Marla found Hot Yoga in 2001 after a diagnosis of PTSD. She immediately felt relief from chronic depression, self-loathing & body dysmorphia and began to heal. Through the study of Weight Training, Postural Restoration & Functional Range Conditioning, Marla has brought her community life changing yoga, mobility and strength classes. She prides herself on being a thoughtful leader, coach and trainer who has the natural ability to bring out the best in people. Marla believes she can help make the world a better place.
Hailing from the Big Apple, Deshawn began his fitness journey at the age of 8 when he found his first dumbbell. By 15 he had cured his asthma by studying and incorporating various breathing techniques. A semi-pro athlete, speed reader and math expert, Deshawn's talents have made him a valuable CFO and teacher. His teaching perspective is fueled by his ability to overcome his own trauma and use it to inspire people to change by finding their full potential and inner strength. Get ready to find your edge and conquer it!
After 15 years of classical ballet training as a young girl in NYC, Helen fell in love with yoga as a freshman at St. Mike's. Yoga quickly became the tool she used to strengthen her mental health and maintain her mind body connection. Helen worked as a retail manager in both New York City and Burlington. These skills and her confident, joyful personality helped Helen land her dream job as Studio Manager at QCYF. She loves connecting with people and fostering an environment where everyone is free to be their authentic self. You'll feel the positive vibes from Helen whether she's welcoming you at the front desk or next to you in the hot room!
Meet our amazing front desk staff! You will find them at the front desk or sweating next to you in class. They are here to help you sign in, register, find your way and get you what you need. If they don't know the answer to your questions they will find someone who does.
Mindy is always up for a physical challenge; pulling her kids across town on her bike, exploring the Green Mountains or standing on one leg in Bikram Yoga. She was hooked on the yoga and its instant therapeutic benefits after her first class in college in 2001. With two knee surgeries,TMJ induced migraines and birthing three children, Bikram Yoga continues to be a constant source of healing and light in her life - bringing mental clarity, physical strength, self compassion and stress relief. Mindy will encourage you to be the best version of yourself through her passionate teaching!
After a childhood filled with allergies and a bout of severe pneumonia, Alex's doctor prescribed Hot Yoga. Since she couldn't breathe, she couldn't run, so she took the prescription and it healed her condition. Helping her make it through college, yoga became a vital tool in navigating her life. Alex strengthened her yoga practice with HIIT training and used her combined knowledge to create the Queen City Yoga Sports Club. A natural self-motivator, Alex worked as a paralegal and Read for the Bar. She is currently the Deputy State's Attorney for Chittenden County.
A writer, stand-up comic, and social media manager, Autumn "Autsie" Spencer found yoga when her mom entered hospice care. Having also lost her father tragically, through her yoga practice, Autsie found healing, love, and family. Autumn's compassion, intelligence, and sense of humor combine for an inspirational and motivating class. She'll have you laughing while your abs burn in Inferno HIIT and feeling loved and supported during yoga.
What to do after retiring from flying planes and public health? Go back to doing what brought you the most joy. Eoana brings a lifetime of physical activity and 12 years of experience as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. She used the Hot Yoga and Kinstretch to heal her back and knee injuries and HIIT classes to increase her strength and stamina. “Maintaining strength and flexibility are key to healthy aging, and the opportunity to have fun doing both is priceless.” Pronounced like Tijuana without the T and yes, she's Alex's mom!
Born and raised in VT, Kristen is a professional nanny with a degree in education and a minor in nutrition. Her love for exercise and adventure ranges from jumping out of planes to sweating in the Hot Room. Kristen's love and care for humankind is obvious in her presence and actions. She will push you to strive for your best in the hot room and in every day of your life.
Hannah discovered Hot Yoga in March 2019, a few months after her husband died of cancer. In the hot room, she found focus, emotional healing, physical strength, and rediscovered herself. Hot yoga is how Hannah changed her life. Within a few months of beginning her dedicated practice, she knew she wanted to become an instructor and bring the possibility of healing to others. Whether it's Hot Yoga or Inferno HIIT, you'll feel encouraged, loved, and free to be yourself in Hannah's class.
A 2022 Rice High School graduate, Caitlin is an avid thespian, varsity athlete, and top honors student. She started her journey with QCYF as a member of our Front Desk Staff Team and has apprenticed to become a Yin Yoga and Queen City Yoga teacher. A natural leader and an advocate for marginalized people, Caitlin radiates wisdom, warmth, and safety.
Sage is a former competitive athlete who brings charisma, motivation, and acceptance to every class. Through Hot Yoga and HIIT at QCYF, Sage discovered the power of fitness and community in maintaining her mental well-being. Sage loves bringing people together to recognize their potential as they reach new heights. She is committed to helping you feel your best, reach your max, and get stronger in every way!
Brenna (aka: Brens, Brenski) became a QCYF member in 2018. Hot Yoga & HIIT have helped Brenna strengthen her physical & mental health, feel connected, and heal from the inside out. By day, Brenna is a social worker, empowering people through authenticity, respect, and compassion. She carries those same qualities into her teaching style, and will always strive to make you feel welcomed, challenged, and seen. You can expect to see her either dancing & smiling while delivering a killer workout.
A former collegiate gymnast, Michele has been a competitive athlete for most of her life. Her passion for kinesthetic movement led her to a career in physical therapy. As a mom to two beautiful girls, finding that perfect work-life balance had been a challenge. Upon discovering the amazing community at Queen City Yoga & Fitness, her passion for movement was re-ignited. With the goal of helping others recognize their full movement potential and maximizing their health and well-being, Michele brings her can-do attitude, her expertise, and her 20 years of experience as a physical therapist to QCYF.
Ally joined QCYF after becoming a new mom in 2020. She was motivated to jumpstart her fitness lifestyle in a new and exciting way. Shortly after joining, Ally officially became a part of our team as a front desk staff member but she yearned for more! Eager to learn, determined, and dedicated to helping people feel as amazing as she did drove Ally to become a QCYF HIIT instructor. You’ll find Ally keeping it fresh and fun in the hot room, motivating you to push your mind and body to new heights and helping you discover your true potential.
For Aida, it was love at first inhale. Often caught within the whirlwinds of anxious thought, it was not until Aida found yoga that she was able to recognize the power of her mind and its ability to create stillness. Breath by breath, she will invite you to experience the mind-body healing powers of yoga. An anthropology student and a natural learner, Aida approaches life with curiosity, compassion, and humor.
Jess found Hot Yoga in 2008 and that sparked her self-love journey. Yoga was the tool she used to survive completing her BA in International Business & to realize that office life was not her thing. Jess's self-discovery led her to teach what she loves and to start working at QCYF before the doors officially opened. She worked as the Studio Manager for 4 years helping to make QCYF what it is today. Jess brings a can-do and positive attitude to all she does and will bring you that joy in class.
Queen City is lucky to have Zoe, the owner of Bikram Yoga Stowe, on the weekly schedule. A lifelong Vermonter with a teaching stint in NYC, the yoga has allowed Zoe to continue her love of running without injury. Her accuracy coupled with her calmness make her weekly appearance a class you can't miss! Visit her at Bikram Yoga Stowe. Zoe is 37 weeks pregnant in this picture. See her again after maternity leave.
A ballerina for most of her life, Mary found Bikram yoga in 2001. Not only did the yoga help her heal her curled up ballerina toes, she has used it for over a decade to rehab from hip surgery, knee surgery, and pregnancy. Mary's Physical Therapy and Ballet Instructor professions make her classes informative and fun.
