MEET OUR TEAM

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of PureFire Yoga, Michael brings his experience as an entrepreneur and his passion for yoga to the studio's operations. A recovered attorney, Michael has spent his career starting, managing and turning around businesses in software, ecommerce, hospitality and investment industries. 

Together with Marcus, Michael helped transform PureFire from a vision into the vibrant community it is today. Michael doesn't just work behind the scenes - you'll often find him on the mat alongside his wife Aleta Margolis, and occasionally with their two yoga teacher daughters, Isabel and Mira. Michael’s presence at PureFire embodies the studio's belief that yoga is a practice that brings people together. 

Michael’s yoga practice began when he was in his 40s. He was experiencing pain in his back, neck, and feet, and discovered the power of yoga to strengthen his body and mind. He’s grateful for the way yoga makes him stronger physically and mentally, and makes him more patient, calm and centered. 

CO-FOUNDER & TEACHER

Local to the DMV, Marcus found his way to yoga through an unlikely path - as a Division I football player at Towson University. After years of practicing while training for the NFL, he discovered that the same intensity, focus, and team mindset that served him on the field translated perfectly to the yoga mat. That realization led him to start teaching in 2009, and ultimately to founding PureFire Yoga  with Mike in 2018.

Drawing from his background as a team captain and years of teaching experience, Marcus creates an environment where every student can discover their strength. His classes blend the physicality of the Baptiste Journey Into Power sequence with the mindfulness he's cultivated through years of practice. When he’s not teaching or running the business side of PureFire Yoga, Marcus stays grounded through family time and his own training practice - living his belief that the yoga practice is for everyone who's open to it, they just need the right teacher.

DIRECTOR OF TEACHING, TALENT & MEMBER EXPERIENCE

A New Jersey native, Nicole’s path to this work has been anything but linear. As a Division I softball player at Fordham University, she poured her heart into both athletics and academics. After college, Nicole gained experience with the New York Yankees and Shape magazine, where she gained a front-row view of the worlds of sport and wellness. Over time, she realized her true calling was to connect with people face-to-face, guiding others through movement and mentorship on their health journeys.

Nicole created the signature style class BURN for PureFire Yoga. Her BURN and Yoga classes are thoughtfully designed and paired with inspirational music, helping students lean into their strength, understand the power of the pause, and build consistency in their practice.

RETREAT DIRECTOR, TEACHER

Hometown State: Maryland
Mantra / Favorite Quote: Do no harm, take no shit.
Favorite Music Type: Alt-rock and EDM
What You Love About PFY: Our incredible community and team.
Fun Fact: Born and raised MoCo local! I'm so grateful to be teaching in my home community.
Trainings / Certifications: 1,000+ hours of advanced training and certifications across multiple disciplines including yoga, sound healing, breathwork, and grounding practices.

TEACHER

Hometown State: Maryland (Silver Spring)
Mantra / Favorite Quote: Progress is not a linear path.
Favorite Music Type: EDM
What You Love About PFY: The community vibe resonates with warmth and joy.
Fun Fact: Practicing Kung Fu was the beginning of my path as a fitness and wellness enthusiast.
Trainings / Certifications: Massage Therapy, Personal Training, 200-Hour YTT (26/2), 200-Hour Vinyasa, Pilates, Barre/Yoga Fusion

TEACHER

Hometown State: Washington, DC
Mantra / Favorite Quote: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver
Favorite Music Type: Pop and classic rock
What You Love About PFY: The students.
Fun Fact: I love reading recipes and watching cooking shows.
Trainings / Certifications: Baptiste 200-Hour, Baptiste Level 1 & 2, The Art of Assisting, Yoga Medicine Yoga for Athletes, Lagree Pilates

TEACHER

Hometown State: Michigan
Mantra / Favorite Quote: I can’t possibly have a favorite. Inspiration is everywhere, and words are too powerful a tool to choose just one.
Favorite Music Type: Barenaked Ladies, Train, Dave Matthews Band, and Harry Connick Jr.
What You Love About PFY: It’s family.
Fun Fact: I have five brothers and sisters… six if you count Bob. It’s a long story.
Trainings / Certifications: 200-Hour (Down Dog Yoga), Art of Assisting 1 & 2, Art of Sequencing (Jason Crandall), Baptiste Level 1, Immersion Weekend with Rolf Gates, Adaptive Yoga, and numerous specialty trainings

TEACHER

Hometown State: Maryland
Mantra / Favorite Quote: Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right! - Henry Ford
Favorite Music Type: I like all genres of music depending on my mood.
What You Love About PFY: The community, the heat and the padded floors!
Fun Fact: I used to be a food blogger and won a Natures Bread recipe contest and my recipe was distributed nationwide.
Trainings / Certifications: E-RYT 200 YACEP

TEACHER

Hometown State: Indiana
Mantra / Favorite Quote: You can do hard things
Favorite Music Type: Hip hop, pop
What You Love About PFY: Quite literally everything, but if I have to pick, it’s the community.
Fun Fact: I won a national championship in mock trial in college.
Trainings / Certifications: RYT-200, BURN Certification

TEACHER

Hometown State: California (Los Angeles)
Mantra / Favorite Quote: “As we deepen our yoga practice, we become happy for no apparent reason.” – Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates & Katrina Kenison
Favorite Music Type: Lush indie pop, fresh remixes, high vibe
What You Love About PFY: The people and the practice. It truly is a community and an environment in which to grow mind, body, and spirit.
Fun Fact: I’m a writer working on my second book.
Trainings / Certifications: 200-Hour RYT, CPR

TEACHER

Hometown State: California (Los Angeles)
Mantra / Favorite Quote: The power of “yet.” “I can’t do that” ends the story; “I can’t do that yet” means anything is possible.
Favorite Music Type: A little bit of everything — every genre has something to offer.
What You Love About PFY: PFY feels like home. People are warm and supportive, and there’s always an opportunity to challenge myself.
Fun Fact: I’m known for giving pep talks to random beetles when I’m out hiking.
Trainings / Certifications: RYT-200, CPR/BLS

TEACHER

She’s been practicing yoga for over two decades and is thrilled to share her love of the hot room with others. Her classes focus on strong technique and athleticism, creating a space where challenge meets intention.

TEACHER

Hometown State: Maryland
Mantra / Favorite Quote: I am here, this is now.
Favorite Music Type: EDM
What You Love About PFY: The greatest community, and the soft floors.
Fun Fact: I was on the University of Maryland dance team.
Trainings / Certifications: RYT-200, Registered Nurse

TEACHER

Certified in Pilates and obsessed with the BURN, Jess brings sculpt-heavy movement, mindful form, and big energy to every class. Her flows are fueled by hip-hop, Afrobeats, and house — all curated to keep you sweating with intention. Jess creates space to challenge your body and reconnect with it. Expect fire playlists, precise cueing, and that deep core burn.

TEACHER

Hometown State: Wisconsin
Mantra/Fav Quote: “You are braver than you think, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you will ever know.” — Winnie the Pooh
Fav Music Type: Throwback Pop/Punk, R&B, Dancehall, Reggaeton, Salsa, Bachata
What do you love about PFY? The PFY community is incredible. From your first step in the studio, you’re welcomed with warmth, support, and encouragement. It’s not just about the practice, but about connection and real sangha.
Fun Fact: I’m also a professional salsa dancer.
Trainings / Certifications / Qualifications: RYT-200, Buti Yoga, Health & Wellness Coach, Functional Nutritionist

TEACHER

Hometown State: Ohio (Logan, OH)
Mantra / Favorite Quote: Show up with 100% of whatever you have to give each time you’re in my class, and I’ll do the same.
Favorite Music Type: Pop, EDM, and throwbacks
What You Love About PFY: Coming from a Division I and high-performance sports background, the team and people who practice and teach at PureFire are what make this place special.
Fun Fact: Before college, I had never rowed. I ended up falling in love with the sport, and that’s what brought me to the area. In a roundabout way, it’s also how I found PureFire.
Trainings / Certifications: BURN Certified, CPR Certified, US Rowing Certified Coach

TEACHER

Hometown State: Wisconsin
Mantra / Favorite Quote: “You are braver than you think, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you will ever know.” – Winnie the Pooh
Favorite Music Type: Throwback pop/punk, R&B, dancehall, reggaeton, salsa, bachata
What You Love About PFY: The PFY community is incredible. From the moment you step into the studio, you’re welcomed with warmth, support, and encouragement. It’s not just about the practice, but about real connection and sangha.
Fun Fact: I’m also a professional salsa dancer.
Trainings / Certifications: RYT-200, Buti Yoga, Health & Wellness Coach, Functional Nutritionist

TEACHER

Hometown State: Florida
Mantra / Favorite Quote: Practice is not about improving yourself with effort, but discovering yourself with ease.
Favorite Music Type: Jam bands
What You Love About PFY: The community.
Fun Fact: I lived in Italy for two years while serving in the Navy.
Trainings / Certifications: 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

TEACHER

Hometown State: Maryland
Mantra / Favorite Quote: Meet everyone where they are — progress is always possible.
Favorite Music Type: Hip hop, rap, pop
What You Love About PFY: The community, the people, and the connections. PureFire has always been a place for reflection, self-growth, and betterment, with the support of a caring community.
Fun Fact: I always eat the pizza crust first.
Trainings / Certifications: BURN Teacher Training, Yoga practitioner since age 11