About
Welcome to Om Shanti Yoga!
From our humble beginning in a hospital basement, Mary and Susan embarked on a mission to share the transformative power of yoga. In 2009, their vision blossomed into reality as Om Shanti Yoga Studio opened its doors, becoming Burlington's inaugural sanctuary for yogis of all levels. In 2016 Daryl joined as an owner bringing a new level of energy and vision to the studio. At Om Shanti, we celebrate diversity and encourage our teachers to infuse their unique style into their classes. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-standing member of our community, you are an essential part of our story. Together, we create an inclusive space where everyone is not just a participant but an essential thread in the rich tapestry of our yoga family. Step through our doors, breathe in some peace and become part of the Om Shanti community, where every yogi is embraced and celebrated.
Our name comes from the beautiful ancient language of Sanskrit and truly encompasses all that our community stands for. Om is the vibrating sound of all things, just as all are welcome into this space, no judgment, come as you are. Shanti translates to “peace” or “tranquility.” We believe that peace is the basis of a happy and fulfilling life and this is what we hope you find here. Yoga translates “to yoke” or “unit.” As life loses all meaning when we are not connected with others, we are here to provide a space for a supportive and growing community.
Meet Our Teachers
Susan Hearn, E-RYT® 500, YACEP®
Susan Hearn, co-owner of Om Shanti, brings nearly 30 years of teaching experience to her practice. She is certified in both Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga, skillfully blending these styles to create a flowing Vinyasa-based class with a strong emphasis on alignment. Prior to opening Om Shanti, she owned a yoga and wellness studio in Cleveland, Ohio.
Susan has a strong passion for health and overall wellness. She has diverse experience in the...
moreDaryl Bozovich, RYT® 500
Daryl, co-owner received his 200 hour certification from Franklin St. Yoga of Chapel Hill in 2014 and his 500 hour certification from Hot Asana Yoga University in 2024. He continues to develop his passion for Yoga through attending workshops and additional training. He has had a regular yoga practice since 2011. His classes include reflection, flowing asana connecting the breath with movement, fun, and renewal. Currently Daryl is teaching a...
moreMary Faucette, RYT® 200
Mary, co-owner first discovered yoga in 2003 at Gold’s Gym Burlington taught by Diane Hall. She knew she was crossing over into the wonderful world of teaching yoga when she tried to figure out what was next in the sequence of Diane’s asana. She started her teacher training with Yogasteps (2004) but completed the Triad Yoga Institute 200 hour teacher training in 2010. She has her MS in Sport Psychology from Florida State University (2002)...
moreJill Clayton-Dunn, RYT® 500
Jill Clayton Dunn has been in the healing arts since 1995. As a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist, combined with over 500 hours of yoga training, her teachings encourage her students to learn true yoga. The word “Yoga” is from the Sanskrit root “Yuj” meaning “to join”, “to yoke” or “to unite”. Her formal training is a blend of Purna Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga. Beckoning her students to the crossroads of their true essence in...
moreJessica Newcomb, RYT® 200
Yoga found Jessica after she began suffering from lower back pain. A short 30-minute daily home practice eliminated the pain in just a few weeks. With the pain gone and feeling better than before, she started seeking out yoga classes at her local gym. When the opportunity to become a certified teacher presented itself, she pursued this new found passion. She completed her 200hr training from Studio Bamboo Institute of Yoga with Ann Stevens...
moreLisa Rizzo, RYT® 500
Lisa completed her 200-hour Live in Discovery Teacher Training Program in 2018 and her 300-hour Caroline Wybar Yoga in 2021. She loves all different styles of yoga and you will usually find her teaching Vinyasa-based classes and her new favorite Myofascial Release. She believes that yoga is for everyBODY and is committed to sharing her love of practice with her students. When not working or teaching she actively volunteers for Sparkle Cat...
moreBeth Nelson, CYT 200
Beth began practicing yoga in 2012. She is a pediatric nurse and a mother of four. Her first certification was in Prenatal yoga from Hillsborough Yoga and Wellness taught by Paula Huffman. She received her 200 RYT from Ganesha's Yoga and Wellness in 2015. She loved teaching beginners and led a free class at the MAC in Mebane helping older folks gain mobility back. From there she taught at a variety of studios teaching prenatal yoga and...
morePadma Om, CYT 500
Padma began teaching yoga in 2006. She trained in the traditional system of yoga, passed down through generations. The foundation of her classes is the eight limbs of yoga. She is practiced in various forms of yoga, including bhakti, hatha-raja, mantra, and karma yoga. All of Padma's classes are meditative in nature, encouraging self-reflection and peace of mind. Her hatha classes offer a challenge according to each student's ability and...
moreNina Stowe, CYT 200
Nina, a certified 200hr yoga teacher whose journey into the world of yoga began at Om Shanti Yoga. Under the guidance of Cricket Foster she was certified through Zenitry Yoga in 2022. Nina's roots in teaching extend beyond the mat, with years of experience as an elementary school teacher. A true guide in restorative yoga, Nina's expertise lies in creating a sanctuary for relaxation and healing. Her calm demeanor sets the tone for a serene...
moreKaren Holbert, CYT 200
Karen, a RYT 200, received her training at Triad Yoga Institute. Her alignment-based training sets the foundation for creating a safe and welcoming space where EVERYbody can experience a deeper personal connection through the practice of yoga. Off the mat Karen enjoys pet sitting, traveling, and deepening her meditation and reiki practice.
moreLaura Horton, RYT® 200
Laura received her 200 RYT February 2021. Her journey with yoga began in September 2018 when she took her very first yoga class with no experience, ever! That practice that day began a passion for yoga that was so life changing, she knew she would eventually become an instructor. Yoga was too good not to share!! Her mindset was the more yoga instructors, the more opportunities for people to experience the gift of yoga. Laura teaches from the...
moreKatherine Cortes, RYT® 200
Katherine discovered Yoga in 2010 while attending a wellness retreat. In 2016, she received her 200 RYT from Corepower in Raleigh. She’s influenced by the teachings of Baron Baptiste. Her classes are challenging and dynamic. In March of 2021, Katherine completed her 300 Advanced Teacher Training. At Republic Of Yoga located in Cary NC.
"The pose begins when you want to leave it." -anonymous
moreAmanda Haefner, RYT® 200
Amanda fell in love with hot yoga on a chilly January day in upstate New York. Since that start in 2001, her practice has included a variety of styles at home and in studio leading to yoga teacher training for an RTY-200 certification at Om Shanti & Zenitry in 2022. Since then, Amanda has taught a 6 am sunrise vinyasa flow class, subbed for classes in a variety of styles, and continued her yoga education. When not in the studio, Amanda...
moreCricket Foster, E-RYT® 200
Cricket’s love of movement arts began about the age of seven. Her passion for dance led her to the practice of Pilates that in turn led to the wonderful world of yoga. While working as a personal trainer in a gym in New York City, she pursued her Pilates certifications so that she could encourage others to keep moving for a better quality of life.
She obtained her Sundial Yoga and SilverSneakers certification while she was in...
moreSara Nolette, MSW, RYT® 200
Sara first experienced the abundant benefits of yoga in 1999 in a college Yoga Foundations class and has been practicing ever since. She combines her 20+ years of social work experience with her yoga teaching to offer people natural tools including yoga, essential oils, and daily wellness practices targeted at maximizing emotional and physical wellbeing. Sara specializes in supporting women and couples who have experienced any of the...
more"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others"