The Blue Crew
Karin
E-RYT 500 YACEP
Karin: A Love Revolution in Motion
Karin is the embodiment of a love revolution—an unstoppable force of wisdom, authenticity, and healing. As the creator and owner of Blue Buddha, she has spent a quarter of a century guiding yogis to unlock their own greatness and embrace the incredible power of self-love and transformation.
With a heart as big as her passion for yoga, Karin’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She is certified in five different lineages of yoga, with over 19,000 teaching hours and 1,500 hours of advanced training. She has studied directly under some of the most legendary Yoga Gurus of our time. From Bikram Choudhury’s 500-hour Teacher Training to the transformative work of David Berceli, Ph.D., Structural Yoga Therapy Guru Mukunda Stiles, Yoga Master Guru Amrit and Yoga Nidra Expert Kamini Desai, Ph.D., Yin yoga’s Paul Grilley, to Master Kundalini yoga teachers Sangeet Kaur Khalsa and Jaap Khaur Kalsa,
Karin’s path has been guided by a commitment to evolving not only as a teacher but as a true spiritual guide.
In 2012, she created the revolutionary Integrative System of Hatha yoga, with a 60 minute format and that practice forever changed the landscape of hot yoga in the valley. Her original, deep healing sequence, is the heart of Blue Buddha and is taught at studios around the valley and across the country.
Her teachings have touched the lives of countless yogis, inspiring them to believe in themselves and find the love within.
But it’s not just about yoga—Karin’s journey is one of service, passion, and relentless dedication to serving others.
In 2012, she founded Hot Yoga University as a way to give back and to share her knowledge and passion on a greater scale. Trusting in the Divine timing in all things, Karin sold the studio to one of her yoga students in 2020 and embarked on a soul-stirring sabbatical that led her to a profound spiritual awakening. This awakening served to reignite her purpose and vision to continue sharing her love with the world.
Karin’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and an unwavering belief in the power of divine timing. She’s a teacher, a visionary, and a healer—an embodiment of light and love, here to help you find your own.
“I’m forever grateful for the experiences that have shaped me, for the inner sanctuary I’ve built, and for the connection to Divine consciousness that guides me each day. I’m so thankful for my family, my students, and this beautiful community that inspires me to keep going. Join me at the Blue—let’s create something magical together.” -Karin xx
Karin teaches every day at Blue Buddha, inviting you to dive deep into the heart of yoga and the transformative power of love.,
Megan
200 Hour Yoga Teacher
Hi beautiful humans! My name is Megan Mawson & I’m a new teacher here at The Blue! I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA but moved to AZ in 2018 to attend The University of Arizona. After college, I moved up to Scottsdale where I took my first yoga class at Blue Buddha in 2022 and the rest is history! I quickly fell in love with the practice, teachers, & community that make Blue Buddha the magical place that it is.
I’m honored to be apart of magic and look forward to do for others what the Blue has done for me. Come take a Hatha, Vinyasa, or Pilates class with me! See you on the mat! 🙂
Steven
200 Hour Yoga Teacher
Hi I.m Steven! Yoga found me while battling physical & mental challenges after sustaining various sports related injuries. At first, it was the medicinal practice of asanas and pranayama that was essential for my recovery and overall vitality. Maintaining discipline n patience through my yogic journey, the layers of yoga began to unravel. I realized it is a practice that my being requires, not solely desires. Forever considering myself a student, these days I approach this century old practice with the mindset of “paying it forward” to others. Sharing, guiding n connecting in any way I can possible. See you on your mat!
Nicole
200 Hour Yoga Teacher
Hi, I’m Nichole! I’m a native Arizonian and avid outdoorswoman – if I’m not at the studio, I’m likely out of cell phone range & either backpacking somewhere remote, climbing a rock wall, or paddleboarding one of the many rivers in our beautiful state.
My yoga journey began a bit later than most – I hadn’t taken a single yoga class (not even one!) until my 38th year of life. I instantly fell in love with how physically & mentally refreshed I felt following a practice & couldn’t wait to go back. My second yoga class ever was at the Blue Buddha & soon after: I discovered the vibrant & irreplaceable Blue Buddha community.
I felt intrinsically called to elevate my passion for practicing to teaching but couldn’t imagine receiving my Yoga Teacher Certification from anyone other than Karin (…who continued to assure me that she wasn’t going to be certifying any teachers anytime soon).
The universe must’ve been listening & watching – because over 500 classes at the Blue later (literally!) – Karin serendipitously announced her first-ever YTT for Blue Buddha. I was among the first to join & can’t wait to (finally!) provide for those on their mats.
I truly believe yoga holds the keys to the universe that exists inside you – and I look forward to unlocking that universe & watching you grow & glow.
Yumi
500 Hour Yoga teacher
Yumi loves adventure and holistic living! She is a former Muay Thai boxing competitor. She discovered Yoga as part of the low impact training. She fell in love with its mind and body connection right away.
In 2018, she completed the 200 hr. Yoga teacher training in the jungles of Costa Rica. She was surrounded by monkeys, sloths, bugs and the beautiful ocean.
2024 300 hr yoga teacher training
Yumi made a big transition from a 20-year finance career to pursue her passion – serving others and community as a Life Journey Guide. She utilizes Yoga as an effective life journey tool, to reset and transform her clients’ life, along with eastern philosophy, meditation, energy work, gardening, shinrin yoku (forest bathing), Muay Thai boxing, fitness, happy eating, and smart finance.
“Being a part of the Blue Buddha family is a manifestation of a long-time dream – building a compassionate community. Looking forward to connecting and guiding you, yogi
Jenny
200 Hour Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Jenny, an ex-Elementary school teacher now stay-at-home mom, who found Yoga Nidra on a whim. I left my first Yoga Nidra class feeling blissful and “yogi high” as they say. I was totally relaxed and refreshed from my experience. From then on I was hooked on the practice.
I studied I AM Yoga Nidra under Kamini Desai.
It was through this experience that I learned how therapeutic and transformative Yoga Nidra can be. Shortly after that I completed my 200 hour RYT yoga training and I feel so honored to be able to share this with others in our community.
Outside of class I love being mama bear to two beautiful girls, cooking, music, seeing new places, and visiting with friends.
I look forward to guiding you through your practice.
Brooklynn
200 Hour Yoga teacher
-Hi I’m Brooklynn! Here’s a little bit about me! I love spending time outside, practicing yoga, meditation, hiking, and thrifting.
I fell in love with yoga at the Blue Buddha, so I am very happy to be teaching here!!
In 2023 I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in psychology. Through the time I spent studying psychology, I discovered the importance of our mind body and spirit connection. Finding thew balance of these three is the key to leading a healthy life. I love yoga becauseit helps me create a more meaningful connection with myself and others. Lets flow together!
Abi
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hello I’m Abi and from Flagstaff Arizona. I moved to Scottsdale two years ago. What I love most about yoga is that it is unique to each persons mind and body. When I’m not enjoying yoga, I am a student at Arizona State University studying Cellular Biology and Genetics.. I also enjoy traveling, hiking and all things Arizona!
I am looking forward to seeing everyone on their mats at the Blue!
Lora
500 hour Yoga teacher. Lora discovered yoga in 1998 as a way to ease migraines caused by a car accident, but her journey quickly revealed yoga’s power to transform far beyond the physical. Through yoga, she found healing, strength, and a deeper connection to herself.
In 2006, Lora completed Bikram Teacher Training and went on to teach full-time for 13 years. Her passion for learning and sharing led her to additional certifications in Yin, Kids Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Vinyasa.
Known for her thoughtful approach to alignment and modifications, Lora creates a safe and welcoming space for all. Having overcome injuries and health challenges through her practice, she believes yoga should be joyful, empowering, and accessible to everyone.
Indira
200 hr yoga teacher Hi my name is Indira. I am a passionate healer and teacher. My journey with meditation started at the age of five as a tool to help me overcome childhood trauma. It has impacted my life in the best way possible and given me the gift of the journey to self.
As I became older my curiosity and continuing healing journey led me to different modalities. My journey with Yoga started in 2015 after falling in love with sound healing and being introduced to my first Kundalini Yoga class. This fueled my passion into the wellness industry and I never looked back. Over the years I have accumulated multiple certifications in wellness.
I am a certified 200 HR Kundalini Yoga Teacher and also specialize in Yoga Nidra, Sound Healing, Restorative Yoga, Reiki and Breathe Therapy. Each modality is a form of meditation and can be used to find stillness in the midst of chaos.Meditation doesn’t require hours of our day but simply minutes of time in which we are truly able to be present.
My intention is to provide a safe and sacred space for you to journey within and meet your inner healer.
Amanda
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Amanda! A multidimensional movement coach with a passion for empowering others through fitness. My journey as a figure competitor, and I went on to become a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and yoga instructor.
I believe that movement and breath are the best medicine for body, mind, and spirit, embracing a wide range of fitness styles—from boot camps and primal flow to surfboard fitness.
Whether I’m leading a calming yoga flow or Hot Pilates, I create an inclusive and motivating space where participants of all levels can thrive.
Beyond fitness, I love exploring nature (and picking up trash!), experimenting with new recipes, working festivals, and expressing her creativity through art, music, & flow. I’m excited to see you at the Blue!
Sam
200 hr Yoga teacher
Bio coming
Beth
500 hr Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Beth! I have over 7 years teaching experience. I teach Infrared Pilates and Hatha at the Blue and enjoy guiding yogis through their practice. I am driven to challenge and uplift you, to help you become more aware of your body mind, and spirit while in class. I strive to create a fun, connected, & motivating experience, so to can access your true inner strength within.
Looking forward to having you in class!
Mak
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Mak! I grew up in Arizona and have lived in Scottsdale for 8 years. I was fortunate enough to start my yoga journey when I was 14. My mom and her friends had started going to hot yoga classes raving about what a great workout it was. I tagged along one day and had an absolute blast!
Being a former gymnast and dancer I thought it was so fun and challenging moving from pose to pose like a little dance. Flash forward to my early 20s, I was feeling very stagnant physically and emotionally. I found a hot yoga studio nearby and really started to delve into my practice. I quickly realized that, for me, the mental benefits of yoga really surpassed the physical and my practice has helped me tremendously through many struggles I’ve faced.
I knew I wanted to be able to share this feeling with others and decided to pursue teaching. I firmly believe that yoga is for everyone and I’m very passionate about showing new students that yoga can work for them!
I’m a mommy to the sweetest boy that I adore and spend most of my time just staring at him but when I have a moment of free time my fiancé and I always head to the movie theater, so if you need any movie recommendations I’m your gal! I also love going to arcades, finding good hole in the wall restaurants, and hanging out with my pups Dinky, and Quentin (yes, after Quentin Tarantino). I hope to see you on your mat soon!
Tom
200 hr Yoga teacher
Tom began practicing yoga in 2009 after a sports related knee injury. A steady vinyasa practice has allowed him to develop a holistic yoga approach, developing awareness of the physical body and the application of mindfulness techniques.
He was called to participate in an Ashtanga-based yoga teacher training in 2022 to extend his practice and learn to guide fellow yogis on their path.
Tom appreciates day-to-day application of traditional yoga techniques, using them to mentor and coach in a corporate environment.
He looks forward to helping to guide you through your practice creating a positive, fun space to support you on your yoga journey!
Kaylee
200 hr Yoga teacher
Bio coming
Stacy
200 hr Yoga teacher
Bio Coming
Jacki
200 hr Yoga teacher
Bio coming
Mazzy
200 hr Yoga teacher
Bio Coming
Guillermo
200 hr Yoga teacher
Bio coming
Raf
200 Hour Yoga teacher
Bio Comin
Jane
200 Hour Yoga teacher
Hi! I’m Jane.
I have been practicing yoga since 2017, finding in it a profound source of physical and emotional healing. As I balance the demands of a corporate career and ongoing education, yoga has been essential in cultivating resilience, balance, and mindfulness while helping to alleviate stress.
My goal as a teacher is to share this transformative practice, helping others find strength, stability, and connection on and off the mat. Let’s flow!