our amazing teachers

Bikram Yoga

Hot 60

Mat Pilates

Sound Baths

Yoga Nidra

Guided Meditation

Spiritual Life Coach

I've dedicated over three decades of my life to the practice of yoga, holding certifications in various yoga styles with over 500RYT hours. My commitment to yoga extends beyond the mat, permeating every facet of my existence. It's a lifestyle I wholeheartedly embrace, living and breathing its principles each day.

My HOT Yoga journey began in 2011, prompted by a quest for holistic solutions to thyroid issues. Remarkably, the Bikram Series ushered in healing experiences I had never fathomed. Thousands of individuals, seeking improved health and life quality, have turned to this form of yoga, substantiating its efficacy. As a healer myself, this drove me to prioritize teaching Bikram Yoga above all other styles, culminating in the establishment of the Sacred Space at Arts & Hot Yoga.

About me: I AM aware that I am a Spiritual Being having a human experience, as a healer, an artist, an entrepreneur, a leader in the community.  I find solace in the sanctuary of my hOMe with my husband, who is also a healer, an artist and an entrepreneur. We have spent the last twenty plus years together building gardens, planting seeds and trees on our land. We rarely have company over, opting for the company of books, tending to the gardens, growing food, creating art, we are not interested the hustle of external ventures most of the time.

We also are animal lovers and our property is a safe haven for many.

Bikram Yoga

Hot 60

  In 2003, I stumbled upon a Bikram Yoga studio in Brooklyn, NY, while grappling with severe lower back pain and tight finances. A sign in the window promised 30 days of free classes if I completed 30 sessions in 30 days. I took the challenge and practiced for 60 days straight, becoming completely hooked on the Bikram series. My back pain disappeared, and I knew instantly that I wanted to teach this transformative practice someday. In 2012, the stars aligned, and I trained with Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles. Inspired by the countless teachers who supported me, it’s now my honor and joy to guide others at Arts & Hot Yoga.

About Me: As a certified Bikram Yoga instructor, I’m passionate about creating a welcoming space for students of all levels. My classes blend the intensity of the 26+2 sequence with encouragement, helping you build strength, flexibility, and healing.

When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me in East Naples with my husband, Andrew, and our two dogs, Bella and Frankie. I love spending time at the pool with my pups, lifting weights, reading, or taking long walks on the beach. A lifelong learner with a deep passion for health and fitness, I’m dedicated to helping you discover the life-changing benefits of Bikram Yoga.

Mat Pilates

Yin Yoga

Mellow Moves Yoga

SPECIAL EVENT: Glowga  

The year was 2018. At the time, I was living in a small town along the coast of Ecuador. I was 13 and at the height of myself deprecation. In seeking healthy escapes while trying to stay active, YOGA FOUND ME. It embraced me with its energetic healing, embarking me on a path of self-love and realization — that I continue to walk and strive to carry on for decades to come.

From that day forward, my daily practice and self-devotion began to blossom. The deep healing and transformation I experienced through asana and meditation planted a quiet knowing within me — that one day I would share the beauty of this practice with others. Then finally, the timing felt right, and I answered that calling by completing my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Specializing in Yin, Hatha, Vinyasa Yoga. With each session I hope to foster self-discovery and guide students toward a greater sense of inner balance.

About me: I’m a Music Lover, Tree Hugger, and Authenticity Enthusiasts! On my free time, I love to— Go on photo walks, hang out with my dog Peanut, speak words of affirmations to my garden, explore new cities, and laugh with friends and family from all over the world. 

SEASONAL TEACHER

Hot Vinyasa Flow

Sandra began her yoga practice 20 years ago and holds a Master's in Exercise Science & Wellness with a focus on Nutrition. She is an RYT 200, Personal Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Health Coach, Functional Nutritionist, and Reki Master.

She started her yoga teaching career in 2011 and brings a calming, meditative energy to every class, Sandra is passionate about sharing the benefits of yoga with all people, teaching a variety of yoga modalities. Her approach emphasizes wellness, mindfulness, and holistic health, creating an inclusive environment for all levels.

SEASONAL TEACHER

Inferno Hot Pilates

I started practicing Hot Pilates in 2019 and found it to be a great compliment to the Bikram 26&2 series. I loved everything about the class; the format, the moves, the pace and of course the group energy. I’ve been teaching back home (Massachusetts) since late 2021 and am so happy to be able to share this practice with my new “southern friends”. 

About me: I’m a retired stay at home mom. It was the best job ever! Right now I’m enjoying being a snowbird with my husband of almost 30 years and entertaining lots of friends and family who want to escape the cold New England winters.

Kids Yoga

Sumits Yoga

SPECIAL EVENT: Chakra Balancing 

Shelby's yoga journey began in confusion and pain until spirit gently guided her toward stillness. At 15, she discovered meditation and philosophy, and by 22, the magic of Asana’s helped her realize she was never broken, only broken open so more light could shine through. Now, her mission is to create safe spaces for others to explore their hearts and heal as she has healed.
She teaches Hot Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Kids, Prenatal, Sumits and Bikram yoga, and loves connecting with nature, moving her body, and creating through poetry, art, and community.

About Me: Besides being a registered yoga teacher, I am a life coach, meditation facilitator, poet, lover, and enthusiast of all things that come with being alive.

Yin Yoga

Yoga Over 50

Yoga has been an important part of my life for many years, The practice of mindful movement and meditation balances my daily schedule in the best way; and I continue to appreciate yoga more each day.

About me: I live I Naples and am currently an adjunct faculty staff member at both FL an CT colleges. My husband Vince and I enjoy traveling (especially to Denver to see our grandchildren), reading and spending time with our pup, Cooper. I look forward to seeing you in yoga class!

SEASONAL TEACHER

Inferno Hot Pilates

Bikram Yoga

 Hot Vinyasa Flow

My yoga journey commenced in her twenties, driven by the desire to fend off degenerative disc disease that runs family. In 1996, I stumbled upon Hot Yoga and instantly became captivated. Ever since that fateful encounter, I have been dedicated to the practice, never wavered.

Over the years, my lifelong commitment to yoga has been instrumental in my recovery from several surgeries – knee, neck, foot, arm, to name just a few. 

About Me: I hail from Louisville, KY, and when I can, I escapes to my sanctuary in Marco Island. I have always been an avid bucket list enthusiast. In January 2023, I achieved a significant milestone by summiting Kilimanjaro.

I hold certifications in Hot 26 (Bikram), Vinyasa Flow, Barkan Method Level 2/3 Vinyasa, Inferno Hot Pilates, and YinYoga. 

SPECIAL EVENTS TEACHER

Aerial Yoga

Breath-work

Sharing Transformational Experiences one workshop at a time. 

Holding space for others to evolve through Meditative Movement, Transformational Breath, Playful Adventures and Guided Silent Surround Sound Headphones Experiences.

My relationship with yoga was definitely NOT Love at first sight! It was years after I took my first class that I discovered Hot Yoga. Shortly thereafter my interest in yoga blossomed. When my practice grew to a meditative movement, EVERYTHING changed. I am grateful!

About me: I am a creative soul who has worn many hats; Furniture Designer, Interior Designer, Project Manager, Aichi & WATSU Facilitator, Transformational Breath practitioner, Senior Caregiver. I am lover of life dedicating much of my current time expanding a yogic lifestyle.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Sumits Yoga

Bikram Yoga

In 2003, while living in Scottsdale, Arizona, my boss convinced me to try hot yoga and I was instantly hooked, thanks in large part to my first teacher, Sumit Banerjee. I practiced passionately until I moved back to my hometown in Missouri, where I felt lost without the yoga and vibrant community that had become so central to my life. Determined to stay connected, I attended a yoga training. In 2008, my teacher sent me to study with his teacher, Bikram Choudhury, at Bikram Yoga’s training in Mexico.
After graduating, I had the privilege of teaching Bikram and Sumit’s Yoga across the United States, Asia, and Australia. I’ve opened and owned several studios and contributed to many Sumit’s Yoga Teacher Trainings. The remarkable people I’ve met along the way continually remind me how yoga fosters deep, meaningful connection. I’m forever grateful to my teachers for showing me that the community built within a yoga studio is just as powerful and essential as the transformative practice we share on the mat.

About Me: I am honored for the opportunity to teach at such an amazing studio from an equally amazing owner. 

Restorative Yoga 

I am a passionate 200-hour certified yoga instructor, who specializes in restorative and restful yoga. These forms of practice help to reduce stress. My classes are known for their calming and supportive atmosphere.

About me: Originally from Boston, MA. I moved to Naples in 2000. I have been living here happily raising my 4 amazing boys. My friends call me "The Mayor" because I love to create heart centered communities. Here we can gather to create loving space for each other.

Peace, love & joy is my motto.

SPECIAL EVENT TEACHER

Sound Baths

Isaiah weaves a tapestry of ethereal soundscapes using several types of drums and other healing instruments. The deep vibrations and harmonies wash over you, bringing balance and renewal to your mind, body, and spirit.

About Me: I am originally from Wisconsin, and yes, I do love cheese and the Green Bay Packers. Although I have lived in Naples, Florida most of my life, I lived in the City of Milwaukee while working for Police Department. Moved to Seattle for a few years. I landed back in Naples in 2020 and have been helping my mom with the studio since then.

REIKI MASTERS

SPECIAL EVENT TEACHERS

 We're thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to deepen your wellness journey with renowned Reiki Masters Jean-Luc and Paula Casano! With over two decades of combined experience in energy healing, Jean-Luc and Paula bring a compassionate, transformative approach to Reiki that blends ancient wisdom with modern accessibility. Their sessions have empowered countless individuals to unlock inner peace, reduce stress, and foster profound self-awareness—whether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your practice.

Jean-Luc, a certified Reiki Master Teacher with a background in Chinese Medicine and hypnosis, specializes in grounding techniques that help you connect with your core energy. Paula, his equally gifted partner, excels in intuitive guidance and emotional release, drawing from her expertise in the Bach Flower Remedies to create safe, nurturing spaces for growth. Together, they've taught workshops worldwide, emphasizing empowerment and practical application in everyday life.

Upcoming Reiki Certification Classes

Reiki Level One Certification

 Saturday, January 31st  

Reiki Level Two Certification

 Sunday, February 1st  

Substitute Teacher

Yin Yoga

 Yoga has been a life-changing and integral part of my life, so profound that it inspired me to teach, allowing me to share the love, joy and benefits of yoga with others. One of my favorite quotes is by Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, “Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak”.  Calming the mind through mindful and meditative practices, one can access a deeper wisdom and intuition. Quieting the mind and body, we allow ourselves to just be, to sense our interconnectedness and become aware of our physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies.  In moments of stillness, healing happens.

  About Me:  Originally from Long Island, NY, Naples has been home since 2019.  My amazing husband Paul and I have a wonderful daughter, son-in-law and two beautiful grand daughters who are the light in our lives. We love spending time with our family and friends, going for long walks where nature surrounds us, reading and relaxing in our home in paradise!  Through yoga, I have learned to live my life with grace, faith and an abundance of gratitude.  I hope to continue to inspire you to live the teachings of yoga both on and off the mat.  

SPECIAL EVENT TEACHER

I believe that Art is magic, it is healing, it is life. Let's express energy through movement, sound, vibration, balance, and stillness. It is our intention to harmonize with the Universe (369), the frequency 432Hz, and trust in the moment.

About me: I refer to myself as Caribbean Sensei or Swami Rafik. I channel infinite divine energy. Movement, breathing, and expression are all components of my gift.