JULIANA OLMSTEAD

Studio Owner | Original Hot Yoga Instructor | Yin Yoga Instructor

I tried my first Original Hot Yoga class in 2004 while I was traveling for a summer college internship. At the time I was practicing ballet and earning my engineering degree - weird combo! - and I was impressed with the intensity and precision of the 26 and 2. It was totally different from any other yoga classes I’d tried before, and I found myself coming back to it more and more often until eventually I was practicing every day.

In 2010 I decided to go “all in” with yoga and I left graduate school to attend yoga teacher training in Las Vegas. I’ve been a full time yogi ever since and I’ve never regretted it! I taught at various studios around the United States before landing in Pawtucket RI, where I met some of my favorite people. I opened my first yoga studio in Bristol in 2014, with the goal of having a nice little neighborhood studio where I could teach as much as I wanted. The vision evolved a bit! I’m now the proud owner of our two studios plus our wellness center, and I’ve found a new passion for training and mentoring new staff members and yoga teachers.

In my spare time - when I can get it! - I enjoy spending time outdoors, playing the guitar amateurly, baking excessively, and relaxing in the garden with my husband.

LUCA PROCACCIANTI

Sales & Office Manager | they / them

I began my yoga practice about two decades ago while in middle school as a form of school-wide enrichment. Fast-forward to the beginning of 2024, when I took my first hot yoga class at Rhode Island Hot Yoga, I felt a sense of inner peace -- I had a spiritual experience. Now, I am happy to be able to have the chance to assist folks to access this practice and to provide support throughout all of our clients' journeys.

Outside the studio, I love spending time with my wife and our two lovely cats (Lyman and Rhombus), reading, and playing Mario Kart. I look forward to seeing you around the studio and assisting you with your yoga and wellness experience!

ALLISON ESTES

Original Hot Yoga Instructor

Teaching yoga makes me happy. Every time I’m on the podium, I watch students transform themselves. Body, Mind, Spirit. I see students succeed in ways (and in an environment!) they may never have thought possible. It’s beautiful. I’m rooting for you every time you walk into the hot room and can’t wait to see your smiling happy faces.

I began my own practice in August of 2008 at Bikram Yoga Amherst, MA. A co-worker urged me to try my first class. I had no idea what I was in for! Back then, my heart had a lot of anger and it created a lot of pain in my body. I was a very unhappy person and very homesick for South Dakota. I had trouble eating, sleeping, and making friends and was constantly making poor life decisions. I worked through all this in the hot room. I’d never felt so safe and so vulnerable at the same time. The yoga gave me the courage to face myself and gave me a new life.

I graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in Human Nutrition, but my heart was in the hot room. I decided to go to Teacher Training in Fall 2010 and began teaching right away. I worked at a a few studios before finally settling in Rhode Island.

I’ve been teaching part-time since Rhode Island Hot Yoga first opened and couldn’t be happier with fellow my teachers and students. You are my family. I feel blessed to be able to share the practice with others. In my class, I hope to teach you not to take yourself (or the yoga!) too seriously! To crack a smile when things are challenging. I want my students to find the humor and love in themselves and in the yoga. Try the right way, and watch the magic happen. This yoga works for every body, every time. See you in the hot room!

ASHLEY TATUM

Yoga Sculpt

Ashley (RYT 200 HR, Yoga Sculpt, she/her) brings an energetic, centered, and inclusive approach to her classes. After transitioning away from a consistent practice of dance, Ashley found her asana practice essential to incorporating movement and nurturing confidence in her life, which continues to inform her teaching today.

With a strong emphasis on establishing a mind to body connection, she hopes to guide students towards embodying a practice that feels uniquely their own. Students can expect to cultivate self-compassion on their mats, so that they step into their day feeling supported and empowered. Ashley’s classes welcome all ways of practicing and showing up, as she strives to create space for students to explore movement with curiosity and intention. Beyond the mat, Ashley enjoys reading, beach days, and taking her Maltese, Leo, to the dog park.

BETH KILLIAN

Core Fire Conditioning

Growing up as a dancer, music and movement brought me the experience of connection and calm that my little anxious self wasn’t able to find in many other places. I dabbled in dance practices here and there as an adult, but fell away from it in my late 20s.

I attended an OHY class at RIHY in 2024 after a friend wouldn’t stop yapping about it, and was instantly brought back to the same feelings of peace, connection, and challenge that my younger self felt at the dance studio. I eagerly tried all of the classes and fell in love with the intentional combo of music and movement that Core Fire Conditioning offers, and have been attending ever since.

I currently work as a therapist, musician, and music-based mindfulness workshop facilitator, and I deeply believe that wellness, music, and movement are interconnected and powerful, whatever that movement might look like. Throw in the community element, and you’ve got something magical. Guiding groups of people to explore the most genuine version of themselves in community with other people reaching for the same thing, all while grooving to the same rhythm, is something I’ll never get tired of, and I’m excited to practice alongside all my fellow RIHY students!

BRI PELLETIER

Core Fire Conditioning

On one fateful snowy day in February my usual yoga studio cancelled all their classes, but I had just come back from a long trip and I knew that I needed to get my body moving again, so I wasn’t going to let a little snow stop me! A quick google search and an admittedly slippery drive later, I was in the RIHY hot room for the very first time…and just like that my heart had found a new home.

The love affair got even more serious a couple of weeks later when I ventured into my first Core Fire class. I couldn’t believe it! Just a few months earlier I had discovered and become obsessed with a very similar style of hot mat Pilates at a small studio up in Rutland, VT where my younger sister went to school, but I wasn’t able to find anything quite like it here in RI. If only I had known that Core Fire was just down the road the whole time! Needless to say, I was hooked.

So when the opportunity to join the CFC teacher training presented itself I knew immediately that I was all in. I have done other teacher trainings for Yoga and Barre, but nothing lights me up quite like Core Fire does. I am so honored and feel so privileged to be able to share my passion for this workout with the world, and am beyond excited to continue along this journey with the RIHY community. Looking forward to seeing you in the hot room really soon 😉

CHARLENE PRATT

Yin Yoga | Hot Yoga Mixtape

Teaching lets me be fully myself (quirky, playful, gentle, motivating) in front of a room of people who are doing their best to fully embrace themselves as well. Yoga is raw and allows you to open up (physically and emotionally) in ways you might not outside the hot room. Teaching puts you right in the middle of the process: watching the people around you slowly open, slowly become more empowered, slowly face their demons and embrace themselves while you do the same. It is the ultimate connection.

From the first day that I walked into the Bristol studio, I felt welcome and accepted. The postures and the heat can be very challenging; but when you are in the room, surrounded by others who are struggling along side you, you feel a sense of support and camaraderie. The teachers are there for you and care about their students. It is a safe and loving space for you to do some real work.

Do what you can and set no expectations for yourself. Everyone has a first class and everyone is intimidated by the idea of doing something new. The sooner you start, the sooner it wont be new to you anymore.

CHRISSY TILLSON

Core Fire Conditioning

I came across Rhode Island Hot Yoga when they were having a special for new students and had always heard good things about hot yoga. I immediately fell in love with the hot room! After growing up in the southwest, this felt like home to me. What made it even more inviting was the always friendly staff, approachable fellow students, and overall positive vibe in each class I attended. I knew this was something I needed to be a part of. I received my teacher training in 2026 and as a new teacher, I strive to pass on nothing but good vibes and positivity with each class I'm blessed to teach.

DANI LOPEZ

Core Fire Conditioning

I’ve always loved working out and staying active. About four years ago, my cousin Michy introduced me to the studio when I was starting to feel a bit of a plateau in my fitness routine and wanted to try something different. From my first classes, I felt such a strong sense of community and encouragement that made me want to be part of it. Some of the teachers here made me feel really supported and confident, and I hope to help others feel that same way in my classes. Fitness has been amazing for my body, but even more for my mental health. As someone who is Colombian and Guatemalan, representation in wellness spaces is really important to me, and I love helping create a space where everyone feels welcome and empowered.

DEVON HOGAN

Core Fire Conditioning

I grew up in Newport, RI, where athletics became my foundation for confidence, stress relief, and community. As a shy and anxious kid, sports gave me a space to push my limits and grow at my own pace. They also unknowingly brought connection, laughter, and lifelong friendships.

After drifting away from fitness as adult life got busy, I rediscovered it during COVID through living room workouts with a friend — sweaty, out of breath, and laughing the whole way through. That shared experience brought me back to the power of moving together. Eventually, we found our way into heated HIIT classes, sweating, smiling, and wondering how we’d survive each round. I was hooked and never looked back.

What I discovered was this: fitness isn’t just about the workout. It’s about the shared experience — the music, the energy in the room, and the community that forms when people show up and move together. It’s a connection that feels increasingly rare in today’s world as we become more remote, online, and anonymous. My goal as an instructor is simple: to create a space where you can challenge yourself, boost your confidence, and feel part of something bigger. You deserve time for yourself, a supportive community, and a space to grow. No matter where you’re starting, we have a space for you. I hope to see you on the mat!

EMMA FERGUSON

Core Fire Conditioning

Working out for me has always been the best way to release stress and anxiety out of my body – it completely resets my mind and focus. Over the years, I’ve learned many types of workouts from Spin classes to Windsurfing to Cross Fit and more. Looking back at them all, I can truly say that I’ve seen better results with CFC and Yoga than I ever saw with the other forms I practiced.

When I first came to Rhode Island Hot Yoga in 2022, I was looking for a new and fun workout to try and I fell in love! I loved it so much I even thought it would be fun to step outside of my comfort zone to try teaching. The experience has been incredible and it’s amazing to be part of such a driven and powerful community of people.

When I’m not at RI Hot Yoga you can usually find me in my garden, green house or hanging with my family. 

GED CARBONE

Original Hot Yoga Instructor

Arthritic toes forced me to stop running in 2005, so I sought an alternative way to feel the “runner’s high” of an aerobic workout. I tried hot yoga in Cranston, RI, and found that it satisfied my craving for a runner’s high without stressing my arthritic joints.

Aging is inexorable, but pernicious parts of it – atrophy, rigidity, loss of balance – are not inevitable. I have found that hot yoga helps maintain strength, balance, and flexibility, and I hope to model that in my practice and through my teaching as I age. The deeper I got into my practice, the more I realized that the yoga benefits the mind as well as the body. Yoga uses movement of the body to create a stillness of mind that enhances ability to make decisions from a calm, centered place. Making better decisions is not only good for me, it also benefits people close to me, so I feel that yoga time is not strictly a self-centered  pursuit, it’s better for everybody.

In 2022, 17 years after I began practice, I enrolled in teacher training at RI Hot Yoga in Providence, where I now practice, so that I might share the physical and mental health benefits of a regular yoga practice. Knowing what I now know, it almost seems selfish not to share!

For 25 years, I wrote for newspapers. Now I write non-fiction books and articles, often about American and industrial history. I have completed a Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford University, and in 2013 earned a master’s in Public Humanities at Brown University. Luckily my wife, Mary, has a real job in information technology that supports my writing habit.

HONORE FORD

CORE FIRE CONDITIONING | YIN YOGA | YOGA FOR HIPS & BACK

I came to the Hot Room for the first time in 2016 after a few years of consistent running. I was confident that I would be able to keep up with my fellow yogis, and was shocked when I couldn't. I quickly realized that the pranayama (breath-work) in class: inhaling through the nose, was not accessible to me. A visit to the ear-nose-and throat doctor revealed that one nostril passage was entirely blocked with cartilage and we surmised that I had never taken a full deep breath in my adult life! After I had corrective surgery I was in the Hot Room six days a week and felt phenomenal! I had more energy throughout my day, I was mentally more calm, and even the amount of sleep I needed a night decreased.  Original Hot Yoga truly changed my life for the better.

Those benefits inspired me to complete my 200 hour yoga teacher training and to earn my certification to teach Core Fire Conditioning. As a teacher I value clear, concise language to help my students use their body and breath to maximum benefit. I love hyping my students up, deep diving into different musical genres to curate diverse playlists, and providing information/insight so folks can thrive! 

When I'm not in the Hot Room you can find me in the Elements boutique where I am planning events for the studio and answering people's yoga questions. Come say hi! 

JANET JOHNSON

Qigong Yoga Flow

I started taking yoga classes in 2007 from Bristol Yoga Studio, and as I took more classes, I knew I needed to deepen my practice.  Since there’s no such thing as Yoga College, I did my 200 hour yoga teacher training with Judy McClain at Grace Yoga in North Kingstown in 2013.  This experience challenged me to look at myself and reframe my intentions and energy, and I continue to develop and deepen my commitments to enhancing my spiritual, social, and personal growth.  

For the last 10 years, I have taught yoga in the joyful and loving community of BYS. My students indulged me as I began including qigong after taking workshops and classes with Daniel Orlansky, Mimi Kuo-Deemer, and Master Wu. Their inspiration led me to further study, extensive practice, and to engage in qigong teacher training with Nick Loffree in the summer of 2024. 

Originally a Hoosier, my husband Nels and I moved to Bristol in 2005.  Initially in culture shock, we have come to love this town and this state.  We enjoy running in Colt State Park and on the East Bay Bike Path in all weather conditions, enjoying the changing seasons, the wildlife, and the friendly walkers, runners, and bikers we meet.

JESS PATRICIO

Core Fire Instructor | Hot Yoga Instructor | Bristol Facilities Manager

In my late teens, I joined my best friend in practicing yoga. She thought I would benefit from slowing down, and I still have that class experience perfectly detailed like a movie in my mind. I have been teaching Hatha, Vinyasa, and Slow Flow for ten years, and I have been teaching Yin Yoga for four years. I adore being a student and have a passion for continuously learning more!

I completed my 200-hour Teacher Training with Liz Lindh and Patti Doyle at Thames Street Yoga in Newport, Rhode Island. I completed my 500-hour Teacher Training with Stacy Dockins, Philip Urso, and Renee Deslauriers from Live Love Teacher in Narragansett, Rhode Island & Fort Worth, Texas.

My Yin Teacher Training was completed with Bernie Clark and Yoga Nidra with Integral Yoga New York. I graduated from the Purple Dot, Trauma Informed Teacher Training 6 years ago in St. Petersburg, Florida.

My approach to the practice is to share helpful and simple cues. To provide a space of support, trust, and safety as we explore the mental & physical practice that is yoga. I bring a little humor to my classes and have a hearty laugh. Our practice, at times, can feel intense or like a soothing balm. I hope my voice can support us as we move through this lifelong practice.

I live with my partner and labrador retriever in Bristol, Rhode Island. I am a vegan chef and have the gift of somehow, almost always, relating everything to food! I hope to share this practice with you soon if it is to slow down or to turn things up!

JORDAN BORGE

Core Fire Conditioning

I started practicing at RIHY in 2023 at the start of the new year. I am a nursing student at Rhode Island college pursing a bachelor’s degree. I am a former college swimmer and I was looking for a practice that would be as fulfilling as my favorite sport. I tried everything; boxing, weightlifting, running but nothing sparked my passion.

My mom got me a membership for RI Hot Yoga as a birthday gift and I fell in love. I attended the 90 minute hot yoga sessions as much as I could for the next 6 months. I took a Core Fire Conditioning class and the atmosphere was exhilarating. Nothing has compared to the community I have found at Rhode Island Hot Yoga and sparked a flame that I wanted to continue.

I took the Core Fire Conditioning teacher training in August 2023 and I began teaching in October. The Original Hot Yoga and Core Fire Conditioning has been a form of therapy that has helped me work through a lot of anger and depression. This practice allows me to have control over my life. Original Hot Yoga will be a lifelong practice of mine. This community has given me the confidence to pursue everything I’m interested in.

My favorite hobbies are to paint, swim, and spend time in the sunshine. My favorite animal is a sea turtle and i would love to swim with them one day. 

JULIE ALFANO

Core Fire Conditioning

I’ve been practicing yoga over the last eleven years, and it has positively impacted every aspect of my life. Initially, I began taking hot yoga sculpt classes as a way to change my body physically. Little did I know that years later, I would continue to return to my mat for the mental and emotional changes that yoga has allowed me to experience. 

I found Rhode Island Hot Yoga through my best friend during a very difficult time in my life. From the moment I entered the studio and walked into the hot room, it felt like home. The community here has welcomed me, and continued to provide a safe supportive environment to relax and have fun. I hope to bring this same feeling to each of you during class! 

When I’m not sweating it out in the hot room you might find me working as a special educator, spending time with friends and family, and probably indulging in a huge plate of nachos.

KATHLEEN SEAGRIFF-CHAPMAN

YOGA FOR HIPS & BACK

I have always been a very book-oriented person. As a child, I would do anything I could think of to avoid physical activity. Yoga was the first time I enjoyed challenging myself physically. I was amazed to find myself so focused on the present moment that I could quiet my very busy mind. Through yoga, I am learning to become more comfortable with the present moment and in my physical self.

I encourage my students to find and follow their breath and to listen to what their bodies need. I ask them to spend an hour in the present moment and to accept and love their bodies as they are.

KELLEE BEACHY

Yoga for Hips & Back | Mandala Flow

I found solace and strength through yoga, after years of searching for my just-right activity. My yoga mat has become a place where I have found clarity, accept challenges and have noticed growth. After relocating to Rhode Island, I became part of the RIHY community which has deepened my practice while finding connection with others who practice!

Recognizing the positive impact of yoga, I obtained my 200-hour certificate in 2021. Now, I passionately integrate yoga into my career by guiding my middle school students, local dancers, and supporting summer programs with yoga. Teaching yoga has become one of the most empowering choices I have made. Observing people begin their practice and grow into each branch of yoga, from asana to meditation and beyond, is incredibly inspiring. With a desire to share the calming and caring benefits of yoga, I am excited to extend my practice to a wider audience, welcoming adults on a journey to wellness.

Outside of yoga studio, I am a middle school educator and enjoy taking care of my pets and houseplants, spending time with family, traveling and the occasional hike!

KELLY MCCULLOUGH

Original Hot Yoga | Intermediate Series

I took my first hot class while visiting my father and his wife in Atlanta, Ga in 2003. They had been practicing a few months and I was stunned by how glowing, healthy and happy they looked. I joined them for a class and was instantly hooked.

Over the years I have continued to be amazed by the transformations you see in yourself and others through consistent ongoing practice. This sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises in the high heat is an extremely effective tool for personal and physical growth and healing. I believe in this method of Yoga wholeheartedly and have been teaching since 2015. I am honored and thrilled to be sharing what I love at Rhode Island Hot Yoga.

MANDY DION

Core Fire Conditioning | Hells Bells | Crazy 8s and Weights!

This yoga has changed my life in every way. It keeps away seasonal depression, has alleviated my issues with anxiety, helped me maintain a healthy weight, and greatly minimizes the severity and amount of autoimmune flareups I have. Overall, I have more energy, sleep better, and almost never get sick.

I was terrified to come in for the first time because many of my health issues were seemingly worsened by physical activity, and I didn't think I could stand being in the hot room. The hardest part was getting there for the first time. I vividly remember my first class - I ended up in the front row of a packed class and had no idea what I was doing but LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. At the end of class I felt like I melted right into the floor and was reborn after final savasana. I never wanted the feeling to end!

OLIVIA PEREIRA

Power Yoga / Yin Yoga

I remember being super hyper as a child and loving to move my body. Because of this, my sister brought me to a yoga class, which I thoroughly enjoyed through the constant youthful giggles. Fast forward to high school, where a private school’s requirements included playing in-school sports to maintain financial aid. Instead, I negotiated with them to allow me to continue competitive dancing, while taking 2-3 yoga classes per week! (I mean, come on.. what a deal!) I began recognizing the power of meditation and thoroughly enjoyed balancing postures.

Eventually, I left our city of Providence to explore “The City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia!! I completed my 200 hour certification at a power focused yoga studio, where I centered my learning on inner-strength and philosophical value. I also studied in Thailand, where I took a Thai yoga course. The classes focused on simple but intentional postures, words, and touch. These are the experiences in which I acknowledged yoga beyond floating on my head. The practice has held me through times of deep personal grieving and given me a closer sense of solace.

I anchor my teaching style in allowing the practice to be sacred and intentional~ fun, explorative, and light-hearted. I value the importance of non-judgmental introspection, giving you space to take your practice wherever your body and mind may lead you. I believe the meaning of yoga is the gentle discipline of being in touch with mind, body, and spirit: to be in a space of union with yourself and others. As a teacher, I love witnessing the power of community and connection that yoga blesses us all with both in and outside of class. In my heart, to practice yoga is to love yourself and others.

PRECIOUS KAFO

Core Fire Conditioning

My name is Precious Kafo. I was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI and like a true Rhode Islander, I strongly dislike driving long distances. I am an avid self care enthusiast, who enjoys using movement as a form of healing. I took my first core fire conditioning class in April of 2023, and fell in love with how intense yet satisfying the class is. The reason why I love core fire conditioning so much is truly how it has helped improve my weightlifting skills. The class provides the best space to develop proper breathing techniques and form which I have been able to employ on my weightlifting journey.  

As a first generation American, I am heavily influenced by my Nigerian background. One word I could use to describe Nigerians is enjoyment. Nigerians live for a good time, it is present in our spirit, food, and music. That being said, I plan to strictly use Nigerian music or Afrobeats for bridges as a way to trick students into enjoying the exercise.

In a past life, I think I could have been a comedian. I believe that laughter is not only therapeutic, but the ultimate way to build abs, so generally I love a good laugh and making people laugh. I also enjoy cooking, but eating is my all time favorite activity and the easiest way to my heart. I am a picky eater and I have been working up the courage to explore new foods. I love snacks, and if I am not being mindful, I can replace meals for snacks. I have a secret compartment in my car full of snack for emergency purposes only. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love of music and dance and I look forward to catching a vibe with you.

REBECCA HENRIQUEZ

Core Fire Conditioning

I spent the majority of my youth as a competitive rower and stretching was most definitely not a part of the culture, so I never really thought about my flexibility too often. I was introduced to the Original Hot Yoga practice in 2010 and my life was changed forever. (I think that is a theme with yogis!) 

Each time I returned to the yoga room it was better and better. I struggled through tough classes and I have celebrated breakthroughs. It is true what they say that the "worst yoga class is the one you miss." I am also always amazed at how every class is filled with people from so many different walks of life working to heal themselves physically, mentally, or spiritually.

Without knowing it, yoga led me to Inferno Hot Pilates (IHP). I found myself in a class where people were talking and laughing in the hot room before class (unheard of in yoga!) Then the instructor walked in and I knew I was going to get my butt kicked, which I did! After 4 months of practicing, I realized that I needed to help share this amazing HIIT workout with others. 

I have been teaching since February 2019 and it has been both an energizing and humbling experience to see students push themselves and get stronger with each class. The best part is that the classes are designed for everyone to be able to challenge themselves where they’re at and see fast results that carry over into their yoga practice as well. I love being creative with my class plans and bumping good music so we can always have fun and feel the burn! See you in the hot room and have fun!

SHELIN XU

Core Fire Conditioning

I moved to Rhode Island with my husband and golden retriever a few years ago and quickly learned that this state has a way of pulling you in for good. I came to Original Hot Yoga after a few years of Barre and Pilates training and a jiu jitsu injury that left me searching for a way to manage pain and rebuild strength, and it delivered beyond anything I expected! Once I felt strong enough again, I gave Core Fire Conditioning a shot and never looked back.

The community here welcomed and supported me from day one, and that warmth inspired me to complete my teacher training in early 2026. Now I am so happy to be part of that same welcoming force for others.

When I'm not in the studio you can find me biking the bike path, swimming, exploring good food, or cheering on my European football team!

SHIRLEY KILLIAN

Original Hot Yoga Instructor

STEPH BARTA

Original Hot Yoga (Lead Teacher)

Stephanie began practicing Original Hot Yoga in 2011 and completed Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in 2012, beginning her teaching journey soon after. She is now a Level 3 Original Hot Yoga teacher and recently completed a 200-hour Ghosh Yoga training, deepening her understanding of the postures, teaching, the yoga lineage, and creating a supportive, effective environment for students. Committed to ongoing growth, she has continued her education through workshops and trainings for other fitness modalities.

Stephanie serves as an assistant trainer in Original Hot Yoga teacher training and is passionate about mentoring new teachers, helping them develop confidence and clarity in their teaching. Outside the studio, she works as a library director and enjoys reading, playing the banjo, and spending time with her daughter.

SUNNY SHATTUCK

Original Hot Yoga

I fell in love the with Original Hot Yoga after my very first class. Nothing I had ever done before had made me feel that way. I was hooked! Everyone I came across heard about hot yoga.

I went to teacher training in Acapulco in 2008. Being in the yoga bubble for 9 weeks was amazing. I love this yoga and enjoy watching people's lives transform as they commit to their practice. 

As someone who has physical challenges, I had to learn to do as much as I could the "right way," which was a lesson in patience and very humbling. Now I get to share the message to listen to your body and that less can be more in the hot room.

ZAC BONHOFF

Core Fire Conditioning

I came to Rhode Island Hot Yoga on a dare in February of 2019 assuming I’d hate every second of it, but I was most certainly wrong.  Immediately hooked on Original Hot Yoga / 26&2, I soon thereafter discovered Core Fire Conditioning as a second love.  You’ll even catch me in some of the slow-flow classes now too!

Spending my childhood and teenage years as an athlete (dancing, swimming, wrestling, and diving - yes 10+ years with all of them), I thought I had good control of my muscles and body.  However, in yoga and CFC, the simple cues to tighten this muscle or relax that one taught me so much about my body that I never knew that I didn’t know.  It was wild to me when I realized what a dedicated and regular practice could bring to my health - mental health, physical health, and honestly (and most importantly) confidence.

To make sure I could come as frequently as I wanted, I became a karma yogi back in 2019 and spent my evenings sweating in the hot room followed by cleaning right after.  Eventually, I moved onto the desk for check-ins, then working on our studio inventory, and in May 2022, I got my certification to teach Core Fire Conditioning!  I’m super excited to put that booty-kicking certification to work with the amazing folks I practice alongside and see at the studio so often.

Outside of the studio, I love to read, travel, and hike, and I am a big-time foody.  Being alone fully taking in nature is my happiest happy-place.  People who know me know I have three sisters, but people who *know* me avoid bringing them up because I’m obsessed with them and won’t shut up about them given the opportunity.

ABBY DABBY DOO

6/16/2007 - 1/25/2024  * WE'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

Hi, I'm Abby! I like to come to yoga class and greet students at the door. I am a very well behaved dog who loves to get ear scratches and belly rubs. Once you give me some good patting, you've got a friend for life. Sometimes I help the humans to relax when they are stressed out after a long day or nervous about taking hot yoga for the first time.

The best day of my life was probably when my Dad adopted me from the Providence Animal Rescue League. But another good day was when Mom opened a yoga studio, and then TWO yoga studios, so that I can meet lots of humans and get all the ear scratches! (The day that I almost got the squirrel was a pretty good day too.)

My favorite yoga pose is savasana and I am very good at it - I can do it on my back, my front, my side, or even curled up into a ball. I think I might even be better at it than the humans, but they keep practicing and they are improving.

Please do not feed me your snacks or let me sneak into the hot room even if I give you my best puppy eyes! I am pretty old now and don't get around too much but I still love a good cuddle.

ABIGAIL MCCOY

Massage Therapist

Abigail started their massage career in 2020 after graduating from River Valley Community College in New Hampshire. Her work is heavily based in orthopedic massage and is informed by kinesology. They are experienced in myofascial and deep tissue techniques and certified in manual lymphatic drainage and intra-oral techniques. Her intent with her work is to provide sustainable change in a client’s muscles and connective tissues but also to help the client reconnect to their nervous system. Her favorite parts of her work are the process of learning each client’s needs, planning specific treatments to address those needs and educating clients about their bodies.

BRIEN LANG

Brien is a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy and an NCBTMB nationally certified therapist.  He is certified in myofascial release, facilitated stretching and trigger point therapy.  

As an avid runner, cyclist and weight trainer he has first-hand familiarity with the aches and pains and common overuse injuries associated with these sports – because he’s had more than a few of them himself! 

His main focus in a massage treatment will be to structure a session to fit your individual needs.  Whether you are looking to recover from an injury, restore sore and tired muscles or simply relax and recharge, he will work with you to come up with the ideal treatment plan.  

Brien is also active in the Rhode Island theater and music scenes and is a Resident Artist at Olneyville’s Wilbury Theater Group.  Runners with a sense of humor may also recognize him as the so-called ‘evil genius’ behind the Wild Colonial Tavern’s Grog & Dog Jog, an annual fundraising relay.

WORKING HOURS: Tuesdays 1-4pm, Thursdays 12 -7pm, and Fridays 11am-5pm

CHARIS RUSSELL

Charis embraced the power of massage and its restorative abilities after addressing her own chronic pain with the ancient artform. A graduate of Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, Charis utilizes relaxation massage, deep tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, hot stone therapy, and myofascial techniques. Using a trauma-informed perspective and an intuitive touch, she is dedicated to educating her clients about anatomy, the deep-seeded connection between the emotional and somatic self, and exploring pain as a body’s means of communication.

She enjoys reading, writing, crafting, and the outdoors and has started pursuing end of life care in addition to her massage work.

WORKING HOURS: Sundays 10am - 6pm (alternate weekends,) Mondays 1:30 - 6pm, Tuesdays 4 - 5pm, and Wednesdays 12 - 7:30pm

COREEN CROGAN

Coreen graduated from the massage therapy program at Springfield Technical Community College in 2013. Coreen is trained in Deep Tissue, Swedish, Prenatal Massage, Cupping, and Hot Stone. She continues to take classes to learn different massage modalities and techniques. 

Coreen is very passionate about her job as a massage therapist . To not only be able to help clients with relief  from physical  muscle tension, but overall stress truly rewarding.

Coreen enjoys working out and running and is an avid practitioner at Rhode Island Hot Yoga!

WORKING HOURS: Saturdays 9:30am - 12pm (alternate weekends)

DENNIS BRAGA

Dennis began his massage career in 2005 after completing his Associate's Degree in Health Science from the Swedish Institute NYC. Upon graduation, Dennis found his niche with the discerning travel clientele with whom he has worked in NYC's highest globally rated spas. Since then, he has maintained a diverse clientele throughout his practice. He integrates all his experience and training in multiple modalities to provide comprehensive yet intuitive massage therapies focused on the individual client's needs.

Dennis has over 17 years of experience in Swedish, Shiatsu, Trigger Point, Pre and Post-natal, Lymph, and Sports/Deep Tissue massages.  

Dennis comes to us with much reverence for this sanctuary that Juliana has created. He has practiced yoga here for years and is excited to serve this community as a practitioner of the healing arts.

WORKING HOURS: Saturdays 10am - 2pm and Sundays 10am - 3pm (alternate weekends)