Meet Our Instructors
 Shelby Rayner
"I find myself halfway through the floor series feeling so thankful that I made the choice to take class - like I've given myself a gift. There is nothing like being drenched in your own sweat, feeling your heart pound and your entire body 'hum'."
Shelby's classes are at the same time nurturing and challenging and will have you floating out of the studio with a smile on your face, feeling like a new person. Shelby's compassionate and patient manner will make you feel safe and taken care of. Her true belief that there are no limits will inspire and motivate you to work harder than you ever thought possible. Whether you are new or an experienced student, Shelby will empower you to find your new edge and to be your best every time you step onto your mat. All of your hard work and perseverance will be celebrated and rewarded.
Shelby is passionate about two things - her family and Bikram Yoga. She took her first Bikram Yoga class in 2001 shortly after completing her first marathon. Shelby graduated from ASU in 1996 with a degree in Business Economics. She became certified to teach Bikram Yoga in the Spring of 2005. Shelby opened Bikram Yoga Avondale with her husband John in August of 2007. John and Shelby have two beautiful daughters and are long time residents of the West Valley.
John Rayner
"You get out of this yoga exactly what you put into it. It's up to YOU!"
You will feel immediately energized by John's fast moving class. Any thoughts about how your day was or what you need to do when you get home will quickly dissipate. John's instruction will take you out of your head and bring you into your body. Your only thought will be what you need to do with your body in that moment. He will teach you that through discipline, focus and practice you can learn how to control your body and your emotions by controlling your breathe. In John's class you can expect to sweat, work hard and feel amazing when you leave.
John has been practicing Bikram Yoga since 2001. He became certified to teach Bikram Yoga in the Spring of 2005. John has represented the state of Arizona in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the National Yoga Asana Championship, Bishnu Charan Ghosh Cup in Los Angeles. John placed 5th in the nation in the 2009 National Yoga Asana Championship. John is a native to Arizona and grew up in the West Valley. Besides teaching Bikram Yoga, John is a 4th generation cotton farmer.
 Stacey Handelong
"My most favorite thing is being able to feel my heart beat and hear my blood rush through my veins in Savasana, reminding me of the simplest things in life - my body, my mind, my breath."
Stacey comes from a corporate background and knows first hand the effects of living a high stress lifestyle. Through Bikram Yoga, Stacey found a new balance in her life. Stacey's Southern California style will help you forget about the daily "rat race" and bring you to a place where you can relax your shoulders and unclench your jaw. Her natural rhythm and laid back style will help you learn how to let go, quiet your mind and hopefully find a new balance in your own life.
Stacey worked a high profile corporate retail job for 17 years before she became certified to teach Bikram Yoga. Besides teaching, she works at Lucy Fashion Square Mall and enjoys hanging out with her two Shih Tzu's - Harvey and Parker.
 Niki Hayes
"I am a Bikram yoga instructor because I know that people use this yoga to heal physically, mentally and spiritually. I am forever inspired to lead people through this amazing series that allowed me to heal."
Practicing Bikram yoga helped Niki recover from a devastating loss and she believes a consistent practice can provide an escape - a place to heal mentally and physically. Niki's class will be your personal refuge. Her confident instruction and beautiful voice will enable you to work deep into your body while feeling peaceful and relaxed. You will feel physically strong and be mentally empowered.
Niki began practicing Bikram yoga in 2006 after returning from a 6 month study-abroad program in Spain. She became a Certified Bikram Yoga Instructor in the Fall of 2008.
 Jon Knoche
"My first class was hell on earth... I left the room four times and didn't come back for a month. I tried everything else (chiropractor, hypnotist, acupuncture, massage, etcÉ) nothing helped. It was always in the back of my head how this 60 year old lady in class right next to me looking so healthy and smiling. I realized that I was in bad shape and even though the teacher was telling me to do crazy things, this was the only place they told me, 'do as I say and your back will be healed.'"
Expect to smile and quite possibly even laugh in Jon's class! Jon is very serious about the yoga but he will remind you not to take yourself too seriously. Jon's passion and firsthand experience for Bikram Yoga's ability to heal the body will compel you to try the right way and to NEVER give up. Jon has a wonderful way of making beginners and students suffering from injuries feel accepted, encouraged and safe.
Jon grew up in rural Illinois with a dream of becoming a professional basketball player. He played at the collegiate level for the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Jon injured his back in his junior year of college. He took his first Bikram yoga class in 2004 and through regular practice - cured his back pain. Jon became a certified Bikram Yoga Instructor in the Spring of 2008.
 Alison Tavares
"The first time I heard the words 'Hot Yoga' I knew it was for me. I fell in love. I was addicted from the first class. The yoga just spoke to me even though the teacher wouldn't shut-up!"
Alison's class will motivate you to take your practice to new levels with her ever expanding knowledge of the body and the 26 posture series. You will always learn something new and exciting in her class. Alison continually seeks out opportunities to learn more about the series by visiting and spending time with Bikram and his senior most teachers. Listen carefully in Alison's class - not only will she concisely tell you how to do the postures but she will share all the amazing things that happen in your body while you are trying to "kill yourself".
Alison became certified to teach Bikram Yoga in the Fall of 2006. She also teaches at the Paradise Valley studio. Alison leads the advanced series and helps coach competitors for the Regional and National Yoga Asana Championships.
 Ben Tosuner
"Very quickly, I found out that each class is like a box of chocolate; you never know what you are going to get until you take the class. The same 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises - but as I see myself in the mirror, as I look at my own eyes, there is always something new - new depth, new meaning, new relaxation, new flexibility, a new friendÉ"
Through Ben's encouragement and his personal belief that anything is possible - you will discover new possibilities for yourself, physically and mentally. Ben's meditative class will help you stay focused on yourself and your practice. The milestones you reach both big and small, will be recognized with Ben's excitement and praise because he knows that all your hard work is paying off. His passion will inspire you to work hard and his warm welcoming smile and heartfelt encouragement will motivate you to come back again tomorrow.
Ben is originally from Turkey and moved to the United States in 1991. He holds a BS degree in Hotel Management, a Post-baccalaureate degree in Accountancy and a Masters degree in Business Administration. Ben began practicing Bikram yoga in 2008 and soon gave up the corporate world to become a yogiJ. He became a certified Bikram yoga instructor in the fall of 2008 and was the valedictorian of his graduating class.
|
