I’m Mary; a Yoga and Pilates instructor with 8 years of teaching experience and the owner of this cozy little studio in the Outer Banks, NC. Movement has always been part of my life—I was an athlete for as long as I can remember. But after quitting sports at 18, everything shifted.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and what followed was years of pain, depression, and feeling completely lost. My first yoga class….if I’m being honest; I hated it. I felt like I didn’t belong in the room. But something told me to try again and that second chance ended up saving my life. My mat became the space where I healed, reconnected with my body, and eventually found sobriety after struggling with alcohol and drugs from a young age. On November 24, 2022, I chose myself—and I’ve been walking that sobriety path ever since.

In late 2018 I moved to the Outer Banks after meeting the love of my life, a boat captain who I met on a family fishing trip. It was the perfect place for me to start a wellness business as I saw the potential this beautiful island had to offer. It was within 6 months of moving that Dare To Yoga became not only a dream but a reality. I started out small just traveling from different locations on the island and have now grown into a beautiful and cozy studio space.

Today, I teach with compassion and understanding - to hold space for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong. My vibe is simple: come exactly as you are. No judgment, no perfection needed. Just breath, movement, humor, and a whole lot of heart. I’m just here to help you feel at home in your body and maybe change your life - one class at a time.

My yoga practice is very special to me and everyday I push myself to new challenges, allowing to grow both on and off the mat. Each day I choose to learn something new which I share with my students each time I teach. My world is never boring and is constantly changing which I incorporate into my teaching style. No two classes of mine are the same as we are constantly learning and growing together.

My passion in life is to enrich and empower people’s lives through wellness. Movement is for everyBODY, all you need is a body.

See you on the mat.

xo - your sober barefoot bestie