Miranda Suggs

Born and raised in Florida, Miranda was always involved in sports and fitness. Miranda grew up dancing, doing gymnastics, playing soccer and running track. As an adult Miranda continued to run and participated frequently in 5K and 10k races, until getting injured.
 

Miranda first started practicing yoga in 2010 while pregnant with her son. She dove deeper in her yoga practice in 2012, and found Bikram Yoga in 2014; she was instantly hooked. She stepped out of the hot room with a feeling never felt before, and she couldn’t wait to come back to sweat some more.
In 2016, she competed in the Yoga Asana Competition to expand her practice and passion for yoga. Then in the summer of 2017 she attended teacher training to further her yoga journey. Miranda completed her RYT 500-hour 26 & 2 therapeutic hot yoga (Bikram Method) certification through Raja Yoga Academy. Additionally, she completed her Yin Yoga teacher training.
As a business major at University of Florida, Miranda was inspired to collaborate her greatest passion with her knowledge and decided to become a yoga studio owner. July 2018 she opened her own studio, Hot Spot Yoga STA, and Miranda can’t wait to share the studio with you.
 

When not at the studio, Miranda loves spending time at the beach, surfing, SUPing, and spending time with her furr babies and family.
 

Miranda is so excited to be part of the yoga community and she is looking forward to seeing everyone’s smiles and energy in the yoga room!

Amber Hennesy

Born and raised right here in St. Augustine, Amber is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT200) with Yoga Alliance.

Amber stared practicing yoga in 2013 and fell in love instantly. “When I stepped out of my first class I felt more of who I truly am then ever before” Yoga led her to finding self acceptance and true lover for herself. After having her first son Amber started to focusing more on fitness and once yoga entered her life there was no turning back.

Deciding one day she wanted to teach and then qualifying for a scholarship with The yoga room to become a Vinyasa instructor. Amber teaches an athletic style vinyasa flow.

Seamlessly flowing from one asana to the next with power, control and awareness.

Since her very first class she has not stopped practicing and doesn’t plan to ever stop. “Yoga is a way of life and I plan to live it up!”

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Recently Amber started practicing 26/2 hot yoga and has found that she really enjoys the challenge. Now looking forward to what’s to come in the future and where yoga will lead her next Amber is very excited to be teaching at Hot Spot!

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Annamarie Keck

Saint Augustine has been my home since 2017.
Prior to that, we lived in the Atlanta metro area for 33 years, where I was a competitive Masters' swimmer and water fitness instructor for over 20 years.
 

Practicing yoga was a natural compliment to my swim training; my passion for yoga was fueled by my continued ease of movement-and nourishment of the spirit-on the mat, in the water, and while journeying through life.
 

As a RYT200 registered Yoga Alliance instructor, I continue to grow and develop through the journey, and my heartfelt intention remains consistent: to find new levels of possibility through yoga both on and off the mat--and to share the joy of movement through yoga with students of all levels because, after all, "movement is one thing we all have in common."
 

Denise Harshbarger

Denise is a lifelong teacher and has been practicing yoga for many years.
Before yoga found her, she was a dancer and has taught and choreographed a variety of styles including ballet, hip hop, modern, and musical theater.

She is currently working on her RYT 500 certification and currently holds RYT 200, Buti® Yoga, and Ayurveda Certifications.

Denise is excited to promote holistic wellness and self-love in her students. Although she is an avid advocate for all forms of yoga practice, Denise especially enjoys teaching Vinyasa, Hatha, and Buti Yoga.

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Maria Arredondo

Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Maria began her training in contemporary dance at the age of 16. She moved to Guadalajara in 2010 to earn her Bachelors, degree in Performative Arts in Contemporary Dance. 

Her degree in dance gave her the opportunity to travel and perform in different countries including Cuba and Germany. After returning from Europe in 2017, she felt the necessity to delve deeper into the body and that is when she discovered Yoga.

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María decided to start right away a 200 RYT at Apurva Yoga Center in Guadalajara, where she learned different yoga styles including, Restorative, Acroyoga, Vinyasa and Hatha. In 2023, she decided to follow her heart and travel to Rishikesh, India, to complete her 300 RYT in Hatha, Ashtanga and Meditation.

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María loves to travel and constantly learn about languages, art, philosophy, health, nature, and culture. She loves to share her passion for body movement and she looks forward to sharing the joys and benefits of Yoga with you at Hot Spot Yoga STA.

Torin O'Gara

I first started practicing yoga in 2017 in St. Louis Missouri. I knew from the very first class I joined that I had a calling to yoga.
Years later in 2023 I decided to further my knowledge of yoga and become a 200 hour certified instructor in hopes I can bring to others what yoga has brought to me. For me practicing yoga has given me many opportunities to grow mentally and physically. I have a strong passion for connecting with others which yoga has been a huge outlet for me do so.
I have found that no matter where life takes me I always end up on the mat coming back to my practice for a mind and body reconnection.

Karen Rogers

Karen Rogers is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT500) with Yoga Alliance. She completed her 200hr training in 2017 and finished completing her 500hr training in 2020. 

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Karen started practicing yoga and meditation in her teens becoming serious about her practice in her late 20’s.  Her desire is to continue her education learning about the principles and science of yoga as well as to understand on a deeper level how yoga can change, heal and strengthen your body, mind and spirit and ultimately taking that knowledge and sharing it with others. 

Her teaching style is gentle and introspective. She focuses on the mind, body and breath connection while providing a light hearted atmosphere especially for those seeking to learn and understand their own practice of Yoga. 

She is certified in the Kripalu tradition as well as Yin, Chair, Bhakti and SUP yoga.   

Karen has learned through her yoga journey that yoga is about progress, not perfection and wants to help others find their way to their own journey into yoga.

Karen’s classes offer a welcoming space to soften, become present, and explore. Karen desires to share the practice in a way that is accessible to all as well as to meet people where they are, as they are.

Janet Thumith

Janet came to hot yoga looking for a new workout challenge. She has been practicing 26&2 (the Bikram method) for 14 years now.
 
She craves the heat in the room and finds that the practice resets her body and mind. Prior to becoming a mom, Janet worked as a Registered Nurse with a specialty in infection control.
 
Janet took her first Inferno Hot Pilates (IHP) class approximately 8 years ago. The class was definitely challenging! As Inferno Hot Pilates made its way around the world, and to her home town, she realized the benefits of the class. She loves the heat, the energy, the intensity, and the way it makes her body feel (oh, and the sweat!!).
 
Janet decided to take the Inferno Hot Pilates HIIT Teacher Training with Gabi Walters in 2018 and is so glad she did…she went back to take Inferno Hot Pilates Level 2 Teacher Training 2019!

Janet and her husband are new to St. Augustine (from Cape Cod, MA). They are looking forward to exploring the area and getting away from the cold winters!

Teaching IHP sets her soul on fire!! She loves the vibe and the challenge of the class! Passing that high energy vibe onto her students, encouraging them to do their very best, and welcoming + respecting all is what‘s important to her. Oh, and fun, we can have fun, too!
 
She looks forward to seeing you on your mat!

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Janet is one of our seasonal instructors, catch her on the schedule in the fall and winter time!

Amber Young

Amber is one of our traveling yoga instructors!
Watch for her to pop up on the schedule to get your chance to take her amazing Bikram and PyroPilates classes. 

Angi Huey

Angi is one of our traveling yoga instructors!
Watch for her to pop up on the schedule to get your chance to take her amazing Hot26&2 and PyroPilates classes. 

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Meet Angie!
Her home studio is Zen Yoga in Fort Worth, Texas.
We're excited to have her guest teaching here at Hot Spot Yoga!
 
Here's a Q&A with her:
How long have you been practicing yoga?
I have been practicing Bikram yoga since 2007. My first experience was in a hot studio in Scranton, Pa. I loved it from the first time.

When/Where did you graduate from teacher training?
I finally got my 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certification in December 2019 at a studio in Rowlet, Texas under the guidance of Eugene Sabala for the 26&2 series and Body Wheel Therapy. My Vinyasa training was under the guidance of Dee Dee Burington.

Tell us something about your yoga journey to becoming an instructor.
I have been a group fitness instructor since 1995. The Bikram training has always been in the back of my mind but being a widow at the time with 2 small children, leaving for the training was just not in the cards. Later in life, the opportunity presented itself at the right time and I am so glad that I jumped on it. What a ride!!!

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Why do you love teaching yoga?
I love seeing people grow and being the best version of themselves on each individual day.

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What is your favorite posture and why?
Triangle!!!!! I used to sit out of triangle every class because it was just so hard. Now, I love it. It is so beautiful, works every muscle and joint, calms my mind and breath and I feel light as a feather instead of struggling through it.

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How has yoga benefited you?
It has helped me to breathe through it all. Inside and outside of the hot room. Just breathe!!!!!

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Do you have a favorite quote?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13