TEACHER BIOS
Stephanie Dixon Owner/Teacher
I began practicing Bikram Yoga in 2000. I was suffering from a lower back injury, 2 herniated discs L4 and L5. I injured it when I was 16 years old. I was hospitalized several times throughout most of my adult life. I also had associated sciatica symptoms for over 12 years and I started to lose the function of my right leg. By the age of 26 I was limping and tripping on my right foot because I started developing atrophy in my calf.
My doctors told me I needed to have surgery. It scared me to death! I tried many different types of modalities to try to heal myself but nothing helped. I was totally depressed and really started to lose faith I would ever get better.
Until one day I walked into this small Bikram Yoga studio in the basement of Diane Ducharme’s studio. The very first day I knew I had found something special.
Now I have been practicing Bikram for 9 years and my back feels great and I have had no sciatica symptoms. I decided I needed to attend teacher training in 2003. It literally, changed my life 180 degrees.
I really had no idea what was in store for me or what I was capable of. I feel stronger, healthier and happier now in my mid 30’s than I ever have.
Bikram Yoga has changed my life so much that it inspired me to teach others how to heal themselves. I am dedicated to my practice and to continue to grow and change. I believe in this powerful series Bikram created. I have continued my education by attending many seminars as well as attending teacher training.
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Jason Minx -- GRADUATED Dec 2009-- Teacher/ Studio Manager
(Jason with Brear Fox at Disneyland 8/3/2011')
Hi my name is Jason Minx. My story of finding Bikram Yoga begins around the latter part of 2007. I was 31, and just returning from 6 months working on the road for PEPSI Sports Marketing. While on the road I jogged approx 30 miles a week. I loved to run, and I have been doing it for 10 years. During the last 8-12 months my weight was beginning to increase. How can I be getting heavier when I was running 5-6 miles a day, dieting, and weight training? The answer was that my body had a reached a plateau. No matter how much I ran I would not lose the weight. In that 6 months I gained 20lbs (fat) and began destroying my knees and ankles to the point where I could not bend them without searing pain tearing through my body. I also tore my right hamstring and shattered my left foot in my early 20s. It has been a struggle, but the yoga helps everyday. My family has a history of obesity, and I have fought with weight gain my whole life.
When I got back in town in late 2007 I met Stephanie. Over Ethiopian food she told me that she teaches Bikram Yoga. Me- being a macho guy, I basically shrugged off the idea of doing yoga. I was under the impression yoga was meditation, eyes closed, dim lighting, and stretching. She finally convinced me to take a class. WOW-- that was not what I was expecting!! It was so intense, difficult, and quite an eye opening experience. I decided to come every day. Within weeks I was getting range of motion in my legs and knees again. After 2 months I had lost 40lbs and leaned out. I didn't stop. If I was out of town I was looking for a studio. I loved it. Steph decided to open a studio in Summerlin. With my help and expertise we were able to find a great spot and build this wonderful studio. The last piece was for me to teach. My chance came in the fall 09'. I rocketed through training and jumped right into teaching. My goal is to help people the way this yoga helped me. I graduated with Erika Peterson, Kimberly Reed, Bennie Shapiro, George McLaurin, and so many more. I do this yoga regularly. You have too. It is not an exercise plan. It is your prescription for life. Now I can eat whatever I want. As long as I do yoga my body stays at its natural state. If I were to diet I would probably lose another 20 lbs!! I always thank Bikram for healing my body from the inside out.
My teaching is inspired by the energy and the compassion I have, and have learned from my mentors; Stephanie Dixon and John Salvatore, with influence from many great teachers like Diane Ducharme, Michelle Renee, and Kirk Schab.
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Kirk Schab- Studio Manager/Teacher
(Kirk with his wife Jamie Schab)
Biography coming soon!
Kirk Has been teaching Bikram Yoga since 2004. He has had serious back issues & injuries throughout most of his adult life. Since he discovered Bikram Yoga his health and lifestyle has greatly improved. He changed his life for the yoga, because the yoga changed his life. His wife Jamie Schab is a licensed Massage Therapist and Owner of LV Healer www.lvhealer.com Specializing in Deep Tissue, Thai Yoga, Reflexology, and many other massage styles. Jamie is considering Bikram's teacher training. Kirk and Jamie plan on moving to Central America to retire and teach Bikram Yoga for the rest of their lives.
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Lisa Johnson-Teacher (and a true inspiration in the studio!)
Lisa began her Bikram practice in the year 2000 after moving to Las Vegas from New York City. Lisa knew after her first class that the Bikram method was for her. In 2001 after suffering extreme whiplash in a head on car collision, she found herself moving through the recovery process utilizing her yoga practice, regular massage, rolfing, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments to mend her body. As a result her yoga practice led her to quit a ten-year career with the Eastman Kodak Company and join the Fall 2002 Bikram Yoga Teacher Training under the guidance of Bikram and Rajashree Choudhury in Los Angeles, CA. Lisa has assisted and participated in every Bikram Teacher Training since her own graduation. Lisa opened her first studio, Bikram Yoga Las Vegas in December of 2004. In 2005 Lisa and her staff of teachers organized, hosted and coached approx 17 students for the first ever Nevada Yoga Regional. In 2007 she opened her second studio in Las Vegas, ‘Bikram Yoga – The Strip!’ and further hosted the 2007 NV Yoga Regional. Over her years of studio ownership, Lisa brought most every senior Bikram teacher in for seminars at her schools to continue her growth, and the growth of her teaching staff and student body. Lisa now serves as a judge for Regional Yoga Championships and has supported the National and International Bishnu Ghosh Yoga Championships since their inception. While Lisa is not currently a studio owner, she enjoys her continued teaching, judging regional championships and her PRACTICE! She is forever grateful to Bikram, Rajashree, her students, and all the teachers that came before and after her, that have enriched and been a part of her yoga journey. Lisa believes that helping others change their lives, and learning to create peace within, will create a domino effect so that ultimately through yoga we can attain world peace.
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Lacey Fedel- Teacher
(Lacey in Standing Bow Pulling Pose)
Born and raised in fabulous Las Vegas, Lacey was introduced to Bikram yoga through a friend in February 2008. She knew after taking her first class that she had found something magical. After six months of practice, Lacey decided to follow her new found passion and attended Spring 2009 Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Palm Desert, CA. Since graduating Teacher Training, she has taught Bikram yoga in various studios across the globe including a six month stay in India to teach for Bikram Yoga Mumbai. Lacey loves to share this gift of yoga to all. In the words of Bikram himself, "you're never too old, too sick, too bad, too late to start from scratch again."
"See you in the hot room with your happy, smiling face! Light, love, and namaste!"
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Noel Nichols-Teacher/Night Manager.
I have been a Certified Medical Assistant for 9 years and currently work at the Nevada Cancer Institute.
I took my first Bikram yoga class at Village Yoga in Santa Cruz California May 2008. Less then a year and a half later I went to teacher training in Las Vegas, NV to study with Bikram. This yoga practice has helped me to navigate my busy mind and develop inner growth and transformation.
Medically, I've had Hypothyriodism since 2000 with the same prescription for 6 years until 6 months of practicing this yoga, my daily Synthroid dose has been reduced 3 times!
I am so honored and greatful to be a student and teacher here at Bikram Yoga Summerlin. I wish you all happiness and health.
Michelle Renee- Teacher
I took my very first Bikram Yoga class on August 1st, 2006 and instantly knew I wanted to teach! I went to Bikram's 9 week intensive Teacher Training program and graduated in the Spring of 2007 from Hawaii. My health and wellness have been top priority since witnessing my own father's debilitating health and untimely death from a heart attack. It is my goal to motivate, encourage, inspire, and educate students. I believe yoga is a wonderful tool for self discovery, love, acceptance, understanding, and awareness. _________________________________________________________________________
John Salvatore- Senior Teacher
(John Salvatore in Dandayamana-Dhanurasana Standing Bow Pulling Pose)
I decided to go to my first yoga class after a friend told me that it was the hottest and most challenging workout they have ever done. I never did yoga before in my life, but for some reason I felt compelled to go that very day. It was called Bikram yoga. Little did I know that this so-called “workout” I was about to casually throw myself into would end up changing my life. After my first class I was hooked. I practiced every day for 2 years before I made the decision to become a teacher. I honestly felt that it was a sin to keep this wonderful thing all for myself. I had to share it and felt inspired to pass on this amazing gift I had received. It was my duty. I graduated from Bikram Yoga’s teacher training in the spring of 2001. Since then, I have been teaching not only in my hometown in New York City, but all over the United States and now here in fabulous Las Vegas.
Don’t ever give up, don’t ever lose hope and don’t quit 5 seconds before the miracle.
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Olga Zadorozhnaya - Teacher (Graduated Spring 2010)
DAVID BECKER | LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Instructor Olga Zadorozhnaya, leads a class at the Bikram Yoga Summerlin studio on Dec. 11.
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Kimberly Reed - Teacher (Graduated Fall 09')--
(Olga & Kimberly at BYS 1 Year Anniversary Party)
I started practicing Bikram Yoga in March 2007 and I knew immediately I needed to be a Bikram yoga teacher!
After practicing for 2 years I finally made it to teacher training in the fall of 2009, here in Las Vegas.
What I like most is the discipline this yoga inspires and brings to my life. It is an essential part of my essence to share it with others.
My intention every class is to inspire students to begin to heal themselves mentally, physically and spiritually . I am amazed , grateful and humbled, how much I am inspired and how much I am taught in return. Thank you! It is always an on going process.. Keep an open mind and an open heart.. the rest will follow:)
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George Mclaurin- Teacher (Graduated Fall 2009)
I began my Bikram journey in November of 2006 at the Bikram Yoga studio then
on Tropicana in Las Vegas. My best friend Dray invited me to take class many
times, but I was already doing regular yoga once a week. Finally, I showed up
one evening to a packed class and my mind was blown from the first breath of
deep breathing, with everybody moving together.
It was the hardest thing I ever did, but I finished the class. After that first class I
went home and could not move a muscle, but I did come back the next 3 days in a row and after that I never looked back. The class had exactly what I was
looking for, the struggle, challenge and good instructors to lead the class.
Early in 2007 I decided to go to teacher training. I needed a physical, my doctor
said I looked good and signed me off but wanted to do a full check up with
blood samples since we hadn’t seen each other in a while. When the nurse
called me the next day with the news that my kidneys were failing and I needed
to go to the hospital immediately, they were amazed that my kidneys were only
functioning at 7 percent. They were also amazed I could still perform at work as
full time ironworker, practice karate, yoga everyday and raise two young kids.
I still say without the hot room and Bikram yoga removing toxins out of my body,
I would not be here. I started dialysis in 2008 and continued with the yoga until I
dislodged a couple of catheters and had to stop,
January 2009 I received a kidney transplant from my dear sister who was a
perfect match, my body healed fast and I was back in the hot room 6 weeks
later. The power of positivity brought Bikram and teacher training to Las Vegas
that same year in the fall and I was able to attend and become a certified
teacher in 2010.
It is my honor to teach this yoga and share in your experience. You can do it!
Namaste
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Patrizia Ann Beltran- Teacher (Graduated Spring 2011)
(Standing Bow Pulling Pose-dandayamanadhanurasana)
At the end of 2009/beginning of 2010, despite of my fear of my heights, I started rock climbing. As an overweight person at the time, I was enthralled to have found a new physical activity that I actually enjoyed and that helped me get over my fear of heights. Climbing helped me let go of ego and fear in my life and be more present in the moment, thus exercising my "mind-over-matter" philosophy. Naturally, I was always sore, tight, and achey after climbing all the time. A lot of my climber friends suggested that I try yoga, so I would seldom do Ashtanga and various Vinyasa classes.
My climbing/yogi friends brought up Bikram Yoga one night and that they were interested in trying it. I quickly remembered my first class I took, but immediately dismissed it from my mind since I knew I was capable of yoga and felt like I was in shape. So I decided to give it another go. After failed attempts at trying to make it to my technically 2nd Bikram class (my 1st was in the Summer of 2008, my lifestyle at the time wasn't very accommodating to my overall health) with my friends, I decided to just go by myself on November 2, 2010 to take a class at Bikram Yoga Summerlin. Wow. It blew my mind how out of shape I actually was and that anyone could do the whole standing series without sitting down! I was so humbled, yet determined. The ego-free and "now" environment (the studio, teachers, and students inclusive) encouraged me to practice 6 days a week. It was 2 months into my practice and 30lbs shed that I decided I wanted to become a yoga teacher. After completing my first 60 Day Challenge in 45 days, I decided to go to the Spring Teacher Training 2011 at the LAX Radisson Hotel and graduated as part of the largest Teacher Training in Bikram Yoga history!
As an ex-Social Work Major, becoming a teacher helped me fulfill my dreams of providing REAL "self-help" by sharing this wonderful gift of Yoga with others, without leaving ANYONE (no matter what age/shape/size/color you are) behind. It changed my life so much in so little time, and it still continues to do so as I grow simultaneously as a student and as a teacher. Why wouldn't I want to share it with the world? :)
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Kristy Ennis- Teacher (Graduated 2005)
(Kristy at training with Bikram standing on her back to show the power of this yoga)
I started Bikram Yoga in 2000 and fell in love. My father had just passed away and I needed an outlet. I graduated teacher training in in 2005, I've been teaching and pacticing ever since. It changed my life. I couldnt see myself without my practice. I have alot of injuries that this yoga has helped me heal. Teaching Bikram Yoga is my passion and has become the greatest service that I can offer others.
Julie Cadman- Teacher (Graduated Spring 2011)
I began practicing Bikram yoga in the summer of 2010. I heard about it from friends I work with at my other job as a casino dealer. I was doing a lot of running at the time and thought it would help my joints, especially my knees, from hurting. I was hooked from my 1st class. I really loved all the physical benefits you can accomplish through this yoga. Over time I also came to appreciate all of the mental and personal growth I have found through my practice as well. Every time I came to the studio I felt genuine support and an amazing feeling of community from this wonderful group of people who barely knew me. Coming from a casino background into this atmosphere was so positive and refreshing I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I went to teacher training spring 2011 LAX. It is now my honor and privilege to share this wonderful gift of healing the body and mind. I hope I can motivate and inspire students in a way that will help bring health and happiness into their lives. Who'd have thought something that started mainly as a way to stay fit would change and improve my life in so many ways. I have gained improved health and flexibility. I have learned compassion and patience toward others, as well as myself. I no longer feel unfulfilled in a meaningless job. I have conquered personal fears and done things totally outside of my comfort zone which has boosted my self confidence and made me a stronger person inside and out. At the same time I am humbled by the process and what I gain from the students and other teachers. I could go on, but you get my point:) Besides my wonderful daughter Vivian, being a Bikram yoga instructor and student is my passion. I am continually learning and growing and evolving. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful ride that is life!!!
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Toni Jo Wilgar- Teacher (Graduated Fall 2007)
Bio Coming soon-- Toni Jo may be most inspirational teacher you will ever meet.
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Adele Rae- Teacher (Graduated 2006)
Bio Coming soon
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Bennie Shapiro- Teacher (Graduated Fall 2009)
Bio Coming soon
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Melissa Domingo- Teacher (Graduated Spring 2010)
Bio Coming Soon!
(Melissa with Jason Minx Fall 2009 Teacher Training)
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Xenia Atherton- Teacher (Graduated Spring 2010)
My name is Xenia Atherton, I am was born and raised in Costa Rica, moved to Las Vegas in 2003. I came from a family of seven children, my mother had severe rehumathoid arthritis and it was painful to see her going through so much pain and unable to function. She was under so much medication which caused her to have a stroke at the age of 50 and died. One of my brothers was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 25 and I saw him going through a lot of pain caused by the Rehumathoid arthritis and all kind of complications with his lupus until he died at the age of 29.
I was 35 years old, married for fifteen years, two beautiful sons nine and twelve and finishing my tesis to graduate from Law School. One morning I got up and start working on my Tesis and realized that my fingers were all swollen, it looked as if someone had filled them up with water! I went to the doctor and when they came up with the results my whole body froze and I was terrified. I was diagnosed with LUPUS. I guess what came to my mind was the experiences I had with my mother and brother. I Lost 10 pounds the first month after the news and I know it was all caused by how scared and stressed I was.
Six months after my diagnosed my husband had a car accident after dropping the kids at school, and end up in a coma for six months. Three months after of intensive care, cirguries , and outrageous hospital bills; they told me I needed to take him to a home for people who had a vegetative state. I refused to do that, so I re-arranged my home, but a hospital bed, wheel chair, and all kind of medical equipment so he could have the proper care at home. I also hired a nurse ( he needed care 24 hours a day) a physical therapist, a respirathory therapist and a doctor to provide the proper care. My first three days were terrifying, not knowing what to do, I went almost three nights straight without sleeping. I know my kids were still in school, under a lot of stress and pain and I couldn't be there for them. I was so focused on taking care of their father, I couldn't take care of anybody else specially myself. I am glad I had sisters and familly that were helping with the kids.
Four months after taking care of him at home, I decided I wanted more doctors opinions so I flew him in a private jet to CAlifornia to be seen from more neurologists. He was from California originally anyway and work as firefighter for 25 years. After all the medical results stated that nothing else could be done, his mother, sister and I decided to let him go.
It was too painful to go back to live in Costa Rica so I just went back for a week, got rid of everything we had there, rent the house and came back to California. And since I had a couple of friends in Vegas I figured why not, I just wanted to go as far as possible and Vegas seemed far enough.
So there I was, a widow at the age of 39, with two boys 9 and 12, four suitcases, my sister and my dog.....all on the way to Las Vegas to start a new life. Three months later I had already bought my first home, kids were in school and I even had meet someone I liked. I guess life was starting to go back to normal, still painful, but more normal.
A few months later my body decided it was time for me to pay back for all the stress I had put him through, and I was in a lot of pain. My joints were swollen all the time, I was spending so much money on doctors and medications, taking, steroids, antinflamatories plus other medications for the lupus. I woke up one morning and couldn't stand on my feet, even though they never bother me before. I had to crawled down the stairs because my ankles were so swollen they couldn't support me.
I was always so tired, had no energy and was embarrassed to be around friends that wanted to do things, I couldn't deal with the fact that I was not the strong Xenia I had always been. It was so difficult for me. I had to get rid of all my high heals, and even with comfortable shoes I had to be so careful when I walked to make sure my hips or ankles were not hurting. I couldn't hold my purse when I was shopping, couldn't even wear a night rope (too painful on my shoulders), had neck and back pain all the time. Didn't even know your jaw joints can hurt so bad. I tell you that would be the best diet ever because eating becomes so painful you loose intrest.
I have worked out since I was seventeen, and for the first time I couldn't go to the gym for over a year; so I looked for other options. I bought a 10 minutes yoga tape, then a Yoga and belly dancing CD and I even tried a little Thai Chi. It was not the best but at least I was able to do something. I also decided to start researching on nutrition and alternative medicine, and changed my diet drastically. I learned about all kind of more natural foods that were good for Rehumatoid arthritis and to strenghten your Inmune system. I read books and books on spirituallity and self healing. It was my own little quest on how to make my life more comfortable.
Things got a little better and I started going back to the gym and took some kick boxing classes. I didn't have a third of the energy I remember I used to have so I couldn't do a lot of the class because I had pain quite often but I kept pushing myself anyway. I made the decision that for as long as I could move, I would move no matter what. I remember sometimes having tears running down my cheeks as I was taking the class, not so much out of the physical pain but the emotional pain.
I am pretty sure my journey somehow was directed to do Bikram Yoga. I kept meeting people who told me about Bikram Yoga, but I was not into it, after all I liked working out hard and Yoga sounded kind of boring. One day I saw this cute little Yoga Girl at Wall Greens, and I couldn't resist buying it for myself, and believe me I do not buy junk like that. But for some weird reason I looked at it every morning and said to myself " I am a Yoga Girl". Then for Christmas my son got me a Yoga matt that I kept for like six months in the closet. Finnally my friend told me about the one week special to do Bikram Yoga. I decided it was time to use that matt so I took my first class and loved it, didn't miss one class the whole week!
January second 2010, one week later, I came to the studio and bought a whole year pass, and started comming regularly. A month and a half later I decided I wanted to go into teacher trainning even though I knew I did not have the experience required (six months of trainning) I wanted to do the trainning so bad. I never forget the way Stephanie, the studio owner looked at me when I asked her for a letter of recomendation to go into the trainning,...it was something like WHO ARE YOU?
My life has changed so much, and it had tested me so much but I am so grateful I found Bikram Yoga. It had helped me to stay strong even when times are tough, had helped me come down and let go of a lot of pain. As today I feel happy that even though my life is far from perfect and full of ups and downs, I have more strength to overcome and face some of my challenges. Its almost twelve years since I was diagnosed with the Lupus, but for the last three years I have not taken any medications. My health has improved so much, my fingers are back to normal ( I am not embarrased that people would see the nuts on them) my neck, my elbows and the rest of my joints went back to normal, my back only hurts every now and then and not so much. Yes, I do get a little pain every now and then but its bearable. I get yearly check ups and my doctor can not believe how much I improved my health and without medication. Now I can even wear my high heals again!
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Erika Peterson - Teacher (Fall 09')--
Bio Coming Soon!
(Chrissy M, Jason, and me at Teacher Training Fall 09'--T-Force!)