RAMA PATELLA R.Y.T., Former Director of World Yoga Center for 23 years, Rama's expertise spans several decades. She began her yoga training in the early 70's where she tasted Hatha Yoga in Katmandu and Delhi. Her formal training began throughout the '70's and early '80's with the Shivananda Style. She delved more deeply into yoga practice with Iyengar Yoga, and subsequently studied with B.K.S. Iyengar in Pune, India, becoming a Certified Iyengar teacher. Upon meeting her meditation teacher, Muktananda Paramahamsa, in 1974, Rama began a committed Siddha Yoga practice. Rama founded the Executive Stress Management Center in 1986, teaching for thirteen years at the American Stock Exchange as part of the program to bring Yoga to the corporate world. In 1994 she was introduced to John Friend and was trained by him in his uniquely integrated approach of Anusara yoga. Drawn to its simplicity, clarity and joyful spirituality, she became a Certified Anusara teacher. She has taught at Mary Mount College and Mount Sinai Hospital. Presently Rama teaches at Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabiliation and Yoga schools throughout New York City. She is a teacher trainer in the Yoga Works Professional Teacher Training Certification Program. She serves in the Hatha Yoga department in Siddha Yoga Ashrams. Rama's newest project is Baby Boomer Yoga. She continues her training in teaching seniors, young and old, at Duke University. Rama sees teaching as a way to share love and joy with students and as a vehicle for mutual transformation.

Maria Patella A.C.S.M., N.S.C.A. Maria says she owes her "stillness in action" to Anusara Yoga. Maria loves to move and has made movement her means of service for 20 years in the health and wellness field. She is a former dancer, athletic trainer and wellness program director. Maria has worked in a variety of venues utilizing her skills: The Olympics in Korea,
athletic trainer; General Electric Research and Development Center, wellness program director; Duke University Diet and Fitness Center, member of treatment team and fitness coordinator; Consultant, University of Colorado, Kaiser Permanente and Boston Market.

Maria began studying yoga seriously in 1990. In 2000 she met John Friend, to whom she is grateful for setting her upon a path unimagined. "Physically, mentally, emotionally and most importantly, in my heart, I feel connected to the Divine Energy. Through the dedication, inspiration and love of all my teachers, I am able to share the knowledge and incredible gifts I have received and uncovered with my students. The best gift of all is to wake up each day and know what a joy life can truly be through participation in all its glorious diversity."

Maria presently resides in Montreal, Canada where she teaches as a Certified Anusara Teacher at various yoga studios and health clubs. She and Rama jointly teach workshops and retreats throughout the year.