Mercedes Randall, E-RYT 500 & Reiki Practitioner

I began practicing yoga in 2008, starting with asana (postures) and dhyana (meditation). My practice was initially an exercise that made me feel physically strong, mentally stable, and frankly, overall powerful. As I began to study the history and philosophy of this time-honored practice, I realized that yoga was not simply a workout for the mind and body, but a way of life. I couldn’t get enough. I had to learn as much as I could so I could share the teachings with my family, my friends...with everyone.

I graduated from my first teacher training, Immersion into the Yoga Tradition, in 2013, studying under Lynn Matthews and went on to graduate from her 300-hour teacher training in 2016. I am also certified in the Amrit method of yoga nidra, studying with Kamini Desai in 2013, taking advanced nidra training in 2017, and facilitator training in 2018. It is my privilege and joy to spread the knowledge and power of yoga to anyone who may be seeking it.

Theresa Grimley, RYT 200 & Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist

Yoga entered my life in the form of an unexpected and beautiful friendship. My coworker, Mercedes, had begun her teacher journey and, being a true teacher to her core, the lessons she taught transcended the studio and classroom setting and found their way into our office space. When my yoga journey began I had been yearning for connection and deeper purpose. A feeling of stagnation had crept into my life and I was unable to see a way to move forward. Yoga was the momentum I needed to move beyond the obstacles that were preventing me from living a life of purpose and meaning. 

During my yoga studies I was introduced to Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga. I felt an instant connection to Ayurveda’s use of diet and lifestyle practices to align ourselves with the rhythms of nature and promote self healing. In March 2017 I completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training through Yoga 4 Life with Lynn Matthews. This training was a stepping stone to obtaining my Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist certification in December 2017 at the Himalayan Institute. Around the same time I was introduced to yoga nidra. Experiencing the amazing benefits of this practice led me to pursue my certification in the Integrative Amrit method of yoga nidra in 2018, and not long after the advanced yoga nidra training in 2019.

Yoga awakened me to the possibility of a more fulfilling life. I have developed a deeper understanding of my purpose in this life, and it has provided me with the tools to find balance and facilitate healing. Mercedes has been with me from the beginning of my journey, as a teacher, a collaborator, and most of all, as a friend. Much like our friendship, I have taken a lighthearted approach to this journey finding that humor can accompany even the most arduous lessons.