Maria Santoferraro (E-RYT 200/RYT 500) spent over 25 years ravaging her body in the crazy corporate world. Needing a detox from an unhealthy Blackberry addiction, boatloads of stress, and an aching back, she sought out a healthier lifestyle and is grateful to have found her physical and spiritual release through the practice of yoga. Today she is living a balanced and blissful life, teaching yoga, leading international yoga retreats and workshops, sharing inspirational stories on her popular blog the Daily Downward Dog, creating meditation videos for Hang 10 Meditation, and contributing her writing to Elephant Journal, Daily Cup of Yoga, and MindBodyGreen.
Her authentic, heart-opening teaching combines asana, meditation, mudras, breath work, and creative sequencing in spirited yet slow-flowing vinyasa yoga classes that are suitable for all levels of yoga practitioners. Maria’s classes include uplifting class themes, stories, music, poetry, laughter, reiki, and the spiritual teachings of yoga to create a playful and peaceful environment where students can quiet their minds, let go, relax, and recharge.
In 2011 she was able to combine two of her greatest passions – yoga and the beach – to start her own beach yoga “studio” on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, Ohio, where Maria has shared yoga with hundreds of yogis.
“When I teach, my focus is on compassionately guiding students through a safe, spiritual, yet lighthearted environment so they can discover the deeper benefits of yoga both on and off their mats. I always strive to transfer my energy and light – and share my joy of yoga – with a dash of humor and lots of smiles.” – Maria
