Maria was introduced to asana practice as a child by her great aunt, a yoga teacher. After practicing throughout much of her adolescence and early adulthood, Maria completed a 200-hour teacher training with Kelly Santucci in 2015. In 2018, she expanded her spiritual practice through a 33-hour Yin Yoga certification with Agnes Tengerdy, which included color, sound, and chakra therapy. She has also trained in mindful meditation and is a Master level Reiki healer. In August 2020, she completed her Master of Social Work to fulfill her dream of professionally helping individuals while improving our community and society.

Maria’s teachings are inspired by Buddhist loving-kindness practice (metta) and the art of learning how to let go and begin again gently. She hopes you leave your mat each time feeling a little more open, receptive, and curious about the open-ended exploration of your well-being. And if you don’t, that’s okay too! Showing up is enough. You are enough. Maria encourages students to embrace all parts of the self without judgment whether on or off your mat, and she can’t wait to practice with you.