Heather Blanchard, E-RYT 200/RYT 500 Yoga Instructor, 200-Hr Registered Yoga School, Reiki Master, Co-Owner of Cary Yoga Collective, LLC in Cary, NC
Heather, E-RYT200, RYT500, Reiki Master & AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, took her first yoga class in 1995 at a local fitness club where she worked. At the time, her passion for movement stemmed from a lifelong love of dance, and she was fond of the lengthening and alignment yoga provided. Upon being asked to add yoga to the fitness classes she offered, Heather worked with a local instructor to learn some simple Hatha sequences. Soon, yoga became her favorite class to take, and she searched for a deeper understanding of the tranquility found through her physical practice.
In 1998, she was trained by Triangle Yoga to teach special populations at Duke’s Diet & Fitness Center. Their vast knowledge inspired her to explore many different styles of yoga, and she began a regular home practice. In 2005, Heather took a hiatus from teaching fitness and yoga classes in order to care for aging parents and her young children. During that time, she took classes at various small studios and gyms, but truly missed her community of students. In 2012, she was ecstatic to begin renewing her fitness and yoga certifications, and discovered Dharma Richards, owner of the Yoga Garden in Apex. She truly loved the rich history, Holy Science and variety of styles taught through Yoga Garden’s school, and found it encompassed far more than other programs. Heather joined the staff as a teacher in 2013, and continued studies with Dharma over six years.
Heather is a self-described yoga, anatomy and essential oils geek. “After years of teaching yoga, I yearn to expand the benefits of this ancient practice, both mentally and physically, to students everywhere. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge while continuously learning myself, and believe each moment spent in a limb of yoga is a gift that can translate off the mat to our everyday lives. It’s a privilege to share that with students, and to follow my dharma of giving back to others.” She lives in Cary with her husband Eddie, and has three daughters that are the light of their lives. She was truly honored and grateful when her guru Dharma transitioned her home studio, Yoga Garden of Apex, into her hands in 2021, and to connect with another local yogi, Loretta Jo, to open a more expansive studio space this year.
"Cary Yoga Collective is a beautiful, nurturing space with exceptionally trained and dedicated teachers, and I'm so excited to grow it alongside Loretta Jo!"
“When you own your breath, no one can steal your peace.” – Unknown
Recently Added Friends
About Heather
Last Login: Dec 7th, 2025