FOUNDER

Gary Olson’s yoga journey began in childhood, practicing alongside his mother. His early years were steeped in martial arts, earning black belts in Hapkido, Tae Kwando, and Chinese Kenpo Karate, training with masters like Ed Parker and Bong Soo Hahn. At 13, he amazed University of Washington researchers by controlling a polygraph. He later embraced Transcendental Meditation, becoming a Sidha yogi at 21, and deepened his practice through TM, the Yoga Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. Discovering Bikram yoga in 1998, he developed his own system, teaching over 10,000 classes, training 200+ teachers, and introducing Deva Meditation to 300+ students.

TEACHER

Claudia Alabiso discovered Bikram yoga in 2004 after earning her Psychology and English Literature degree from Franklin and Marshall College. A year later, she found her passion in Gary Olson’s power yoga while pursuing a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Seattle Pacific University. She built a career in mental health, relationship therapy, and chemical dependency treatment, working in New York City before returning to Kirkland. There, she taught psychology at Antioch University and co-founded GO Yoga, where she leads teacher training and integrates yoga principles into her therapy practice. An Ashram-certified instructor, Claudia also leads yoga retreats and continues to evolve her work.

TEACHER

Grace discovered Baptiste Power Yoga in 2013 and was immediately captivated by its transformative power. Since then, she’s committed herself to yoga, exploring different studios and styles around the world. Her journey led her to Gary Olson’s method in Kirkland, where she found a deep connection to the mental clarity, discipline, and physical strength it cultivates. As product manager in tech, Grace balances her fast-paced career with her passion for yoga, dedicating time to her personal practice. She completed her teacher training in Bali to deepen her practice and soon discovered a love for teaching. Through her classes, she aims to inspire growth, connection, and mindfulness on and off the mat.

TEACHER

Stefanie’s yoga journey began in the early 2000s with Bikram yoga, which complemented her passion for long-distance running by enhancing endurance, preventing injuries, and aiding recovery. In 2016, she became an RRCA running coach and earned a Yoga for Athletes certification through Jas Yoga, alongside achieving her dream of running the Boston Marathon. The following year, she became a certified Traditional Hot Yoga instructor and now teaches across the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, creating a supportive space for students to challenge themselves, heal, and grow.

TEACHER

Kristin took her first Bikram hot yoga class in 2001, nearly bailing midway but ultimately hooked by how it made her feel. A decade later, living in Yakima, she was thrilled when the first hot yoga studio opened nearby. With a shortage of teachers, the studio owner asked her to teach. After 200 hours of training, Kristin taught her first Hatha class in 2011. She continued training in various lineages and even owned the studio before moving back to the west side in 2019, settling in Kirkland near her beloved Ashram. Kristin and her partner, Chris, enjoy family time, traveling, food, and relaxing at home with their pups, Bing and Lenny Deni.

TEACHER

A wonderful bio of Rebecca is coming soon!

TEACHER

Jess has been teaching yoga on the Eastside since 2009, drawing from over 40 years of martial arts experience. The connection between both practices created a natural transition, deepening his understanding of self. As an active practitioner and sub at The Ashram, Jess designs engaging, dynamic classes that support growth in body, mind, and spirit. Whether beginner or advanced, his teaching encourages students to quiet the external world, fostering a renewed perspective and greater balance in life.

TEACHER

A wonderful bio of Kelsey is coming soon!

TEACHER

Stephanie grew up in New York, where she spent much of her childhood in ballet and music classes. She was introduced to yoga in 2006 and was drawn to the focus, discipline, and intention it required, but hooked by the mind-body connection, the collective energy, and the grace of moving and breathing together. She completed her 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification in Baptiste Power Yoga as well as the Shakti Teacher Assisting Program (TAP) in 2013, and has studied under several master teachers, including Bryan Kest and Jason Crandell. She has also managed a yoga program. She weight trains to balance strength and flexibility, and encourages her students to work hard while honoring their bodies.

TEACHER

Jamie Laflin, a former college softball player and Physical Education major at WSU, has always led an active lifestyle. Nearly a decade ago, she discovered yoga, making it a daily practice for the past four years. While working as a bank manager, hot yoga became her key to stress relief and balance, inspiring her to complete Ashram’s teacher training. Jamie’s strong, powerful teaching style reflects her passion for the practice, with her favorite moment being the stillness of savasana. Outside the studio, she enjoys hiking, traveling, boating, and time with loved ones.

TEACHER

Originally from Wrangell, Alaska, Rayne Nahajski turned to yoga in 1999 after sports-related knee injuries. Discovering Gary Olson’s hot yoga deepened her connection to the mental side of the practice. Though identified early as a “future teacher,” her work as a lawyer and law firm owner delayed her path. In 2009, she transitioned into teaching while continuing to manage her firm with her husband. Drawing from her injury experience, Rayne’s teaching blends motivation, compassion, and precise cuing. A certified Yoga Works instructor, she remains committed to helping others—both in the yoga room and the courtroom.

TEACHER

Julie’s yoga journey began in 2000 with a playful bet to try a Bikram class, sparking a love for hot yoga. She later discovered power yoga, finding the blend transformative. After moving to Eastern Washington, she began teaching when a new studio sought instructors. Now back in Seattle, Julie brings her “positive, present, and powerful” style to every class, encouraging breath and mindfulness. Her approach reflects her 27-year career as an elementary teacher in the Lake Washington School District, where she fosters confidence and self-belief—lessons she carries into both the yoga studio and her fourth-grade classroom.

TEACHER

Jake Townsend took his first power yoga class at 13, occasionally practicing with Gary Olson alongside his mother. However, it wasn’t until years later—after snowboarding injuries and an intense weight-training routine—that he fully embraced yoga as a vital tool for healing and balance. His passion for the human body and injury prevention led him to become a Licensed Massage Therapist, further deepening his understanding of movement and recovery.

TEACHER

Alison’s yoga journey began 20 years ago in New York City, where she completed her first Bikram 60-day challenge alongside her sister. A dedicated member of the Ashram for nearly 18 years, she trained with Gary Olson and completed Baron Baptiste’s Level 1 boot camp in Hawaii, later expanding her practice through an intensive with master teacher Gregor Singleton. A committed runner, Alison maintains a daily running schedule and practiced yoga until the day she gave birth. She now balances her love for fitness with family life, sharing her home with her spouse and two children.