Biography

Maryann (or YogaMary) began her dedicated practitice of yoga more than nineteen years ago firstly in Barraba then ended up at the Sydney Yoga Centre. Mentored by Eve Grzybowski, who was for many years a senior teacher of Iyengar yoga, Maryann was one of three graduates honoured with the invitation to teach at the school upon completing her teaching certificate. She led her first class in 1999. From this time, she has built her own successful practice and strong following of students.

In 2001 Maryann began teaching a range of classes in the Hunter Valley, with groups of all ages and levels. Her classes in Newcastle, Maitland and Dungog continue to grow, and her practice has expanded to include weekend and week-long retreats.

She hosts ten day yoga retreats in Pushkar, Rajasthan, or Rishikesh, India where groups of students get the opportunity to experience the spiritual wonder of an intensive series of yoga sessions surrounded by the old world charm of Pushkar or the ambience of the mighty Ganga (Ganges River) in Rishikesh.

Maryann's week-long retreats build on a long and deeply-held love for India where much of her own study and learning has taken place. India has also played a significant role in shaping Maryann’s approach to yoga practice. She has successfully completed Yogic Studies 1A, 1B, and 2A through the Satyananda Yoga Academy, she has travelled extensively and lived in many parts of India. While in India Maryann has spent time at the Satyananda Ashrams in Bangalore and Bihar State, the Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh, Father Bede’s Ashram near Trichy in Karnataka, and Sri Amritanandamaya’s Ashram in Kerela. These experiences have not only added to her knowledge of yoga but continued to inspire her to share the benefits of yoga with her students.

Her approach draws deeply from the Iyengar and Satyananda traditions. She teaches classical hatha yoga and her classes emphasise aiming for the correct anatomical alignment of each pose. Each class is completed with a yoga nidra relaxation practice. The atmosphere of Maryann’s classes is one of calm and inclusivity. All students are welcomed, from beginners through to more experienced practitioners. She believes that you as a student will gain the most benefit from your yoga practice in a comfortable and non-threatening environment.

While continuing to build her practice, Maryann has completed a degree in Medical Radiation Science - Diagnostic Radiography from the University of Newcastle. Subjects included Muscular and Skeletal Anatomy and Visceral and Neural Anatomy, deepening her understanding of yoga asanas (poses). Maryann completed yoga teacher training with Pixie Lillas of the Balmain Iyengar Yoga Studio in 2014. She then passed her Introductory Iyengar yoga teacher exams to become a certified Iyengar teacher in 2016. Maryann also holds a Diploma of Remedial Massage, Diploma of Aromatherapy, a Certificate of Shiatsu and a current Senior First Aid Certificate.

'I believe yoga can benefit everyone, it's never too late to start. Through a regular yoga practice you can develop physical strength and flexibility as well as mental balance and focus, leading to an overall improvement in health.' Maryann

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Teaching history

Year, Client /location, Class description

2016 - Pushkar Rajasthan India, week-long retreat – open

2009 - 2019, Stroud Monastery, New South Wales, weekend retreats - open

2014 - 2018, Carrington, Adamstown and Maitland, open community classes

2012 - 2014 Wickham, Newcastle and Maitland, open community classes

2011 - 2012, Shepparton, Victoria, open community classes

2009 - 2012, Pushkar Rajasthan India, week-long retreat – open.

2008, Vacy, New South Wales, weekend retreat – open

2008 - 2009, Marysville, private classes

2008 – 2009, Tocal Agricultural College , corporate / staff classes

2006 – 2010, Dungog RSL, open community classes

2006 – 2010, Hunter Water,corporate / staff classes

2006 – 2007, Epping Neighbourhood Centre, open community classes

2005 – 2007, Naremburn, private classes

2001 - 2009, Kurri Kurri Aquatic Centre, open community classes

2001 - 2010, Maitland Community Hall, open community classes

2001 – 2010, Merewether Surf Club, Newcastle, open community classes

2000 - 2007, Bellevue Hill, private classes

2000 - 2001, North Rocks Deaf and Blind School, corporate / staff classes

1999 - 2000, Lindfield, private classes

2000 - 2006, Epping RSL, open community classes

1999 - 2003, King George V Recreation Centre , open community classes

1999 – 2007, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals West Ryde, staff classes

1999 - 2001, Total Advertising Nth Sydney, corporate / staff classes

1999 – 2000, Sydney Yoga Centre Darlinghurst, open community class

Summary of qualifications

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography), 2011
Breast Screen Vic, Mammography part 2, 2011
Certified Introductory Iyengar teacher, 2016
Yoga Certificate, Sydney Yoga Centre, 1998
Diploma Remedial Massage, Australasian College of Natural Therapies, 1999
Dilpoma of Aromatherapy, Australasian College of Natural Therapies, 1999
Certificate IV in Body Work Therapies, Australasian College of Natural Therapies, 1999
Certificate in Shiatsu, Australasian College of Natural Therapies, 1999
Certificate of Yogic Studies 1A, Satyananada Yoga Academy, 2003
Certificate of Yogic Studies 1B, Satyananada Yoga Academy, 2004
Certificate of Yogic Studies 2A, Satyananada Yoga Academy, 2005