Your Teachers
Your Teachers
Debbie Vojik, RN, MSN, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Owner, Baltimore Hot Yoga and Wellness
MSN-APRN (Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner), expected June 2025
M.S. Yoga Therapy, Maryland University of Integrative Health. (Certified – International Association of Yoga Therapists)
Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
American Council on Exercise Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Continuing Education Provider
Lead Instructor, BHYW 200 Hour and 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings
Lead Instructor, Core and Cardio HIIT Training
Debbie Vojik is a lifelong resident of Baltimore, a nurse, and a multi-disciplined yoga and fitness instructor. She’s been practicing yoga since 1999, hot yoga since 2005, and teaching since 2006. She opened Baltimore Hot Yoga and Wellness in 2012 (then Bikram Yoga Mid-Atlantic).
Since opening the studio, she has continued her commitment to growing as a teacher and building community. She completed a Masters in Yoga Therapy, and an additional Master’s Degree in Nursing in adult geriatric primary care.
Outside of the yoga studio, Debbie’s hobbies include gardening, reading, taking care of hospice dogs (or any dog for that matter), and hanging out with her husband, Doug.
Debbie’s full bio and trainings (there are many!) are below.
“I teach as a way to give back to the world. For me, teaching yoga is my way of contributing to the wellbeing of humanity. Over two decades of teaching, I have witnessed countless positive changes in students of yoga, including myself. I’m most happy when teaching and sharing yoga practice and philosophy, and I am committed to each student having the opportunity to experience the possibility of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.”
The Team
The Team
300 Hour Teacher Training, Bhakti Yogshala School, 2020
Yin Yoga Teacher Training , Bhakti Yogshala School, 2021
Inspired by nature, Najwa is a teacher and artist who embraces yoga as a way of life on and off the mat. Since beginning her practice in 2006, Najwa finds that yoga is simply fun. A class – taking one or leading one – makes everything feel better.
Najwa teaches Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys preparing simple, healthy, colorful foods.
“Yoga has helped me find my inner peace, helped me find my physical balance, and accept life.”
BHYW 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2020
Yoga 4 Cancer, 2020
BHYW 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2018
Yin Yoga with Bernie Clark, 2019
Inferno Hot Pilates Level 1 and 2, 2017
Jen came to BYHW during her recovery from breast cancer seeking intense physical exercise and heat. Quickly she discovered yin and restorative classes to heal both body and mind. Her teaching philosophy is inclusive – students of all body shapes, ages and abilities are supported and encouraged to move and evolve (and maybe laugh a little).
The present moment is the only place we can be. In her class you will be encouraged to live in the present and make the most of it!
Jen teaches 26&2, Hot Core & Cardio HIIT and Yin Yoga, and is a lead instructor in the Hot Core & Cardio training at BHYW.
BHYW 200 Hour Teacher Training, 2018
Baptiste Power Yoga Instructor
A medical doctor and researcher in the field of gastrointestinal diseases, Bob became interested in yoga after a trainee quipped that the senior doctors “all have neck and back issues because they don’t do yoga.” Having seen the effects of a long career using a microscope, Bob set out to give yoga a try.
Bob was drawn to vinyasa yoga because of the flowing movements that reminded him of his high school gymnastics practice. Four years and many classes later, he began teacher training at BHYW. Bob enjoys the satisfaction of teaching and guiding people to achieve better alignment and maybe – just maybe – enlightenment one day. Although spine health was what initially drew him to the practice, he came to realize the mental benefits of bringing yoga principles off the mat and into daily life.
“I believe the practice of medicine would benefit from more focus on mind and body, rather than just body. As a yoga ambassador to the world (or those who ask me about yoga) my message is: if you want to improve your health, you can’t just focus on your body. This is a principle of yoga.”
Bob teaches Vinyasa and Hot Vinyasa. His favorite organ is the liver.
ACE Group Fitness Instructor, 2023
SCW Life Coach, 2023
A retired teacher and curriculum specialist, Stacey began practicing at BHYW in 2020 after achieving a significant weight loss. She immediately fell in love with Hot Core & Cardio, Barre, and Yin Yoga. Her passion for fitness and experience as an educator (with a little nudge from Debbie), led her to become an instructor in 2023.
Whether leading Core & Cardio Barre or Strength, Stacey is dedicated to helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, and inspiring them to acheive more than they think they can.
Outside the studio, Stacey cherishes time with her husband (since 1989), three adult children and their significant others, and her dog. She loves cooking, baking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
“I want my students to enjoy moving! Movement is a gift! As we age, it is super important to be strong and healthy and take care of our bodies. I enjoy showing my students how fun and rewarding exercise can be!”
Stacey teaches Core & Cardio.
A lifestyle change brought Michelle to yoga, leading to years of consistent practice and eventually teaching. Michelle completed her teacher training with BHYW in 2023.
Outside of the studio, Michelle is…outside! You’ll find her enjoying all that nature has to offer.
Michelle teaches 26&2.
BHYW 200 Hour Training, 2018
Chair Yoga, Yoga Vista Training Academy, 2020
Yin Yoga with Josh Summers, 2019
Level II Reiki
After a 30 year corporate career in long-term care, Freddi retired and began to practice yoga. Throughout her life, she maintained a regular exercise routine but found the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga to be deeply satisfying and profound to body and soul.
Freddi hopes to motivate and encourage others, particularly older adults, to practice yoga for health and fitness. She believes that yoga is available in many forms to everyone, and it is never too late to start.
Freddi is a Maryland Master Naturalist and an avid birder. She uses nature themes and humor to create classes that are fun and challenging.
Freddi teaches Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Chair Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
Yoga Nidra Training. Optimal State, 2025
BHYW 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2020
Prenatal Yoga Training, Black Orchid Yoga, 2020
Jessie Keats Yin Training, 2017
Sterling Hot Yoga 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2016
Kamaria has been practicing yoga in-studio for 26 years, since her mom brought her to her first yoga class. Inspired by her practice, she started a yoga class at work and ended up teaching it. Two years later, she attended her first yoga teacher training. Since then, she has continued her yoga education with the 300 hour training at BHYW, prenatal and Yin trainings, and is now a yoga therapist through Optimal State Yoga Therapy.
“I always hope that students take away everything that they came to find in my classes. Everyone comes to their practice and will continue to practice at different places on the 8 limbs spectrum. As a teacher, I am consistently learning new things so that I can meet and encourage students where they are.”
Kamaria teaches 26&2, Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yin Yoga.
BHYW 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2020
Reiki Level II
Certified Nadi Ball Practitioner
Certified Roll Model™ Practitioner
Gail reluctantly took her first hot yoga class at BHYW in 2007, because she didn’t want to offend a family member who gave her a gift certificate. To her surprise, she was immediately hooked!
As she learned about non-heated yoga practices at BHYW, she began to enjoy those, too, enough to consider teaching. Gail was a member of BHYW’s first 200 hour training. When the 300 RYT was offered, she was very excited to become a student yet again, so that she could expand her knowledge.
Since obtaining her 500 RYT in 2020, Gail has been exploring fascial and myofascial release through the use of various size balls and techniques. She completed training in the Nadi Ball Method, and is a Certified Roll Model Method™ Practitioner.
Gail teaches Restorative Yoga, Restora-yin, Yin Yoga, Gentle Yoga, and Roll Stretch Strengthen.
Akasha Yoga Yin Certificate, 2016
After twelve years of faithful yoga practice, Niamh set off for teacher training in 2015 with Sterling Hot Yoga Works. Inspired by the therapeutic aspects of the practice, Niamh deepened her practice and training with further certification in yin yoga by Akasha Yoga. Niamh loves to share the healing benefits of yoga that she’s received!
Niamh teaches 26&2 and Hot Core & Cardio.
Seeking a compliment to a running and swimming regime, Emylee took her first in-studio class in 2009. While she enjoyed the practice, over serveral years she came to recognize it as much more than an athletic outlet.
For Emylee, teaching is an opportunity to serve and interact with others, and she loves that it provides the opportunity for endless learning.
Away from the studio Emylee enjoys spending time with her animal friends and being outdoors.
“I hope students leave having learned something new about their individual body and with a renewed awareness of the importance of the breath to wellbeing.”
Emylee teaches Yin Yoga.
BHYW 200 Hour Teacher Training, 2018
Inferno Hot Pilates Teacher Training, 2017
Certified Nutritional Advisor
ACE Aqua Certification
Barre Certification
Schwinn cycling certification
Randie took her first yoga class in 2001 and loved it. She spent the next classes she attended giggling in the back with a friend, not realizing that this isn’t how most people do yoga!
After a break from yoga, during which she tried lots of other physical exercises, she found BHYW through Groupon. After those first ten classes in 2013, she noticed that she was feeling different and looking forward to every practice.
When Inferno Hot Pilates (now Hot Core & Cardio HIIT) came along in November 2016, Randie was immediately hooked. Finally, a class where she could laugh, giggle, and be loud! She knew after the second class that she would one day teach. And, after teaching Hot Core & Cardio HIIT, she embarked on the 200 hour yoga teaching training and BHYW as well.
Randie teaches BOSS Yoga, Core & Cardio, Restorative Yoga, Restora-yin, and Yin Yoga.
“I would not be the person I am right now if not for this amazing studio and staff.”
Yoga 200 Hour Teacher Training, M-Power, 2018
Kiyoko began practicing yoga in 2002, when she began her first job in the U.S. At that time, she practiced yoga asana as physical exercise After an on-and-off practice, she established a regular yoga practice to help with a challenging life transition. Yoga became a moving meditation and she credits yoga with infusing her life with well-being.
Kiyoko is enthusiastic about sharing the benefits of her practice. She teaches Hot Vinyasa and Slow Flow Vinyasa.
Bonnie came to BHYW through her work as a NICU nurse with Debbie. She’d been practicing yoga for years and wanted to teach to help people learn to use what they experience in yoga classes in their day-to-day lives.
In addition to teaching yoga, Bonnie has taught fitness classes for over 20 years. Outside of yoga, she enjoys running and playing golf.
Bonnie teaches BOSS Yoga and Hot Vinyasa.
“The more I teach, watch, and listen to others, the more I want to learn. I want people to live long and healthy lives! As a nurse, I enjoy taking care of people and helping them. I want to help people feel better about themselves from the inside out, to enjoy themselves, and feel better about themselves.”
“I discovered BHYW in 2018 when I attended a Hot Core and Cardio class. I was looking for a workout alternative to the traditional weight and cardio machines at the gym, and I was immediately hooked. In 2020, I began practicing Yin Yoga and soon recognized the balance and significance of incorporating both Yin and Yang practices into my routine.
After several years of dedicated practice, I started teaching Yin Yoga in 2022 and Hot Core and Cardio in 2024. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the joy on my students’ faces when they successfully engage in their workouts or develop a deeper mind-body connection.
Outside of my fitness pursuits at BHYW, I love spending time biking, kayaking, and hiking with my sweet Labrador Retriever pup, Winston.”
Terri teaches Yin Yoga and Hot Core & Cardio.
GFX, Barre Above, Les Mills & Cycle Formats, Animal Flow
Jules’ yoga journey began as a college elective in 1983. She began practicing consistently since 2010, and loves teaching Vinyasa because she finds it to be a versatile and well-rounded practice, with many options for students.
Outside of the studio Jules can be found hiking with her dog, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and riding her bike in the woods.
Jules teaches BOSS Yoga and Hot Vinyasa.
BHYW 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2018
MIXXFIT Instructor Training with Donette Edmonds, 2019
Monique first came to Baltimore Hot Yoga & Wellness after receiving a Groupon for hot yoga classes from her best friend. She (reluctantly!) showed up for class and found herself so intrigued and challenged by the 26 & 2 sequence that she knew she had to come back for more. Years later, she signed up for the first teacher training offered by BHYW, to deepen her understanding of anatomy and to continue her yoga learning journey.
In her free time, Monique practices Dragon’s Way Qigong, assembles 1,000-piece puzzles, attends live music concerts, dances with flags/banners at places of worship, and looks for travel destinations where she be near the water, in the sun, and on a zipline.
Monique teaches BOSS Yoga, Hot Vinyasa and Hot Core & Cardio.
“While in my classes, I hope students experience an overflow of freedom, focus, and fun so that they have more than enough to sustain them beyond the moments they get off their mats and walk out the door.”
Ayurvedic Nutrition Certification, My Vinyasa Practice, 2024
Nearly twenty years ago, Amanda was persuaded to attend a Bikram yoga class by one of her college dance students. Although initially reluctant, she found it to be such a valuable practice for her in so many ways that she stuck with it – for decades! – and completed her teacher training at BHYW in 2023.
When she’s not teaching or practicing yoga, Amanda enjoys gardening, traveling, hiking, and golfing.
Amanda’s hope for her students is that they achieve peace and well-being, community, and comfort in their practice.
Amanda teaches 26&2.
Nadi Ball Method training with Sytera Yoga, 2022
BHYW 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2020
Sterling Hot Yoga Works 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 2016
Yin Yoga Certification with Bernie Clark, 2019
Buti Yoga training, 2018
Soul Body Barre, 2017
“My journey with yoga began with a focus on its physical benefits—building strength and flexibility. Over time, I discovered the deeper rewards: a clear, focused mind and a practice that fosters healing. I’ve been practicing yoga for 15 years, and my teacher training was an opportunity to delve into yoga anatomy and philosophy. I chose to teach because it allows me to continue my own learning journey.
Teaching yoga is a passion for me because I learn something new every day, and I love sharing this knowledge with others. The benefits of yoga—physically, mentally, and emotionally—are transformative, and it’s inspiring to witness my students grow through the practice. They motivate me to continue learning and to share the wisdom of this ancient philosophy.
When I’m not in the studio, you can find me cooking, traveling, scuba diving, practicing yoga at home, or spending time with my family between downtown Baltimore, farm life in Pennsylvania, New York City, and my hometown in Puerto Rico.
In my classes, I hope to inspire students to approach yoga with curiosity, exploring all aspects of themselves—physical, energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual—at every level.”
Gladys teaches 26&2, Hot Core & Cardio, Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Restora-yin, and Yin Yoga.
Charm City Yoga 200 Hour Training, 2008
Mindfulness Meditation Instructor Training, 2025
Certified Hypnotist
Level II Reiki
Alongside Debbie, Lauren co-founded the BHYW 200 hour and 300 hour teacher training programs, and co-led the trainings from 2018 to 2023. During that time, she also contributed to the Hot Core & Cardio training program.
Now on sabbatical from teaching, Lauren continues her dedication to study and practice, applying her knowledge and experience to owning and running a business and supporting other solo business owners.
Lauren taught all class styles and formats and BHYW and will continue to contribute to the yoga teacher training program. She also designed and maintains the BHYW website.