Trainings and teaching

YOGA -- Maria completed two 320 hour, one year long Advanced Studies Programs with Rodney Yee in 1997 and 1998. She also participated in a two month long Teacher Training with Ana Forrest in 2000. Presently she is studying Shadow Yoga under the guidance of Scott Blossom in San Francisco. In addition to her Yoga retreats in Italy, Maria teaches weekly Yoga classes in Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley since 1997.

MARTIAL ARTS -- Maria has been studying since 1999 at the Institute of Martial Arts of Santa Cruz, training in the Yang and Chen styles of Tai Chi, becoming accomplished in the Long Sets of both styles, in the Chinese Broad Sword, Straight Sword, Staff

and in Qi Gong. She currently teaches the Short Yang Set in San Jose.

TRE -- Maria trained in Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) with its founder, bioenergetic therapist David Berceli in 2004. She has been teaching his work ever since. Maria's TRE workshops are preceded by an hour of gentle and all levels Yoga. TRE is a gentle, profound and revolutionary new technique for stress reduction, tension releasing and the healing of trauma. Her "Yoga & TRE" workshops are well received throughout Northern California and beyond. To learn more about Yoga & TRE, please visit here.

HEALING ARTS -- Maria has received certification for her trainings in Reichi and Esalen massage. She has an eclectic background that includes living at the Esalen Institute, in Big Sur, CA for 18 months in 1993 and 1994. There she participated in the life of the community and the work/study program, taking many enriching workshops, seminars and trainings including Gestalt Therapy, Bio-Drama, Shamanism, Tantra, Massage, Spiritual Massage, Voice and theatrical expression, Painting and more. She also spent a few years in Asia, especially India and Indonesia, running a jewelery businness and studying Yoga and meditation (Zen and Vipassana)

Life experience -- Maria has background in theatrical performance and modern dance, improvisational comedy, political and environmental activism and extensive world travel.

Maria's classes are vigorous yet gentle on the lower back, neck and joints. Beginning with Pranayama there is a continued focus during the class on connecting the breath to the physical and emotional experience. Warming the body up from the core is achieved through powerful and effective abdominal exercises early in the class. Strong lower abdominal muscles support the lower back and promote healthy organs. The sequencing and pacing of the class is dynamic and energizing, It includes standing postures, inversions and hip-openers. It is mindful fun!

During the Yogadventure retreat, the morning class is more vigorous, the evening class more restorative. With no more than 12 students in a group, all levels are welcome and supported with Maria's individualized attention. She creates a supportive environment, which makes people feel safe and she teaches with compassion and sense of humor.