AmyLea
AmyLea has dedicated her life to teaching yoga as a holistic means of uniting mind, body, and spirit. Having studied many forms of dance, as well as gymnastics, and having a BS and post-graduate degrees in the field of psychotherapy, AmyLea has come to believe that the practice of yoga is the ideal means to developing a healthy life. Having obtained her RYT-500 over 20 years ago, AmyLea trains under Knoxvilles grandfather of yoga, Philip Clift from Renegade Yoga.
She began her practice of yoga while studying for her university degrees, and soon discovered it to be much more than just physical exercise. In the hectic days of higher learning, it became a way to not only stay fit but also to find balance and peace. This is when she understood that in order to help the mind, one must also help the body and the spirit, as they are bound together as one. For her, the study of psychology had led to be combined with a study of biology and physiology and the study of the spirit through yoga. She began teaching yoga while still in school, and even when she worked with patients, after graduation. It did not take her long to realize that she could help people in a more holistic way by teaching yoga than by working as a psychotherapist. Her psychology, biology, and physiology studies coupled with her years of dance and gymnastic experience enhances her practice of yoga and are invaluable to her teaching, making her a unique instructor.
Mary recently moved to East Tennessee from Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband of 18 years and three of their four children. She embodies the ideal of being a lifelong student, having practiced yoga for 15 years but only got serious about it five years ago. During this time, she worked diligently to earn her 200-hour yoga instructor certification in May 2022 and her 300-hour certification in August 2023, culminating in a 500-hour certification. She also pursued a bachelor's degree in applied business management, graduating from BYU-Idaho in April 2024.
Mary is a hands-on Instructor with over 700 teaching hours under her belt. She combines creative sequencing, a focus on breathwork, and a spirit of playfulness in her vinyasa flow classes. Mary is also certified in Yin and Kid's yoga and is currently working on certifications for chair yoga and Yoga Nidra.
Mary is excited to join the East Tennessee community and get involved in all aspects, seeking to help others thrive by nurturing the mind, body, and soul through yoga. Her hope is that students take the lessons learned on the mat into their daily lives, becoming stronger, more fearless, resilient, and grounded to manage any challenges they face.
