Teachers and Staff

Furt

Heather Furtney

Original Hot Yoga, Inferno Hot Pilates, Hot Hatha, Traditional 84 - Advanced, Yin Yoga

Marz

Marlene Covey

Inferno Hot Pilates, Power Vinyasa, Original Hot Yoga

Whitney

Whitney Bennett

Vinyasa, Nia, Inferno Hot Pilates

Wendy

Wendy Schmitt

Original Hot Yoga, Kundalini, Qoya Movement, Instinctive Meditation

Jessica

Jessica Jones

Inferno Hot Pilates, Yin, Vinyasa

Susie

Susie Jones

Inferno Hot Pilates

Beth

Beth Lyons

Original Hot Yoga

Michael

Michael Harris

Original Hot Yoga

Nirmal

Nirmal Conforti

Sarah

Sarah McManus

Helen

Helen Scotch

Original Hot Yoga

Lauren

Lauren Anas

Vinyasa

Jennica

Jennica Schneider

Sara

Sara Rattigan

Francesca

Francesca Tragni

We are hiring for all types of yoga classes.

Please reach out via the form below and tell us a bit about yourself.

Heather Furtney

Witnessing the inquiring minds and “ah-ha” moments of fellow students is what keeps Heather inspired as a teacher. She has experienced first hand the transformative benefits of using a yoga practice to facilitate healing. Heather took her first yoga class in 2008 in an effort to “try anything” to reduce a lifetime of chronic back pain. A few months later the pain was gone - and the healing didn’t stop there. In 2015 Heather underwent a pelvic reconstruction surgery to rebuild her hip socket after debilitating pain developed from hip dysplasia. She went from wheelchair to Standing Bow Pose again through yoga postures in a chair and a deep sense of calm determination that had been fostered from many years of a consistent yoga practice. She is no stranger to a recovery process.

She claims of her beginning years in yoga, “my practice shifted from a very physically-oriented class to an overall sense of well-being - I slept better, ate better, built self-confidence, and came out of my shell.” Heather certified to teach Original Hot Yoga in 2012 and has been eager to continue learning ever since. This led her to attend Inferno Hot Pilates Teacher Training in 2017. She can’t get enough! It is a constant growth of knowledge and experience through time on her mat, teacher development trainings, Experiential Anatomy Movement Literacy for Yoga Teachers Certification, seeking mentors, asking questions, and keeping her nose to the books!

Heather loves to spend time connecting outside - deep in the mountains rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding. She becomes even more grounded and aware in her yoga practice through a connection to nature. She also uses yoga as an incredible active recovery method from big efforts in the mountains.

Heather is approachable to all levels of students. Although very serious about the yoga, she will bring a youthful life and exuberance to the class…and maybe even a joke or two. She says, “I am constantly humbled by this gift of yoga and love how fantastically individual a yoga practice is - but at the same time uniting us all as one."

Marlene Covey

Marlene’s interest in yoga began as a journey to heal. Working long hours for decades as a physician was a natural part of her exacting and physically demanding career. After moving to Bend in 2007, she unearthed a passion for yoga which lent itself to healing, self-discovery and ultimately self-fulfillment. As a result of her transformation, Marlene was inspired to share her passion and guide others on a path toward healing through their own rewarding yogic experiences. She completed her 200 and 300 hour YTT at The Yoga Lab in Bend. In June 2017 she completed a 120 hour teaching intensive gaining certification to teach Next Level 90 Intermediate Class at Bend Hot Yoga. She has also attended Bikram Choudhury’s and Esak Garcia’s advanced yoga posture clinics, Jedi Training back bending clinic also with Esak Garcia, completed the Masters’ Core Workshop with Tony Sanchez and hot yoga intensive with Gianna Purcell. Her goal is to challenge students to lay the groundwork for physical growth so they can realize their full potential. Come take a class and allow her to motivate you on your personal journey toward good health and healing.

Whitney Bennett

Whitney’s first sip of yoga came when she was pulled into a class over 22 years ago – the yoga buzz hit and she’s been going back for more ever since. In 2005, she stepped into the practice of the Nia Technique and soon began to blend the sacred athlete practice of Nia movement with the deep inner practice of yoga. Whitney completed her Nia Technique Certification in 2007, her 200 hour YTT in 2009, and her E-RYT 500 by 2011.

Adventure seeking landed Whitney on the beach in Ecuador, where she opened a yoga retreat center. To diversify her classes, she started working with small group training and became a certified personal trainer with specialization in wellness coaching in 2016. This allowed the yoga to stay focused on that exploration of self, while providing an outlet to elevate fitness levels and create a sustainable movement practice for life. As a dedicated surfer and outdoor adventurer, Whitney understands the drive to want to optimize energy on all levels.

Whitney is happy to now be in Bend with her husband and son, enjoying all that the mountains and rivers have to offer. She is trained in Power Yoga, Yin, Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, and meditation practices. All of which she integrates into her classes based on what the students need. Her class time is a journey of discovery, deep but accessible, sweaty but playful, all the while shedding a bit more light inside. “I have found the practice of receptivity with my students, the body, and our breath together has been the most fluid tool in orchestrating the dance of a class. My journey with this practice has really just begun, but sharing it helps to propel me through these waters of inquiry, those moments where peace seems just a bit out of reach, and those sacred moments of pure joy.”

Wendy Schmitt

Wendy has been practicing Original Hot Yoga since 2002 and completed her teacher training in spring of 2004. She gracefully meets every moment with potential for connection and uses her unique ability to bridge health, discipline, community and passion to inspire you to become more of YOU! She believes growth and transformation in the spirit allows living a life that is full of possibilities.

In addition to teaching yoga, she discovers more wisdom through courses and programs. Currently she is studying Astrology to further embody the mysteries of the universe. Her spare time is spent outside with her daughter, friends, family, and dogs. Rock climbing, hiking, camping, and being on the water teaches her more ways to commune with the sun, moon, and the cycles of nature.

She is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Qoya Movement Teacher, leads rituals, sound healing, Women's circles, workshops, retreats, manages personal business endeavors, and is a Labor Doula. Her class will support your individual goals and support the collective group energy. Wendy invites all students to feel into and create the opportunities of each moment physically, emotionally, and energetically. She looks forward to meeting you and supporting you on your yogic journey soon!

Jessica Jones

Jessica is a former 12 year Military Veteran turned Yogi/Personal Trainer. Being in the Army was hands down one of the greatest physical and mental challenges in Jessica’s years around the sun. It, along with yoga, has transformed her life in ways she would have never thought. Following Jessica’s time in the military she began exploring the gentler more “Yin” side of fitness. Jessica says, “Being rather new to the world of yoga I had a first-hand experience of an eye opening transformational moment during a yoga retreat. At the time I had no idea that this was just the beginning of my current journey into personal training, teaching and all things fitness related. Finally finding the mind-body balance I had been seeking.” Always having been an avid fan of anything fitness related, and seeking new challenges in order to grow she decided to dive in head first to what felt like her calling. She received her 200 hour YTT in Costa Rica in 2018 then expanded from there to receive an additional 150 hours combined Yin Yoga intensive training through Tula Movement Arts in Bend OR and Asheville NC Yoga Center. She then went on to receive her Personal Training certificate through IFPA along with XGT certification and Inferno Hot Pilates training, all providing even further extensive knowledge into HIIT, Boot Camp, circuit style workouts and more. Jessica offers knowledge through real life experience, practice and trainings/certifications. Jessica says, “I am a believer in practicing a variety of fitness modalities keeping the body young and vital. Exercise truly can be fun, it just depends upon the ‘lens’ you choose to look out of. Mindset to mastery. I find passion and joy from helping others grow and heal through breath & movement as I once did. Being witness to that transformation of students becoming their next higher self through work and determination is hands down one the biggest rewards I have found as a coach, trainer, teacher and guide.” “Shine Bright. Stay Strong. Love Big”

Susie Jones

Susie is a Licensed Physical Therapist with experience working in outpatient orthopedics, inpatient acute care and rehab settings. She has extensive training in manual therapy, and strength & exercise progression.

With a lifelong passion for physical fitness, including indoor and outdoor volleyball, and running she found her way into Bend Hot Yoga in 2015. Susie claims “I instinctively knew for several years before I entered the studio that I would love hot yoga, but was intimidated and never considered myself a “yoga person,” which is evident by my tight hamstrings from all the running!” However, she was hooked after her first class! Susie loves the heat, sweat, and to workout - claiming it as the perfect trifecta.

When Inferno Hot Pilates was brought to BHY, Susie jumped on the opportunity to bridge her Physical Therapy knowledge with group exercise. Her love for IHP seamlessly translates in the way she teaches students to connect with their bodies in order to gain strength, body confidence, and fitness. Her approach to teaching is enthusiastic and genuine!

Susie’s favorite time of year is summer time with the long hours of daylight to get outside and run by the river, or to get up in the High Lakes on a trail. One of Susie’s favorite quotes: “No One Cares How Much You Know, Until They Know How Much You Care” --D. Keith Kleven.

Beth Lyons

Beth’s kindness and wisdom show in every class she leads. Beth personally witnessed the healing power of The Original Hot Yoga for New York-based survivors of the 9/11 attacks. Wanting to help in that healing process, she completed her teaching training in Los Angeles in 2002. Beth also became certified in many other yoga styles - including therapeutic yoga, prenatal, postnatal, vinyasa, kids and restorative.

In addition, Beth is a NAMA Certified Ayurveda Practitioner, Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Master. Beth practices ashiatsu, hot stone, Lomilomi, ortho bionomy, orthopedic, prenatal, Shiatsu, Swedish and Thai. Yes, she really knows how the body moves!

A native of Ohio trained in India, Hawai'i, Thailand and New York City, Beth offers a unique blend of expertise and passion for healing. Beth resides in Bend and works as a provider at Weeks Family Medicine. She lives with her husband Paul and their children Lucia and Jack.

Michael Harris

From the moment you enter Michael’s class you know you are in good hands. His deep insight, knowledge and experience as a long time practitioner and teacher will help encourage you to explore your yoga practice in the most expansive way for you.

Michael started his practice in 1987 after vascular surgery and not expecting to survive. Through dedicated practice he was able to reverse his condition (and other lingering injuries) to not only survive, but to thrive. He studied multiple traditions of yoga, and initially started leading Ashtanga classes in the early 90’s. Michael received teaching certifications from Erich Schiffmann and later being certified by Nischala Joy Devi in Integral Yoga for in depth medical conditions.

In 1998, Michael attended the fourth Original Hot Yoga Teacher Training for 11 weeks with Bikram & Rajashree Choudhury. He quickly started his first studio in Portland (1999) and later opened the Bend studio (2004). Michael also ran or led 30 Original Hot Yoga Teacher Trainings. In 2012, Michael wrote a #1 bestselling book about his yoga healing experience, “Falling Down Getting UP.”

Today, Michael continues to practice and teach yoga whenever possible. In addition, he works closely with authors and thought leaders on the development of marketing strategies. Every chance he gets, Michael is off exploring the great outdoors discovering new remote places to hike.

Nirmal Conforti

Nirmal started practicing yoga in earnest in 1999 when her life was going through major upheaval. What began as a healing journey has turned into a career. In 2002 Nirmal graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work and opened up a yoga studio in the Philadelphia neighborhood where she lived. Over the years she has practiced and taught Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Nirmal uses the technology of Kundalini Yoga and Meditation to help clients and students alike, gain awareness, embodiment and to forward the progress of personal goals.

Nirmal has been a part of the Bend community since 2014 when she moved here with her family to enjoy the land and the people of Central Oregon. She loves to share the practice of yoga as both a teacher and a student.

Sarah McManus

I took my first yoga class as extra credit for PE when I was 13 and I knew I'd found something I loved. It took me a long time to find my way to the teaching mat, but I consider myself a student of yoga and I always will. I completed my 200 hour training in Des Moines, Iowa with PowerLife yoga in November 2019 and my 300 hour in Peru with Indra Yoga Institute in January 2022. My goal is to make classes accessible, safe, and welcoming to practitioners at any level. When I'm not in the studio I am on a trail with my two dogs or asking my husband to take me to dinner because I don't feel like cooking.

Helen Scotch

I took my first yoga class in 2006. Stepping into that hot room I had no idea what to expect but 90 minutes later I knew I would be back for more. Admittedly I approached yoga with an athlete mindset for several years, alternating between vinyasa and 26&2 depending on what my mind and body needed. Over time I began to appreciate my time on the mat for so much more than the physical benefits.

I had a loose plan for teacher training way in the future and a dream of one day owning a studio in our retirement years. It didn’t happen quite like that! I graduated from the Original Hot Yoga Academy in December 2021. I have a long way to go in my teaching journey but am very grateful to have so many mentors at Bend Hot Yoga - both my fellow teachers and the many students who’s deep knowledge and appreciation of the practice inspires me every day.

When not teaching you’ll find me running, hiking or snowshoeing the local trails with our two dogs.

Lauren Anas

Lauren is a Vinyasa (Ashtanga inspired) teacher at the Yoga Alliance 500 hour level. Her love for movement began at a young age, eventually being trained as a classical ballet dancer. She found Ashtanga yoga and meditation in college as a way to continue her passion for reflective movement. She soon realized how much of an inspiration yoga was for her both on and off the mat.

She has traveled and studied yoga and meditation with a variety of teachers including Ben Thomas, Dr. Kelly McGonigal, Richard Freeman, Max Strom, MV Chidananda (Ashtanga teacher in Mysore, India), and Doron Hamoch. And she has assisted in multiple teacher trainings.

Lauren’s Vinyasa classes are active with an emphasis on building a combination of strength, flexibility, balance and focus. Her intention is to create an atmosphere where students can explore their edge, practice what is needed for their bodies and mind in that particulate moment, and to use the power of the breath and the practice as a catalyst to transforming ones life.

Outside of the studio, Lauren loves to run, hike, write and spend time with family.

Jennica Schneider

Jennica’s yoga journey began with a great curiosity to discover the connection between the inner and outer world. Her initial introduction was with meditation, and she attended her first 10 day silent meditation retreat in 2013 at the Northwest Vipassana Center. This ignited a passionate exploration through various techniques and traditions of personal evolution and self-mastery. Jennica has traveled around the world studying with different teachers and lineages. She attended her 500 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India with the renowned teacher Anand Mehrotra in 2019, studying deeply the Himalayan yoga tradition. She holds numerous official certifications in yoga, specializing in Vedic and Tantric wisdom, Kriya, naad (sound), Himalayan Kundalini, Hatha Vinyasa, meditation, and prenatal yoga. She is also an astute Vedic Astrologer, having spent time studying in India with multiple teachers and also online with Dr. David Frawley. Jennica’s classes are accessible to all levels of experience. Her grounded presence instills wisdom in her students and pervades a safe and loving container. She does her best to meet each student where they are at and guide them into supportive practices. You will find a harmonious blend of breathwork, movement, and awareness practices infused in her classes. When she is not teaching, Jennica can be found out on the trails with her dogs, finding ways to connect with nature, snowboarding, gardening, learning, and working with minerals and gemstones.

Sara Rattigan

Sara is a Licensed Physical Therapist, Vinyasa Yoga teacher, and Pilates instructor with a specialty in pelvic health, as well as pregnancy and postpartum. She is passionate about empowering students to ignite their inner fire and bring this spark to life, both on the mat and off. She previously worked as a television writer before making the switch to a career in health and wellness. She first discovered Vinyasa Yoga and Pilates as part of her own rehabilitation after injuring her hip and low back during long, sedentary hours at the office. She participated in CorePower’s 200-hour Power Yoga Teacher Training, as well as BASI Pilates 600-hour training. As her focus turned toward rehabilitation, she returned to school to complete her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and Master’s in Healthcare Administration. As a PT, she works primarily with pregnant and postpartum patients to support, heal, and strengthen.

Sara absolutely loves to challenge students with a full-body yoga experience that incorporates energizing music and a dynamic, grounded flow. She looks forward to seeing you on your mat!

Francesca Tragni

Francesca was introduced to yoga when she was just twelve years old when she joined her mom along an Original Hot Yoga class. A few years later, she remembers taking her first Vinyasa class, extremely confused but mesmerized by the postures and pace and she knew it was a practice she couldn’t wait to cultivate a relationship with. About 5 years later, she completed her 200 hour YTT at Anahata Yoga Shala in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Since then, Francesca has continued to study yoga philosophy and asana and to incorporate the teaching’s in her personal life, seeing Yoga as one of her greatest tools. Francesca completed a 100 hour Yoga Mentorship Program at Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla, CA and a 300 hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training at Vikasa Yoga in Koh Samui, Thailand. She lived and taught yoga in San Diego, CA while she earned her bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biology & Nutrition. Francesca’s goal in teaching yoga is to equip her students with tangible tools to navigate the adventure of life and to help guide an experience for others to come back to their hearts and the deepest parts of themselves.

Teachers and Staff

Furt

Heather Furtney

Marz

Marlene Covey

Whitney

Whitney Bennett

Wendy

Wendy Schmitt

Jessica

Jessica Jones

Susie

Susie Jones

Beth

Beth Lyons

Michael

Michael Harris

Nirmal

Nirmal Conforti

Sarah

Sarah McManus

Helen

Helen Scotch

Lauren

Lauren Anas

Jennica

Jennica Schneider

Sara

Sara Rattigan

Francesca

Francesca Tragni

Prospective Teachers!

We are hiring for all types of yoga classes.

Please reach out via the form below and tell us a bit about yourself.

Heather Furtney

Marlene Covey

Whitney Bennett

Wendy Schmitt

Jessica Jones

Susie Jones

Beth Lyons

Michael Harris

Nirmal Conforti

Sarah McManus

Helen Scotch

Lauren Anas

Jennica Schneider

Sara Rattigan

Francesca Tragni