• My teaching style is: Very hands on, fun, upbeat and spiritual. I love assisting my students, so be prepared for adjustments, neck rubs and guidance.

• My favorite yoga pose is: Padahastasana! I love the release that Gorilla pose provides. It’s a simple forward fold that is accessible to all levels of yogis. It also calms the mind, helps with digestion and improves circulation in your hands and wrists. It’s great for people who work on computers all day long.
  
  
• Yoga has helped me overcome: Wow, so much. I began practicing when my 2nd son was born to help with post-partum depression. From there, I fell in love! Anything is possible on a yoga mat.
  
  
• My favorite music to teach to is: I have extremely wide tastes of music and love to mix up fresh playlists for my students. I also get help from my sons who help keep my music cutting edge ... I love offering a brand new sound or unknown artist to my students. 
  
  
• I love my: Eyes and hair. My eyes are hazel and can turn to a beautiful complex green/gold. My hair? I rarely blow it dry and (WHEN) I bother to style it, it looks AMAZING!
  
  
• My favorite goddess is: Akhilandeshvari. She is the “The Always Broken Goddess”. Basically, she celebrates that we are always just a little broken, a little on the edge. This allows us to try something new and unfathomable in our lives and break away from our toxic routines or attachments. And she rides on a crocodile … How cool is that?! There is a great article about her on Elephant Journal by JC Peters. Check it out!
  
  
• You must try this healthy snack: Well, I'm not sure how truly healthy Skinny Pop is but I can devour a whole bag on my own! 
  
  
• My favorite Sanskrit phrase is: "Om Namah Shivaya". Chanting this mantra is incredibly powerful … Be careful what you wish for!
  
  
• My advice for beginning yogis: Focus on building the very basics of your practice. Your breath is everything and will guide you both physically and spiritually. Don’t worry about how flexible or strong you are … And don’t worry about the heat, Release has plenty of options!
  
  
• I’m most grateful for: My wonderful family who supported me when I took on the major life change of starting my own yoga studio. I may be crazy, but I’m loved!
  
  
• The most exotic place that I’ve practiced yoga is: Hmm, I've been fortunate to experience travel to many places. The Great Wall of China, India,  Costa Rica or Kripalu are some of my top places. 
  
  
• If I could practice yoga with anyone, it would be: Harry Styles!  I am obsessed. 
  
  
• I want to take my yoga to the next level by: Assisting all of the fabulous Release teachers and students in reaching their full potential.
  
  
• My heroes are: Anita Roddick (founder of The Body Shop), Maxine Clark (founder of Build a Bear) and Oprah (founder of everything). They each built profitable businesses from the core of their passions, took immense risks, and focused on giving back to their employees and communities. And they did it with kindness, compassion, fun and profitability. That’s the way business should be!
  
  
• My one wish for the world is: "Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Whole." 

• My teaching style is: Well, I’m more of a mascot type of guy than a yoga teacher. But I have been thinking about enrolling in Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste in Hawaii. I just need to find the time.

• My favorite yoga pose is: Eagle, of course. Wait, no, Half Pigeon. I guess I like them both!

• Yoga has helped me overcome: My fear of flying. See, I’m named after Icarus which who was the son of Daedalus in Greek mythology. Supposedly his dad created wings for him to get the heck out of Crete. The wings were made out of wax and feathers, but Icarus really pushed himself beyond his “edge” and the wax melted when he flew too close to the sun. He slammed back to earth and drowned in the sea.  I see this kind of stuff all the time … like when I see yogis rush into Crow Pose, or jump into a heated class before they’re ready.  The moral? Pushing yourself is great, but not to the point of hurting yourself!

• My favorite music to practice to is: Icky Thump by the White Stripes , of course. Bird Song by Florence and the Machine is pretty cool too, except she kills the bird and all. Great beat as long as I don’t focus on the lyrics.

• I love my: Tail feathers. Honestly, some days I just stare at them in awe.

• My favorite deity is: Shiva is pretty awesome. 

• You must try this healthy snack: Millet. I eat it constantly. They’re very filling little seeds.

• My favorite Sanskrit phrase is: "Ahimsa" which is non-violence. Do you hear that, Flo? Stop writing songs about killing birds!

• My advice for beginning yogis is: Just stay with your breath. It will take you to new heights.

• I’m most grateful for: My nest. 

• The most exotic place that I’ve practiced yoga is: Every year I migrate and there is this awesome little pond where I just love to practice. Sweet little girlie birds hang out there too, which is a real plus!

• If I could practice yoga with anyone, it would be: Big Bird. Have you seen that dude’s handstand? Amazing.

• I want to take my yoga to the next level by: Well, someday I’d like to be able to achieve Frog Pose, so I’m really working on my hip openers.

• My hero is: Donald Duck. I met him at Kripalu and you know, he really doesn’t have anger issues at all (which just shows what an incredible actor he is.) And he works very hard in the fight against the Bird Flu and the ongoing stigma it’s created for a lot of us. He’s a pretty cool guy, actually.

• My one wish for the world is: Set out more bird-feeders, people! Everyone goes on and on about the bee shortage. Really? Bees? What we really need are more birds!

• My teaching style is: Traditional, relaxed, encouraging and therapeutic. I want my students to really experience and feel the poses to better understand their own bodies. I love when my students find relief through their practice and leave my class feeling rejuvenated, with a calmer state of mind.

• My favorite yoga pose is: Crow because it is fun, challenging and beautiful all at the same time.

• Yoga has helped me overcome:  My need to always be in control. I am more able to let go and let things be!!

• My favorite music to practice to really depends on my mood, and the type of practice. I love practicing to indie, rock, some oldies, classical, and traditional chant/meditative sounds.

• I love my: Butt! Yes, I said it, my big bubble butt. I used to be embarrassed and ashamed of it, but have learned to love my curves!

• My favorite Deity or Goddess is: Hanuman because he is the provider of hope and courage, as well as a symbol of physical strength and perseverance to leap past your obstacles and achieve outstanding success.

• You must try this healthy snack: There are too many to name! I love baking! I have a killer recipe for paleo sweet potato brownies, vegan gluten free brownies, and chickpea blondies. Healthy alternatives are a must for someone with a sweet tooth like me.

• My favorite Sanskrit word is: Ananda which means "bliss." 

• My advice for beginning yogis is: Don't give up! Yoga isn't about how physically flexible you are! It's about learning to be comfortable with yourself. The possibilities for your practice to grow and evolve are endless.

• I'm most grateful for: So many things, but most importantly, my family. I've been so blessed to grow up in such a loving home with support from both my immediate and extended family.

• The most exotic place that I've practiced yoga is: On top of a 14,000 foot mountain after hiking for hours to reach the top.

• If I could practice yoga with anyone, it would be: Adam Levine! He's my ultimate celebrity/yogi crush!

• My heroes are: My parents. They have shown me it's possible to work through any of life's difficulties, and come out stronger than you were before.

• My one wish for the world is: Positivity! If we could all just focus on the things we do have, instead of what we are lacking, we could be just a little bit happier.

• My teaching style is: Peaceful and powerful. I love the inner peace and outer strength that your mat can bring you!

• My favorite yoga pose is: Vrkasana (tree pose). With all its variations, it’s a perfect combination of peace and strength.

• Yoga has helped me overcome: The chaos of life. Coming to my mat always brings me back in harmony with what is good in life.

• My favorite music to practice to is: Anything upbeat with positive energy!

• My favorite sanskrit word is: Namaste, because it acknowledges the beauty in all of us.

• You must try this healthy snack: Kale chips. They’re good for you, but more importantly, they’re delicious!

• My advice for beginning yogis is: KNOW that every moment you are Trying to get better, YOU are Already getting better in Anything you do!

• I’m most grateful for: Love of all forms. Connecting with other people and sharing love is life’s purpose.

• The most exotic place that I’ve practiced yoga is: On a standup paddleboard, it’s a great experience!

• If I could practice yoga with anyone, it would be: Tao Porchon Lynch! I have been honored to have accomplished this! She is absolutely amazing and an inspiration to us all!

• I’m inspired to take my yoga to the next level: Every time I get on my mat. There’s always something that inspires me from my mat.

• My heroes are: Anyone who takes time and help people before anything else they had to do.

• My super power is: loving you until you love yourself! 

• My one wish for the world is: That we would all just love one another and treat each other accordingly.

• My teaching style is: Warm, loving and about self-exploration. Yoga is about the connection with yourself through yourself.
  
  
  
• My favorite yoga pose is: Tadasana- Mountain Pose.  This pose allows me to connect and engage every part of my body and mind.
  
  
  
• Yoga has helped me overcome: Low self-confidence and self worth. My yoga practice has allowed me to connect with my true self and has given me the tools to love and accept myself.
  
  
  
• I love my eyes because: They allow me to see the beauty in the world.
  
   
• My favorite goddess is: Parvati, Goddess of love and devotion because love is all you need!
  
   
• You must try this healthy snack: Vanilla protein shake with banana and spinach.
  
  
  
• My favorite Sanskrit phrase is: Atma Prema – unconditional self-love because it reminds me to love the light in others and myself.
  
  
  
• My advice for beginning yogis is: Be kind to yourself. Yoga is about the journey not a destination to the poses. It is your journey not anyone else’s.
  
  
  
• I’m most grateful for: Finding Yoga! It really has changed my life!
  
  
  
• The most exotic place I’ve practiced yoga is: The beach at sunrise.
  
  
  
• I am excited to take my yoga practice to the next level because: I learn something new every time I come to my mat.
  
  
  
• My heroes are: My 3 girls. They remind me every day to be present, loving and kind. 
  
  
  
• My super power is: Seeing the positive in all situations!

• My one wish for the world is: For all to be kind. Be kind to others, the planet, and animals and most important to THEMSELVES.
  
  

• My teaching style is: A balance between exciting and energetic but calm and connected.

• My favorite yoga pose is: Chaturanga Dandasana - I feel strong, connected and engaged

• Yoga has helped me overcome: Neglecting my self worth. As many of us, I tend to make everyone else a priority and overtime their needs and time becomes more important. Yoga has connected me with myself and gives me permission to be selfish because I am worth it.

• I love my: Arms because they are strong and get to hug my family.

• My favorite Deity is: Ganesha - he is the deity of wisdom and good fortune and the remover of obstacles.

• You must try this healthy snack: Edamame with sea salt (cold or hot)

• My favorite Sanskrit word: Ahamkara, meaning EGO. I like it because checking my ego allows me to accept myself as I am at that moment.

• My advice for beginning yogis: Yogis, have an open mind, trust and honor yourself and watch the transformation unfold.

• I'm most grateful for: My mother! She raised me to believe in myself and she always tells me how proud she is of the woman I am.

• The most exotic place I've practiced yoga is: The beach!

• If I could practice yoga with anyone it would be: My sister, Trisha. I have the honor and privilege to practice with her often and I love how close our relationship has become with this commonality.

• I'm excited to take my yoga to the next level because: My body and mind has completely amazed me in the past few years and I wish that everyone can feel this way about themselves.

• My hero is: My husband, Austin Andrella. He is very inspiring, loyal, honest and motivated. He is a man of his word and strives to be a good man in every area of his life.

• My one wish for the world is: That every child feels loved and protected.

• My favorite yoga pose is: Downward Facing Dog.
  
  
• Yoga has helped me overcome: My anxiety. I feel much calmer now that I regularly practice!

• I love my arms because: They have become very strong and they hold me up! My favorite deity or god/goddess is Leto because: She is the Goddess of Motherhood and will do whatever it takes to protect her children.

• You must try this healthy snack: Peanut butter and apples!

• My favorite Sanskrit word or phrase is: गोद इस मय जुद्गे - God is my Judge.

• My advice for beginning yogis is: Be confident in you!

• I'm most grateful for: My family because they have taught me so much about life.
  
  
• The most exotic place I've ever practiced yoga is: Under a waterfall in Hocking Hills!

• My heroes are: Everyday I interact with a new type of hero, whether is be a small child to a grown adult who has shown passion, faith or courage for themselves or another person.

• My one with for the world is: That people would be accepted for who they are.

• My teaching style is: Dynamic, fluid, and logically creative. I have a passion for transitions, connecting poses and movements in fun, innovative ways--while carefully preparing the body for deeper poses and maintaining safe form and alignment.
  
  
• My favorite yoga pose is: Fallen Star. I love how it challenges my strength, while opening the front side of my body. It feels fun and graceful!
  
  
• Yoga has helped me overcome: The fear of failing and not being good enough. For many years, I came to my hot yoga practice with the mantra "I am strong," believing that if I made it through my practice, then I could also handle any challenge outside of the yoga room. Over the years, I’ve also learned that if a pose or class doesn’t turn out as I expected, it's ok. In life and in yoga, I must let it go and try again.
  
  
• I love my shoulders because: I’ve worked hard to build their strength. I used to feel self-conscious about being broad-shouldered, but now I appreciate their power.
  
  
• My favorite goddess is Maat because: She is the Ancient Egyptian personification of truth, justice, and cosmic balance. At death, the Egyptians believed that the deceased’s soul/heart would be weighed against Maat’s white feather of truth, thus determining his/her fate in the afterlife—very similar to the Christian belief in the Last Judgement and the weighing of souls.
  
  
• You must try this healthy snack: Dark chocolate! :)
  
  
• My favorite Sanskrit word is Namaste because: It reminds us to embrace kindness and respect for others, no matter how different they are from us.
  
  
• My advice for beginning yogis is: To experiment and find a type of yoga that feels good to you (mentally and physically) and embrace your struggles as well as your successes. You should always be able to smile in any pose!
  
  
• I’m most grateful for: My family, especially my husband and three children. They help me to stay grounded and remind me of what is truly important: love, wonder, and joy.
  
  
• The most exotic place I’ve practiced yoga is: At an excavation site at Bamburgh Castle (located in a small village in northern England)—I used to work there as an archaeologist.
  
  
• If I could practice yoga with anyone it would be: Stevi Gongora (@casa_colibri) because: I really admire her creative funky flows and yoga tutorials that she offers with her fellow yogi collaborates at Authentic Movements. Follow her and Authentic Movements on Instagram--they are amazing! 
  
  
• I’m excited to take my yoga to the next level because: I love learning more about how the body and mind works and what they are capable of, and there is so much to learn! I also enjoy challenging and growing my own practice.
  
  
• My hero is: My mom because she is the most caring person I know. She is always thinking of, helping and giving to others.
  
  
• My superpower is: My determination and ability to focus.
  
  
• My one wish for the world is: For everyone to show more grace and kindness to each other.

• My favorite yoga pose is: Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose) because it has so many benefits for one’s body and it is very fun to say.

• Yoga has helped me overcome: My vestibular/neck injury issues by giving me balance in more than one area of my life.

• I love my eyes because: They allow us to make connections in our world and with each other.

• My favorite deity or god/goddess is Saraswati  because: the Hindu river goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning.

• You must try this healthy snack: Watermelon salad with jalapeño peppers, red onions, ground pepper, and a little lime juice.

• My favorite Sanskrit word or phrase is लीलावति वर्तते (līlāvati vartate) because: It translates to "she/he/it behaves playfully" or "playfulness prevails” because I believe playfulness is an important part of leading a joyful life.

• My advice for beginning yogis is: Be kind to yourself and have patience in your yoga journey.

• I’m most grateful for: My health, having empathy, and the love of my friends and family.

• The most exotic place I’ve practiced yoga is: Sunrise beach yoga in Maui.

• If I could practice yoga with anyone it would be: Jessamyn Stanley!

• My heroes are: My parents, refugees, who had the strength to leave everything behind to seek a life with security and freedom.

• My one wish for the world is: The realization that the change one wants to see in the world starts within oneself.

• My service style is: Treatment based, meaning I want to see those results but also very relaxing and zen!

• My favorite type of service is: Definitely massage with hot stone or cupping because I’m a mom and this is needed!

• I love my: Eyes because they allow me to see the most beautiful things.

• My favorite deity or god/goddess is Artemis because: She represents the independent feminine spirit! She is very sisterly, and women who relate to this consider their friendships with other women very important!

• You must try this healthy snack: Banana chips and dried papaya!

• My favorite phrase is: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world” because I believe if people see you being the change they will want to follow.

• My advice for those new to skin, massage and lash services is: Be patient results are achieved through consistency in your facial treatments and HOMECARE IS SO IMPORTANT! Massage and lash clients my only advice is relax and take a nap.

• I’m most grateful for: My son, without him I don’t know where I would be in life. He brings me so much joy.

• The most exotic place I’ve been is: Panama City Beach. Not the most exotic place in the world but still so beautiful!

• If I could give a facial/massage to anyone it would be Dwayne Johnson because: He’s so kind and inspiring to not only older generations but younger ones too! Plus… come on it’s Dwayne Johnson!

• My heroes are: My mom. Her never give up attitude is what got me where I am today, she has inspired me and taught me no matter how hard things get to always keep going!

• My one wish for the world is: For people find time to be more kind

When she’s not working or teaching, you’ll find Mary practicing yoga, working out, hanging with her family, or doing anything outdoors in nature.

My favorite deity or god/goddess
is: Quan Yin because she is the epitome of compassion.

You must try this healthy snack: Used to be cottage cheese and avocados with salt and pepper – now I can’t eat much cheese, so sad haha.

My favorite Sanskrit word or
phrase is:  Om mani padme hum – this mantra played a large part in one of my first spiritual awakenings.

My advice for beginning yogis is: Make sure the teacher knows you are new to yoga and get the foundations down first.

I’m most grateful for: My support networks. I have a lot of circles of support and I don’t know where I’d be without all of them.

The most exotic place I’ve
practiced yoga is: I haven’t really traveled for yoga, but I’ve practiced on the beaches of Hawaii and Florida while on vacation.

If I could practice yoga with
anyone it would be: My mom because I love her and I love to see her do healthy things for her mind and body.

I’m always ready to take my yoga to the next level because: The journey is forever changing and I find that exciting.

My heroes are: Moms. Working moms, stay at home moms, MOMS ARE AMAZING. Nurturers. Filled with compassion. And often need much healing and self care.

My one wish for the world is: That we can be more loving and less fearful. 

• My massage style is:  Relaxing and caring. 
  
  
• My favorite type of service I’ve received is:  I love it all! Group singing crystal bowl meditations are divine.
   
• I love my eyes because: My iris isn't formed completely and it looks like a magical keyhole.
   
• My favorite deity or god/goddess is Jesus because:  He taught us to love one another.
   
• My favorite Sanskrit word is:  Om. It's multifaceted, universal and it can be used and understood in any situation, even with this question: “Ummm?”
  
  
• The most exotic place I’ve been is: Any remote hot-springs in the New Mexico/Arizona/Jemez mountains. 
  
  
• If I could give a facial/massage to anyone it would be: Everyone! Especially someone difficult to love, because they probably need it most.
  
  
• My one wish for the world is: “All oppression shall cease.”