Meet our Teachers
Kalia Kohut, owner
As a child, Kalia “Lynn” always enjoyed movement. She began studying dance at age 4.5 and was introduced to Hatha yoga at age 8 when her mother became a yoga instructor. Kalia has over 20 years of dance teaching experience and has been a practitioner of the healing arts for over 25 years. Her vast knowledge about the body’s alignment, injury recovery and disease prevention is openly shared with loving assistance. In her private practice, Kalia Healing LLC, she specializes in healing bodywork via CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, and Therapeutic Aromatherapy.
When Kalia was introduced to Bella Kai in 2021, The Original Hot Yoga series replaced her beloved ballet barre exercises with its predictable series of 26 postures. Kalia became mystified by the healing effects she experienced in her own body and couldn’t wait to introduce her clients to the magic! So, she proceeded to complete her Hot Yoga 26+2 Teacher Certification with Evolation Yoga in February 2022 and immediately began teaching and managing Bella Kai Yoga when the doors re-opened to the public in April!
In May 2023, Kalia transitioned into Bella Kai’s new momma! She is thrilled to expand the core hot yoga classes with fitness classes and other complimentary wellness offerings to grow this precious community!
Kalia lives in Kailua with her husband, Chris, and tuxedo kitty, Puka. When she is not in service at Bella Kai Hot Yoga, she loves to study the Bible, read, write, sunbathe, and swim in the ocean.
Gail Bursell
I am certified in Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga and have taught extensively in studios in Massachusetts and Hawaii, as well as in California, and Melbourne, Australia.
When I attended my first Hot Yoga class, even though I was completely unprepared for, and aghast, at the high temperature and physical intensity of the class, I knew immediately that this hot, sweaty, yoga was something extraordinary that I wanted to permanently incorporate into my life. After several months of regular practice and experiencing first-hand the many healing benefits of the yoga, I went to Teacher Training and graduated from the Yoga College of India in Los Angeles in June, 2005.
I love teaching Hot Yoga and my passion for this powerful, life-changing yoga continually grows. I am humbled by its mental and physical challenges, am inspired by its innumerable benefits, and awed at how it develops physical strength and flexibility concurrently with mental focus, inner strength, self-confidence, creativity, spirituality, and overall good health and well-being. I am so appreciative to have the opportunity to share this transformative series and am honored to be able to join others on their yoga journey.
I am deeply grateful to my many teachers and all my students for everything they have taught me, and continue to teach me, about this practice.
Can’t wait to see you in the Hot Room!
Naomi Lee
Naomi Lee has been practicing Hatha Yoga for 7 years with Bella Kai. She was a workaholic running her own business and found refuge and solace at Bella Kai. She fell in love with the practice as it enabled to heal her overworked body and to help her silence her mind. Being a creative being and artist at heart, she has also become the "in-house resident artist" at the studio.
She was born and raised in Panama City, Florida and has lived in Hawaii for 30 years. She is Lagree Certified and is currently teaching Lagree at Komo Studio.
In 2023, Naomi completed her 250hr hot yoga teacher certification with Evolation Yoga. Her favorite motto is "health is wealth". She is passionate about leading and guiding others to a healthier lifestyle through the practice of Hatha Yoga. She loves the mental and physical healing benefits of the practice.
Currently retired, she enjoys traveling around the world, drawing/painting, caring for her two fur babies, and decorating/designing store windows.
Katherine Kane
Practicing Bikram Yoga for 22 years now, Katherine Kane completed her Hot Yoga 26+2 Teacher Certification with Evolation Yoga in April of 2016. She really enjoys guiding and assisting people through this wonderful yoga practice, that opens up, strengthens, renews and uplifts the body, mind and spirit to greater levels of health, ease and joy! She majored in Dance at Ohio State University, and Florida State University studying Ballet, Modern and Folk Dance, with in depth study of movement , rhythmical analysis, history, etc. While at FSU, she was thrilled to study and perform with the Florida State University Flying High Circus, learning the Cloud Swing, Tight Rope, Trapeze , Sky Pole, performing the Spanish Web and the Bicycle Act for 5.
Her marriage to a submarine officer, being stationed for 2 years in Italy, introduced her to a former Ballet Russe Prima Ballerina, Regina Karoly, who taught her privately for 2 years. She also performed Ballet and starred in plays and musicals with Naples Little Theater there. Ballet continued as she and her family moved to the Washington D.C.area, where she also started learning and performing Irish Dancing locally and competing in the Feis’s. Then, while California living, Katherine continued Ballet and Irish Dancing and began Alexander Technique, an Inner Awareness Study. Moving to Hawaii in 1989 began formal Tai Chi training with Sifu Andrew Lum, a Certificate of Hawaiian Healing Bodywork with Kalua Kaiahua in 1994, Shamanic studies, and in depth Metaphysical Training, with license in 1997, Massage and Reflexology License in 2015, and a 1 ½ year stint with Korean Yoga.
Katherine loves the kind, supportive, nurturing teachers, students and environment at Bella Kai Hot Yoga Studio, and is happy to welcome everyone to this wonderful, rich and life changing yoga to all who attend!
Raeven Otter
Introducing Raeven, a vibrant California native who made her way to the island in support of her marine husband. With a passion for fitness and a love for barre, Raeven is certified in both **Pilates Sports Complex: Burn at the Barre** and **Barre Intensity**. Her expertise is complemented by her experience as a former owner of her own barre studio, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of movement.
Raeven is known for bringing a fresh approach to every class she leads, ensuring that each session is engaging and challenging. Her dynamic style will keep you on your toes and motivated to push your limits. Join Raeven for a workout that combines energy, expertise, and enthusiasm.
Book today and experience the difference!
Daniel Phillips
At 17, Daniel’s father took him to his first hot yoga class. It was life changing. Practicing Bikram yoga for 15 years now, Daniel Phillips completed his Hot Yoga 26&2 teacher training in November 2023 with Evolation Yoga. Working in Construction for almost 2 years now, the benefits of practice are ever more evident to his lifestyle.
Daniel's background has been in Martial Arts. Trained and taught Western boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu jitsu, and Jeet Kune Do. Yoga has always been consistent in his training, practicing almost everyday for the last 5 years.
Daniel is continually discovering new styles of yoga such as Ghosh Bishnu 84 asanas to expand his practice and exploration of himself. He is passionate that people discover yoga and the myriad of benefits it holds for each and everybody.
If you're in class, chances are he is too!
Mary Hellstrom
Mary has been practicing Hatha Yoga for 8 years and teaching 26&2 Hot Yoga for 6 years.
“This practice is deeply meaningful for my mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being; I often refer to hot yoga as one of the great loves of my life. After I fractured my spine cliff jumping on Oahu in 2019, I returned to the hot room as soon as possible and found deep healing for my body and soul within both the yoga practice and community. I also work full time as a psychotherapist with the LGBTQ+ community. My view of healing is holistic and my experience as a therapist informs my approach to yoga instruction and vice versa. When I'm not working or practicing yoga, I'm often reading at the beach, exploring the island, or hanging at my home with my tabby cat, Willow. See you in class!”
Claire Ryan
Claire Ryan is a certified barre fitness and aerial yoga instructor, Reiki Master Teacher, and Sound Journey facilitator with over 22 years of experience as an avid yoga practitioner. Her classes blend ancient yogic traditions with a focus on breathwork, body awareness, and empowering students to honor what feels good and supports them in the present moment.
Claire's personal healing journey from chronic Lyme disease introduced her to Reiki, a modality that immediately resonated with her. In 2019, she completed her Reiki Master Teacher training and now integrates this gentle yet powerful energy work into her Sound Journeys, offering students a holistic experience of relaxation and release.
Passionate about guiding others, Claire creates a welcoming space where intentional movement, breath, Reiki energy, and sound come together to nurture the body and soul. Her mission is to support individuals and communities in finding alignment and cultivating joyful, vibrant lives.
Sage King
Sage is a Certified Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator and 200-hour RYT with over 20 years of personal yoga practice, dedicated to helping others heal through the transformative power of their breath. Over the years, her yoga practice has shifted, fostering a profound appreciation for the healing power of restorative practices. She loves teaching deeply nurturing yoga classes where her students leave feeling fully restored and cared for.
After experiencing heavy grief following the loss of her father, Sage turned to somatic therapies and discovered the life-changing potential of breathwork. This personal journey inspired her to share the practice with others. She believes that healing comes from within and is passionate about empowering others to access their inner medicine through intentional breathing.
Susan Alden
Susan Alden taught her first yoga class to fellow paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division over 25 years ago. In 2003, after leaving the military, she opened a yoga studio and holistic wellness center in North Carolina and has been teaching yoga, leading retreats, and supporting people on their wellness journeys ever since.
Susan has an extensive background teaching trauma-informed yoga and meditation as a therapeutic intervention specifically with combat veterans and individuals impacted by sexual trauma. While she has been trained by many masters in yoga, the one who inspires her practice and teaching most profoundly is Anand Mehotra of the Himalayan Yoga Vedantic tradition.
Susan is also passionate about lomilomi, hula, ho’oponopono, and the Native American Medicine Wheel. She and her husband Jamie, co-founder of Mind Body Aloha Wellness, have lived in Kailua for nearly 18 years and are blessed to be mentored by many beloved kumu, guru, and kupuna near and far. Susan is dedicated to respectfully sharing the wisdom entrusted to her in a way that empowers you to transform, evolve, and bring your best self to the world.