Maryam Ovissi, MA C-IAYT E-RYT 500, RCYT, RPYT, YACEP

Trauma Informed Yoga Therapist

"Yoga is a proven system and philosophy that provides tools for the individual to develop a self-care routine that meets them where they are. As a teacher, I am only the guide.”

Maryam is a certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and under the tutelage of Bhekaji Lynch, she received her 500-hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) accreditation with Yoga Alliance. Honoring the lineage and teachings of Sri Krishnamacharya, Maryam upholds the principle that the Yoga practice is a personal and individual journey and not a one-size-fits-all practice. Although A.G. Mohan, Indra Mohan and Dr. Ganesh Mohan continue to serve as her main teachers, she claims nothing can replace the gifts and wisdom born forth by showing up for herself every day through Sadhana (personal practice). She continues to study with renowned teachers in the world of Yoga. Maryam’s personal mission as a teacher of Yoga is to provide an opportunity for her students to have access to tools that allow self-healing, self-empowerment and self-realization. Her unique style provides space for multi-level practitioners to journey through Yoga in group, semi-private and private classes. In her private Yoga teaching, Yogic tools are offered that serve the person and their personal intentions.

Exemplifying the Yogic life off the mat and beyond the studio, Beloved Yoga is dedicated to giving back to the commUnity, partnering with many outreach programs including the Remakery, Cornerstones, the Southgate Community Center and the Teen Center of Fairfax County. Maryam founded and is co-director of Love Your Body Day, an annual free event held since 2008 at the Reston Town Center bringing together local area yoga studios, wellness practitioners, eco-conscious vendors, and Bhakti music for a fun day of healthy activities for the whole family.

Maryam's personal expertise is in integrating yoga therapy into cancer care. She works as a Yoga Therapist at Inova Schar Cancer Institute- Life with Cancer as well as the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Maryam’s love expands to embrace the creative spirit. She is the founding Trustee for the Ovissi Foundation, dedicated to supporting artists of Iranian heritage. Maryam makes time to explore creativity in her own life through writing poetry and mark making. She released Soundscapes to Contemplate, a compilation CD of her poetry set to conscious electronic mantra music by artist and producer Saeed Younan.