About Maria

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My enthusiasm with a healthy and active lifestyle began early on in my life. I started practicing yoga on a regular basis in 2001. After discovering yoga, I was drawn to practice individually and to a group fitness format of exercise. I truly enjoy the interaction with the people who come to class and helping others along their journey to wellness.

 

I have taken the past year to further my education to deepen my knowledge and expand my offerings. To close out the year 2024, I completed and became a  NASM Certified Personal Trainer. To be able to offer personal training sessions designed around a holistic way of life, I've also studied with Aayush Sharma to become a certified Breath Work and Pranayama Teacher.  My respect for the energy that weaves us all together led me to study Tantric Hatha Yoga with Janaina Mendes and to complete my training as a teacher of this method, and I aim to deepen our understanding of yoga as medicine for all. And just to keep things interesting, I also became an INELDA Certified End Of Life Doula. While I am not offering the EOL Doula service yet, look for this to come in the future. Next up? Certified Nutrition Coach!

 

I have also completed 200 hours RYT with Anne Howard at the Amalam School of Yoga at Outer Banks Yoga. I am a Reiki Master, having completed Level 1, 2 and Master level certifications with Shree’ Fulcher at the School of Ascension. I first began pursuing my path in the professional wellness field in 2010, becoming a certified AFAA Group Fitness Instructor and I finished Practical Pilates and Practical Yoga training through AFAA in 2012. I have completed certifications in Zumba Basic Steps Level 1 and 2, Zumbatomic (Zumba Kids) and Piloxing. To satisfy my desire for learning and interest in the benefits of yoga and mediation, I have also participated in various yoga and other fitness and wellness modality workshops throughout the years.

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All of my classes and sessions are taught on all levels with a focus on mind-body connection. And while I like to diversify and teach and practice many different modalities, yoga and Pilates are some of my first loves. Why am I so passionate about yoga and Pilates?  Well, that's a very ling story. But to sum it up...yoga and Pilates can be beneficial for anyone, anywhere in their life journey. Ideally, these low impact styles of movement and the mind-body-breath connection practiced in both can be incorporated in your wellness routine long term.  Join me in a class or book a private session today to start breathing, strengthening and stretching your way to you and your body’s maximum potential!
 

What is reiki? Reiki is the universal life force that weaves us all together. You may hear it referred to as prana in yoga. And while many cultures may use different words for this energy it is one and the same. Practicing reiki is an energy healing art and technique based on a hands-on natural healing, transmitting energy  force between the participants. I practice reiki with the intention to help raise the vibration of the planet. We can all use a little extra love and light and reiki is a great way to share that! I will weave in my knowledge and intuition of the physical body as energetic beings, that is based on ancient practices of yoga including chakras and much more. Every reiki practitioner is going to bring their unique approach to a session with their strength and abilities. I am a spirit medium who is also a psychic/intuitive. A reiki/energy work session with me will inevitably include these aspects as that is just who I am. However, going into 2025, specific Psychic/Spirit Medium Sessions will be offered, as well.

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In my personal time I like to  travel, read, relax on the beach, meditate, spend time with my family, garden and cook with my husband! I incorporate breath work and meditation into my life in as many ways as I can and sometimes that just means a walk an intentional walk in nature or gardening in my yard.

 

I also bring my decades of experience working in the service industry and what it means to be human and compassionate to each other. It is my pleasure and honor to meet you on this path of wellness and light. Let us all be the light that we see in each other and reflected all around us.