Mary Richards, M.S., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP, iREST Level 1, began practicing yoga in 1992 and teaching in 2002. She has studied primarily in the Iyengar system with additional study in other lineages. Her teaching and practice are informed by her deep abiding interest in and the study of anatomy and kinesiology. Mary has completed credited coursework with labs in anatomy, physiology, cadaver dissection, kinesiology and biology as well as observation hours at physical therapy facilities specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. Mary is passionate about sharing her experience in yoga therapeutics and other healing modalities to help others cope with—and ideally, prevent—injury to the joint segments of the body, especially the weight-bearing joints of the lower extremity.

Mary serves as Judith Hanson Lasater’s senior anatomy and therapeutics teaching assistant. She has trained regularly with Judith since 2002. Mary and Lizzie Lasater, yoga instructor and Judith’s daughter, also share a series on Lizzie’s YouTube channel entitled “Today’s Anatomy Question,” which features dialogue and demonstration of anatomical and kinesiologic concepts and principles pertaining to asana. Mary, Judith and Lizzie launched “Experiential Anatomy,” their in-depth digital movement literacy course in December 2017. They also launched “Experiential Anatomy: Back Care Immersion” in July 2018. Additional digital learning projects are in the pipeline for 2019 and beyond.

Mary lives in Alexandria, Va., where she teaches syllabus-based yoga classes to pre-registered students and sees clients privately, in person and virtually. She travels frequently, offering continuing education to bodyworkers, fitness professionals and yoga instructors in movement
literacy and therapeutic techniques. For more information about Mary and her work, visit www.maryrichardsyoga.com and www.experientialanatomy.yoga.