Our Vision Statement
Danelle Denstone, Owner
Danelle, a Michigan native who flocked to the west at an early age, began her Bikram yoga journey over 20+ years ago, in 2001, right here at Bikram Yoga Fremont Street. Life before yoga was spent working as an operations agent for SWA in San Diego and Portland. Danelle enjoyed the many perks of working for an airline, traveling all over the world. However, with her strong connection to her yoga practice she soon knew that becoming a teacher was in her future. She attended teacher training in the Fall of 2006 and never looked back! Since teacher training, Danelle has spent her time growing as a teacher, student and human being. Becoming a yoga teacher was just the first step in her leadership role. She is a mother, a certified massage therapist, holds Reiki Master Level in both Karuna and Usui method, and is a teacher to many. She has a strong knowledge of the human body and diverse therapeutic massage practice, including cranio-sacral, Vibrational Raindrop, sound healing and more. These attributes along with her energy work, together are a big part of her teaching style. Danelle has built the strong foundation needed to now move into yet another leadership role.
As business partners, Danelle and Gretchen began directing BYFS together in 2016. With the addition of BYK in 2019, Gretchen now spends her time on the island of Kauai directing her yoga school full time and Danelle is beyond excited to direct our yoga school here in Portland with you all! Gretchen and Danelle share the same love of Bikram Yoga and enjoy a great affiliation and bridging the two communities.
As business partners, Danelle and Gretchen began directing BYFS together in 2016. With the addition of BYK in 2019, Gretchen now spends her time on the island of Kauai directing her yoga school full time and Danelle is beyond excited to direct our yoga school here in Portland with you all! Gretchen and Danelle share the same love of Bikram Yoga and enjoy a great affiliation and bridging the two communities.
Gretchen Olsen
Owner of our affiliated sister studio, Bikram Yoga Kauai
A native Michigander, Gretchen came to her Bikram practice in 2006 and attended teaching training in the spring of 2013. It was an instant connection she found with this yoga practice. Though, as you can relate, we talk ourselves out of the practice from time to time. After, many starts and stops she finally understood the power of a consistent practice and how it literally transforms your life...if you let it. This is a huge part of her teaching style . Often giving the "you are worth it!" sermon on the podium. You all have most likely heard of her "on again off again" relationship with her Bikram practice, or how it continually supports her in all she does. After years of running and an intense 4 year college volleyball career ending with a knee injury, it was this yoga that would end up healing much more than a bum knee. The physical healing of Bikram yoga is obvious to most but the emotional healing that happens is beyond The Physical. You will find her humor and compassion a joy in class!
Gretchen retired from SWA after 20+ years with a dream to run a school near the ocean. Now, with the addition of Bikram Yoga Kauai, she spends her time running her school on the beautiful island of Kauai. Gretchen offers personal yoga retreats and vacations at BYK. When she is in Portland, visiting, you will find her teaching and practicing, but most of all catching up with you all, the community at BYFS.
Gretchen retired from SWA after 20+ years with a dream to run a school near the ocean. Now, with the addition of Bikram Yoga Kauai, she spends her time running her school on the beautiful island of Kauai. Gretchen offers personal yoga retreats and vacations at BYK. When she is in Portland, visiting, you will find her teaching and practicing, but most of all catching up with you all, the community at BYFS.