fiona Fiona Liu (RYT)

Fiona worked as a risk analyst in China before moving to New Zealand. In 2008, she randomly walked into a yoga studio after work one day. Her yoga journey had instantly begun. A year later she completed the Teacher Training program with Hot Yoga of New Zealand and has been teaching ever since.

For Fiona, "The on-going self-inquiry of yoga allows me to look deep inside and be clear of what I need on and off the mat. Yoga helps me open to life's limitless opportunities and live with a more open mind and an open heart." Fiona is naturally passionate about helping people awaken their body and mind through yoga and is encouraging of the potential discovery of peacefulness, calmness and strength practice brings.

Fiona has also studied with Noah Maze, Desiree Rumbaugh and Katie Lane, and is looking forward to studying with other teachers in the future.

Fiona teaches Private sessions and group classes at the studio. She enjoys what students teach her as much she teaches them and is grateful the shared process of self-discovery, strength and joy in every class.

More on Fiona's personal journey into yoga in a recent interview with The Yoga Lunch Box.

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lou Lou Cassella (E-RYT)

Lou began yoga training after years of intense bodybuilding and competitive awards in the sport. Strong and vibrant in his late 60's, he leads a compassionate, strengthening yoga session that enlivens the heart while toning and stretching the body. Lou has taught hot yoga to a variety of top athletes including members of the South African Rugby League, young Olympiads, dancers, marathon runners and folks just wanting to strengthen, sweat and transform with an appreciation of the Now.

Together with his wife Claire, Lou co-directs the Hot Yoga of New Zealand Teacher Training bringing a passionate dedication to the instruction of appropriate asana for varying physical conditions.

Lou is registered with Yoga Alliance at the highest level having trained directly under Jimmy Barkan, Baron Baptiste, Rolf Gates, Mary Jarvis and Bikram Choudury.

Both he and his wife have been featured in several articles and publications throughout New Zealand, including The Wellington Guide, The Dominion Post, Mudcake and Roses, Stuff NZ, The Nelson Mail, Pink Magazine, and The Capital Times.

More on Lou's personal journey into yoga in a recent interview with The Yoga Lunch Box.

claire Claire Szabo-Cassella (E-RYT)

A former motivational speaker, Claire's yoga teaching style instills a calming confidence in her students as she mixes humour and compassion with thoughtful insights into The Journey. A yoga practitioner for over 16 years, she primarily teaches Yin Yoga, usually with notable yang elements for strength and balance. As a person living with muscular dystrophy (FSHD), Claire's practice and teaching reflect her belief in the vast potential of healing energy yoga holds so quietly and readily for any body.

Claire's study of yoga as a life-long healing art includes with Kausthub Desikachar, Paul Grilley, Donna Farhi, Jimmy Barkan, Baron Bapiste and Bikram Choudury. Her most inspiring teachers being the students themselves: their dedication, courageous self-inquiry and evolution through the good work of yoga - on and off the mat - continually expand an awareness of why yoga is so fundamental to healthy living.

Claire has longed worked as a life coach, especially for those in creative industries. She is a registered celebrant in New Zealand for civil unions, funerals and other important life transitions. In recent years Claire has tumed much of her attention to expanding the Hot Yoga of New Zealand Teacher Training, now into it's fifth year, coaching and celebrant work.

Claire was a finalist for the 2010 HER Wellington Businesswoman of the Year Award including Most Inspirational Role Model and Best Micro Business.

For more information on how Claire can help you design a meaningful and enriching ceremony or for life coaching sessions please call the Wellington studio for an appointment. 04 801 9642

More on Claire's personal journey in a recent interview with The Yoga Lunch Box.

christa Christa Lawlor

In 2006, Christa walked into her first yoga class looking for a stronger body. After years of practice, she has found that and more – a new perspective on the world and a deeper connection with her Self that has led to more fulfilling relationships and a happier, healthier life.

Christa is a graduate of the 2010 Hot Yoga of New Zealand Teacher Training Programme. After exploring various styles of yoga, she began practicing at Hot Yoga of New Zealand shortly after the studio opened in 2008. It was here, with the guidance of caring teachers, she gained a deeper understanding of yogic philosophy and the more esoteric aspects of yoga. “Yoga has taught me to inhabit each moment with an open mind and open heart, and trust in the guidance of my inner Self.”

Christa takes a light-hearted approach in her teaching style and strives to create an environment in which each student feels safe to explore the landscape of his/her body, mind, heart, and soul. She believes, “to practice yoga and share the journey with others is truly a gift.” She encourages students to move beyond their perceived limitations gracefully knowing challenges are the fuel for growth and transformation.

Christa teaches at Hot Yoga of New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington. She also works as an Independent Marketing Communications Consultant.

katya Katya Mourits (RYT)

A devoted yoga practitioner since 2004, Katya completed the Hot Yoga of New Zealand Teacher Training in 2009. Since then she dove even deeper into the physical and spiritual realms of yoga having studied with Donna Farhi, Baron Baptiste, Katie Lane, Nicky Knoff and Simon Borg-Olivier. Katya is currently studying Applied Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga, a course created by Simon Borg-Olivier and Bianca Machliss. In April 2011 she completed a 10-day Vipassana meditation course, which has had a great effect on her meditation practice and the way she teaches yoga.

Katya has taught different modalities of yoga both in New Zealand and overseas. She currently teaches group sessions, Pregnancy yoga and Private sessions at Hot Yoga of New Zealand in Wellington and Auckland.

Katya believes in yoga’s ability to offer exactly what we need at any given moment in our lives, be it balance, flexibility, strength or surrender. “Following the yogic path on and off the mat is a challenging task. Being able to teach yoga and hopefully inspire others to look deeper into themselves, their lives and their aspirations to find the true treasure of a happy life, is such an honour!”

kathy Kathy Ramirez (RYT)

After six years in the fitness industry, Kathy completed the Hot Yoga Teacher Training Program in 2010 to bring a holistic approach to her work as a personal trainer and yoga teacher. A yoga advocate for over eight years, Kathy began her own practice as a way to stay injury free in endurance events such half marathons and triathlons. Her yoga practice quickly evolved into a way to go to deeper within, to reduce stress and to more easily overcome life's obstacles. As a result, Kathy's yoga teaching reflects her unique ability to incorporate knowledge of both fitness and mind/body health for dynamic, self-reflective classes laced with a down-to-earth charm as she guides students to work the body not only from the physical outside but from a place of connection from deep within.

Kathy is from Seneca, South Carolina in the United States. Her fitness career includes work with Pfizer, Inc. as a Primary Healthcare Representative for the cardiovascular, respiratory, and urinary divisions. Kathy also owns her own business as a Personal/Business Coach, working with corporate groups and fitness facilities in the USA and NZ. Kathy received her fitness instructor certificate from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and her spinning certification from Mad Dogg Athletics. She also has personal trainer certification from AFFA and the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Kathy runs Yoga for Athletes and Kids Yoga! She also offers private lessons, group events, and teaches regularly at Hot Yoga of New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington.