Our
Instructors
Hailey.
A labour of Love, Hot Yoga Invercargill is a space built on compassion, resilience, and community. With a deep belief in the transformative power of movement, my vision was to create a studio that welcomes people from all walks of life, no matter their experience, flexibility, or background.
My personal journey with Yoga and Pilates began as a physical practice, but has evolved into a way to reconnect with myself and find strength through change. This lived experience will continue to shape how I teach, lead, and hold space for others— but it always leads with empathy, honesty, and a good sense of humour.
I am passionate about helping people discover what’s possible when they show up for themselves. Whether you're stepping into your first class or returning to your mat after time away, my goal is to make you feel seen, supported, and at home in your body.
When I’m not teaching or running the studio, you’ll find me exploring nature, hiking & walking, reading, hanging out with my family, or brainstorming ways to grow both the studio and my personal practice.
My motto? Move with intention. Breathe with kindness. Show up anyway.
Trauma Informed Yin Yoga 100hrs, Original Hot Yoga 300hrs, YIN 50hrs, Trauma Informed Facilitator 20hrs.
Steph.
Having returned home in 2007 after almost 20 years roaming the corners of our great planet, my husband and I decided to settle into the idyllic life in Southland. We have two tweens plus a little rouge foxy and a veggie patch to feed us and the rest of Otatara, which was a must from our handkerchief sized garden we had in the UK.
I have been extremely busy growing my massage therapy business, raising two children and taking on the next phase of my yoga journey. With the never ending support of the yoga community and the greater community in Southland this has been achieved. I completed my yoga training with Yoga Aotearoa, International Yoga Teaching Association in 2016 and have enjoyed multiple workshops with International and NZ teachers in Yin and Therapy Hatha. With my therapeutic massage background and the continuing study of therapies in yoga, my journey on the yogic path is one of healing and self awareness for myself and the wider community. The path is an ever evolving lesson in how to reach our full potential and I look forward to growing and learning with you, first on our mats and gravitating outwards.
Namaste.
savanna.
My journey with Pilates began during a time I felt stuck and needed change. Stepping into a Hot Pilates class pushed me out of my comfort zone—and completely changed my world. The supportive, uplifting community became a powerful outlet for me, helping improve not just my physical health but my mental wellbeing too. As I began feeling, seeing, and living as a better version of myself, I knew I wanted to help others experience the same transformation.
Originally from Auckland, I moved to Invercargill in 2024 to study a Bachelor of Screen Arts at SIT. During one of my breaks home, I connected with someone with years of experience in Pilates. Her focus on posture and the mind-body connection opened my eyes to a deeper layer of the practice. That led me to study at Suna Pilates, where I began learning traditional Pilates principles with a modern twist—training the often-overlooked muscles that support good posture, strong movement, and mental clarity.
Outside of Pilates, I’m learning to embrace the beginner mindset through running, surfing, hiking, and gym training—always looking for new ways to strengthen and challenge both my body and mind.
I hope to become a certified Pilates instructor while continuing to grow So Savvy, my thrifted clothing brand, alongside completing my studies.
Let me know if you want to tweak the tone further—more playful, more professional, or anything in between.
Michele.
I’ve been sharing yoga for nineteen years, holding space for pre schoolers, teens and wonderful students in their homes.My family and I live on five acres which was once a paddock and four years on, is now a thriving, budding food forest.I’m a mum to two glorious daughters, two dog children, and have a husband who loves trees as much as I do.
For me, yoga is a way of life and a creative one at that. I’ve spent my life creating and learning whether it be through yoga, music, art, cooking, writing or philosophy. I feel that if we allow ourselves time and space, the vastness of who we are will unfold before us in a truly unique and organic fashion.
I teach like this on the mat too. I let the class unfold instinctively so that you may get a glimpse of the unseen, giving you an opportunity to be with whatever is unfolding there and then.
jessie.
My yoga journey began when I was looking for a holistic approach to manage the back pain I developed while working in a sedentary position. I signed up to the intro month offer at the Hot Yoga studio and immediately fell in love with the practice. It completely removed my back pain and brought an array of physical and mental benefits into my life. I felt called to complete a yoga teacher training so I completed my 200-hr teacher training with Asia Pacific Yoga at the beginning of 2024 to share the beautiful practice and enhance the health and wellbeing of others while connecting with individuals amongst the community.
My classes aim to guide you on your yoga journey and give you the tools to be more present, calm and balanced in your body, on and off the mat.
meg.
‘Hey, I’m Meg
I’m currently in training to become an Inferno Hot Pilates instructor. Over the past few months, I’ve been practicing in the studio alongside everyone, building my own strength, deepening my understanding, and refining each move. This experience has not only helped me grow but has also given me a real appreciation for the energy and dedication within our community.
I’m passionate about movement, developing strength, and creating an empowering space where we can challenge ourselves, feel confident in our bodies, and leave each class stronger—inside and out.
chaise.
Kiwi born, Devonport, Auckland. University in Queensland. 20+ yrs in San Diego.
Excited to be in Invercargill, exploring life and teaching yoga on NZ turf.
I discovered the magic of my mat at a Bikram class I was literally dragged to, screaming "yoga is not my thing", "too slow", "too hippie", and "too boring". (My first few classes I was so out of shape that I escaped before Savasana, dehydrated and throwing up). Shocking to say the least, 20 years on... yoga is a constant in my life.
In 2009 I signed up for a 200hr Hatha YTT at Corepower, with a cautious desire to teach, and learn to do a Chaturanga properly! Suffice it to say ... I added a RYT500 (Katie Brauer), an Ashtanga Immersion (Tim Miller) and Trauma & Yoga TT, and was compelled to create a new career path where I could combine my yoga and professional skills. I accepted the role of General Manager to open a new yoga studio and whether teaching regular classes, outdoor classes, or private classes, it was a fantastic, life-changing, and fulfilling 13 years of immersion.
From my perspective, it is the profound change of self that yoga brings, through the movement of the body with breath; which in a short time, becomes a practice. A new sense of awareness, of how we impact others, how not to finish others' sentences, and how we hold space with love and kindness. It's the connection and community, the students who walk into the studio each day, each with a story, each with a desire to find in yoga what it alleges to offer. A game changer to accept who we are and to just be.
Not to get sentimental but yoga has brought my life a wealth of goodness, many great moments, empowerment, and physical grace after many years of hard-on-the-body adventures. I like to teach, and to observe students navigate their practice. All in a hot room at a good pace, with laughter, old-school tunes, and happy yogis in Savasana.
Off my mat, I'm happiest in a saddle, on a surfboard, walking dogs, or playing pickleball. If you like you can find me on Facebook or Instagram, but definitely not Tik Tok - way too complicated!
Our vision: A community of people healed and connected by Yoga
