About Us

About Namaste Yoga

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More Than a Yoga Studio

Welcome to Namaste Yoga, a place where the heart of yoga's ancient traditions pulses with modern innovation, and every visit is more than just a practice -- it's an experience. Nestled in the desert paradise of North Scottsdale, Namaste Yoga is not just about striking poses under the warmth of infrared heat; it's about striking a balance in life.

Explore the Experience

Meet Our Yoga Teachers

Ashley Aakre, Yoga Teacher

Ashley Aakre

Teacher + Founder

With a deep passion for yoga that spans a lifetime, she honed her craft in Bali, Indonesia, studying both Ashtanga and Vinyasa under the guidance of world-class instructors. Her dedication led her to further her training in the U.S., where she earned her Yin Yoga certification, and continues to study today, expanding her holistic approach to wellness.

A serial entrepreneur at heart, Ashley's drive to create meaningful, immersive experiences led her to open Namaste Yoga in North Scottsdale. With a commitment to elevating the practice and fostering a vibrant, community-centered space, she has crafted a studio where the ancient roots of yoga are balanced with modern technology, creating the world's first Cinematic Infrared Yoga studio. A place where every student feels inspired, empowered, and deeply connected. Off the mat, Ashley embraces a life full of adventure and connection. She enjoys traveling, cooking, horseback riding, and hiking, but most of all, cherishes time spent with her five children and two grandchildren at her North Scottsdale ranch—where the beauty of nature and the warmth of family create a truly irreplaceable sanctuary.

Elena Sorbo

Elena Sorbo

Yoga Teacher

Elena's 13-year journey with yoga has been a transformative force in her life, enriching her roles as a parent, business owner, and individual. Through yoga, she has cultivated a profound sense of self-awareness and compassion that transcends anything else she has encountered. This journey sparked a deep desire for movement, leading her to explore and embrace a variety of practices, including Power Vinyasa, Yin Deep Stretch, SoundBaths, and Meditation. Her mission to connect others with movement is powerful, aiming to inspire people to cultivate not only physical strength but also a deeper sense of confidence in their bodies and overall experience as human beings. Elena’s holistic approach to wellness fosters a relationship with movement that goes beyond the physical, nurturing the mind and spirit along the way. It’s clear that her journey has shaped her deeply, and she is now passionate about sharing that transformation with others. Come and explore how she integrates these different practices into her daily life as you dive into the specifics of her teachings!

Helen Deshpande

Helen Deshpande

Yoga Teacher

For Helen, yoga is not just a physical practice—it’s a path to inner harmony and strength. A Certified YTT 200-Hour Instructor, she spent five years living in Norway and has traveled extensively, developing a deep appreciation for connecting with people from all walks of life. Yoga enables her to share this sense of unity and balance with others, embracing the transformative power of practice along the way. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find Helen spending quality time with her pets and family, or unwinding with a good video game. Whether on the mat or off, she believes in finding joy in the little things and living fully in the present moment.

Jess Bright

Jess Bright

Yoga Teacher

Jess is a certified yoga teacher and wellness enthusiast with over seven years of experience guiding others on their yoga journeys. She discovered the transformative power of yoga in 1999, and ever since, has been dedicated to sharing its profound benefits with students of all backgrounds. Jess believes that yoga is for everyone, and she is passionate about creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space where her students can explore their practice at their own pace. Beyond the mat, Jess embraces a life full of adventure, from exploring the great outdoors to cooking nourishing meals for friends and family. A lover of travel and mindful living, she finds joy in staying present, grounded, and connected to the world around her.

Julie Fecteau

Julie Fecteau

Yoga Teacher

Yoga has been a constant part of Julie’s life for the past 8 years. What began as a physical workout soon revealed itself as a transformative mental practice as well. Julie discovered that yoga brought balance to her body, mind, and soul, both on and off the mat. Her deep love for yoga inspired her to share its life-changing benefits with others. In November 2021, she completed her 200-hour teacher training with Kansas City Yoga Teacher Training (KCYTT). Teaching at various studios throughout the Valley has helped Julie feel a deep sense of belonging within the yoga community. When she's not on the mat, Julie enjoys traveling, spending time with her two Golden Retrievers, Kali and Kona, reading, and tending to her garden. She is excited to bring her passion and experience to the Namaste Yoga team.

Nicki Lemmon

Nicki Lemmon

Yoga Teacher

Nicki is an experienced yoga instructor with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a passion for understanding human movement. Originally from Minnesota, she has worked with a diverse range of students, from children and seniors to professional athletes. With her deep knowledge of biomechanics and anatomy, Nicki designs mindful, effective practices that are accessible to all skill levels, helping her students move with purpose and awareness. When she’s not on the mat, Nicki enjoys spending quality time with her two dogs and her son, savoring life’s simple joys.

Pandora Niblett

Pandora Niblett

Yoga Teacher

Pandora is passionate about guiding others towards inner peace, strength, and self-discovery through the power of yoga, conscious breathing, energy healing, sound, and conversation.For the past 10 years Pandora began a long journey of self discovery in the art of crystal healing. She expanded her spiritual tools in the past few years by becoming a Reiki Master and a yoga teacher.

Savannah Fenimore

Savannah Fenimore

Yoga Teacher

Savannah has been a passionate yoga practitioner for over a decade. She was first introduced to yoga by her sister at an in-studio vinyasa class in Denver, CO. Over the years she has evolved her practice to largely focus on different types of yoga including slow flow vinyasa, yin, restorative, and nidra. She is also a fan of partaking in and offering sound healing. As an instructor, she aims to create a safe environment for students to explore their practice. She is known for her approachability, humor, and ability to empower her students through her message, “honor your body”. Savannah aims to design sequences that are accessible to all bodies and levels of learners. In 2021, she received her 200 hour yoga teacher training through My Vinyasa Practice. She joined Yoga Alliance as a registered yoga teacher in 2024. Savannah is also a personal trainer and CPR/AED certified.

Simone Collins

Simone Collins

Yoga Teacher

Simone is a YTT 200-Hour certified yoga teacher. Originally from Tucson, she moved east to study Math at the University of Virginia—Wahoowa! Before fully embracing yoga, Simone spent years teaching spinning and group exercise, but now she is wholeheartedly dedicated to the practice of yoga. In addition to her yoga journey, Simone has spent the past 10 years leading the finance department at nutrition-focused food startups, blending her passion for wellness with her professional expertise. When she's not teaching, Simone loves hiking, enjoying Broadway musicals, and meowing with her cat, Milo.

Stephani Summerlin

Stephani Summerlin

Yoga Teacher

Stephani is a passionate yoga teacher and holistic healer, with a deep commitment to guiding others on their path to wellness. She graduated from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in 2015, earning her 200-hour yoga teacher certification. Since then, she has been sharing her love of yoga through heated Vinyasa flow, restorative Yin, guided meditation, and kids yoga classes. In addition to her yoga expertise, Stephani is a certified Reiki practitioner, sound therapist, and plant medicine integration coach. She has been working with sacred plant medicines since 2014, following the powerful calling that led her to become a yoga teacher. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing is a holistic journey that encompasses mind, body, and spirit. A single mother to her 18-year-old daughter and proud caretaker of two beloved cats, Stephani brings warmth, compassion, and a sense of community to everyone she meets. She is deeply passionate about traveling and connecting with like-minded, heart-centered individuals. Known for her big hugs and infectious joy, Stephani always has an open heart for those in need of support or a little extra love.

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Our Core Values

The Pillars of Our Practice

At Namaste Yoga, we're guided by core values that shape our unique approach to yoga and wellness. These values aren't just principles -- they're the essence of our every interaction, class and community event.

Hospitality

Hospitality

We believe in going beyond the expected, creating a welcoming and special atmosphere for every member. Our studio is your sanctuary, where each experience is crafted with care, attention to detail and a member-first ethos.

Community

Community

Yoga is a journey best shared. At Namaste Yoga, we cherish the connections made on and off the mat. We're dedicated to building a community of like-minded individuals who find joy, support and friendship in our shared spaces.

Balance

Balance

Life is full of dualities. At Namaste Yoga, we embrace this, finding harmony between tradition and innovation, personal reflection & communal joy. Our approach reflects this balance, offering a space for everyone, regardless of where they are in their yoga journey.

Immersion

Immersion

From the moment you step into Namaste Yoga, we invite you into a world of immersive experiences. Our classes, designed with both ancient wisdom and modern technology, are crafted to transport, center and refresh you, providing an escape from the everyday into the extraordinary.

Mission

Our Mission

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    Elevating Your Yoga Experience

    At Namaste Yoga, we are dedicated to providing a space for yoga enthusiasts of all levels to immerse themselves in truly meaningful personal and community-building experiences. Our unique fusion of ancient yoga traditions with innovative practices offers a harmonious balance that caters to the body, mind and spirit.

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    Our Promise to You

    Namaste Yoga is more than a place to practice yoga -- it's a community where you are seen, supported and inspired. Our commitment to excellence, from our state-of-the-art facilities to our compassionate and skilled instructors, ensures that every class is an opportunity for growth, connection and transformation.

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    Your Journey Begins Here

    We invite you to explore the transformative power of cinematic infrared hot yoga and to discover the difference a committed, caring community can make. Welcome to Namaste Yoga – where every day provides opportunities to leave your worries at the door and move toward balance, wellness and a deeper connection with yourself and those around you.