Laura Christophersen
Owner/ Instructor

I began studying and practicing yoga more than 16 years ago.. Living and working in New York City, I found yoga to be a wonderful way to eliminate stress. For several years I practiced traditional Hatha Yoga in New York City and the Hamptons supplementing it with cardio at the gym. In 2000, a friend introduced me to “Bikram Hot Yoga” in New York. I loved it! I couldn’t believe what a great workout it was. The heat helped my flexibility and contributed to the cardio aspect of my practice. I soon discovered I was using muscles I didn’t know I had! Oddly, I also began to find that not only was my body feeling better, my concentration and focus were better. I was discovering the true meaning of yoga: UNION! Through continuous practice I was changing my life.

In 2004 I retired from corporate life and was approached about buying a Hot Yoga studio in the Hamptons. The timing wasn’t right but the seed was planted. I continued studying the Bikram method and began taking Ashtanga and practicing a Vinyasa flow.
I did my teacher training in Charlotte in the fall of 2008, in the style of Baron Baptiste Hot Yoga. I met Paula Gilligan at a local studio and the seed that was planted in 2004 began to grow. With Paula’s enthusiasm and hard work, we opened “Hot & Healthy Yoga in January of 2009. Paula, I couldn’t have done it without you!
I met Virginia Gallagher, shortly after we opened the studio and discovered her wealth of knowledge and depth of understanding about yoga. Virginia, I am honored and thrilled to have you as a part of our team!

Together, our goal is to bring the best aspects of all styles of yoga to you. Each teacher has a different approach and yet, we have one aspiration: To bring you the gift of yoga in a way that is safe, professional and fun!

Namaste
Laura

Paula Gilligan
Instructor

I have been into fitness for as long as I can remember.   I taught high impact aerobics in the ‘80’s, Step classes in the ‘90’s. Weight training has always been a part of my regime and I have done my share of Body Pump since the ‘90s.   I have a Bachelor Degree in Exercise Physiology and worked in a Corporate fitness setting in the 90’s.

When I moved to North Carolina in 2005 new friends introduced me to something called “Hot Yoga”.  I was addicted from the first class! What a workout!  I don’t think I have ever sweat so much or felt so alive!  I wondered if the person next to me could hear my heart beating because it was pumping so loud and so strong.  It was the most intense, healthy experience I’ve ever had.  Then something else happened…the more I practiced the more I learned and realized that there was so much more to it!  Who knew yoga was so multifaceted?  Certainly not me!  I began learning about, and experiencing the spiritual and psychological benefits of yoga.  I read books and even led classes.  When I started leading classes I realized it was time to get some formal training.  I wanted to offer my students a safe, intelligent, well informed class. Therefore, I enrolled in Cyndi Lee’s Om Yoga 200 Hours Teacher Training in 2008.  After over 200 hours of professional training I am now a Registered Yoga Teacher.

In October of 2008 I completed the Barkan Method Hot Vinyasa Level 2/3 training in Fort Lauderdale, Fl., with Jimmy Barkan.  Virginia and I went together for a whole week of Hot Yoga Immersion!  I left there feeling like I knew a secret and I want to share it with everyone!!

When I met Laura, we realized we had the same aspirations about yoga.  We had an idea of what we would like to offer other yogis out there.  That is how Hot & Healthy Yoga was born!  Together with Laura and Virginia, we hope that you join us ……. so we can share our secret with you!

Virginia Gallagher
Instructor

I attended my first Hot Yoga Class on August 12, 2007 and fell in love with the mental and physical connection I felt.  I began practicing 3 – 6 times a week, shed 40 pounds in 4 months, thereby eliminating my need for prescription medicines.  I began to feel healthier and stronger than ever. Convinced of the benefits of yoga, I continued my daily practice.   With the guidance of my teacher and mentor, Gingy Caguioa, I began to deepen my dedication to and knowledge of yoga.

In October of 2008, I joined Paula Gilligan on a 7 day (80 hour) Level II/III Teacher Training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with master teacher, Jimmy Barkan and was certified to lead The Barkan Method Vinyasa Flow. I began leading Hot Vinyasa classes when I returned from Florida and have developed a deep love for sharing yoga with others.  In June 2009, I completed Charlotte Yoga’s RYT-200 Power Alignment Yoga Teacher Training Program, under the direction of Grace and MyLinda Morales, and became a Certified Yoga Instructor.  I am also registered with Yoga Alliance.   In October 2009, I  trained with Deon de Wet to begin my certification in Thai Yoga Bodywork.  I also attended a second 80 hour training with Jimmy Barkan in Hot Vinyasa.  In November 2009, I participated in an Alignment and Flow Intensive training with Rolf Gates, author of Meditations from the Mat.  Additionally in November 2009, I  attended an Anatomy and Breath work Training with Leslie Kaminoff, author of Yoga Anatomy.  I began my 500 hour teacher training with Rolf Gates in February 2010.

I fundamentally believe that anyone can change their body and their life.   I would love to show you how Hot and Healthy Yoga can be a part of that change.

Rachel Arabian

Instructor

Rachael Arabian is an active duty Military Police Captain at Fort Bragg, North Carolina who has practiced yoga since she could remember. Rachael first began teaching Yoga to fellow Soldiers during her first deployment to Iraq and began seeking out Yoga teacher trainings anywhere and everywhere she has been assigned. Her first teacher training experience was in Saint Louis, Missouri with Pamela Schulte who instructed the course through a strong foundation in the Ashtanga primary series. Since arriving to North Carolina, Rachael has completed her second Yoga teacher training program in Chapel Hill through Embodi Yoga with Lisa Clark, David Beadle and Julee Snyder with foundations in traditional Hatha and restorative Yoga. She has also attended various Yoga trainings to include a three day teacher training immersion with Ana Forrest and Yoga for Warriors, a workshop specializing in Yoga and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD).

Mark Hunsiker

Instructor

What does it mean to be a yoga teacher?  This is the question I asked myself when I first seriously considered attending a teacher training.  What I discovered was the opportunity to participate in a process of learning, where both the student and the teacher engage one another and discover what is possible.  This excites me!  What does this mean to you? You will attend a class that is full of encouragement and will offer a practice that enhances every aspect of your life.

My experience with yoga began 6 years ago in Atlanta.  It was preceded by a numerous other activities, such as distance running, competitive golf, and plenty of long days spent challenging my body in different arenas. Those years of practice and competition gave me a strong foundation and provided a firm understanding of what it means to place specific demands on the body, leading to positive results.  So, why yoga? Simple: yoga offers more benefits and balance to the rest of my life than any other activity I have participated in.  It just fits!

In 2006, I completed an 840-hour training in massage therapy at ASHA School of Massage in Atlanta, GA.  The program offered a strong foundation in anatomy & physiology, and nutrition.  I enjoyed the experience, yet the idea of going a step further toward yoga was very appealing.

This past spring I attended The White Lotus Foundation’s intensive 16-day Teacher Training, located in Santa Barbara, CA.  White Lotus teaches a non-dogmatic approach to Hatha Yoga.  They provide the fundamentals for a safe and effective practice, for a lifetime of enjoyment and healthy living. This training offered the starting point for a teaching career.  Currently, I am finishing my 200-hour level certification thru the continuing education requirements set forth by White Lotus.

The possibility of feeling lighter, happier, and healthier is available to you.  This practice is about removing ourselves from the ordinary and moving toward the extraordinary.  Come participate in a class and see what we can discover…

Suzie Fernandez

Instructor

Physical fitness has always been and extremely important part of my life. In my 20’s my love of aerobics led me to become a certified instructor. In my 30’s I continued better health through the practice of Pilates and gradually discovered yoga. Initially, I was drawn to yoga for the fitness aspect. It wasn’t until 2005 that I truly began to appreciate the power of yoga. I had begun to suffer from some physical ailments and found that the consistent practice of yoga was helping them to heal without resorting to painkillers and other medications. Yoga quickly became an important part of my life and I yearned to broaden my practice as well as share its wonderful benefits with others.

Not long after, I was introduced to Hot Yoga and fell totally in love with the way it made me feel, both physically and mentally! Fate led me to Hot & Healthy Yoga, and to the inspirational instructors who have motivated me to pursue my 200 hour certification and share this beautiful practice with others. In October 2010 I will have completed my 200 hour training with Rolf Gates and intend to continue studying and attending workshops in order to provide a healthy, safe and enjoyable practice for all. Laura, Paula and Virginia not only have enhanced my practice, they have also given me the support to lead others through the journey of changing their lives through yoga.  Namaste.