About Our Team

Adi Westerman In 2000 a good friend took me to my first Bikram yoga class in Santa Cruz, Ca. I had never taken a yoga class and was really curious to find out what all the hype was about. I was terrified that I wouldn't fit in. I soon found out, however, that my fears were unnecessary. In fact, I quickly learned that yoga creates a union between the body and mind, so the only thing I needed to do to fit in was be myself. I grew up as a gymnast so I had a foundation that ensured my interest in health and wellness. I always had a passion for maintaining a connection to my physical body, however, time showed me that without a regular health practice, my limber young body would lose its resiliency. After years of struggling with self esteem and yo-yo dieting, I craved exercise that would not only work on my physical appearance, but more importantly, something that would heal psychological uncertainties.

After my first Bikram yoga class I knew I was in love. My usual roller coaster of emotions was slowly soothed by the constant reminder that in the yoga room, only you matter. The demanding nature of Bikram yoga did not allow for self doubt. I found that with persistence and repetition, this yoga was slowly transforming my body and my mind. After 4 years of regular practice, finding myself not only much more spiritually content, but also 35 lbs. lighter, I set out to complete the 9-week 500+ hr Bikram Yoga teacher training course. More and more layers were shed, ultimately allowing me to attain more confidence as a yogi, a friend, and a leader. From the moment I graduated from training, I set out to teach as much as possible and to travel to many studios in order to share this yoga with the world. I have taught in over 15 Bikram schools around the globe- from Hawaii to Israel to California and more! Being an artist, I have a great eye for detail and a thorough understanding of the human form. I am often able to see what people are capable of doing with their bodies, regardless of injury or body type, and empower them to go deeper in their practice. I love when students ask questions before and after class, and I look forward teaching you and as well as learning from you!

My most recent accomplishment is having my baby girl, Tahvia, on June 26, 2010. I continued practicing Bikram Yoga throughout my pregnancy using certain pregnancy modifications. It was a great way to stay healthy and in shape, and my body bounced back very quickly! If you have questions regarding pregnancy and Bikram Yoga feel free to email us.

Janet Horn, Owner

Janet Horn Within weeks of taking Bikram yoga an amazing shift happened in my life... I had come 'home' and once again discovered myself. I spent 22 years devoting my life to teaching ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, gymnastics, martial arts and musical theater to over 5,000 students which eventually left me injured, exhausted and burned out. I was over weight, had joint pain and needed knee surgeries. Two herniated discs, eating disorders and a poor immune system were taking their toll. In the midst of trying to help and encourage others I felt like a failure and a 'fake'... then Bikram Yoga saved my life! In 2005 I joined the family of nearly 4000 Bikram teachers worldwide and renewed my mission to help myself and others. Through sharing Bikram Yoga I hope to help everyone (regardless of age, sex, religion, size, shape or physical ability) who wants to peel off a layer, come back 'home' and truly experience a new life!

After graduating with a BFA in Theater Arts and Dance from East Carolina University, I spent 2 years in Japan and 20 years in Los Angeles teaching and implementing programs in over 35 schools and running two summer camp facilities. I founded, "Camp Planet Janet, Inc", a multicultural fine arts school for kids with multiple locations. I supervised a staff of 60, trained over 40 teachers and created mentorship and community service programs for teens which led me to receive 2 prestigious awards from the State of California in 1999 and 2000. My program allowed me to host orphans from 3rd world countries, and local homeless shelters. A grant from Garth Brooks helped me to teach yoga and dance to previously incarcerated women and at risk youth. I have facilitated 'Victory Over Violence' workshops and have continued to lead national Raising Our Children and Family conferences in Florida.

Since 2005, I have taught Bikram Yoga at 10 different studios and managed 3. A southern girl at heart, I am returning to my NC roots to fulfill my dream of opening my own Bikram studio where I can be close to my family and the mountains I love. My goal is to create a space where there is no judgment and everyone feels safe, warm, accepted and right at 'home'. Also to get those people who thought they would NEVER try yoga in a million years to just walk through our doors and be ready to sweat! In 2010 at age 48, I met the love of my life, got married and now have 5 step-kids and 5 step-grandkids! My husband loves Bikram Yoga and it helps us in all aspects of our lives.

Sean Heeney

Sean Heeny I came to the mountains of North Carolina on the Appalachian Trail. I took some time off from studying at the University of Wyoming to do a thru-hike from Georgia to Maine. The lush mountains and boisterous mountain community took me in. While I was on the trail I decided I wanted to take more responsibility for my life. I decided to learn to grow food, build houses and get more in touch with my health. Years later I had a degree in Agro ecology and a strong foundation in carpentry so I decided to focus on health. I went to study at East-West Healing Arts Institute in Madison Wisconsin where I graduated in massage with a strong introduction in eastern medicine. I started my Bikram practice during school and found more connection and understanding of the body through my practice than anything I had encountered in school. Bikram transformed my sore back and tight muscles into a vibrant being in one intense week of practice. My yoga practice engaged me fully in my health and spirit. I found with a regular practice that I was more alive, involved and connected, my focus was easier to maintain and my peace was nourished. I decided I wanted to share this amazing yoga with my community and friends. I love to give massage, I love to cook great food for people, and I really, really love to help people get in touch with their health and peace through their practice. Thank you for sharing this amazing yoga with me.

William Holler

William Holler Like my father and his father before him, I worked for railroads most of my life. For 11 years, as an engineer, I drove freight trains and metro liners on the North East Corridor.

Something was missing in my life and I left the railroads trying to find out what it was. I started working as a film grip and eventually became a television editor. I worked for Flite Three Recordings in Baltimore and Townhouse Post Production in Washington DC.

Still something was missing and I set off for the West Coast trying to find out. I was Sleepless in Seattle and even worked at the Inn at the Market featured in the same film.

Freelance editing wasn't paying the bills. So, it was back to American Railroads this time as a train dispatcher. This position took me from Seattle, to Texas, Chicago, Florida, and finally Huntington West Virginia.

In Florida I started taking cholesterol medication. Ah, the beginning of the old age cycle medications. Then other pills prescribed to counter the damaging effects of the first pill. A 20 year relationship came tumbling down and one could say I was hitting bottom: More medications please.

My friend Kate Mitchell in St. Augustine suggested Bikram Yoga. Breathing? I thought I knew how to breathe. I found myself lying in Savasana breathing through my mouth, my entire body shaking like an earthquake, and thinking this is it, I have really done it this time. I am going to die. There is no miracle for the likes of me. For months I was literally like a pogo stick trying to stand on one leg. I was bouncing everywhere except on my mat, but no one laughed at me. So each day I came back, maybe just because no one was judging me.

4 Years later I was transferred to Huntington WV; hands down one of the best places I have ever lived. But, West Virginia has no Bikram Studio yet. I realized, for life, I had to live close to a studio. Hello Asheville: the perfect place, the perfect time.

My new family doctor agrees I no longer need to take any medications. The disappointments of life have vanished. I have learned the best physician for my mind, body and spirit is right inside of me and the prescription is Bikram Yoga. Each day of practice I feel honored. I feel so lucky, so blessed to be in one room with people who all have decided to move forward. So, that is the story.

I came to a crossroad, saw the Bikram Road Sign, and took it. I found out balancing postures teach more than just how to balance on one leg. I'm not sure how or exactly when it happens but this yoga is teaching me how to balance my LIFE. 90 min. of torture for 90 years of good life: What a deal. For me, now at 62, I find Bikram Yoga has changed the direction of my life and that the something is no longer missing.

Camille Schiele

Camille Schiele Camille, an Asheville native, has taught Bikram Yoga since 2003. It was in 2001 while her mother was dying that her sister, who had practiced with Bikram in L.A. since the '80's, brought the book and tape with her so they could practice the series together while they took care of their mother. Practicing together not only kept them balanced but sparked something in Camille that she never knew existed in her. It changed her body, her mind and her life and she knew she had found what she was looking for all along. Going to teacher training was the obvious next step for her and has been teaching ever since. What she learned on a personal and emotional level while in training will be with her always.

Vivian Smith

Vivian Smith Since receiving my certification in 2007 I have been amazed and inspired by the shifts that have taken place both in myself and in the Bikram Asheville community. I feel so blessed to be a part of this transformational space. I became a student of this Yoga in the summer of 2001 in New York City. Within the first three months of practice I experienced a massive life shift. I was able to attribute my new found clarity and emotional well-being to both willingness and an unquestioning commitment to the structure of this 90 min. series. I had nothing to loose and everything to gain. Through the course of my years of practice I have reached Highs, lows and many plateaus, but have never lost faith in the transformational power of this yoga. The more I learn to step out of the way, and trust this lifetime process the better I can serve. Bikram has taught me how to give, has welcomed me into a strong lineage of yoga masters, and has taught me the experience of now. Peace is possible now- so lets get started.

Erin Porter

Erin Porter With the help of Bikram Hot Yoga, I was able to finally quit smoking and to alleviate migraines, allergies and knee pain, as well as rehab my shoulder after a high-impact road bicycle accident. Not to mention, how it continually heals and opens my heart.

I knew at the end of my first class that I had been missing something all of my life, something big, and I didn't know exactly what it was, but I knew I was onto something incredible and I wasn't going to let go. That something . . . is EVERYTHING. Everything that I want it to be or have in my life: better health, more peace, understanding and compassion for myself and others, discipline, patience, self-control, happiness, acceptance of myself and others and life in general, trust, faith, love, openness, playfulness, humbleness . . . There is no end to what the yoga is or can be . . .

I wanted to dig deeper into myself and to also share my love of this yoga and its healing benefits with others, so I went to teacher training in Fall 2007, despite the obstacles. I KNEW in my heart I had to do it, so I did, and I have never made a better decision! The practice is amazing, but teaching . . . teaching is the most amazing experience of my life, every single time I enter that room. I learn so much from myself and from all of you. I am continually humbled . . . and for that I am especially grateful.

Mary Broadwell

Mary Broadwell I started practicing yoga as a teenager in 1994 in a small room with space heaters in Soutfield, MI outside of Detroit. My teacher encouraged me to take the teacher training and so I went to LA for training in 1995. After training, I moved to Asheville. At that time there was no studio in Asheville so I was not able to teach. Eventually, I moved to Wilmington NC to study occupational therapy and moved back to my hometown outside of Detroit to work as a occupational therapy assistant. There, I was immersed again into the Bikram Yoga family and with the encouragement and support of the teachers and studio owners began teaching. I taught for three years in the Greater Detroit area at the Plymouth and Gross Pointe studios while also working as an occupational therapy assistant in a clinic for children with autism. After 3 years, my love for the mountains and the Asheville way of life pulled me back to Asheville in November 2009. I was excited to go to the Asheville Bikram Yoga studio and have felt welcomed by the beautiful yoga community here ever since. I started teaching in Asheville soon after moving back and also work at a group home for adults with autism and mental retardation. I feel truly blessed to have Bikram Yoga in my life. I believe that it is a lifelong practice that has always been there for me. It has been a constant safe place for me that has supported my health in body, mind and spirit throughout my life.

Lex Keklak

Lex Keklak After my first Bikram yoga class, I remember thinking, I want to do this every day for the rest of my life. I wish I could say that's exactly what I've done. I can't say I've taken class every day, but I can say that there is not a day that goes by that I'm not influenced by the lessons this yoga has taught me. At first the benefits I gained from my practice were purely physical, but as I continued I found that this yoga had infiltrated every aspect of my life. After graduating from college, I found myself in Los Angeles for teacher training. Since then I've taught at five studios in the Philadelphia area. Today I find myself in beautiful Asheville studying Chinese medicine and sharing my love for this yoga. It has kept me sane, built my self-confidence, given me the tools to overcome any obstacle, and introduced me to some of my greatest friends.

Booie Young

Booie Young Originally from Maine, I have a background in teaching French, traveling and snowboarding. One day in 2000 I fatefully walked into my first Bikram yoga class and never looked back. I loved it instantly. It transformed my life, and very quickly I decided to teach in order to share it with all of you. After years of running and aerobics (with my screw-loose mind and body), I found health, happiness and balance through yoga. I trained intensively in Los Angeles with Bikram later that year, and have been passionately teaching and practicing since. I love seeing people improve their lives through this amazing practice, and I believe strongly that ANYONE can do this yoga.

I took my first bikram Yoga class in 1999, while living in the Napa Valley.  I wore fleece leggings thinking, “How hot can this be... really?”  However overdressed, after that first class I knew I was hooked. I amazed at how quickly I was benefitting from the therapeutic effects of this yoga- Mind-Body- and Spirit.  The structure of the class and the unwavering guidance of my teacher, Kamika, was what I needed to bring some peace to my ‘out of control’ life.  I learned that my practice mirrors my life and the lessons are endless.  Although the yoga is always the same, I am different each time I walk into that room and there is more self realization  awaiting me if I am open to it.   As Bikram says, “Instead of blaming others for your own weakness, fear and depression, you will learn to take responsibility for your own life. You've got to face yourself in the mirror, every part you don't like, every mistake you make, every excuse your mind creates to limit your potential liberation--there's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. No escape from reality....”

I finally went to Teacher Training in the Fall of 2010 and have been privileged to teach at my home studio in Asheville as well as other studios around the country.  I look forward to a lifetime of teaching this yoga.  See you in the hot room!

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