Mary has always been drawn to new experiences and places, shaped in part by a nomadic childhood before her family settled in Nashville, Tennessee. Early in her yogic journey, she traveled to India twice, spending several months at a time immersed in the practice and culture. In yoga’s birthplace, Mary studied Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga Yoga and explored pranayama and shat kriya practices under the guidance of her esteemed teacher, V.K. Shesadre.

With 26 years of dedicated practice and more than 15,000 hours of teaching experience, Mary has developed an approach that seamlessly weaves lightheartedness with depth. Her teaching invites exploration of yogic philosophy and the ancient, sacred traditions of self-discovery and realization. Along the way, she has continued to deepen her understanding by studying with skilled teachers from a wide range of lineages and traditions.

Mary completed her yoga teacher training through the Living Yoga Program and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art (painting) from the University of Texas. She continued her academic studies at UT in the South Asian Studies Department, focusing on Indian philosophy, culture, and Sanskrit. Years later, she completed a Master’s degree in Social Work, further expanding her capacity to support others.

A steady and gentle guide, Mary is actively involved in workshops, teacher trainings, private sessions, and advanced studies. Driven by her passion for the history and traditions of yoga, she met regularly for several years with Professor Stephen Phillips to study classical texts such as the Upanishads and to continue her Sanskrit studies.

Currently, Mary works as a social worker providing case management and support to asylum seekers and serves as Program Director for Abri Lumière, Casa Marianella’s family program. She is also completing the clinical hours required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Much of her graduate work focused on the use and study of meditation, somatic practices, and yoga-based techniques as interventions for anxiety, depression, and nervous system regulation. Her studies also deepened her understanding of social justice and intersectionality.

Guided by a deep desire to be of service, Mary blends reverence for yoga’s ancient traditions with an informed, compassionate modern approach—meeting each practitioner exactly where they are.

mary@studiosatya.com

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