PARADISE VALLEY STUDIO MANAGER

HOT HIIT TEACHER

My name is Summer Chesley and I'm excited to introduce myself and say hello to everyone as the new Avondale studio manager! I was born and raised in Gilbert ... just across town in the East Valley. I am passionate about living a healthy and mindful lifestyle, and I am excited about this new opportunity to help others do the same.

I attended Northern Arizona University and graduated in 2021 with a degree in Health Science/Fitness Wellness. I will be doing HIIT training this summer through the Foundry teacher training program, and am very excited to be stepping into the Foundry classrooms soon as an instructor as well! I plan to add in additional fitness instructor training throughout the rest of the year.

I have loved working with The Foundry family and being a part of the Flagstaff, Paradise Valley, Arcadia... and now the Avondale team! Being a part of the Foundry has been such a blessing to my life and I'm so excited for this new chapter. I will do my absolute best to continue to keep Avondale thriving and full of life over in the West Valley! I look forward to meeting you, so please stop in to introduce yourselves and say hello!

COO OF THE FOUNDRY HOT YOGA & FITNESS STUDIOS

26&2 YOGA, HOT FLOW YOGA, HIIT, BARRE, & MEDITATION TEACHER

Niki has been a full-time yoga teacher since the Fall of 2008. She attended Bikram's Teacher Training (500+ hours) in Acapulco, Mexico. Niki is also a 500-HR RYT through Yoga Alliance. For the past ten years she has been mentoring and coaching teachers at THE FOUNDRY YOGA & FITNESS, where she also serves as the COO & Marketing Director. Niki has sought out the best teachers in the community for her continuing education. She has studied Pregnancy Yoga with Rajashree Choudhury, Teaching Philosophy & Dynamics, Inferno Hot Pilates with Gabi Walters, as well as Hot Pilates and Hot Barre with our very own Julie Valenzuela. She has served on the faculty of The Foundry Teacher Training since 2015. Her specialty is mentoring teachers on how to take their teaching to the next level - more effective and more dynamic, as well as how to teach pre and post natal yoga. Her passion to teach yoga comes from witnessing people transform and move towards living a life filled with vitality, joy, and gratitude. She enjoys seeing people bring life back into their lives!

ARIZONA REGIONAL DIRECTOR

26&2 HOT YOGA & MEDITATION TEACHER

“What I love most about yoga is that it’s for everyBODY and there’s always some place new to go and explore through the postures. Through yoga, The Foundry workshops and community, I have found ‘home’ and a deeper connection to myself. I’ve gained confidence, awareness and harmony mentally, physically and spiritually. Yoga is the love that gives me life.”

After developing a consistent 26&2 yoga practice in 2007, then falling away from it for a few years due to a studio closure, which led to exploring other exercise modalities, Marcy noticed the difference in how her body and mind felt. She reconnected to her yoga practice in 2018 when she discovered the wonderful community at The Foundry and traveled to Bali on retreat with them in 2019. It was Bali where she affirmed yoga would be a lifelong practice for her and she would teach it. Marcy is #foundrytrained and proud of it! She holds certifications in Yoga, Meditation and Mat Pilates.

26&2 HOT YOGA, HOT FLOW, PILATES, HIIT & BARRE TEACHER

Heidi is passionate about helping others find balance in their journey of wellness – keeping her classes challenging, yet accessible – playful, yet precise. Heidi strives to help each student see their potential for greatness, balance, and wellness.

Heidi has been teaching yoga since 2008, and serves on the faculty of The Foundry Teacher Training since 2015. Heidi is also a certified mat Pilates, HIIT, and Barre teacher. She discovered freedom from depression and back pain due to scoliosis and herniated discs, as a result of regular practice of yoga and Pilates, as well as experienced amazing benefits from practicing during two healthy pregnancies.

“I am inspired by each and every person who shows up to their practice – whether sick or healthy, young or old, grieving or rejoicing, starting anew – it is YOU who keeps me motivated daily to teach and practice!”

DIRECTOR OF PILATES, HIIT & BARRE TEACHER TRAININGS

PILATES, HIIT, BARRE, BASIC YOGA & HOT FLOW YOGA TEACHER

Julie is an experienced and energetic health and wellness professional. Having been a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for over twenty years, Julie's versatile background is what makes her a well-rounded Pilates instructor. Since obtaining her bachelor's in Exercise Physiology from the University of San Francisco and her Master's in Exercise in Wellness from Arizona State University, Julie has had the opportunity to bring her expertise to various fields of health and wellness including rehabilitation and physical therapy, fitness club management, and wellness program coordinating. She continues to inspire others to meet their professional fitness and wellness endeavors as an adjunct faculty for Paradise Community College, University of Phoenix, and Bryan University. To add even more to her repertoire, Julie attended the Inferno Hot Pilates Teacher Training in 2016. She is the lead instructor for the OHM School Pilates ,Hot HIIT, and Hot Barre Teacher Training.

While diverse in her own education, Julie's passion is with Pilates and the principles that Joseph Pilates created. "Physical Fitness is the first requisite of happiness" is the opening statement in Pilates' writings on Contrology. Julie believes that a fit body contributes to a sound mind. Being able to perform movement with intention while improving one's own strength and flexibility is at the core of each workout. Julie is committed to optimizing all clients to the best of their abilities through Pilates!

On a personal note, Julie lives in Phoenix with her husband and three children. While life may be busy managing the daily family operations, she enjoys hiking, cooking, writing and has been a Bikram yoga practitioner for five years.

26&2 HOT YOGA TEACHER

"I love the way Bikram yoga makes me feel. The energy you gain is priceless!", Terri says. "Watching our students grow and experience amazing changes makes me feel good." Terri took her first class in 2004. As a hiker, a runner, and someone up for a challenge, Terri was initially surprised by the intensity of the workout.

After practicing for three years and waiting for her teenaged kids to get a little older, Terri decided it was time to attend teacher training. She spent nine long weeks in Honolulu at Bikram's Teacher Training and received her certificate in June 2007.

26&2 YOGA HOT YOGA TEACHER

David brings to our studio a wealth of holistic knowledge expressed with a passion seldom experienced in the industry. His holistic journey began at a very young age, when he studied Kung Fu at the age of twelve and had his first introduction to Taoism. He holds a BA degree in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire, a 350 hour certification in Japanese Shiatsu Massage Therapy from the Pennsylvania School of Shiatsu and 250 hour Yoga Alliance Certification in Hatha Hot 26/2 Bikram style Yoga. David also teaches and instructs with over 500hrs mentored, in the ancient Taoist Arts of Self Healing and Balanced Diet providing a holistic approach for his clients and students that produce results. On a final note, he loves to cook, eat and teach all methods of healing culinary styles, from Macrobiotic to Chinese Five Taste, Vegan to Raw. Workshops are conducted regularly to introduce other to the importance of proper breathing, movement and eating habits. Most important is David’s example of living the healthy life he so passionately desires for others to find for themselves. A life of BALANCE, WELLNESS and JOY!

PILATES, BARRE & HOT FLOW TEACHER

I began practicing Yoga in 2002, and fell in love almost instantly. Finding Pilates came a few years later, and Barre shortly after. I love teaching and practicing all 3 because of the balance they create both physically and mentally. I’m beyond grateful to have The Foundry as a place to share that passion through teaching and through the amazing community!

On a personal note, I’m originally from Michigan and have lived in Phoenix for 16 years, with my husband and 3 beautiful girls. I love spending time with them whether its taking in a class at The Foundry together, trying out a new restaurant or just relaxing at home!

26&2 HOT YOGA TEACHER

I took my first Bikram yoga class in 1998. I was stressed from my corporate job as a biostatistician and a friend recommended I try yoga. I was doing all the standard gym workouts and none of them were working for me. The closest studio to my house was a Bikram yoga studio. During my first class I thought my head was going to explode from the heat! In the final savasana I felt something I had never felt before. It was this amazing peaceful relaxed feeling while being completely present and alive. I was hooked from that feeling alone. I did a 60 day challenge right away doing 63 classes in a row. That challenge was amazing! In 2002 I was laid off from my coporate job and decided to do the Bikram yoga training. Off I went to Los Angeles for 9 weeks of yoga training that was the most transformative experience I have ever had. It was life changing. After the training, I taught full-time for years eventually ending up running a studio. When that studio was sold I went back to a coporate job with a new perspective. I still work for that company. I continued to teach on the side. To further my yoga knowledge, I attended Loyola Marymount University and recieved a yoga therapy degree in 2015. Addionally, I became a reiki master and a certified gestalt therapist. I try to weave the knowledge from these diciplines into my class with a bit of humor to lighten things up. I believe that the Bikram yoga 26&2 90 minute class is the most healing class and is the best preventitive medicine available.

26&2 HOT YOGA & PILATES TEACHER

On a warm Colorado evening while having a conversation with a young yoga teacher, I had a matter of fact knowing. I would be a yoga teacher one day. I said it out loud. The young teacher, Jessica, said, "But you've never even taken a yoga class." I said, "I know, but I see that it will happen." Ten years later I took my 1st hot yoga class. I was immediately hooked and never looked back. Another ten years later I remembered that long forgotten conversation while in teacher training! It came full circle. My journey with yoga healed me from deep trauma including PTSD and spinal surgery, among other obstacles. I began teaching multiple types of Yoga classes and mat Pilates in 2019. Teaching is the most gratifying, rewarding, humbling and satisfying thing I have ever done. It is my lifelong passion to continue discovering, learning and advancing my skills as an enlightened teacher. I am blessed to have some close, dear friends that are long time yoga teachers as my mentors. I also look to the Ancients for guidance and purpose. All are continually guiding me and supporting me in my commitment to facilitate the healing and empowerment of my students. We are all in this journey together. I am ever thankful. See you on the mat!

26&2 HOT YOGA TEACHER

I started practicing hot yoga Consistently at THE FOUNDRY in December of 2019. I was so fortunate to happen to wander into the PV Foundry Studio when my husband (fiance at the time) and I moved into our new house down the street from good ol' Kansas. I fell in love with how I felt during and after every hot class I did. Then, I fell in love with the teachers and people who were involved with hot yoga and each of the hot modalities at the studio. I felt like I'd found my home everytime I took class.

I have a 500HR YTT in 26&2 Hot Yoga. I am doing doing the HIIT training in June 2023 and finishing up Meditation Teacher Training as well!

I love that The Foundry is helping to transform the world for the better and I get to be a part of that. When I teach, it fills up my cup to the brim. Everytime I teach, I see how hard the students work and how incredible the students are. I see how we're all connected and I feel so deeply connected to the world when I'm teaching and when I'm taking class. I love working at the Foundry because the Foundry accepts me (and you) exactly as you are. The Foundry has helped me become the best version of myself and this makes me want to pass that onto others.

I LOVE my husband, Jay Berryman, who I've known since 3rd grade (he was in the friend zone at that time) and I love love love my brindle pug, Murphy Berryman. I grew up on a cattle ranch in Kansas, where my brother and dad still ranch and I enjoy the simplicity of ranch life when I go home to visit. I love reading psychological thrillers in my backyard by the pool in my free time. Oh and I love hot yoga and I love laughing.

HOT FLOW YOGA TEACHER

I first started practicing at Bikram Yoga Paradise Valley (at the old studio, on the other side of Thunderbird) in 2009. I wanted to "sweat" off my baby weight. I was in my second or third class, in a wide leg forward fold, and I started crying uncontrollably; had to leave the room crying. Heidi Jo came out to meet me and said whatever I was going though is normal, that my body is releasing energy. I was hooked after that!

I did the 300 hour Hot Flow training with The Foundry in 2022. I did 200 hour vinyasa style teacher training in 2017. I currently hold a 500 hour RYT certification.

I love teaching at The Foundry because there is a great sense of Community, Support, Encouragement, Positivity, and Empowerment every time you walk into any of the studios. I love being able to help students in their yoga journey; hold space for them when they need it.

I have been married for 18 years. I have two children, two dogs and seven chickens. When I'm not practicing or teaching yoga, I like to go for bike rides, play board games with my family, spend time with friends, and I like to travel to different cities to see my favorite band perform.

HOT PILATES TEACHER

Cybil is a certified Pilates instructor based in Paradise Valley. She started her practice back in 2018 when her best friend, Caitlin, invited her to her first hot yoga class. Cybil was immediately hooked by the after-yoga glow and the amazing support from the community at the studio. The hot room felt like a second home. In the summer of 2022, she obtained her Pilates certification with The Foundry and started teaching at the Paradise Valley studio in January 2023. Currently, Cybil is also working towards her Barre certification to expand her knowledge and skills in fitness instruction. She loves being a part of the Foundry family because it gives her the opportunity to empower her students and peers to find strength and passion within their practice and everyday life. When she's not teaching, you can find Cybil playing hockey with her husband Mike, and spending time with their beloved cat, Hat Trick.

HOT HIIT TEACHER

Bio coming soon!

HOT BARRE TEACHER

Bio coming soon!

HOT HIIT TEACHER

As a collegiate athlete, I fell in love with the art of conditioning the body and mind. I started my career in fitness as a personal trainer in 2013. I took my first HIIT class at The Foundry in December of 2022 and I had officially found my favorite new way to workout! I was hooked. I was of course intrigued by the hot fitness element and the class layout, but what kept me returning and eventually committing to the teacher training was the community that The Foundry has. My biggest motivation has come from my two kids. It is of the utmost importance to me to lead by example in health, happiness and gratitude and to help others to achieve those as well. I want them to know the importance of lifting up and supporting the people around you, something The Foundry so beautifully encompasses

HOT FLOW YOGA TEACHER

Hello, I'm Heather, your dedicated Flow yoga instructor, and my journey into the world of yoga began over two decades ago. Like many, I initially stepped onto a yoga mat in search of a fun workout and a path to fitness. Little did I know that this single step would lead me on a profound lifelong voyage of self-discovery and holistic healing, embracing my spiritual, physical, mental, energetic, and emotional dimensions.

In 2016, I received my first yoga certification in Buti Yoga and began sharing my passion in the vibrant yoga communities of Chicago and San Diego. Fast forward to the summer of 2023, where I proudly completed my 200hr YTT with The Foundry.

In my classes, I create a welcoming and inclusive space for practitioners of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, I'm here to guide you on a transformative journey, just as yoga has done for me. The magic of yoga lies in its ability to connect your mind, body, and spirit. Through the practice of Flow yoga, I aim to help you discover your inner strength, find balance, and cultivate a deep sense of inner peace. Each class is a unique opportunity for growth and self-exploration, and I can't wait to embark on this beautiful journey with you.

PILATES TEACHER

I grew up as a dancer doing Pilates in the studio and have loved it throughout the years. Becoming an instructor has taught me so much about Pilates and I love sharing the knowledge with our students. I’m excited to continue learning and teaching with the foundry!

HOT HIIT TEACHER

I started practicing at the Foundry in 2018, after a friend suggested I come try a class with her. I immediately was hooked and after trying all the different classes they had to offer, I found my love and passion in our strength classes, mainly HIIT. In 2023, I decided to take the plunge and enroll in the Foundry teacher training program to become a certified HIIT instructor. The community and support has always been what has kept the Foundry a constant in my life and fall in love with my practice. As an instructor, I want to be able to motivate and support my students during their practice and keep them coming back for more, while also showing them the same kindness and love this community has shown me.

When I’m not at the Foundry, you can find me teaching first grade, traveling and spending time with my husband, Daniel, or cuddling and playing with my pittie, Pebbles.

SALES & SERVICE TEAM

Bio coming soon!

HOT PILATES TEACHER

Melanie Nyland is a graduate of Chapman University's College of Performing Arts (COPA), holding a degree in Dance with a minor in Chemistry. With an extensive experience in Mat Pilates instruction since the age of 16, she completed The Foundry’s teacher training program in June 2018. Melanie possesses a strong background in human anatomy, injury prevention, somatic practices, and dance kinesiology. Transitioning from collegiate dance after four years, she now focuses on the benefits and applications of mobility training and is currently working towards a Masters and Ph.D in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at PIHMA College in Central Phoenix. Melanie will be attaining her Barre certification in November of 2024 and is excited to continue working and growing with the students and faculty at The Foundry.