Our 105Family
Meet the talented individuals who lead your classes and help mold 105F into your favorite yoga, pilates, and wellness studio.
Meet the talented individuals who lead your classes and help mold 105F into your favorite yoga, pilates, and wellness studio.
Diana Benoist
Owner + Director
Diana has practiced yoga, pilates and barre for decades. She believes that self-care, mindfulness and physical wellness are the key to maintaining her health, happiness and balance. When first visiting 105F, she was immediately drawn to the passionate instructors, the welcoming community and the challenging (but SO rewarding!) hot classes. After 22 years of working in public education as an English teacher and high school counselor, Diana and her husband, Matt, purchased 105F in March 2023. She feels privileged to serve the beautiful humans of 105F, and work alongside the very best teachers and managers to ensure that the community can continue to welcome those looking to challenge their bodies and calm their minds.
Angie Goreta
Manager
From her very first class many years ago, Angie was hooked on hot yoga. Physically happy. Mentally happy. Totally humbled. Wholly rewarded. Inferno Hot Pilates brought these positive feelings to the next level! It affords her not only strength in body, but strength in connections with fellow students. Every class is a joy. Seeing how hard others work motivates her. The laughter and encouragement shared is priceless. Angie serves as both the friendly face at the Front Desk and the invisible hand behind the scenes. She finds deep satisfaction in being part of a team that practices what it preaches.
Aura Dukynaite
Manager + Instructor
In 2008, Aura began practicing yoga, and it gave her the tough love she needed. Yoga served as a mirror, and forced her to reevaluate her life, her habits and her interests. The challenge made her grow stronger, and endure some incredibly challenging times. Grateful for her practice and her path, Aura knew within a year that she wanted to teach and share this beautiful way with others. She attended teacher training in Los Angeles in 2011. Ever since, Aura has taught full-time and practiced regularly. She remains vigilant for ways to deepen her understanding of the practice, including studies of body mechanics through Thai massage, regular attendance in seminars, and participation in the regional and national yoga asana championships.
Jon Sulik
Manager + Instructor
In 2005, Jon’s sister took him to his first class at 105F - Wicker Park. After a humbling 90 minutes (and after sitting out more than half the class), he had no idea what hit him. Roughly one year later, he made it in for his second class. Having just transitioned from a very physical to a very sedentary line of work, Jon noticed the class called for the hard work and sweat he’d been associating with useful endeavors. He couldn’t get enough! Gradually, the daily jolt of vitality led to a deeper awareness of how the body works, and an understanding of how habits can affect his practice. After moving and changing jobs, the yoga stuck. No matter where he traveled all over the world, there was always a 26 + 2 studio to go to — each with qualities both unique and universal. Jon attended teacher training, and soon thereafter, trained competitively to refine posture mechanics and a sense of the broader virtues: stillness, breath, economy of movement, self-acceptance, and through all of those things, self-actualization.
Katie McWethy
Manager
Katie began practicing hot yoga during the summer of 2006 while attending graduate school in Italy, and has never looked back! She completed the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in 2008, then expanded her yoga education by becoming a 200-HR Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) through Yoga Alliance in 2012. Katie finds most of her inspiration and energy from interacting with her students. She strives to find a balance of focus and humor in all of her classes — after all, if you're coming to hot yoga, you should have fun! In addition, she approaches teaching with a emphasis on technique and alignment so that the yoga can be accessible to ALL practitioners, regardless of skill or experience. Katie also has 2 little kids, and enjoys keeping in touch with the 105Family by serving all of their customer service and memberships needs!
Kelsey Jacobson
Manager + Instructor
Kelsey first stepped into a hot yoga studio in 2009 during a snowy winter in Reno, Nevada. As a stressed-out college student and musician, she was amazed at how physically and mentally intense this 90-minute hot yoga practice could be! Who knew you could sweat so much and feel SO GOOD?! To complement the intensity of her hot yoga practice, Kelsey certified to teach Inferno Hot Pilates in her hometown of Sacramento in 2015. She found a home at 105F, and with encouragement from her Chicago yoga family and inspiration to give back to this community, she completed the 105F Teacher Training in 2017. Kelsey deeply values the information she’s able to share with her yoga and pilates students, helping them connect to their bodies and show up as their best selves — always having a little fun along the way!
Kiara Heller-Kess
Manager + Instructor
Kiara was first introduced to hot yoga in 2017. She really appreciated all of the benefits that come from practicing asana in high temperatures. Finding herself at 105F, Kiara fell in love with the 26 + 2 series after practicing vinyasa-based yoga for 5 years. In April of 2023, Kiara attended the 105F Teacher Training in Bali. Since then, Kiara has been teaching the 26 + 2 series, and plans to continue her education with the practice and other areas of yoga.
Kiley Enmark
Manager + Instructor
Competitive soccer player, business woman, burrito eater, world traveler, Precious Moments collector, wakeboarder, friendship bracelet maker, rap video dancer, marathon runner, yogi. The A-ha! moment flashed in 2010 when the front desk staff at The Westin Indianapolis congratulated then-consultant Kiley on her 365th overnight stay. "I have stayed one year of my life in your hotel?" she cried into her complimentary bottle of Prosecco, then decided it was time to make a change. Practicing hot yoga had lifted her mind, body and spirit, so she attended Teacher Training in the spring of 2011. One year later, Kiley bid adieu to her corporate grind for full-time hot yoga teaching. She warmed-up the adventure in 2014 by teaching hot yoga throughout Australia and Asia. She set the flames to the max in 2018 when she certified to teach Inferno Hot Pilates. When not teaching class or giving hugs, she deploys her consultancy expertise to organize the 105F teacher trainings, retreats and special events.
Sarah Thompson
Manager + Instructor
Sarah is a life-long Chicago girl, and has 3 kids, a pup and cat. She took her first yoga class in 2012 (with Mike at Wicker Park!) as what she thought might be a way to get in shape after having a baby. She was immediately hooked! Yoga has come to mean so much more to her than just exercise, and she uses it in every area of her life. She has grown so much stronger and healed so much through her practice. Sarah completed teacher training in 2020, and placed 11th at the 2021 USA Yoga Championship. Sarah is delighted to help others experience the same benefits she’s found practicing yoga.
Abby
Instructor
Sarah took her first yoga class in 2010 when her then-boss brought her to a 105F class. She thought everyone in their tiny shorts and sports bras was absolutely crazy, but was immediately inspired and hooked by the self-discipline and growth in that same hot room. In 2016, Sarah completed the 105F Teacher Training in Costa Rica, and has also trained in Yin Yoga with Dar Vander Hoop at Ebb + Flow Yoga in Chicago. Sarah’s advice for new students is pretty simple: “It’s yoga. Have fun, take a nap if you want, and try again tomorrow." Outside of the yoga studio, she works full-time in corporate retail operations and store design. Sarah also loves interior design, art museums, DIY home projects, reading, traveling the world, watching scary movies, and spending quality time with friends.
Anna
Instructor
Anna has been practicing the 26+2 series since 2006, and attended the 105F Teacher Training in 2016 in Costa Rica. Anna was first attracted to the consistency of and possibilities within the postures; but it’s her fellow yogis, mindful teachers and welcoming 105F community that keeps her coming back. She had long-desired to share the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual impact yoga had on her with others. As a teacher, Anna strives to facilitate a class where her fellow yogis have space and autonomy for self-growth, as well as an opportunity to expand, grow and connect deeper with their practice.
Ashleigh
Instructor
Ashleigh graduated from Indiana University’s dance program, and was looking for ways to stay conditioned while preparing for auditions and dancing with a modern dance company in Indianapolis. After a dance professor recommended a local hot yoga and pilates studio, Ashleigh was hooked from her first class. She became certified in both Level I Inferno Hot Pilates and Vinyasa yoga shortly after. From there, she moved and taught IHP at studios in Scottsdale, Arizona. When life brought her to Chicago (her favorite city of them all so far), she knew this was more than just a job, and wanted to further her passion for movement even more. Ashleigh then obtained her Level II Inferno Hot Pilates weights certification in the spring of 2022. Ashleigh has enrolled in grad school to earn a Masters in Dance Movement Therapy. She is so happy to be teaching and taking Inferno Hot Pilates at 105F, and loves the mental barriers she breaks through in every class, reminding students in all her classes that movement is a gift! In her free time, she enjoys sailing through the Chicago Yacht Club, rooting for Big Ten football with her dad, taking long walks and trying new restaurants around the city.
Audrey
Instructor
Audrey is a lover of movement, people, community and learning. She has a background in Psychology, and attended the 105F Teacher Training. Audrey took her first hot 26 + 2 class in 2009 in Milwaukee, and loved it! When her daughter moved to Chicago for college, she decided to find a local studio to take class at when she visited — 105F was it! The teachers were amazing and the atmosphere was great. One day, she came in for class at Lincoln Park, and saw a colorful chalk drawing announcing the 2023 Teacher Training in Bali. The rest is history. Audrey teaches regularly in Milwaukee, and comes to Chicago to teach on weekends whenever possible. Out of the studio you'll find her running, hiking, camping, traveling or spending time with her daughter, family and friends.
Briza
Instructor
As a young adult, Briza stumbled upon the transformative power of Hot Pilates while attending a fitness studio in Sacramento, CA. Captivated by its mental and physical benefits, she quickly became a regular. Before relocating to Chicago, she decided to deepen her connection to the practice by becoming a certified instructor. Upon arriving to Chicago, Briza's search for a new studio led her to 105F. She finds great fulfillment in sharing the foundational principles of Pilates with her community and infusing each class with a fire playlist! Outside of the hot room, Briza loves trying new restaurants and chilling by the beach. Above all, she values her role as a mother, and strives to be the best version of herself for her daughter.
Carey
Instructor
When Carey took his first 26 + 2 class in September 2004 at the Wicker Park studio, he encountered a poster daring him to “take the Bikram yoga challenge.” Nine weeks later, he had completed the challenge of 54 classes (six classes per week!) and was hooked. Carey went to training in 2006, and since then has been teaching 26 + 2, Yin and Yoga Nidra around the world. When not in the hot room, Carey teaches film, theater and experimental writing at Columbia College Chicago. He also works as a private writing consultant for yourscriptguru.com. As a yogi and a writer, Carey facilitates connecting to one’s personal story while also shedding light upon alternative solutions to the larger narratives of culture.
Casey
Instructor
Casey has found that the regular practice of joyful, focused, deliberate movement makes life better in every possible way. In 2009, she took her first 26 + 2 class at 105F as a complement to marathon training. Over the years, her relationship with yoga has evolved from a means of disciplining her body into a means of cultivating a deeper kind of well-being. Casey has been teaching Vinyasa since 2018 and Inferno Hot Pilates since 2019. She also holds a PhD in Literature from Northwestern University. Her background as a professor of Spanish and a bookworm with an interest in philosophy informs her teaching style. Casey offers cheerfully calm, simple and straightforward guidance, leaving plenty of room for each student to pursue their own unique wellness journey. 105F has been a constant through many, many life changes, and Casey is infinitely grateful to our warm, authentic community of teachers and students.
Colleen
Sales Associate + Instructor
Dave
Instructor
Dave first came to hot yoga in the fall 2012. After a few days of wondering why anyone would do this to themselves more than once, he came back for second class, and has been practicing ever since. His yoga journey changed in 2020 when he went on his first retreat with 105F. He found himself utterly transformed by the experience of intensifying his practice, and truly connecting for the first time with the community around him. This, combined with his propensity for public service, enticed him to dive deeper and learn more. Dave completed the 105F 26+2 Hot Yoga Teacher Training in 2023 in Bali, and he is elated to share the life-altering effects of yoga with others.
Dylan
Sales Associate
Front Desk staff member, Dylan, also works as a labor & delivery nurse with a background in public health. She loves to spend her free time outside running and bike riding. She’s interested in all things fitness, health and traveling. Currently, her favorite class is Inferno Hot Pilates — which she hopes to get certified to teach in the future!
Dustin
Instructor
Dustin completed the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand in spring 2015, where he was named valedictorian. He has 500+ hours of certification in Hatha/Vinyasa training. He traveled and taught all over the world for four years, and was the 2019 USA Yoga National Champion. The only honest answer to the question of how long he has been teaching/practicing yoga is "not long enough." It's one of the many things that keeps him in love with and passionate about what he does — the revelations are constant and unending. He credits his yoga practice with saving his life after a near-fatal bike accident in 2013, and as such, he teaches from a place of love, compassion and curiosity.
Elizabeth
Instructor
Elizabeth was introduced to yoga in 2003, and experienced immediate physical and mental benefits. Practicing on her own and dropping into multiple studios felt unfulfilling. It wasn’t until a close friend recommended taking class at 105F that she found a style of instruction and a posture series that fostered a regular and disciplined practice. She fell in love with the Original 90 class, and with the extraordinary peace of mind, sense of calm, and increased strength and physical well-being that resulted from regular practice. Elizabeth completed yoga teacher training in 2013, and has been teaching ever since. She is a native New Yorker, and is also an actor. She finds that a regular yoga practice is an invaluable tool for increasing her capacity to be aware and alive in her body, and to stay focused and present on stage. Elizabeth’s favorite aspect of teaching is the inclusivity of the practice and of the 105F yoga community.
Emily
Instructor
Emily was a classically trained ballerina for 13 years, and she brings her discipline and body awareness to her yoga practice. She began practicing hot yoga while at Michigan State University as a way to heal and reconnect with her body and mental health. It wasn’t long after she started that she realized the amazing benefits of yoga. Inspired to share those benefits with others, Emily worked to get certified as a yoga teacher before graduating. Since then, she has taken that love and drive to Chicago where she currently splits her time between her career as a marketing professional and a yoga practitioner. As a teacher, Emily strives to share her passion and excitement while empowering her students each class.
Emma
Instructor
Galen
Instructor
Grace
Sales Associate
Grace is a front desk staff member, who is not yet certified to teach yoga, but she hopes to one day take that leap! She is a physical therapy graduate student who loves to talk and learn about all forms of exercise. Currently, her favorite 105F classes are Inferno Hot Pilates and Hot Vinyasa.
Jenn
Instructor
Jenn has a BA in Physical Education and Dance, as well as an MA in Psychology. She has been immersed in the hot yoga practice since 2013, and earned her Yoga Certification in 2016. She recently co-created a course called Mind and Body Fitness at Oak Park and River Forest High School, where she has been teaching yoga, wellness, dance and swim classes for the past 16 years. Jenn believes in cultivating a positive community within the class setting — there is always something to explore through a lens of curiosity when you come to your mat, both mentally and physically. Authenticity is honored and valued! YOU are worthy!
Jim
Instructor
Jim believes that everyone can live a healthy and happy life. He began practicing Bikram yoga while living in New York City in 2001. It wasn't love at first sight — he struggled with quieting his mind, the heat and the staying-still part. Jim gave Bikram Yoga another shot the following winter when the heat and hot water went out in his NYC apartment. He hasn't looked back. At the time, long stressful hours as a CPA created neck and shoulder pain that hot yoga relieved. Jim evolved his yoga practice and finally decided to attend Teacher Training in Las Vegas in 2010. He strongly believes that hot yoga is an ideal way to relieve stress and nurture the body.
John
Founder + Instructor
A yogi known for spellbinding instruction in the hot room and friendly chats at the Front Desk, John shines his light at all three studios. He wonders what you would do if you could do all you could, and reckons the 105F way should free you to could and inspire you to would.
Julián
Instructor
Karina
Instructor
In the last decade, Karina has completed specialized training in various types of yoga, pilates, spinning and strength-training. She has always had a strong passion for fitness, but Karina realized that her life’s calling is yoga, and has immersed herself in her wide-ranging yoga practice. She has received 1,300+ hours of training certifications representing her commitment to deepening her understanding of yoga philosophy, principles and techniques. Karina understands the importance of proper alignment, breath control and mindful movement. Her classes are thoughtfully designed to challenge and inspire her students, while also cultivating a sense of inner peace and balance. Karina seeks to empower students of all levels safely and effectively, confidently guiding and providing modifications tailored to everyone needs and abilities.
Kathy
Instructor
After several years of regular practice in early-morning classes, Kathy attended the first 105F Teacher Training in 2016. Her favorite class to teach and to take is the Original 90. She loves the opportunity to "push" herself a little bit in the second set, especially in Standing Head-to-Knee pose — her favorite! Off the mat and out of the heat, Kathy enjoys pottery classes.
Kimberly
Instructor
Kim found 26 + 2 hot yoga in 2007 while living in Portland, Oregon. Growing up as a dancer, Kim wanted to regain some of the flexibility she had lost. At times, Kim was frustrated by her lack of ability to reach the "full expression" of a posture until her teacher told her, “a millimeter is a miracle.” Kim describes her practice as “consistently, inconsistent” with long breaks over time, but knowing she can always come back, the practice will be there for her, and will be the same. In 2022, wanting to share her love of the practice with the 105F community, Kim attended the 105F Teacher Training. Kim regularly teaches the 6:00am classes, and truly believes it is the best way to start the day! Kim wants everyone to feel welcome in her classes and know that showing up is something to be proud of!
Kristen
Instructor
After years of a near-daily hot yoga practice, Kristen certified to teach in 2016 at the 105F Teacher Training in Costa Rica. She went on to complete both Inferno Hot Pilates Level I and Level II trainings in 2018 and 2019. Kristen hopes to make all of her students feel encouraged and welcomed, no matter where they are on their yoga or hot pilates journey. Outside of the hot room, Kristen is an actor, a real estate agent, and a personal fitness instructor with a love for interior design and her cat, Finn.
Lauren L.
Instructor
When Lauren first stepped into a hot yoga studio, she fell in love with the great relief from anxiety that came after a challenging class and rewarding sweat. Ever since, she has fallen deeper in love with the study of yoga, and has become passionate about helping others find lightness and joy on the mat. Lauren completed her Hot Vinyasa teacher training in East Lansing, MI during spring 2023. She teaches her students to get out of their heads and into their bodies using music to encourage the natural groove and flow within every body. She believes that each class should be about the needs of her students, so don’t be afraid to make requests in class — from song requests to areas of stress that need relief to favorite poses. Lauren has found a warm and welcoming community at 105F, and is grateful to continue learning and growing alongside her students and fellow teachers.
Lauren M.
Instructor
Lauren punctuated her first 105F class with the thought: “No way! These people are crazy! I can't stand the heat and I'm never doing this again." Years later, she found herself back in the studio with a new thought, to “force” herself into a regular practice, and thereby, boost her mood and clear her mind. It worked! When 105F started offering Inferno Hot Pilates, Lauren once again thought, “Not for me.” As a dancer, she'd always experienced traditional pilates as one of those necessary evils that “felt like exercise.” But the 2018 Planksgiving Challenge sparked another epiphany. In 2019, she attended the first IHP training held at 105F. Now a student and a teacher, Lauren recognizes that one's “best” differs each day. She encourages herself and others to go beyond what they know they can do, and draw new powers to the surface.
Logan
Instructor
Logan attended her first hot yoga class out of curiosity. Twelve years later, the 26 + 2 still continues to teach and challenge her. The practice of yoga has transformed her into a better person toward the people she loves, and has taught her how to love and care for herself. Passing this gift of a better life and better self on to her students and fellow yogis is an honor. Logan is an advocate of self-discipline and consistent practice. She is forever grateful to her yoga community for encouraging these virtues.
Marc
Instructor
One weekend during his second winter in Chicago, Marc googled "hot yoga studios near me," thinking it might be a good way to get warm and get more exercise, and read positive reviews about a studio called “105F.” He loved the challenge of that first class, and found it was a good stress reliever, so he kept going back. After going about once-a-week for a year, he joined one of their yoga retreats. AND after doing hot yoga every day for a week for the first time, he came back feeling amazing mentally, emotionally and physically. He started taking classes more regularly, and a year after that — inspired by all the things the yoga was doing for him — he attended the 105F Teacher Training. Yoga has become an important part of Marc's life, and he continues to practice and teach at 105F. Marc tries to teach classes from a centered, nonjudgmental place where people can work hard while staying calm and grounded within that hard work.
Meg
Instructor
Mia
Instructor
Since the age of 15, Mia has been influenced by yoga. Mia’s practice began in 2011 at 105F - South Loop. As a way to spend more quality time with one another Mia, her older sister and their mother started practicing together. Since then, Mia knew she wanted to learn more about the practice, the philosophy, the teachings and everything in between! Fresh out of high school, Mia attended her 9-week teacher training in Los Angeles. Naturally a shy girl, it took Mia some time to feel comfortable on the podium, but that didn’t stop her! She would eventually move to New Orleans in 2016 to start her teaching career, and has been going strong ever since. It was also in New Orleans where she discovered the balancing practice of Yin Yoga. She will tell you herself, “I knew nothing about yoga, meditation.. or even LIFE, until Yin was brought to my life!” And by 2018 she would travel to Virginia to attend her first Yin teacher training. To Mia, yoga will always be a source of light. Mia’s style of teaching focuses on remaining in the present moment, building self awareness, and applying your best effort — whatever that may be for the day!
Mike
Founder + Instructor
Hailing from Indiana with deep Hoosier roots, 105F co-founder, Mike brings an insightful approach to teaching yoga. From studying finance at Notre Dame and on to Navy logistics, his professional trajectory as a commercial banker was happily rerouted by attending teacher training and opening the first 105F facility in 2001 with co-founder, John Marcoux. After 20+ years as a hot yoga teacher and 4+ years teaching hot pilates, Mike's informational classes reflect his focus on explaining the finer points of each posture's expression and benefits. Mike is also passionate about spending time with family, real property investments, and is a registered broker in Indiana.
Miryana
Instructor
Miryana’s yoga journey began in 2000 on a visit with her sister at Penn State. She took a class in a yoga room heated only by a space heater. She couldn’t figure out why she felt so good both physically and mentally, and was determined to find this yoga at home. She discovered a hot yoga studio, and noticed herself having to lie down more than ever before, as this time it wasn’t just a space heater heating the room. Shortly afterward, she discovered the newly opened 105F-Wicker Park, and was welcomed by the extreme love and graciousness that 105F bestows upon their students. In 2005, she became certified to teach the 26 + 2 series. Her "home studio," and favorite spot in the world, is still the Wicker Park location. That is where she met the love of her life, Aaron. They live in Oak Park where they continue to renovate their home, and spend as much time with their two daughters as they can. Miryana continues to teach from a place of love, patience and gratitude, which is what 105F has always shown her.
Mollie
Instructor
Mollie’s short attention span had dampened any spark of excitement for yoga. It took peer pressure from her best friend to propel her into her first 90-minute hot yoga class. She was hooked. After practicing consistently for 2 years, the immersive, 105F Teacher Training became a dream out of reach as she was a full-time art teacher in public schools. When she stepped back from teaching art to pursue her painting career, it also turned out to be the perfect time to attend the 105F Teacher Training in 2019 in Ormond Beach, Florida. Mollie loves providing a peaceful space, and encouraging yogis to challenge themselves.
Nicole C.
Instructor
While visiting her best friend over Christmas break in 2001, Nicole attended her first hot yoga class in San Francisco. When she returned to Chicago, she visited the newly opened 105F-Wicker Park, and realized it as a place where she would be spending a lot of time. Nicole’s many years of practice includes preparing for and participating in 9 Illinois Asana Championships and 4 USA National Asana Championships. She attended the first 105F Teacher Training in May 2016. A big believer in continuing education, Nicole certified to teach Inferno Hot Pilates in 2018. She emphasizes the virtues of consistent practice, and truly enjoys sharing with and learning from her students. She also teaches yoga as a physical education teacher to middle and high school students.
Nicole H.
Instructor
Nicole started practicing Bikram Yoga in 2008 while she was in graduate school for Opera Performance. She found that yoga offered her a connection between her body and her breath that was incredibly helpful for her singing. Over the years, she stopped going to class from time-to-time, but always felt the pull of the hot room and she would find herself back in the heat before too long. Around 2014, she realized that a regular practice made her feel more like herself, both mentally and physically. Since then she has worked on making her practice a priority. Nicole attended the 105F Teacher Training in the fall of 2017 in Chicago. Nicole also teaches private voice and piano lessons. She feels that teaching is an important part of who she is and she thrives on finding ways to explain difficult concepts in easy to understand terms.
Nikki
Instructor
Octavia
Instructor
In 2001, Octavia discovered her passion for yoga following a C-section delivery of her twins. To recover from her post-surgery muscle limitations, Octavia took her first hot yoga class and was hooked. In 2016, Octavia enrolled in the 105F Teacher Training. Today, Octavia shares her passion for yoga with the goal of helping individuals begin and explore self-maintenance practices rooted in yoga philosophies.
Rebecca
Instructor
Sarah P.
Instructor
In 2005, as Sarah unpacked boxes in her college dorm, she was surprised to find her mom’s yoga mat among her things. Sarah was inspired by her mother’s and grandmother’s dedication to their own practices. After moving to Chicago in 2010, Sarah's search for a new studio landed her in a 90-min 26 + 2 class. From her first class, she felt the immediate benefits of the postures and heat, adopting a consistent practice. More than a decade later, amid the Covid-19 pandemic and a lot of uncertainty, Sarah decided to complete the 105F Teacher Training in 2021. Sarah hopes to create an open space for students to explore and learn more about themselves and inspire them to bring yoga into their daily lives.
Sarah St.
Instructor
Sarah S.
Instructor
In 2013, a friend suggested trying hot yoga as a way to complement her marathon training, and Sarah didn’t know what to expect… After her first class, she was certain she had found something special! Upon moving to the Lincoln Park neighborhood, she discovered 105F, and immediately found the community that she wanted to be a part of. After the life-changing event of losing her mother, she needed to heal, and yoga was the gateway to finding happiness and peace. She decided to take the leap and commit to the 105F Teacher Training in 2023 in Bali, Indonesia. She officially began teaching at 105F in April 2023 with a dedication to sharing her love of the practice with students like herself — those searching for a deeper understanding of yoga, meditation and an overall healthier, happier lifestyle.
Siobhán
Instructor
Siobhán discovered yoga at age 5 when she stumbled upon the PBS program “Lilias, Yoga and You” after an episode of Sesame Street, and quickly became hooked on the TV show that inspired her to move, not just sit and watch. As Siobhán got older, she got involved in various forms of dance — hula being her personal favorite. It was as a dancer, she was introduced to the conditioning techniques of pilates. Following the birth of her twin sons, Siobhán found comfort on her mat. At her neighborhood hot yoga studio, Siobhán made it her mission to heal and rebuilt her core, physical strength, endurance and mental state. Blown away by the results, Siobhán was inspired to help others, and wanted to have a positive impact on others the way these classes had on her. Siobhán quickly got a Level I IHP certification, and promptly began teaching nonstop. She then earned Level II IHP and Baron Baptiste Journey into Power Yoga-Level I certifications, as well as, the East River Pilates Mat and Anatomy course. Most recently she became a certified health + wellness coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Stacy
Instructor
After years of trying various styles of yoga, Stacy stumbled into a Bikram class in 2011. This wasn’t idle curiosity — she desperately sought relief from the Multiple Sclerosis symptoms present at the time. Having spent much of the first 7 ½ years of her diagnosis in a heavy fog of medicated sedation, Stacy returned to the hot room in the spring of 2016 with a clear mind and fresh perspective. She sensed this practice was saving her life, and has not left since. She attended the 105F Teacher Training on a recommendation that recognized her progress. A firm believer there is no better medication out there for the body or mind, Stacy urges others suffering from chronic illness to try a class.
Stephanie B.
Instructor
Stephanie first heard about hot yoga on a local Chicago radio station in 2007, and was hooked after the first class. Yoga was a reprieve from her high-impact past as D1 collegiate volleyball player and three-time marathon finisher. The mat is where she found her passion in a holistic practice that was challenged her both physically and mentally. How she felt leaving the studio that kept her coming back for more! She took the first chance she could to dive into the month-long 26 + 2 teacher training program with 105F in 2016. She has since added Yin and Nidra certifications to her yoga portfolio. Her time at the yoga studio is the perfect balance to her busy day job in IT solutions and sales at CDWG. While technology changes at a rapid rate, she cherishes the mindful pace and evolution at the yoga studio. Steph is also an avid traveler with 105F Retreats!
Stephanie S.
Instructor
Stephen
Instructor
Stephen found Inferno Inferno Hot Pilates in 2018 when searching for a more permanent solution for chronic lower back pain due to an old injury. One class was all it took to convince him of its effectiveness, and he has never looked back — even beginning to teach in the summer of 2023. A life-long practitioner of martial arts, Stephen believes in continual physical and mental evolution. Both Pilates and yoga at 105F, provide a great avenue for anyone looking to fulfill their athletic and wellness goals while surrounded by an earnest and supportive community.
Zoe
Instructor
Zoe believes in intuitively listening to your body. She trained as a dancer at a young age, and ultimately became a professional actor. Zoe is certified in Inferno Hot Pilates, CorePower C2 & Yoga Sculpt, 200-hour Yoga Alliance and WERQ Dance Fitness. Zoe has found that her training, as well as her love for health and wellness, has made her a stronger actor. Having a body that is loose, present and strong is what helps her get through long shoot days and stage performances. From set to stage to yoga mat, Zoe is always making sure her body and mind are connected. Zoe’s practice has given her amazing tools that have helped her create a kind relationship with her body. Her main goal is to leave her students feeling the same way, so that eventually they feel that connection to their inner-self. Take her class and create a friendship with your body that is gentle, open and grounded. Energize yourself with low impact movements accompanied by upbeat music. Take Zoe’s class and she will help you leave the room feeling happy, relaxed and confident!
Erin Frank
Teacher Training Staff
Gianna Purcell
Teacher Training Staff
Kathy Durham
Teacher Training Staff