Our Approach
Everything we do is fueled by one fiery passion: to have you leave our studio transformed—body, mind, and spirit. That’s why The Foundry leads the way in Hot Yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and Barre.

Don't sweat the small stuff.
Sweat with us.

Our Story

We’re Nicole Deacon-Miller and Todd Deacon—sister and brother, born and raised right here in Scottsdale. Our yoga journey began in 1993 at the Old Town Scottsdale studio, Arizona’s very first hot yoga studio. It was there that we met our teacher, Cintra Brown, who had spent nearly a decade studying with Bikram before bringing her passion and knowledge home to Scottsdale.
For Nicole, the practice quickly became a lifelong calling. She completed Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in 2005 and went on to volunteer and serve as faculty at more than 15 trainings worldwide. In 2006, we took a leap together and purchased the Paradise Valley location—planting the roots for what would become our family legacy.
Today, The Foundry is built on decades of dedication, community, and deep respect for the practice. This year, we’re honored to celebrate 20 years of The Foundry, and we’re grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.
Hot yoga to the core
Bikram Yoga (aka 26&2) has always been our foundation. For decades, we’ve watched the 26&2 series change thousands of lives—and honestly, it never gets old.
We’ve seen parents discover more patience with their kids, athletes heal without surgery, people step away from medications they once thought they’d need forever, and countless students walk out of class feeling stronger, clearer, and more confident in every part of their lives. Getting to witness these transformations, day after day, is the most rewarding part of what we do.

We take on all comers

From the beginning, our goal has been simple: make Hot Yoga accessible to as many people as possible. Early on, we noticed that some students felt intimidated by the heat and intensity of the traditional 26&2 class. In response, we created The Basic Yoga sequence—a warm room, a 60-minute class based in the traditional series but with some gentler poses designed to open the hips, build core strength, and ease students into the practice with confidence.
At the same time, longtime students were craving something faster-paced and more dynamic. That inspired the launch of our Express Yoga sequence, and from there, our offerings continued to grow. In 2017 we added Hot Pilates and Hot Barre. And soon after we launched Hot HIIT and Hot Flow Yoga to build strength, support alignment, and meet students wherever they are in their movement journey—while keeping the practice fresh, challenging, and evolving.
Beyond the studio, we’ve introduced transformational workshops and retreats around the world, creating space for deeper connection and growth. Our intention is always the same: to help people carry the strength, clarity, and peace they find on the mat into their everyday lives.
Always evolving
After 20 years, we've grown beyond being just a Hot Yoga studio. What began as a single practice evolved into The Foundry—now a community of 9 studios where lives transform through multiple modalities, supported by a positive, like-minded community.
Looking ahead, our commitment is clear: to deliver the very best in yoga, fitness, and personal transformation. Our purpose is to create multidimensional experiences that empower people to fearlessly pursue growth—within themselves and in the world around them.
We believe growth is contagious. When people evolve, they spark joy—not only in themselves, but in their relationships, families, communities, and ultimately, the world.

Our Approach
We'll challenge you
The easy path is overrated. At The Foundry, we push you to grow, overcome, and evolve. That first spark of change can happen in your very first class—one simple movement igniting a transformation that opens the door to endless possibilities.

We’ll turn it up
Heat makes the body malleable—ready to grow stronger, more resilient. At The Foundry, we use heat with purpose, guiding you through sequences designed to maximize every pose. Think of it like forging steel: transformation happens when the fire is hottest. Too much? Don’t worry—we turn it down for classes like our 60-Minute Basic.


We’ll keep it pure
At our core, we’re old-school yogis. We honor principles that have guided the practice for thousands of years and remain deeply rooted in Bikram tradition. While we’ve expanded into Hot Pilates, Hot HIIT, Hot Barre, and more, every class we offer comes from one place: our unwavering belief in its power to transform.

We’ll focus on you
Our beliefs are strong—but our commitment to you is stronger. We want you walking in motivated and walking out exhilarated. That’s why we offer classes for every goal and every level—from devoted Bikram practitioners to first-timers finding their footing. At the end of the day, it’s always about you.
Meet the Leadership Team

Nicole Deacon-Miller
Founder, CEO & Head of Development
Nicole is the Founder of The Foundry Studios and The Foundry Teacher Trainings. Introduced to Bikram Yoga in the early ’90s at the Old Town Scottsdale studio, she’s been sweating in a hot room ever since. Nicole is passionate about making the world a better place through movement, mindfulness, and transformation, and she feels deeply grateful for the students, teachers, and community that make up the Foundry family. With wisdom, passion, and play, Nicole supports others in burning their brilliance and answering their heart’s calling. Nicole is certified in all Foundry modalities and teaches regularly at our Flagstaff studio!

Todd Deacon
Co-Owner, Chief of Franchise
Todd is deeply passionate about building community and collective growth. He was introduced to yoga at 15 years old at Arizona’s original Bikram Yoga studio, but it was later—after a career as a professional golfer—that yoga became a powerful tool for healing. Through a consistent practice, Todd experienced profound physical, mental, and spiritual transformation, including significant pain reduction and renewed vitality. A graduate of the inaugural Foundry Teacher Training in 2015, over the years he has certified in all Foundry modalities. Todd believes in the power of combining modalities and loves sharing the energy, balance, and joy of The Foundry with others.

Niki Fillmore
COO, Marketing Director
Niki brings heart, vision, and deep experience to everything she does. She’s been teaching 26&2 Hot Yoga (Bikram) since 2008 and is trained in all Foundry modalities, though you’ll most often find her teaching 26&2 and HIIT at the PV studio. Niki has grown alongside The Foundry—stepping into nearly every role within the organization and helping expand it from one studio to nine. She loves mentoring teachers and is deeply passionate about helping people reconnect to their energy and love for life, all while staying rooted in community and connection.

Andrew Miller
Chief of Finance
Andrew is a former CPA who started practicing at the Foundry in 2013 to counteract his long days sitting at a desk. He now enjoys a much more fulfilling work life balance, the core of which is still yoga and spreadsheets. But more than that, his heart and his free time belong to his wife Nicole and their three young boys.

Marcy Usher
Arizona Regional Director
Marcy is a seasoned leader with a big heart for people and culture. She’s guided large teams through growth, change, and mergers while keeping trust, connection, and values front and center. Her leadership blends clear vision with genuine care for the individuals and communities she serves. Marcy completed her YTT200 in 2021 and YTT300 in 2022, and has been teaching at The Foundry since 2022. She currently teaches 26&2 Hot Yoga & Basic Yoga at the PV studio!

Korrena Standley
Marketing Manager
Korrena brings a mix of social media expertise, sales, and event-planning magic to The Foundry. Before joining the team, she worked as a full-time social media manager and wedding/event planner, always focused on meaningful connection. She teaches Barre at our Gilbert & Scottsdale studios and has been instructing since January 2025, sharing her love of movement with others. Passionate about community, Korrena loves helping people grow, connect, and feel supported—both online and in the studio.

Alex Kharrl
Executive Assistant
Alexa is a Flow instructor at The Foundry Avondale who helps support the leadership team and cultivate a grounded, people-first studio experience. She began taking classes at The Foundry in 2017 after graduating college, and her connection to the community naturally grew into a deeper calling to serve on and off the mat. A perinatal yoga–certified instructor and mom to a busy toddler, Alexa leads with patience, empathy, and a deep love for community—both in the studio and behind the scenes.

Brandon Breit
Thousand Oaks Franchise Co-Owner
Brandon’s journey with The Foundry began as a student, using hot yoga and fitness as a grounding outlet during a fast-paced career in the car business. In 2020, he stepped away from that path to fully commit to personal growth, completing multiple teacher trainings through The Foundry. That journey came full circle in 2022 with the opening of The Foundry Thousand Oaks. With a lifelong passion for business and community, Brandon loves building something that positively impacts people’s lives—both inside and outside the studio. When he’s not at the studio, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, as well as playing golf and pickleball.

Tyler Simmet
Thousand Oaks Franchise Co-Owner
Tyler brings a unique blend of science, mindfulness, and heart to his teaching, shaped by his background as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a deeply personal healing journey. After overcoming spinal cancer through surgery, radiation, and an integrative approach, he developed a profound respect for the mind-body connection and the power of intentional movement and breath. He teaches hot yoga, yin, breathwork, and meditation, creating spaces where people feel supported, empowered, and connected—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Tyler is forever grateful for the community that continues to grow and heal together at The Foundry Thousand Oaks.

Julie Valenzuela
Arrowhead Ranch Franchise Co-Owner & Head of Strength Program
Julie’s work is rooted in a deep respect for education, experience, and human connection. With a Master’s degree in Exercise and Wellness and years as an Adjunct Faculty in Health Sciences, she blends thoughtful theory with practical application in all she does. Today, as owner of The Foundry Arrowhead Ranch, Julie leads with intention, warmth, and an unwavering belief in the power of showing up consistently. She has built a space where education meets experience, and where students are supported in strengthening their bodies, building confidence, and connecting with the community.

Blythe Nordstrom
Arrowhead Ranch Franchise Co-Owner
Blythe is deeply passionate about creating meaningful community and culture through movement. Her yoga journey began in 2002 and has expanded to include Pilates, Barre, and HIIT, shaping the way she teaches today. A seasoned coach and leader, she has been teaching since 2016 and fulfilled a long-held dream by opening Arrowhead Ranch in 2024 in partnership with a dear and trusted friend who shares her passion and values. Her approach centers on strength, connection, and sustainable movement for all bodies, and watching her community grow has been a true joy and gift.

Lindsey Garrison
Gilbert Franchise Owner
Lindsey leads with a deep belief in people—often before they believe in themselves—supporting, challenging, and celebrating every step of the journey. With over a decade of personal practice and extensive training across all Foundry modalities, she teaches with experience, intention, and heart. Connection is what matters most to her, and The Foundry Gilbert is a place where the East Valley community can feel seen, supported, and strong—a true home for growth, healing, and becoming.

Summer Chesley
Paradise Valley Studio Manager
Summer leads with warmth, heart, and a leadership style rooted in empowerment and connection. An Arizona native and NAU graduate with a degree in Health Science/Fitness Wellness, she’s certified in HIIT and Barre through The Foundry Teacher Training program and is committed to continued growth as both a leader and instructor. Summer believes movement should feel good and accessible, honoring each individual’s body and journey. She sees it as an act of courage and strength to continually choose to show up for yourself—both in and out of the hot room. In a world that can feel overwhelming, Summer encourages students to have fun, get out of their heads, reconnect to their bodies, and rediscover the joy of movement—because there’s no better way to connect with yourself and the present moment!

Jacqueline Krawczyk
Flagstaff Studio Manager
Jacqueline is a leader, fitness and yoga teacher with over 12 years of experience as an educator and five years in the fitness world. Jacqueline has been a part of The Foundry community since 2018, building a strong, supportive community through movement. As a new mom, Jacqueline brings heart, balance, and real-life perspective into everything she does. Jacqueline is also a great communicator who loves to mentor, encourage, and uplift others—whether that’s on the mat, in the Flagstaff community, or in everyday life. She leads with energy, empathy, and a love of fun, creating spaces where people feel supported, motivated, and empowered to be their best.

Lauren Carrizales
Arcadia Studio Manager
Lauren brings care, intention, and a people-first mindset to her role as Arcadia Studio Manager. She is deeply committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where staff and students feel supported, heard, and at home. Known for her attention to detail and thoughtful leadership style, Lauren leads with presence and clear communication—always putting the studio experience and its people first. As an instructor, Lauren has been teaching Barre for over seven years and is certified in HIIT and Mat Pilates through The Foundry. She creates classes that are both challenging and accessible, encouraging students to meet themselves where they are while exploring their full potential. Lauren loves when students leave class feeling strong and accomplished, and nothing makes her happier than seeing them return day after day, building consistency, confidence, and connection

Lizzy Reichenberger
Avondale Studio Manager
Lizzy first walked through the doors as a student at 15 years old and has never stopped coming back. What started as a fun, new hobby quickly became a lifelong passion. Lizzy began teaching Hot HIIT for The Foundry in 2023, shortly followed by Hot Pilates, Barre, and Flow Yoga. She is an Arizona State University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a focus in Healthy Lifestyles Coaching. She loves creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and truly at home. She brings heart, intention, and authenticity into everything she does—both on and off the mat.

Sandra Matadamas
Tempe-Mesa Studio Manager
Sandra is deeply passionate about sharing the transformative benefits of yoga and fitness and believes in the power of consistent practice to create lasting change—both on and off the mat. She is certified in all Foundry modalities and is currently on the schedule for 26&2 Hot Yoga and Pilates. Her journey with The Foundry began in 2016 as a student at the Paradise Valley studio, where both the practice and the community profoundly changed her life. Inspired by that experience, she began teaching fitness in 2018 and has continued to grow through both teaching and leadership roles. Since last year, Sandra has served as the Studio Manager at the Tempe-Mesa location, supporting day-to-day operations and helping cultivate a connected, supportive environment, with a deep love for the students, teachers, and The Foundry community.

Sofie Nordstrom
Arrowhead Ranch Studio Manager
Sofie’s journey with movement began at 13 as a competitive dancer, where she discovered Pilates and felt an immediate connection. Navigating personal mental health challenges in college deepened her relationship with movement and led her to earn her Pilates certification in 2023. Drawing from her dance background, she brings strength, musicality, and intention to every class, teaching Pilates and Barre. In 2025, Sofie became Studio Manager at The Foundry Arrowhead Ranch, supporting staff, guiding daily operations, and creating a welcoming, empowering space for every student. She is passionate about sharing the confidence, joy, and sense of belonging that movement has given her with the community.

Breanna Brown
Gilbert Studio Manager
Breanna brings clarity, experience, and a global perspective to her role as Studio Manager at The Foundry Gilbert. With over a decade of teaching Yoga and Pilates in more than 25 countries, her approach is shaped by travel, discipline, and a deep understanding of how people move and learn. Known for her direct, confident coaching style, Breanna has a rare ability to see what’s needed in the moment and guide students toward their potential. She’s passionate about high standards, meaningful progress, and making hard things feel possible.

Corie Gonzalez
Scottsdale Studio Manager
Corie brings warmth, leadership, and a deep commitment to community to the Scottsdale studio. She began her journey with The Foundry in 2019, building her path within the organization from the front desk to a Front Desk Lead role, completing Flow training in 2023, and expanding into Pilates and HIIT. Today, she teaches all three modalities and serves as the Scottsdale Studio Manager in Scottsdale. In addition to her experience within The Foundry, Corie spent several years in a corporate setting, working closely with people and teams—experience that shaped her steady, supportive leadership and community-focused approach in the studio. Corie is passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. She’s driven by the belief that growth is possible for anyone willing to show up, and loves helping others move beyond limits while fostering connection and community—both on and off the mat.
