JOE VOGT, Director

The teacher finds his roots in the tradition of Bishnu Gosh, the innovator of Hot Yoga and Bikram Choudhury, who brought this style of Yoga to the United States. Trained in 2003 by Bikram Choudhury, his training and practice are based on the 84 classic asanas that are the foundation of the Ghosh lineage.

Joe has been practicing Yoga since 1996, teaching since 2003 and opened his first Southern California School in 2005. His core teaching stems from his lineage in Calcutta.

Joe's unique style of teaching encourages students of all levels to reach their full potential. With a successful California school, and private instruction working with various rehabilitation centers throughout Southern California, Joe keeps busy.

"Postures strengthen and develop will and body. Physical and mental development are intertwined."
Bishnu Ghosh

BONNIE KNIGHT

An early career as a dancer and choreographer provided the original inspiration for Bonnie to become a yoga teacher. Her work with an international, nonprofit educational organization gave her hands-on experience of how movement can bridge cultural and language differences. Bonnie earned her degree in dance from the University of California, Irvine. She then continued with a professional career in performing, choreography and directing a company.

Bonnie made a successful transition to the business world centered in the health care industry. She committed 18 years to health care consulting and in executive positions with large managed care organizations and health care technology companies. Her last five companies became the underpinnings for WebMD which is widely recognized for its consumer internet portals and for its connectivity to the insurance and provider organizations in health care.

The influx of changes in health care gave Bonnie the opening to return to an early goal of studying Yoga. She completed the Bikram Teacher Training Program in 2002 and has been a teacher at Bikram studios in Long Beach, Costa Mesa, Anaheim Hills and Fullerton. Subsequent to her Bikram training she has also completed the Yoga Works Teacher Training program earning her certificate in 2006 and is a "Registered Yoga Teacher" through the accreditation body called Yoga Alliance. Additionally, in 2006 she completed the Yoga Studies Program through the University of California, Irvine, which is one of only two programs offered in a university setting in California, encompassing the study of yoga philosophy, sankrit language, experiential and subtle physiology, the yogic ancient vedic texts, and ayurveda.

In addition to teaching the Bikram practice Bonnie also teaches yoga classes for back care, pre and post natal care, basic Hatha Yoga and specialized classes for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Bonnie's passion for Yoga is best stated by the following; "I believe that yoga can be the voice of a person's soul, and has incredible potential to heal us and to improve our life".

ASAKO INOUE

Asako began practicing Bikram yoga in 2001, and has been enjoying a regular yoga practice every since.

For me, yoga is a great gift from God and has changed my life in beautiful ways. Through a regular yoga practice, I believe we will love ourselves more and we can share that love with others. Practice yoga and be happier; love and peace.

NICOLE RAMELOT

JANNA COLACO

Janna grew up in Manhattan Beach, California with a love of athletics,including gymnastics, tennis and open water surf racing. The late1970's found Janna touring the South Pacific as an international swimsuit competitor, finally landing in Central Australia where she renewed her love of gymnastics, this time as a coach.

As a lecturer at the Community College of Central Australia, Janna discovered the joy of inspiring and motivating others. Returning home to Southern California, she renewed her love of the water and ocean swimming, teaching aquatics, water aerobics and arthritis classes. Janna spent ten years with a major transformational organization as a lifestyle coach, championing others to reach their full potential.

"Discovering Bikram Yoga has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. It comprises everything I love, the movement, grace, fluidity and strength, both mentally, physically and spiritually. It's given me back the joy in movement I always loved, and I feel healthier, stronger and more centered now than ever before. Sharing this yoga with others is an honor and a privilege.

Janna is also a fine artist and painter, and lives in Anaheim Hills with her husband, Mike, and her four children, Max, Erica, Spencer and George.

"In the words of Bikram's guru, Bishnu Ghosh, "It's never too late, it's never too bad, and you're never too old or too sick to start from scratch once again."