Marla began Devi Yoga in January of 2007 teaching at home yoga classes and yoga in the workplace. Devi (pronounced DEH-vee) means goddess and is Marla's middle name as well as her paternal grandmother's middle name. For a long time Marla had not felt connected to her Indian culture, and when she began integrating yoga into her life her culture seemed more like her own.
Marla is a Syracuse University graduate and received her B.A. in English writing and literature. She worked in the communications industry before beginning her company. Marla has traveled throughout the world improving her practice and knowledge of yoga. While teaching English in Bangkok to 13 & 14 year olds she used yoga to quiet and calm her students. In Thailand she also studied various healing techniques: Reiki, Thai Massage and Crystal Therapy. Marla has also been trained in IET.
Upon her return to Rochester, NY without any health insurance, Marla realized that she was completely responsible for her good health and now conveys that lesson to her students. During her time studying in India she is grateful to have worked with and studied Hatha & Raja Yoga under Bharath Shetty at Yoga India in Mysore. Following that she studied Sivananda style at the internationally known Sivananda Institute in Kerala.
Traveling has influenced her more than any experience and has helped her discover the universal truths in life that can transform your life!