Shortly after moving to NYC in 1993, Maria discovered Jivamukti Yoga Center on 2nd Avenue in the East Village. On her highly elevated walk home from class she knew for certain that she would become more involved with this magical yoga method. With a busy fashion career promising a bright future, she teetered back and forth from late nights at the showroom and client dinners to yoga classes. After years of just scratching the surface and leaving each Yoga class with the feeling of wanting more she decided it was time to get serious. Maria applied and was accepted to the NYC, Jivamukti Teacher Training program in 2000. She graduated in 2001 and has been teaching at Jivamukti for over 10 years. Maria feels fortunate to have been an apprentice to Sharon Gannon. She became an advanced certified teacher in 2004 and has served as mentor in the Jivamukti Apprenticeship Program as well as the month-long TT program at Omega Institute. Maria was honored to be the Director of Continuing Education at Jivamukti NYC for over two years. She is forever grateful to Ganeshdas for his patience and guidance.