About Maria

My work helping people overcome dis-ease started in the world of Western medicine as a nurse. However, when I saw and experienced just how powerful the breath is in healing, I knew it was time for me to more fully integrate past learning while seeking  a more holistic direction.

New pathways

This insight took me down new paths investigating ancient arts along with new modalities. I sought out and studied with experts in Ayurveda including Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Robert Svoboda, Dr. Carl Rogue and Dr. Paul Dugliss. I learned Structural Yoga Therapy from Mukunda Stiles, and LePage’s Integrative Yoga Therapy. I also studied trauma release, dance therapy, kinesiology, and homeopathy. For two years, I lived with the Cherokee tribe and studied in depth their shamanic ways.

Integrated healing concepts

Where most health professionals see separate and distinct schools and decide to specialize in one or two of them, I saw very clearly how they could work together to create unique healing packages, customized to address each client’s specific needs. By integrating the best from all my wisdom teachers, I developed my own holistic and inclusive approach that I call Functional Yoga Therapy™ (FYT).

What’s in a Name?

Many of you know me as Maria Mendola.  I’m so happy to announce that on May 25, 2019 I married my loving soul partner, Victor Shamas.  I am officially changing my name to Shamas, and will transition through 2019 from Mendola.  Please look for some of the new offerings we will be providing together with our new series, and an upcoming book, titled Aum Tantra, The Yoga of Sensual Delight.  

My formal studies include a 200-hour yoga teacher training with Mount Madonna Guru Baba Hari Das, and continuing education through Ananda Yoga. They also include 500-hour and 1000-hour Integrative Yoga Therapy trainings, a 700-hour Structural Yoga Therapy training with Mukunda Stiles, and Ayurvedic studies with Dr Rogue, Dr. Svoboda and Dr. Lad. I’ve also done continuing education with Tias Little Prajna Yoga, and Doug Keller.

Unique venues

The venues I use to guide people in finding their natural balance have taken me far beyond my initial dreams. Today I offer yoga classes, hold Ayurveda and FYT workshops in Tucson and across the nation, teach for respected international schools of yoga therapy, and provide opportunities for cleansing, balancing and rejuvenating with the seasons.

I also hold clinics, provide online seminars and am currently working on a textbook titled Functional Yoga Therapy, as well as a partnered book, titled Aum Tantra. If you prefer a more personal approach, I’m available for consultations and private one-on-one sessions in person and via the Internet.

Why MariaAlive Therapeutics

Because I feel so present, so alive, and ever so grateful that I get to learn and share this complement of ancient practices with modern discovery.
So. Enough about me!

Tell me a little bit about yourself!

Scroll to Top