It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Kim Johns and I'm the owner and operator of Sathya Hot Yoga and Wellness. To give you a little background, I was introduced to yoga in 2020 and it quickly became a passion of mine. In 2022, I did my first hot/cold session and knew right then and there that our local Gwinnet County area needed to experience this transformative practice. This was the beginning of Sathya Hot Yoga and Wellness and how our vision came to life. 

My top priority is customer satisfaction and creating experiences that are meaningful to my clients. Every aspect of the studio is designed with you in mind. My ultimate goal is to make everyone feel welcome in our community, regardless of any societal labels. I believe that I too can be a part of the change. 

When I'm not at the studio, you can find me spending time with my family, hiking nature trails, watching my son play competitive baseball, enjoying the outdoors, and of course, practicing yoga with the Sathya Hot Yoga and Wellness tribe. 

I hope to see you soon! Wishing you peace and blessings.

Since she was very young, Gigi has been introduced to Yoga thanks to her passion for contemporary dance in Cuba. From the early 2000s onward, she has been sharing her vast knowledge of various Yoga styles, incorporating principles from Iyengar and Vinyasa flow. Over the years, she has devoted a significant amount of time to teaching, training, and developing her skills in countries like Argentina, Costa Rica, India, and the USA. Gigi's expertise goes beyond Yoga, as she is also certified in Bars and has completed all three levels of REIKI training and certification. Additionally, she continues to expand her knowledge of healing practices by becoming certified in Thai Massage under the guidance of Michael Zitser and the renowned Thai Massage Master, Pichest Boonthumme. 

Gigi finds joy in introducing newcomers to her teachings while also pushing experienced practitioners to stretch (quite literally) beyond their comfort zones both mentally and physically.  As a devoted advocate for happiness and overall well-being, she is committed to improving her understanding to offer excellent guidance for achieving a more joyful and healthy lifestyle. Her classes are specially crafted to resonate with life's unpredictability, allowing individuals to release traumas and challenge themselves through diverse poses. Yoga, dogs, beaches, and wholesome food hold a special place in Gigi's heart. 

 “Our body is the vehicle to experience life, and every breath is the fuel of the body. Every time that each of us show up on the mat, we are letting go of what is not serving our life purpose and opening a space for infinite possibilities."  - Gigi

coming soon.

Carla Rodriguez is a vibrant yoga instructor who creates a warm, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome.  Her classes are a soulful blend of movement, breathwork, and mindfulness, designed to help students flow with ease, build strength and reconnect within.

John has lived in the Atlanta area for the past 44 years and recently retired from AT&T after a 40-year career. In 2024, he earned his NASM Personal Training Certification and is passionate about helping others on their fitness journey to improve longevity, mobility, and independence throughout life.

Sports and fitness have always been a major part of John’s life, including participation in football, baseball, track & field, and golf. He is currently continuing his education and studying to become a certified Golf Fitness Specialist.

Practicing since 2014 and a self-described inversion addict, Bethany leads classes that blend challenge with play. She brings vibrant energy and purposeful intensity to her sequences, balanced by a warm, light-hearted teaching style that makes even the toughest moments feel accessible. Her aim is for every student to leave feeling renewed, more connected to themselves, and empowered to honor their unique journey—on and off the mat.

Hi I’m Tony and my journey to yoga was serendipitous and one of the best things to ever happen to me. As the practice became part of my everyday life, my desire to go deeper led me to become an instructor. Yoga came later, as my foundation was built over nearly 20 years in traditional Chinese martial arts. That discipline continues to shape everything I do, from strength coaching to yoga to the way I guide and lead. I bring a steady balance of power, presence, and purpose to every class. My approach is calm and measured. There is compassion in my presence, and I hold space where challenge becomes transformation and discipline becomes a way to serve and remember the self.  I seek alignment, where the physical body and the breath are used to soften everything around us. I focus on helping students build real, lasting functional strength and wellness from the inside out.

If you are looking for the steady bamboo in the storm or, a kind of Sherpa who honors effort, leads with heart, and brings depth via devotion to the mat, I would be honored to practice with you.

I am a lifelong student and versatile professional dedicated to the intersection of creative expression and wellness. Whether I’m on my mat, climbing, or out on the mountain bike trails, I am constantly exploring how we can move with more intention. My background in residential therapy and trauma-informed settings informs my approach to holding space, and I am currently pursuing an MA in Arts in Medicine to bridge the gap between artistic practice and health.

As a yoga instructor, I focus on functional health and breath mechanics to build a sustainable practice that supports the work we do in the rest of our lives. My classes are designed to be a bridge between the physical and the reflective, using foundational movement to prepare the body for deeper mindfulness and stillness.

Jeremy is a highly experienced respiratory therapist and critical care specialist with a diverse background spanning over 2 decades. He has developed his company RIOR Wellness,  utilizing a groundbreaking breathing program that focuses on optimizing the breathing cycle to enhance lung function, lung capacity, and air distribution both at rest and during movement. 

Improving these aspects, Jeremy aims to promote overall wellness, including better sleep quality, stress management, anxiety control, emotion regulation,  enhance weight loss, work performance, and athletic endurance. 

Utilizing meditation techniques, pliability practices, mobility workouts, contrast therapy and basic yoga movements are the foundational approaches of RIOR Wellness. 

Let's get stronger together and start your program today with an assessment. 

Aliya began her yoga journey in 2018 and is a Yoga Alliance registered 500 RYT, as well as a 500-hour certified Kundalini Yoga teacher.

She is deeply devoted to the practice, living and embodying yoga as a daily path rather than just a class. Aliya finds inspiration in nature — the mountains, the forest, and quiet moments of connection — where she reconnects with herself and the present moment.

For Aliya, each class is a reflection of life as it unfolds — a space that resonates with the energy of the moment, offering something new every time. Her teaching is intuitive, grounded, and guided by what is truly needed, inviting students to reconnect with themselves in an authentic and meaningful way.

Nikeva Lyneé is a Pilates Instructor and 200 Hour certified yoga instructor registered with Yoga Alliance. Nikeva has completed all comprehensive classical Pilates training contact hours with Classical Kulture and continues to participate in numerous Pilates workshops. In addition, Nikeva has certifications in Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Kids Yoga. Her signature yoga class is R&B Soul Flow Yoga with Love. Nikeva’s entire life is built in love, peace and harmony. Her goal for students who grant her the honor of leading them in their Pilates and yoga practices is for those students to achieve love, peace and harmony in their own lives and spread these positive powerful energies throughout the environments they experience.

Hanbi's yoga journey began in 2017 during her time as a night-shift nurse. Inspired by the otransformative benefits of yoga, she pursued further education, completing her RYT 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2022, followed by her RYT 500-hour certification in 2024.

Alongside her work as a yoga instructor, Hanbi is a family nurse practitioner at a primary care office. She finds deep synergy between her roles, blending the art of healing with the mindfulness of yoga. Hanbi values meaningful connections with her clients and strives to provide thoughtful, precise guidance in every session.

Passionate about all styles of yoga, from dynamic hot vinyasa flows to soothing restorative yin practices. Hanbi considers yoga her best friend, her favorite hobby, and a profound way to connect with others.

Hi, I’m Shelly — sound healer, space holder, and soulful guide. My journey with sound began on a Kundalini yoga retreat in Kauai in 2021, though I like to think it runs in my blood—my mother’s been a sound healer for years. After years of working closely with women as a hairstylist in Atlanta and Buford, I felt a deeper calling to help others reconnect with themselves on a soul level.

With a 200hr yoga certification and training through IIN as a holistic health coach, I combine sound, stillness, and intention to help reset the nervous system and awaken inner healing.

Outside the studio, you’ll find me near water, hiking trails, or curled up on the porch with my two beloved cats, Sadie Mae and Aspen.

Marisa’s passion for yoga began in her 20’s as a way to practice self-care.  Inspired by its incredible benefits and the powerful collective energy she felt while practicing, she decided to deepen her practice by completing her RYT 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2021.  Marisa also completed her Pilates Mat Teacher Training in 2023.

When she is not at Sathya on her mat, you can find Marisa spending time with her family, dogs and friends.  She also enjoys training for road races, hiking, traveling to new places and trying new restaurants and cuisines. 

From my first two weeks at SHYW, I felt an instant connection—the inviting atmosphere and warm community drew me in. As an empty nester and recent retiree, becoming a SEVA Volunteer gives me the perfect way to give back, stay connected, and continue growing in my yoga practice.

My happy place is home in Danville, VA, surrounded by family, friends, good food, and laughter. I live by the mantra “Prayer changes things”—because it truly does.

When I’m not on the mat, you’ll find me enjoying NY-style pizza with anchovies or dreaming of my perfect pamper day by the ocean with a glass of Malbec in hand.

Essence is inspired by the chance to serve others in a space that aligns with her personal wellness journey and love for community. Her happy place is at home, where being with family brings her the most joy.

She lives by the guiding principles of clarity and intention, which anchor how she lives, leads, and cares for others without losing herself. Her favorite foods are any variation of a fresh, vibrant salad.

On a completely free day, Essence enjoys spending time alone—working out, savoring her favorite foods, catching up on sleep, and either binge-watching a show or diving into a good book.

Tra is excited to be part of a community that has always made her feel welcomed, and she looks forward to giving back and contributing her energy to that space. Her happy place is her grandmother’s house, where she feels comforted and at home.

She lives by the mantra, “What is meant for me will not pass me,” which keeps her grounded in the present and embracing life as it comes. Tra’s favorite food is hot wings, a fun favorite that never disappoints.

On a completely free day, Tra enjoys a slow morning, delicious food, time outdoors, quality moments with family and friends, and ending the day cozy in pajamas while binge-watching Netflix.

Being a SEVA Scholar is exciting because it provides the opportunity to be part of a community that fosters growth, mindfulness, and meaningful connections. My happy place is the beach, where I can relax, recharge, and simply be present. In fact, presence is the word I try to live by, as it reminds me to slow down, stay intentional, and fully experience each moment instead of rushing through life. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I love flavorful vegetarian comfort food—especially dishes with bold, homemade flavors. On a completely free day, you'll find me starting with a warm cup of chai, taking a wellness class or dance session, enjoying great food, and spending quality time with the people I love. If I could do all of that by the beach, it would be the perfect day.

Arijana is inspired by the opportunity to cultivate a deeper relationship with herself and a like-minded community. For her, SEVA is a space where wellness is not just practiced, but truly lived—where showing up as your full, evolving self is encouraged. She is passionate about deepening her mind-body connection while contributing her energy, presence, and service to a community that values intention and care.

Her happy place is anywhere she feels grounded and present—especially spaces that invite stillness, like a sauna or yoga room. That sense of peace is amplified when she’s with her daughters, Emma and Hanna, where her heart feels most at home.

Arijana lives by the word “Peace,” guiding her to choose calm over chaos, presence over pressure, and alignment over urgency. Her favorite foods are nourishing, simple meals made with care—especially her mom’s soups and homemade bread.

On a completely free day, Arijana enjoys slowing down with movement, breath, and reflection. She might take a long walk with her daughters, practice yoga, enjoy a sauna, or savor a comforting meal with meaningful conversation—a day fully rooted in presence, connection, and rest.

Yasmin is a thoughtful and grounded presence within the Sathya Hot Yoga & Wellness community. As a SEVA Scholar, she is inspired by the opportunity to grow within a space rooted in mindfulness, connection, and service, while deepening her own personal practice.

Her happy place is on a plane headed somewhere new—embracing travel as a chance to meet new people, experience different perspectives, and expand how she sees the world.

She lives by the mantra “alignment over attachment”, a reminder to trust what feels right for her spirit rather than holding on to what no longer serves her.

Outside the studio, she’s a pasta lover in every form. On her ideal day off, you’ll find her starting with yoga, spending time in nature or near the water, enjoying a great meal, and ending the day surrounded by close friends, meaningful conversation, and a sense of calm.

Cherokee is excited for the opportunity to serve, connect with her community, and become even more involved at Sathya. As she works toward becoming a physical therapist, she stays motivated by reminding herself, “I will be an excellent physical therapist!”

Her happy place is the beach, and on a completely free day, you’ll find her reconnecting with the hobbies she loves most, including yoga, reading, and crocheting. And when it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a delicious bowl of mac and cheese!

Rose is passionate about giving back, building community, and helping others experience the same joy and healing that yoga has brought to her own life. Her happy place is anywhere she can be with family, whether she’s relaxing by the pool, spending time in nature, or on her yoga mat surrounded by her SHYW family.

Rose lives by “Grace and the Golden Rule,” giving herself and others grace, treating people with kindness, and remembering that kindness always matters. On a perfect day, you’ll find her enjoying coffee, running, practicing yoga, gardening, crafting, cooking something healthy, and spending time outside with her family and animals. She believes life is all about balance, which is why she loves avocados, broccoli, fresh coconut…and Jelly Bellies! 😊

Amberly is excited to become more involved at Sathya and get to know all the friendly faces she sees around the studio. She believes consistency and moderation are the keys to creating balance, recognizing that health and fitness are lifelong journeys built one step at a time.

Her happiest moments are spent running trails and exploring the outdoors. If given a completely free day, you’ll likely find her hiking to a beautiful waterfall—and hopefully enjoying a plate of nachos afterward!

Robert is excited to meet more members of the Sathya community, deepen his knowledge of yoga, and give back by sharing the same curiosity, enthusiasm, and support that others have shared with him. He strives to live intentionally while spreading happiness, joy, and grace wherever he goes. His happiest place is deep in laughter with friends—and if you’re laughing with him, you’re officially his friend whether you like it or not!

Robert’s perfect day includes working out, practicing yoga, enjoying brunch, relaxing by the pool, reading, walking his dog, sharing a great dinner with friends, and possibly squeezing in a power nap or two. He also loves traveling, learning new things, being outdoors, and nearly every kind of food—especially sushi, pizza, Indian, Jamaican, Italian, Mexican, and, of course, ice cream!

Dea is excited to be part of the wonderful community Kim and Gigi have built at Sathya. She loves all that the studio has to offer and is grateful for the opportunity to volunteer her time and energy while connecting with the community.

As a creative person, Dea lives by the mantra, “Everything I need to create is within me,” reminding herself that inspiration is already inside, waiting to be discovered. Her happy place is Pensacola Beach, Florida, and her perfect day would include watching the sunrise, biking with friends, enjoying brunch and pho, spending time with family, painting, and relaxing with her husband.

Rebekah is excited to connect more deeply with her local community and meet others who share her passion for yoga and caring for their bodies. She lives by the words, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,” encouraging her to move through life with courage and an open heart.

Her happy place is the beach, and on a completely free day, you’ll find her practicing yoga, meditating, spending time with her boyfriend and her cat, Xino, and enjoying a peaceful drive. Her favorite meal is salmon, broccoli, and rice!