OBXHY Tribe

April and her husband Mark moved to the Outer Banks in 2003 to raise their three children on the idyllic barrier island. Yoga has been an integral part of April’s life for 20 years. She completed her 200 RYT with Chesapeake Hot Yoga School of Yoga under the guidance of Briana Ward 500 RYT and Dr. Graham Schweig 500 RYT. April believes yoga is a way to connect us all through movement and breath. April is grateful to call OBXHY her home away from home, and to share her light with others. She can’t wait to see you in the heat!

Sarah grew up with the dream of working in the music industry. She pursued her childhood goal and finished college with a degree in music production as well as an associates degree.

Matt is a yoga instructor and licensed massage therapist. He began a regular heated yoga practice in 2021 at OBX HOT YOGA and maintains at least 3 classes a week. He completed his 200 hour yoga teacher training with Jimmy Barkan and continues to stay connected with the Barkan network. He completed his massage therapy certification at The Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy in May 2024. Matt’s passionate about staying active and living a healthy lifestyle. He could surf, skate board, and do hot yoga everyday if it was possible! When he’s not doing one of those activities, he’s enjoying his family, making the best coffees, and delicious food!

Olivia grew up in Winston Salem NC. Her constant passion for cultivating a culture of wellness led her to pursue a yoga teacher training. In June of 2017, Olivia completed her 200-hr Yoga Teacher Certification through Duck Village Yoga.

Janet started her Hot Yoga journey in January 2019 at OBXHY, taking every course available over the next three years. In November 2021 she completed 220 hours of  Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) with Anne Howard at the Amalam School of Yoga and began teaching right away. In February 2022 she completed Teaching Foundations Level II Yoga Postures How to Modify and Amplify, and also in February 2022 she took an Arm Balance Workshop.  In July 2022 she received a certification for Reiki I and Reiki II Practitioner with Reiki Master/Teacher, Roxie Valdivieso. Janet gives reiki to people, pets, homes and spaces. In March 2023 she completed an 80-hour Hot Vinyasa Teacher Training Level II & Level III with Jimmy Barkan

Janet‘s favorite aspect of Hot Yoga is the body-mind-spirit connection. You are more than just your thoughts. You move your body, quiet the mind and connect to your spirit. This connection encourages us to look within and self-reflect. You may come to understand your body more, release anything negative you are consciously or unconsciously hanging onto in your body. This encourages physical and emotional healing as you slow down and focus on the present, focusing on your breath, which greatly affects your mood. That’s where the true healing journey begins.

Janet grew up on the Outer Banks and lives in Kitty Hawk. When she’s not teaching or practicing yoga, she enjoys spending time outdoors whether it’s on the beach or in the woods.

Jill Keller has been a North Carolina, Ohio and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist since April 2001. She was trained at the Dayton School of Medical Massage in Dayton OH, has a BA in Journalism and Marketing.

Hilary is from Nags Head, NC. She has a passion for helping others achieve their best self. She received her certificate in Therapeutic Massage from Sandhills Community College. Hilary also obtained an elementary teaching certificate from Campbell University in 2022 and a Bachelors in Liberal Studies from Peace college in 2009. Hilary enjoys spending time with her two boys, being active outside, and cooking. When she is not spending time with family and friends she enjoys painting and reading. She pursued therapeutic massage as a career because she believes touch has the power to heal. As a massage therapist she strives to treat every client according to their specific needs. Each session is customized to facilitate the body’s natural ability to heal. Hilary strives to promote mental and physical relaxation through therapeutic touch, a healthy lifestyle, and client education and participation.

I checked out a book on hatha yoga from a library when I was about 16 years old and a yoga practice of some form has been part of my life since. I am a firm believer in the freedom and change consistent practice brings and love movement in many forms.

I was in Anne Follenbach-Howard’s first class of teachers at the Amalam School of Yoga here in the Outer Banks in 2012 and have found both my spiritual home and yoga playground at OBX Hot Yoga.

When not in the studio I am usually found in a garden somewhere or spending time with my husband and family.  We are parents of 2 magnificent young women, part of a pack of Wanchese dogs and grandparents to one of the funniest, most charming little fellas I have ever met.

As a graduate from Pitt Community College, Hannah has an Associate Degree in Therapeutic Massage.She has been a licensed massage therapist since 2012. She is trained to perform Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, and Aromatherapy. She is also Certified in Neuromuscular Therapy Massage. Hannah is proudly a member of The American Massage Therapy Association. She believes being a Licensed Massage Therapist is more than a job title, it is a part of life.

Graham Demasi is a dedicated yoga instructor who’s been teaching around the beach community since 2021. Her classes blend mindful movement, breath, and grounding energy to help students of all levels feel centered and renewed. Graham creates a welcoming space where everyone can connect with themselves and find balance both on and off the mat.

Haley began yoga in November of 2020 practicing 3-4 times per week. Yoga took her to a place that defied reality, with mind and body existing only to stretch, hold, and breathe. It was a gift, plain and simple. She completed yoga teacher training with Jimmy Barkan, an exceptional guide with whom she’s endlessly grateful to. Beyond practicing yoga, she is busy caring for patients as a registered nurse, obsessing over cats, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She enjoys the beach and Pilates in her free time.

Myla grew up on the Outer Banks, NC. She started her hot yoga journey in 2024 at OBX HOT YOGA and fell in love with the practice, mentally and physically. After taking 5+ classes a week for 8 months, she was inspired to get her 200 hour Barkan Method teacher certification with Jimmy Barkan in March – April of 2026. When she is not practicing in the studio, she’s either enjoying beach days with friends and family, traveling to warmer climates during the winter time or working at her family business, Nags Head Pizza Co. with her loved ones.

Ellie is a graduate in Exercise Science with a minor in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She has two years of Pilates teaching experience and a background as a human performance researcher. She is passionate about helping others build strength, confidence, and a deeper connection to their bodies through movement. Ellie enjoys swimming, exploring and creating handmade jewelry from anything she can find washed up!