & the Carolinas, and Vincent Tam in Bali. With over fifteen years of senior software sales & management experience at Microsoft, other high-tech firms, and owning her own business, Ali is understanding of the demands of daily corporate life, global business travel and the challenges of keeping balance in one's life and health in one's body, while striving in an aggressive and competitive world. She brings joyful and pinpoint instruction to her classes which are creative, challenging, thorough and fun. In addition to yoga, Ali is passionate about environmental issues and working towards completing her Executive MBA in Environmental Sustainability in San Francisco. Having been a member of the Hot Yoga, Inc family and its Kirkland studio since 2000, Ali loves her community of teachers and fellow students, and loves helping others grow as people and in their practice.

Angeline has been practicing yoga for 18 years, and decided to combine her love of teaching with her passion for yoga when she discovered power vinyasa yoga. She has studied with Shiva Rea, Ana Forrest, Bryan Kest, and others, but Baron Baptiste is her greatest influence. Her 10 year- old son, Riley, is her greatest inspiration. Angeline was born and raised in Seattle and on Whidbey Island. In addition to her training as a yoga teacher, she holds degrees from the University of Washington and Seattle University. She is a Registered Yoga Instructor with Yoga Alliance and a Washington State-certified teacher. Angeline hopes that in her classes, students will have fun and find inner strength that empowers them to live their truth in every aspect of their lives.

Ashley believes that yoga found her, not the other way around. She remembers happily playing in headstands and plows as a little girl, unaware that she was practicing yoga. As a young adult, tired of her exercise routine and seeking something new, she walked into a neighborhood yoga studio. From that point on she's been hooked. Ashley has trained intensively in Ashtanga technique and Baptiste Power Yoga, as well as completing several workshops in alignment and adjustments. Ashley believes that all teachers she has worked with in the past and present have contributed not only to her teaching but to who she is today.

"A hundred times a day I remind myself that my life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give, in measure as I have received, and am still receiving."
~Albert Einstein

Brandy started Yoga about 7 years ago when a friend brought her to a hot yoga class and she quickly became addicted. Looking for weightloss and health she definitely found it. Shedding about 40 pounds she felt amazing and wanted more. She started to venture out and try other forms of yoga and found Vinyasa and was completely blown away. She discovered a confidence on the yoga mat that she had never experienced before. Wanting to share her passion and gain more knowledge in yoga she enrolled in a 200 hour teacher training last spring. Opened to a new world, she has since also completed Level one Power yoga training and looks forward to future learnings.

When she is not teaching yoga or in class you can find her with her dogs and her husband probably camping, snowboarding or just maybe at home.

BG began her fitness career in 1993. As a personal trainer and aerobics instructor she gained valuable experience which allowed her to add other disciplines to her ever evolving repertoire. She became a spinning instructor, taught kickboxing, study pregnancy fitness, and specialized in rehabilitation work after injury.

In March of 1998 BG ran the Los Angeles Marathon. Upon finishing the race she found that her body felt broken. By this point she had tried yoga. She didn't have the patience for it. The breath didn't feel relaxing. Stretching hurt too much. A client suggested pilates. She had heard about the discipline and was interested. At her first pilates session she was impressed. BG felt this was going to be her next fitness challenge. The lengthening and core strength was just what her body needed.

While attending pilates school and tending to a full time client schedule, BG had a bad spinning accident. She had ruptured two of her three right lateral ankle tendons. She decided after careful consideration against surgery. Therapy was the long and grueling course she took. BG was in a wheelchair for five weeks. On crutches and in a walking boot for the remainder of the six month period.

Her holistic healing process encompassed everything from acupuncture and chiropractic, to wellness magnets, hot and ice water therapy, and electric stimulation.

Finally after six months of intense rehab, BG could participate in her favorite activities. She was still recovering, but she could use her right foot again. The pilates core and upper body work felt wonderful to BG recovering body, but the pilates footwork still hurt. She desperately wanted to stretch her legs. Yoga seemed like a cure all.

Yoga felt extremely healing for her whole body and soul. The balancing poses allowed her to regain equal lateral strength. The breath felt peaceful. She felt wonderful afterwards. Yoga lead her to Hot Yoga. After her first Hot Yoga session in which she felt like dieing during and floating afterwards, BG knew she had found her next fitness challenge. A new chapter in her career begins.

The combination of the strict alignment and body focus of pilates. The heart and lung benefits, calorie torch and feel good rush of the spin class or run. The wonderful detoxification from the sweaty yoga and stretching tight muscles. The beautiful and rest inducing pranayama breath of yoga. All bring the ultimate body: strong, fit and pliable. All benefits and no overuse or under use issues of any one discipline. BG practices all weekly.

Carley’s path to creative movement, expression, and exploration began at an early age as she grew up a gymnast and a dancer. First introduced to the world of yoga through a Bikram studio in 2002, she became fascinated with the therapeutic effects of combining conscious breath with physical postures. Discovering her passion for the healing arts she began studying massage, tai chi, qi gong, and yoga at the Heartwood Institute whereby she obtained her Massage Therapy Certificate. Acknowledging that she will always be a student, Carley continues to build her yoga practice by studying numerous Vinyasa flows and Ashtanga. Inspired by Shiva Rea, Baron Baptiste, Simon Park, and Lisa Black she has completed CorePower’s 200 hr Teacher Training, Shakti’s (TAP) Teacher Assisting Program, and jumps at the opportunity to take as many workshops with master teachers as her time allows. Her classes are filled with energy and creativity as the elements of breath, core, balance, postural alignment, and inner strength are explored. She enjoys utilizing music to inspire and encourage her students although emphasizes that the breath is the true key to presence and flow.

Carlo began to practice yoga in 1989 to help cure and restore his health from chronic pain caused from years of competitive sports, and a fall on Mount Whistler. Carlo was a devout practioner for 5 years before becoming a certified teacher in 1995. He graduated from Bikram Yoga College of India where he studied directly with Bikram Choudrey and helped with his teacher trainings and posture clinics for several years. Carlo continued to study under a variety of teachers, which include Eddie Modestini, Nicki Doane, Brian Kest, Anna Forest, and Beryl Bender Birch. He became certified to teach Advanced Hatha Yoga in 1997.

Carlo has taught classes and posture clinics in many major cities in the U.S and Canada including: Houston, L.A. San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, and London. Carlo has also conducted yoga retreats in Mexico.

Carlo owned and operated his own studio in Lacy Washington. He is a student of science of the mind, consciousness, and the human potential. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to assist students in all aspects of their practice. Carlo enjoys a rural lifestyle with interests in raising American Bulldogs and Brazilian Jiujitsu.

Casey’s bio is coming soon.

Danielle is a nationally certified personal trainer whose passion for the healing power of fitness brought her to yoga 5 years ago. Inspired by the link between mind and body, she combines her knowledge and expertise in anatomy and physiology with the art and science of yoga. Danielle's mission in life is to empower people to heal themselves with wellness and self care. Her background as a social worker informs her teaching, bringing a student-centered focus to her classes. Danielle earned her 200 hour RYT certification with Yoga Alliance through her training at 8 Limbs Yoga Centers of Capitol Hill where she studied asana, pranayama, philosophy and strict alignment-based vinyasa sequencing.

Deejay has always been in love with health and fitness. She has a great passion for running, which over the years has damaged her knees. A friend introduced her to her first yoga class in 2006. She says it was one of the best days of her life. Deejay has been practicing ever since. She has completed a power vinyasa teacher training Level 1 and Level 2. Her goal is to become a full-time teacher, helping to guide students to health and well-being. Deejay says, “Yoga has changed my life.” She has begun her journey to happiness and well-being and is excited to continue this journey thought-out her life. She thanks yoga for all the wonderful things it has brought her in her life!

Yoga is the foundation of Eric's life. In the year 2000, At the age of 18, Eric left Olympia, Washington for Kathmandu, Nepal. Initially drawn to the Himalayan kingdom to traverse the Annapurna mountain range, he found his life's meaning at Kopan Monastery while immersed in a Tibetan Buddhist meditation retreat. Upon return to the United States, Eric moved to Boulder, Colorado to attend the Buddhist inspired Naropa University which after four years of study Eric attained a bachelors degree in Yoga and Environmental studies.

After graduating in 2006, Eric lived and taught yoga in Rincon, Puerto Rico, and Maui, Hawaii. As life has a way of turning full circle, Eric is back in the northwest with his extensive family teaching yoga full time while fully engaged in his journey of practice and study.

Emily was born and raised in Spokane, WA. She graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in business administration. After spending just over 7 years working in the corporate world, Emily made the choice to follow her passion, yoga! She is currently the Assistant Manager for both HYOK & HYOFW.

A healthy lifestyle has always been important and she always knew she wanted to be a part of something bigger, but didn't know what that was. She was lucky enough to stumble upon hot yoga in 2006 and was hooked immediately. Following her passion has let the beauty of what she loves, be what she now does!

Eunice, a native Seattlelite, graduated from the University of Washington in graphic design and she currently works for a civil engineering firm in Tacoma focusing on marketing. Her 5-year old daughter, Skye, is the joy and drive of her life and, in her mind, all things come full circle due to her beautiful little gem.

Eunice has recently lost 50lbs and has dabbled in yoga throughout her life. Only recently has she discovered hot yoga and it has completely changed her life. From her first class to present day, yoga will be incorporated in her routine for the rest of her life as she recently has completed her 200-hour certification to teach her fellow peers the joys and healing powers of hot yoga. She has learned how powerful her mind is through the art of yoga practice…

Jody stumbled upon yoga almost nine years ago when a friend at the gym invited her to Hot Yoga™ of Kirkland. Hooked after just one class, she began to practice regularly. She practiced mainly for the physical benefits in the beginning and learned through the years that yoga can also provide release during tough times and healing through injury. Jody continued to practice yoga through college and into her career; even finding a group to practice with during her time on Semester at Sea, and finding new studios to practice when life took her to London for a year. During this time Jody’s passion for yoga grew as she realized that it is a world-wide, life-long practice without boundaries. In the fall of 2008, Jody completed her first teacher training with Baron Baptiste. Jody began teaching in January of 2009 and her classes focus on bringing students to their physical and mental “edge” while being light on themselves inside and outside of the studio.

Katy has been practicing yoga since 2005 and began teaching in 2009, after attending Baron Baptiste Level 1 Teacher Training. Initially attracted to yoga by the heat and the challenge, Katy soon learned the benefits of yoga are much deeper than just physical. Yoga has helped Katy to embrace change and to accept the things she cannot change. It has enabled her to find space between her emotions and her reactions. Katy is so inspired by her teachers, she wants everyone to feel the peace and power she has found through her yoga practice!

With a background in competitive gymnastic coaching and judging and outdoor fitness training, Katy found teaching yoga a natural progression. She feels everything she has done so far in her life has led her to this point, to teaching yoga. Incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so many inspiring teachers and students, Katy looks forward to learning more about yoga, learning more about herself, and inspiring her students to transform their limitations into power!

Kelly has been an avid athlete throughout her life, playing soccer and racing half-marathons, and believing that a physically active life is key to a long and healthy life. About eight years ago, Kelly started having chronic neck and back pain as a result of her high-impact sports and desk-job professional life. After countless MRIs and physical therapy, Kelly turned to hot yoga. Since then, yoga has become her main activity and key contributor towards maintaining a long and healthy life. As a result of her academic background in Business Management and Germanics, she has not only worked for various high-tech industries, but also lived in Europe and traveled throughout India, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia. Throughout her experiences, Kelly has noticed that people in countries with a true work-life balance enjoy more happiness and productivity. Coincidentally, these were also countries that had a bigger connection with spirituality, alternative medicine, and focused on preventative health practices. These travel experiences along with Kelly's family history of cancer has helped her embrace the additional non-physical gifts of yoga whole-heatedly. Kelly has attained the 200-hour teacher training certification and is also certified in CPR.

Kemper has always been interested in fitness and has been active in many sports since childhood. She was encouraged by a neighbor to try a hot yoga class in 2002. The first class was difficult, but Kemper was immediately drawn to the way the yoga challenged her physically yet simultaneously calmed her mind. She was hooked right away and has been practicing both hot and power yoga regularly for the past six years. In July, 2008, Kemper graduated from The Barkan Method teacher training program in Ft. Lauderdale, where she received a 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification. Kemper lives locally with her two daughters and her husband. She is involved as a volunteer at school, and enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, cooking, biking, and of course, yoga! Kemper feels strongly that helping people heal their bodies and challenge their thinking of what they are able to do is the best job in the world.

Kristine started practicing Hot Yoga at the end of 2008. Being very active in physical fitness all her life she was instantly taken aback by all the benefits that Hot Yoga offered. Noticing Hot Yoga was a great way to transform and heal the body by improving strength, flexibility, balance and self-discipline, she was also impressed how yoga was able to assist with calming the mind, increasing concentration, determination, patience, and compassion. Kristine used Hot Yoga as a cross training method in preparation for the Boston Marathon. Impressed by all the benefits of yoga, Kristine became a certified teacher so she could inspire others and share the healing aspects Hot Yoga has to offer. Besides doing yoga regularly Kristine has been a mortgage professional for years. Her spare time is spent with her husband Boone, son Caden, daughter Jaylin, her black lab puppy Deuce and geriatric kitty Gray Bay.

Liz started yoga 6 years ago, mainly practicing Bikram, and came across her first Vinyasa class 3 years ago. After sticking with it, she realized it was the best way to help improve her running and overall fitness. She has taken assisting classes to help with alignment and prevent injuries and completed her Baptiste teacher training in February 2007. "Yoga not only has taught me to be stronger physically, but the breathing and practice itself has helped me quiet my restless mind and helped with the stressors of my day to day life. I have gotten through so many things with yoga."

Marva began her yoga experience over 10 years ago after incurring injuries while competing in Track & Field during her collegiate years at the University of Washington. She began instructing in 2004 and through her teaching and learning experiences discovered more than the physical aspects of yoga, which brought more meaning to the words “Life, Living and Wellness”. Her holistic approach to wellness through the mind/body/spirit connection that is facilitated through yoga is the driving force behind her company Caribbean Yoga Retreats based in Barbados. Students enjoy her energetic and nurturing instruction, which flows directly from the heart, and are especially inspired by the demonstration of her own immensely powerful and graceful practice.

Pat is a Yoga Alliance registered teacher, receiving his 200 hour training under the guidance of Catherine Munro of YogaWorks, Los Angeles. Drawn to yoga for its physical benefits, he has begun to develop a passionate appreciation for the meditative, more subtle qualities, which point the way to the true depths of a yoga practice. His desire is to facilitate the development of outstanding practices by leading complete classes that blend the physical and subtle properties of yoga. He dedicates the development of his personal practice to his students and his teachers.

Pat teaches Hatha, Flow Vinyasa, and a blend of Yin and Flow styles.

Piper graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Foreign Languages & Cultures and soon after went to work for Weyerhaeuser as a Communications & Training Specialist. Since then she felt something was missing in her life, until the day in February 2009 when she walked into a yoga studio! She was instantly charmed by the positive impact yoga had on her life and truly believes in the healing power it has on the body, mind and spirit. Immediately knowing she wanted to share yoga with as many people as possible she completed the teacher training at Hot Yoga of Federal Way. Piper plans to continuously seek out opportunities to further her yoga education and is working on the ability to teach classes in Spanish. When not practicing yoga you can bet Piper is planning an international trip to someday reach her goal of visiting all 195 countries…28 down, 167 to go!

Raj started yoga in Calcutta, India, at the age of seven at Ghosh Yoga College, established in 1923, by Bishnu Ghosh, younger brother of Sri Paramhansa Yogananda, the author of “Autobiography of a Yogi”. Yoga involved not only physical exercises but a prescription of lifestyle that helps cure ailments and improve quality of mental and physical connections. Raj's acute tonsillitis and allergies were cured through this and he continued his yoga education for the next ten years. There was a complete pause in his yoga practice after he arrived in the United States in 1995 and picked it up again about eight years ago.

With an BS in Physics and in Mathematics and after twelve years of corporate jobs in various hi-tech industries as Program Manager and Management Consultant, Raj's yoga practice and yoga teaching is grounded by the fundamental belief that stress through the rat-race of material success is the biggest contributor to increasing health issues in the world. Yoga helps in not only re-balancing our lives, but also in raising an intellectual awareness that we are all connected beings living off of the same quantum mechanical resources. Raj and his wife, Kelly are both certified yoga teachers and dreams of a life where they do not have to rely on corporate careers for livelihood.

Raimey was introduced to Hot Yoga during her college years. She was attending the University of Washington, and although a full time Gymnast for the UW, she tried to make time to take yoga whenever possible. After Graduation she moved back home to Lake Tapps and after Hot Yoga of Federal Way opened up, she became a regular student. This ended up being a perfect fit for her! After struggling from years of pounding her body, three knee surgeries and bi-lateral back fractures, yoga allowed her to push her body to physical limits that she enjoys while keeping her injuries at bay. She received her 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification through HYOFW in May 2009. She absolutely loves teaching yoga. Being an active athlete for her entire life, she understands the importance of a healthy active lifestyle, and yoga provides that for anyone and everyone at all stages in life. She fell in love with both Hatha and Power because it never gets easy- there is always a way to push yourself a little bit harder. When she is not at the yoga studio, you can find her managing A Picket Fence in Sumner, WA or spending time at her new house with her new French Bulldog Nawla!!!

Sally began her yoga practice in 1999 to help her recover from a back injury after the Seattle marathon. She went to teacher training in California in 2000 & 2001. Teacher training was a great experience for her. In addition to teaching, she is currently in school at the University of Washington working towards a degree in landscape architecture. She loves teaching part time and is inspired by the dedication of HYOK’s students.

Suny started practicing yoga approximately two years ago and subsequently received her 200-hour teaching certificate. Life is normally very busy, as she is married with three children. When she is not teaching or practicing yoga she enjoys running the hills in her local community or pushing herself in an intense gym workout. In terms of mental and physical conditioning she can't say enough about yoga and all its benefits. Not that long ago, she was struggling with knee and joint pain and it's all in the distant past since yoga entered her life. If you ever take one of her classes you will find out just how great yoga is and how easily it can be embraced. Without surprise, her two daughters have now adopted yoga into their routines.

Teresa was born and raised in the Seattle, WA area, and is a graduate of the University of Washington. She has also lived in Portland, OR and Jacksonville, FL. As a full time working mom, Teresa always struggled to find time for exercise and typically settled for group exercise classes and time on the treadmill. Before trying Hot Yoga™ of Kirkland, Teresa had only experienced gym-style yoga classes which lacked the excitement and challenge she desired in a fitness program. She was drawn to Hot Yoga because of the added element of challenge with the heated room. Within her first 10 classes at HYOK, Teresa knew it would become a "lifestyle" for her and also knew her calling was to teach in order to share her love of yoga and the many benefits of a comprehensive practice with others. Although she started Hot Yoga purely for the physical reasons, Teresa especially enjoys the mental aspects of Hot Yoga including the deep relaxation and sharpened focus that come from yoga as a moving meditation. Teresa still works in the corporate world by day, and looks forward to her time at the yoga studio as both a student and a teacher. When not working, Teresa enjoys reading, dreaming of travel and spending time with her family.

Thang was born in Vietnam, and came to the US in 1975. He grew up in the Seattle area. Thang graduated from UW with a Civil Engineering degree and is currently a Transportation Engineer. Health and physical fitness has always been his top priority and he's always been engaged in some kind of physical practice since the age of 10. He received his black belt in Karate when he was 16 and has also trained in other martial arts: Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi and Jujitsu. Needing to find another form of spiritual practice that didn't cause injuries and also a self-treatment for his car accident injuries led him to yoga. After the first practice he was hooked, especially by the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga. Thang's been practicing yoga since 2001. He also teaches Integral Tai Chi and leads a meditation group. He was a wedding/portrait photographer for 10 years but now enjoys photography as a hobby. Other interests include backpacking, camping, climbing, marathons, swimming, biking, skiing and kayaking. The practices of yoga, integral tai chi and meditation bring awareness of his true self and realization of the impermanent existence. He loves being a student especially when he's teaching and hopes to help others through those practices.