Mary was inspired in her study of Iyengar Yoga by the path of her mother, the moving force in bringing B.K.S. Iyengar to the United States for his first teaching tour in 1973.

Mary was part of the groundswell of appreciation of this great teacher that grew from his US teaching tours of 1973 and 1974 and l976 and became one of the significant teachers to foster the growth of Iyengar Yoga in this country. Her dedicated study through regular trips to India and aptitude for the subject built a devoted following throughout the United States and abroad.

Mary helped establish three of the most vital areas for the study of Iyengar Yoga in the United States in San Francisco, Southern California, and New York. She has contributed by giving time to the growth of the Iyengar organizations as well as pushing for the consistent upgrading of teaching standards and skills. Her ability to share her intelligent study of yoga and her infectious good humor has created demand for her teaching throughout the United States and abroad.  She reaches out to all students, sharing her love and knowledge of this life art in a clear, dynamic and generous manner.

James pursued a ten-year career in dance touring worldwide with the Nikolais Dance Theater.

Since then, he has worked closely with Mary and has taken extended trips to India to study with the Iyengar family.  James experienced a strong connection to Bali and its people during his first visit in 1989 and has returned every year since then.