Curative Yoga™

Meet Our Teachers
Naader Shagagi

Naader Shagagi

Founder & Teacher

Trained in Raja Yoga at the Self Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, and Hatha Yoga at The Yoga College of India, Beverly Hills, Naader Shagagi has been studying and practicing Yoga & Meditation since 1983. A former Ph.D. Candidate in Engineering, Naader also studied Philosophy and Religion before coming to Los Angeles as a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda in 1985.

A student of the great Yoga Master, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Sufi Mystic, Pir Inayat Khan, Naader brings a culmination of intensive study and personal experience presented to you through his Yoga of Mystics® philosophy.

Carolina Cotman

Carolina Cotman

Owner & Teacher

Inspired to practice yoga to set an example of living a balanced life for her children, Carolina’s journey has taken her on a deeper path towards spirituality and guiding others seeking peace and harmony. While Carolina has received her 200 Hour Certification from Yoga of Mystics®, she believes that a commitment to teaching yoga is a lifetime journey in which she sees the teacher in all, in particular her well-intended mother, mystical father, supportive and loving husband, strong willed daughter, affectionate son and her trustworthy teacher.

Laura McKinnon

Laura McKinnon

Teacher

Laura first came to yoga in 2000 as a recommendation to help heal an injury. Through this journey, she gained a new understanding about her body and daily patterns of movement.  In her classes, she enthusiastically shares her love of yoga and brings attention to breath, anatomy, mindful movement, and compassionate self-study.

She is experienced in teaching Hatha, Beginners, Gentle/Therapeutic, and Restorative Yoga, and holds additional certifications in Pre & Post Natal Yoga and Grief Yoga®. 

Laura now resides in NW Montana with her family, where they have started a homestead and is writing her next book.

Bart Carter

Bart Carter

Teacher

Bart is a 4th generation Montana native.  A father, musician, outdoorsman, martial artist and carpenter, he began his journey with Curative Yoga in June of 2022, recently receiving his 200hr certification.  Bart also has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2015 and coaches as well.

Bart aims to bring humor and compassion into his teaching along with the knowledge of his teachers.

Heather Mah

Heather Mah

Teacher

Heather is a Montana native with a great love for being outdoors and adventuring. Her healthy passion for live music often steers her direction, and stepping out of the box (in costume, of course) is one of her favorite things.

Heather holds a BA/Marketing degree from Montana State University and is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach.  Having practiced yoga for much of 20 years, a deep dive into the philosophy of yoga through teacher training was a natural step.

Heather is now the Director of Operations and Marketing for Samaa Retreat Center, a Spiritual Wellness and Integration Coach, and Yoga Teacher. It is her deep desire to demonstrate to others the divine power that lies within each one of us.

Periodic Workshop & Specialty Class Guest Teachers

Anthony Pietromonaco

Anthony Pietromonaco

Workshop / Specialty Class Teacher

Anthony Pietromonaco is a dynamic entrepreneur and seasoned martial artist with over 30 years of experience. As a sound meditation facilitator, breathwork guide, and flow state specialist, Anthony is dedicated to exploring and guiding others through altered states of consciousness. His mission is to create a unique physical and mental dojo—a transformative space where individuals can fortify their strengths, celebrate their journeys, integrate new insights, and, when necessary, release limiting belief systems. Through his work, Anthony empowers others to achieve profound personal growth and self-mastery.

Hannah Kopen

Hannah Kopen

Workshop / Specialty Class Teacher

Hannah Kopen is an empowerment health coach, somatic embodiment guide, and functional wellness expert now based in Bigfork, Montana. Originally from Michigan, she recently relocated from Los Angeles, California, bringing her unique blend of neuroscience, psychology, somatic attachment therapy, and feminine embodiment practices to her new home. Hannah is passionate about helping individuals transform their relationship with health, body image, and self-worth. Her work integrates dance therapy, intuitive eating, nutrition, and the energetics of the feminine and masculine, guiding clients to uncover the root causes of their challenges. Through her 1:1 coaching, group programs, and online courses, Hannah aims to create a ripple effect of empowered confidence, health, and positive habit change, impacting individuals, families, and communities at large.