Yoga Therapist, Author, Caregiver of Beloved Yoga: A Sanctuary for All

Yoga is a proven process, practice 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.This philosophy is the foundation of my approach to wellbeing and has guided me through more than two decades of work in the yoga and health industry. 

I am a certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), and under the tutelage of Bhekaji Lynch, I received my 500-hour Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) accreditation with Yoga Alliance. My personal mission as a teacher of yoga is to provide an opportunity for my students to have access to tools that allow self-healing, self-empowerment, and self-realization. My style provides space for multi-level practitioners to journey through yoga in group, semi-private, and private classes. In my private yoga teaching, I offer powerful tools for whole-self-care that serve the person and their personal intentions.

 My vision for making yoga accessible to all came to fruition in February 2018, with the opening of the flagship location of Beloved Yoga: A Sanctuary for All, a serene, safe, multi-studio space in Reston, Virginia. My passion for sharing the original teachings of yoga with reverence and integrity is what motivates me to be of service to the yoga community.   

Honoring the lineage and teachings of Sri Krishnamacharya, I uphold the principle that the yoga practice is a personal and individual journey and not a one-size-fits-all practice. Although A.G. and Indra Mohan, Dr. Ganesh Mohan,  Bhekaji Lynch, and Doug Keller continue to serve as my main teachers, nothing can replace the gifts and wisdom born from showing up for myself every day through sadhana (personal practice). 

Recognizing the need for teachers who offer safe instruction and instill the ancient teachings of yoga, I founded the Beloved Yoga School in 2008 to offer teacher training programs. The Beloved Yoga School offers Yoga Alliance–certified trainings, including a 200-hour teacher training, a 300-hour advanced teacher training, a prenatal and doula teacher training, a children’s yoga  teacher training, and the Beloved Yoga Certification Program. The Beloved Yoga School meets the standards set by Yoga Alliance and is a member school of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. 

My passion for helping others care for all dimensions of the self  expands to embracing the creative spirit. Growing up with a renowned international modern artist such as my father, Nasser Ovissi, immersed me in the sea of reverence for art and creativity. I serve on the board of the Greater Reston Arts Center and also make time to explore creativity in my own life through writing poetry and mark-making. As an appointed advisory board member to Southgate Community Center and George Mason's Gender and Policy Center, I am grateful to be involved in meaningful ways to support the underserved and consider initiatives that activate collective thinking. One of my favorite collaborations has been Soundscapes to Contemplate, a compilation CD of my poetry set to conscious electronic mantra music by artist and producer Saeed Younan.

Check out my on-demand classes through Beloved Yoga.

And be sure to read my first book, Pilgrimage through Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: Guidebook for Yoga Travelers.