Teacher Highlight: Marisa Maggio-Harelson

At Buddha Bella Healing Center, we are honored to highlight one of our more veteran teachers, Marisa Maggio-Harelson. With over 14 years of teaching experience in the valley, Marisa brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion to our community. As a seasoned entrepreneur, mother, and teacher, she is deeply committed to her family, her students, and our Buddha Bella community. Marisa teaches both the Hot Classic sequence and Himalayan Kundalini Kriya Yoga, where her charismatic energy and expertise truly shine. Get to know Marisa more below:

Q: What is your first and last name?

A: Marisa Maggio-Harelson

Q: How long have you been practicing yoga?

A: 18 years

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: Soup and salad.

Q: What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

A: Savasana—our chance to surrender and literally be held by the support of the Universe.

Q: What style(s) of yoga do you specialize in?

A: Sattva Himalayan Kriya Yoga

Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don't know?

A: I’ve been to Antarctica and Timbuktu.

Q: What is your favorite part about teaching yoga?

A: Connecting with students, learning about them, and being a part of a community of like-minded people.

Q: What is your advice for someone new to yoga?

A: Have fun. There’s no perfect pose. Only perfect practice.

Q: If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

A: Mother Teresa. To experience her profound compassion and selflessness in serving the most vulnerable, and to understand the depth of her inner strength that allowed her to give so much with such humility.

Q: If you were a yoga pose, which one would you be and why?

A: Tree pose—the pose of gratitude and open heart. Being grateful is the key to a happy, abundant life.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

A: "Stand guard at the gate of your consciousness." —Anand Mehrotra

Q: What's your go-to karaoke song?

A: I don’t karaoke, but I’d say "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac and "You’re The One That I Want" from The Grease soundtrack.

We are excited to continue sharing the stories and wisdom of all our beautiful teachers who make Buddha Bella Healing Center a place of growth, love, and healing. If you want to experience a class with Marisa, check out our full schedule HERE to learn more.