Traci Armstrong

Director and Bikram Certified Instructor

Traci grew up in New Smyrna Beach. After graduating high school, Traci moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida where she earned a BS degree in Computer Engineering. It was during this time that Traci first started practicing Ashtanga Yoga. After graduating from UF in 1999, Traci and her husband moved to Satellite Beach, FL. This is where Traci discovered Bikram Yoga. She enjoyed the practice and benefits of Bikram Yoga so much she decided to go to Los Angeles, CA, to attend the Bikram Yoga College of India two month teacher training program. Once back from LA, Traci decided it would be her dream to open a Bikram Yoga studio back in her home town in NSB. One year later the studio is up and running. During her spare time she also enjoys surfing, and spending time with friends and family.

Carola Rodina Kaufhold

Bikram Certified Instructor / Assistant Manager

How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
Have been practicing yoga (ashtanga) for 10 years/teaching 8yrs. Practicing Bikram yoga 1yr 3mos.
When did you go to Teacher Training?
I attended TT Fall 08.
What is your favorite posture?
Dhanurasana (Bow pose), Rajakapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose), Standing head to knee
What do you enjoy most about practicing Bikram Yoga?
The space it provides for precision and intensity in practice, and that through these two things combined with persistence, you single-handedly heal yourself from the inside out, body mind and spirit. It provides total being health, happiness and freedom. It is the one stop shop/prescription for whatever ails you - keeping in mind, that what ails you differs with every passing day. The practice is there, also different every day, every time you step on the mat, but always giving you EXACTLY what you need, every time, be it Truth, bliss, happiness, a swift kick in the pants or just time for self concentrating, meditating and sweating!
What do you enjoy most about teaching Bikram Yoga?
To be able to share this practice that I believe in whole-heartedly with any and everyone who walks into the room. Teaching allows me to be a guide on student's own path to their true selves, to their healing and happiness.
Do you have any recommendations/advice for beginners or new students?
Give 100% when practicing - remembering that 100% today may and more than likely will look and feel totally different than 100% yesterday or tomorrow - you can never step into the same river twice! This class is always the same postures, but never the same practice twice! Let go of any and all judgment, allow for a little precision and persistence. These two things more than anything else will alow you to grow in mindfulness. The rest, the postures themselves, will happen exactly how and when it should. Trust the yoga.
Anything else you would like to share?
Just do the yoga. Every day. Like brushing your teeth. It will all by itself transform your life and move mountains.

Nicole Stockton LaPierre

Bikram Certified Instructor

How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
I've been practicing Bikram Yoga for 3 years.
When did you go to Teacher Training?
I attended training in the fall of 2008 in Acapulco, Mexico.
What is your favorite posture?
Camel
What do you enjoy most about practicing Bikram Yoga?
The best part of practicing Bikram Yoga to me is the feeling I walk away with when I finish a class. Exhilaration, relaxation, peacefulness, happiness, calm and general overall sense of well being.
What do you enjoy most about teaching Bikram Yoga?
The best part about teaching Bikram Yoga is knowing I am helping people improve their lives.
Do you have any recommendations/advice for beginners or new students?
I recommend all beginners keep coming back as much as possible and don't get discouraged and push through. The changes and improvements in life will occur very soon. This yoga miraculously improves all areas of life.
Anything else you would like to share?
This yoga has changed my life and improved the quality of every single day for me. I don't know who I would be today if I never stepped foot into my first Bikram Yoga class.

Chantelle Uitermark

Bikram Certified Instructor

How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
I have been practicing since February 10th 2009.
When did you go to Teacher Training?
I went to Spring 2009 TT Palm Desert
What is your favorite posture?
Half moon
What do you enjoy most about practicing Bikram Yoga?
The benefits and the work out my body receives.
What do you enjoy most about teaching Bikram Yoga?
The energy I get from the students and being able to spread Bikram yoga.
Do you have any recommendations/advice for beginners or new students?
Listen to the benefits youÕll receive and keep coming back.
Anything else you would like to share?
IÕll be practicing Bikram yoga for the rest of my life and I hope all the students do as well.

Ariel Gifford Marinel

Bikram Certified Instructor

How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
Started in the Summer of 2002.
When did you go to Teacher Training?
Went to training in Spring 2003, back when we had to take a van everywhere, no laundry service, no fancy hotel.... loved every second....
What is your favorite posture?
My fave is either wind removing pose (so I can eat my spicy thai food) or camel.... kind of like the roller coaster -> you never know if its going to be fun, or make you naseous :)
What do you enjoy most about practicing Bikram Yoga?
I LOVE to sweat, I love that there is always a new place to go, something new to learn.
What do you enjoy most about teaching Bikram Yoga?
I love watching people's bodies change, and people making positive changes to their lives, as well as seeing people getting so many benefits.
Do you have any recommendations/advice for beginners or new students?
Don't give up!!! It is supposed to be a challenge! Don't ever underestimate your body, keep it up!
Anything else you would like to share?
My yoga nickname is: SPIDEY.

Brian LaPierre

Bikram Certified Instructor

How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
3 years.
When did you go to Teacher Training?
I attended training in the fall of 2008 in Acapulco, Mexico.
What is your favorite posture?
Rabbit, Awkward
What do you enjoy most about practicing Bikram Yoga?
The amazing physical and mental benefits I have received over the years.
What do you enjoy most about teaching Bikram Yoga?
The self-fulfilling, rewarding feeling I get from helping people.
Do you have any recommendations/advice for beginners or new students?
Nothing worthwhile in life is easy! Stick with it and wait for the rewards that lie ahead.
Anything else you would like to share?
Don't underestimate yourself! You are way more powerful than you can imagine!

Jude Scott

Bikram Certified Instructor

How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
I have been practicing since May 2008.
When did you go to Teacher Training?
I attended Fall 2009 teacher training.
What is your favorite posture?
Standing separate leg stretching pose.
What do you enjoy most about practicing Bikram Yoga?
The way it makes me feel. Every time I practice, I feel that a better version of myself is being revealed - even if the process can be a bit painful at times!
What do you enjoy most about teaching Bikram Yoga?
Sharing this amazing yoga with others and helping them as they develop their own practice.
Do you have any recommendations/advice for beginners or new students?
Don't worry! Don't worry about the heat, don't worry about what anybody else can do, don't worry about whether or not you can do the postures, don't worry about whether it's difficult or easy. Just try it. You will feel better for it. And keep hydrated!
Anything else you would like to share?
Everyone has their reasons for trying yoga. Stick with it. You may not always get what you want (when you want it), but Bikram yoga will give you what you need, it's a bit like magic medicine.

Barbara Brutzman

Bikram Certified Instructor

How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
It will be 5 years in April 2010.
When did you go to Teacher Training?
I went to TT in the Spring of 2008 in Mexico.
What is your favorite posture?
Triangle LOVE IT!!!
What do you enjoy most about practicing Bikram Yoga?
I love the heat - from my very first class I was hooked. I love how I am challanged, mind , body and spirit. This practice has brought strength and a new found integrity to my life.
What do you enjoy most about teaching Bikram Yoga?
The best thing about being a teacher is watching your students grow. It is very rewarding to see the changes in people, not only in the yoga room but in their lives. Everyone comes for different reasons but they all leave feeling better about themselves.
Do you have any recommendations/advice for beginners or new students?
"Take it easy baby" as Bikram would say. Try not to expect so much of yourself all the time. Give 100% of what you have for that particular day. It will all fall into place.
Anything else you would like to share?
Don't forget to BREATH and LOCK THE KNEE!!

Jennifer Finkey

Bikram Certified Instructor

How long have you been practicing Bikram Yoga?
I began practicing in 2002.
When did you go to Teacher Training?
I graduated in Hawaii in Fall 2007
What is your favorite posture?
Balancing Stick
What do you enjoy most about practicing Bikram Yoga?
Shortly after I began practicing Bikram yoga I was in an automobile accident. As a result I spent the next 6 months "rehabbing" in the traditional format that orthopedic surgeons typically suggest No yoga, stay still, take meds, go to physical therapy, take meds, take meds.

I returned to the yoga after suffering 2 herniated discs, reverse curve in my neck and spondiliosis. I was heavily medicated and could hardly walk. In fact, after my accident I fell down a flight of stairs because it was so painful to move (I tripped). I received 3 steroid injections to "control" the pain but I was still not able to cope in my normal life.

I was frustrated with my lack of progress so I went against my physicians prescription for health and went back to Bikram. It wasn't easy and it took a full year to heal! Truly, the yoga healed my spine. I am a fully functioning adrenaline junkie once again!
What do you enjoy most about teaching Bikram Yoga?
I love inspiring the students to go further then their perceived limitations. The energy created in the classroom is like electricity pumping through my body. It's an unbelievable feeling to watch a person transform in front of you and each time I teach I am witness to countless transformations. In a sense I heal myself through watching others use their own determination to succeed one class at a time.
Do you have any recommendations/advice for beginners or new students?
Breathe deeply, everything else is optional.
Anything else you would like to share?
I found myself and became comfortable with my own skin because I found Bikram. Without my daily practice I become agitated and a little lossed. If in just 90 minutes I become the person I always want to be, isn't it time for you to do the same?

Afton Carraway

Bikram Certified Instructor

Afton was born in Orlando, FL and has been practicing Bikram's yoga since 2004. She has an extensive background in dance and has traveled many places both practicing and teaching Bikram Yoga. She graduated from the Bikram Teacher Training in Fall, 2007 and has been teaching full time since then. After completing the training, she decided to take her practice to the next level by competing in both the 2007 and 2008 Florida Asana Championships. Taking 2nd and 1st places there, respectively, she has had the privilege and honor to advance to the National Yoga Asana Championship held in Los Angeles, California both years. During such an event, yogis from all over the world come to participate in and celebrate the endless possibilities of the human strength, ability, and determination. She is very excited to continue to grow in her practice so that she can pass on, further, her knowledge to the world as an instructor.

Anthony Incarbone

Bikram Certified Instructor

In Loving Memory of our friend and teacher: Anthony lived in Port Orange and is a retired New York City firefighter. Raising 4 kids with his wife Liz, Anthony started Bikram Yoga about 4 years ago. He jokes and says raising 4 teens was enough to send his mind to the yoga furlough it needed! But in all seriousness the stress he felt after 9.1.1, the stiffness his body endured more and more everyday from the job and old sports injuries, he knew he needed to modify his routine to feel better. So his interest in Bikram Yoga was the healthy alternative he was convinced would help him-body, mind and soul. Within a month the transformation he had hoped for began to happen. He savored the benefits of Bikram Yoga so much that he attended the 9 week teacher training program in Hawaii in the Spring of 07, and believes in so many ways that he still helps save peoples' lives by teaching Bikram Yoga.

Bikram's Yoga College of India
492 N Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168    |    386.427.4848    |    info@bikramyogansb.com