Maria’s yoga practice began over 16 years ago (2002), and has provided a source of balance and inspiration during phases of change, challenge, and self-study. To her, yoga is an earnest companion for growth that is both physical and mental – both are pathways for an initiation to openness, compassion, and mindfulness. “My primary intention is to help people expand their vision of who they are and who they can really be”. Maria has extensive knowledge and education in health and fitness, anatomy and holistic nutrition, however she believes that inner work is most rewarding. Maria sees that everyone has the potential to be happy and she uses asana as a tool to guide her students towards inner peace. She uses her boundless enthusiasm, and realistic approach to challenge as a way to connect. Maria’s classes tend to be a detailed and challenging offering sweaty vinyasa where she often encourages her students to get out of their comfort zone. Maria’s experiences and practice have brought her to many lineages of yoga, and from those she bases her teaching on an intelligent alignment flow. When she is not in the studio, you can usually find her walking her Chesapeake Bay Retriever, riding horses with her daughter or spending time at home with her husband, two cats and three step children. Maria gives thanks to all her teachers and students. In addition to her 500 RYT- yoga certification, she is also certified in group fitness AFFA and personal training-corrective exercise specialist (NASM, CPR-AED).