About

Maria Santoferraro, Joy Spreader & Storyteller

E-RYT 500 Yoga & Meditation Instructor

Maria has turned to the restorative power of yoga several times in her life. Initially, the practice of yoga helped Maria find physical relief from the chronic pain of scoliosis, diagnosed in her teens. Later in her life, Maria turned to yoga again after extreme stress from a consuming career that took a toll on her body and mind. Maria discovered that through the physical and spiritual healing of yoga and meditation she was finally able to leave her aching back and stress behind. Yoga has brought Maria better health, a peaceful soul, and a satisfying, balanced way of living that eventually led her to her life’s true calling. Maria became a yoga teacher in 2009.

Today, Maria leads a blissful and balanced life, teaching yoga and leading international yoga retreats and yoga teacher training programs.  Her playful, heart-opening teaching combines meditation, breath, body alignment and asanas in slow-flow Hatha yoga classes that teach students to reconnect with their bodies and minds. Maria’s goal is to demystify yoga, remove the barriers, and introduce the benefits of practice to everyone, regardless of age or physical condition.  She has developed her own signature easy-going, welcoming style that appeals to both the seasoned yogi and the beginner. Maria incorporates uplifting messages, playful class themes, music, poetry and laughter, and at least one very enthusiastic “Woo hoooo!” into her classes.

Maria enjoys helping others become certified instructors and has developed her own 200-hour yoga teaching training program —Healthy Mind, Body, Soul— offered in Akron, Ohio.  Maria has created workshops and programs that speak to the unique needs of women at all stages of life including Women of Wisdom, Yoga for Menopause and Embrace your Inner Goddess, and enjoys teaching classes that incorporate sound immersion, reiki, and essential oils to enhance a body-soul-spirit connection.

In 2011, Maria started to combine her three greatest passions—yoga, the beach, and travel.  She started a beach yoga program on the shores of Lake Erie (including her wildly popular full moon beach yoga raves!) Maria has developed and led group retreats to Sedona, Costa Rica, Aruba, Greece, Italy, Bali, Panama, and Mexico.

Find more about Maria on her website Daily Downward Dog, where you can access her teaching and retreat schedule, inspirational blog, and meditation She is currently developing an online yoga video series that will be available in Spring, 2020.

Disclaimer: Before starting any new exercise routine, please consult a doctor, especially if you are pregnant, or have existing injuries or illnesses. The articles on this blog are meant to inspire you to give yoga a try, but you know your body best, so please only do those exercises that feel right for you.

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