What Our Students Are Saying

Meet Members of the Desert Song Community

Patricia Dreiseszun - President, online concierge service

www.conciergeservices.com
"I have been practicing at Desert Song since the 1980s, and it continues to be an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Desert Song community! Having started with Intro classes, I've worked my way to my current advanced practice. I have also complemented my regular yoga practice with retreats in Utah and Pinetop with Mary Beth.

It is joyful arriving at the studio and being greeted by the extraordinarily caring staff. They have helped me learn, through my evolving practice, how to tap into my breath and, consequently, my physical and emotional strength. Since coming to Desert Song, I not only have a better understanding of yoga and its effect on the body, but I am also continuing to discover what it does for the mind. My personal yoga practice does not end in class or even after I have left the parking lot. It is a practice that I have with me always!"

Jim O'Sullivan - Business Law Partner, Gammage & Burnham, PLC

"Desert Song is a great place to develop a yoga practice, but, like yoga, the studio offers so much more than exercise. I have been practicing at Desert Song since 2003, and the studio has become a great wellness resource in my life, whether for a yoga class, a massage, a private consultation or a workshop in an area of interest to me. A weeklong retreat I did with Mary Beth was probably the most physically challenging experience of my life. But, to paraphrase the author Dave Marsh, it's the difference between moving and being moved. In addition to the physical benefits of developing my yoga practice at Desert Song, I have gained perspective that informs many aspects of my life.

My profession brings me into daily contact with entrepreneurs and the cultures they create in their businesses - both good and bad. I am continually pleased and grateful for the knowledge, commitment and good humor I encounter at Desert Song."

Callene Benton-Coury - VP of Clinical Operations at local hospice & Tom Coury, Students since 1998

Tom: "I started practicing nine years ago at Desert Song, because I thought yoga would make me more flexible. I talked my wife, Callene, into coming with me, and she and I have been attending class together ever since. We currently take intermediate and advanced classes and have gone on retreats to Utah, Costa Rica and Italy with Mary Beth."

Callene: "Though nine years have passed since I joined, I am stronger and more flexible now than I was all those years ago. I also have more balance in my life, physical balance as well as emotional and spiritual balance."

Tom: "My favorite thing about practicing at Desert Song is the dedication and quality of the teachers. They aren't teaching yoga because it is popular, but because they believe in what they are teaching. I also like the community of students here. Many people have been practicing at Desert Song for a long time, so I've gotten to know them well."

Callene: "My favorite thing about the center is the quality of instructors and the inclusive atmosphere. Everyone is welcomed with warmth, not only by employees, but by the participants as well."

Noel Shambayati - Copy Editor

"I have been practicing at Desert Song since 1999. Having never taken a yoga class before, I was immediately enveloped in the singular atmosphere of kindness, compassion and integrity that permeated all my classes and which, indeed, has characterized my experience here. The instructors, following Mary Beth's incredible example, simply excel at every aspect of yoga – from asana to pranayama to meditation – and all classes are imbued with a spiritual aspect, which is truly life-changing.

Whatever your physical, emotional or spiritual challenges (and I've certainly had plenty of those!), Desert Song gently encourages you to open to who you truly are, one wondrous and perfect being. I've always felt Desert Song to be my refuge, a safe and beautiful place, to explore, to learn, to laugh, to do down-dog, and, maybe, to find myself in the process."

Dean Pedrotti - Phoenix Area Firefighter

"I have been coming to Desert Song since the day of their grand re-opening at 7th and Camelback, in 2001. I decided to stop by the celebration and won the grand prize! Is that prophetic, or what? I've been doing yoga ever since!

Over the years, I have progressed through several levels of yoga, from beginner to advanced. As a local firefighter, my yoga classes have benefited me in numerous ways. First, with chronic work-related back pain, yoga has increased my flexibility and reduced my risk of back re-injury. Second, I no longer feel the need to lift weights, as I benefit from the strengthening positions yoga provides. Finally, given the strenuous and taxing nature of work at a busy inner-city fire station, I find that the calming and restorative poses and the breathing exercises help reduce my stress level, lower my blood pressure and, hopefully, reduce my risk of heart attack!

Desert Song has an incredibly talented staff. Each instructor brings a unique style to their teaching, which gives the studio an enormous depth and breadth. One of the greatest strengths of Desert Song is their instructors' ability to "read" their students at a given moment in time and quickly adjust their teaching plan to meet the needs of the students. And, of course, I'll never forget the birthday pose that Meg Byerlein gave me (and the rest of class) the day I turned 50 - my favorite hip opening pose!
As I enter the latter half of life, with retirement approaching, I have developed a fondness and appreciation for the instructors and staff at Desert Song. I look forward to their continued success and to my continuing enthusiasm for yoga!"

Katie Pushor - President of a Local Community Organization, Desert Song Student for about a year

"Mary Beth and her staff have created a little oasis of calm and rejuvenation within our busy city. Whenever I make the time to come to Desert Song for a yoga class, I always have the same reaction: Why don't I do this every day! I have practiced at the studio for about a year now and, in addition to regular classes, have taken the Intro to Yoga series and gone on a three-day retreat to Sunglow, a ranch in southeastern Arizona. Desert Song is very welcoming for students of all ages and abilities. The teachers provide a lot of individual attention and guidance for your practice."

Beth Bjorum - RN, CYI, LMT-CA

"For me, Desert Song is a lotus in the midst of chaos one finds in living in a metropolitan city such as Phoenix. It is a sacred center, which provides a safe place to discover one's true self through the practice of yoga. I have experienced the gift of connecting with myself and learning more about who I am and what I am all about.

I began attending Desert Song in 2003, after moving back to Arizona from California. I had a patient who insisted I attend the studio, as it was the very best in Phoenix. Through Desert Song, I have taken a workshop with Erich Schiffmann and the studio's 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. I feel honored to be a part of this beautiful community, which offers me the ability to pause and become conscious in my life. Every instructor at Desert Song has integrated my experience of yoga into a personal and fulfilling journey on my path to enlightenment.

It seems I am constantly being asked how much I do yoga. I have learned the practice of yoga begins with the breath and since I breathe on a daily basis...I practice daily. I have incorporated yoga in my work life as an RN through presence, education and caring. The topic of yoga comes up because that is who I am becoming and the essence of that practice filters down through me and into the lives I touch. I easily connect with people and provide hope on a daily basis whether they know I am a yogi or not.
Through my experiences with Desert Song, I have connected more with medicine than I ever thought possible. Yoga Teacher Training and the classes I have attended have provided me with an opportunity to better understand anatomy and the relationship of bones and muscles to foundation. I am an observer with alignment and am constantly keeping in touch with the principles I have been taught through the application of mind body and spirit."

Reynold Kraft - Civil Engineer, Psomas, Runner

"My favorite things about Desert Song are the people and quality of the instruction. Both the staff and the students are some of the best I've encountered in my years of practicing yoga. The teachers focus on the details of every pose and are always willing to try something new. Because I am a runner, I find it necessary to balance my active lifestyle with yoga to build strength and reduce injuries. Since participating in Desert Song's advanced classes, I have not suffered a single injury from running (or yoga) which has allowed me to run faster and more frequently. Additionally, practicing at Desert Song has allowed me to reduce stress in my life and given me a place to make new friends."

Patricia Spano - RN, CYI, RYT

"The good things about Desert Song are too numerous to mention. The teachers are all professional and knowledgeable, and they teach from the heart. Each student is honored exactly as they are. My favorite aspect of this studio is its warm, welcoming, community atmosphere. I have made many good friends here and practicing at Desert Song has reshaped me in body, mind and spirit. My life is so much sweeter.

I have been practicing at Desert Song for five years. Over that time, have taken Intro to Yoga, Basics, All Levels, Intermediate, and Advanced classes. I have been on wonderful retreats with Mary Beth to Costa Rica, Utah, and Sunglow, as well. I also get massages and have had nutritional counseling and private yoga instruction. I had the life-altering experience of taking yoga teacher training at Desert Song. I will never forget my teacher training experience, it was one of the best things I have ever done in my life."

Scott Hanson - Owner, Food Concession Business

"What keeps me coming back to Desert Song is the atmosphere made special by the genuine caring, kindness and warmth of all of the teachers and staff. That, and how they make the classes enjoyable.
Some of the physical changes I've experienced since coming to Desert Song, include: a more positive body image; no more lower back pain; better core strength; balance and posture; and knowing how to stretch away the aches and pains at home. Spiritually, I am much more centered; I know how to relax by concentrating on my breathing; I believe in the good of the universe and how we are all connected; and I believe in miracles."

Roman Barriga - Phoenix Area Firefighter
Simone Barriga – Cardiac Sonographer

Roman & Simone: The yoga teachers and massage therapists are deeply dedicated to their practice and have always been very approachable for questions and guidance. We couldn't imagine how Desert Song could be a better place.

Roman: I started my yoga practice initially to help alleviate the chronic back pain I was experiencing. I had tried many other therapies, such as, physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Nothing helped me like yoga did. It changed my lifestyle and allowed me to be active and pain free again.

Simone: With my occupation, it's necessary and beneficial to practice yoga. The prenatal yoga practice was a strong foundation for my wellbeing during my pregnancy and my labor and delivery. My pre-natal and post-natal yoga practice has not only made me feel physically stronger and more connected with my body, but has also centered me spiritually and mentally, unlike any other source in my life. The massages I receive at Desert Song have helped me feel healthier in my life, as well.

Roman & Simone: Having gone to multiple yoga centers in the valley before finding Desert Song, Desert Song stands out as extraordinary. There is NO comparison. We have built relationships and friendships at Desert Song that we will always cherish. It is like a family.

Diana L. Munger – Lilia’s Mom & PT, DPT Desert Physical Therapy & Women’s Health Center, LLC

“My favorite quality of Desert Song is the depth of knowledge of the instructors. The extensive training program provides their teachers with a strong anatomy foundation, which keeps their students healthy and safe. I also love the sense of community within the studio - especially in the Prenatal and Mommy & Me classes! I always look forward to my weekly class and love that I can bring my daughter, Lilia, along with me.

All the classes and workshops I have attended have been excellent. I started with an All Levels class at Desert Song and also enjoyed the occasional restorative class. Once I became pregnant, I began attending the prenatal classes, and I am now a regular in the Mommy & Me classes. Additionally, I have participated in the Couples Yoga & Massage and Prenatal Partners workshops.

When we moved to Phoenix, I was so happy to discover Desert Song. The studio and their wonderful classes and teachers have helped keep yoga an important part of my daily-life. Yoga keeps me strong and centered, physically and mentally. With a regular practice, I am calmer and able to handle my daily stresses with ease. I am so grateful I was able to continue my practice during and after my pregnancy, as well. I know yoga eased my pregnancy and helped prepare me for delivery. Now it is helping my postpartum body recover while keeping me sane through the daily challenges of being a new mother.”

Amy Vynalek - Hazel's Mom and Marketing Consultant, AV Communications

"Last year, I started practicing weekly at Desert Song when I learned I was pregnant. Pretty much everything the center offers for pregnant women and new mothers I've tried and LOVED!
If there is one thing I would recommend to any pregnant woman, it is to do pre-natal yoga at Desert Song. Yoga made a huge difference in my pregnancy, preparing me for childbirth and the joy and challenges of motherhood. Throughout my pregnancy, the practice prepared my body for the changes of each trimester and ultimately, birth. The prenatal, postnatal and mommy & me teachers are caring and talented and take the time at the beginning of each class to find out what is going on with everyone in the class, giving each of us individualized attention.

What's more, the community of other expecting women is a great support system. Desert Song is a place where I made true friends, knowing our children will grow up together. Now, with an infant, I'm extraordinarily grateful for the Mommy & Me classes, so I can continue my practice while spending quality time with my daughter, Hazel. The hour I take for that Mommy & Me class is something I look forward to each week - to relax, to get back into shape and to visit with other moms and their adorable babies.

Because of the environment of the studio, the quality of the teachers and the great community of mothers, Hazel and I will be coming to Desert Song for many years to come!"

Chris Schnick – Oona, Hetta & Dylan’s Dad

“My daughter, Oona, has been going to Kids Yoga at Desert Song since she was four. She was in Mary Glover's first Tuesday kid-yogi class two years ago and has been a weekly yogi ever since. She enjoys the obstacle courses and loves handstands. She especially enjoys Mary's challenges of new and increasingly difficult poses. Mary is a kind and helpful yoga teacher; the thoughtful structure of her classes and years of teaching experience allow her to adapt to meet the needs of everyone in the class. She is attentive to each child, helping them enjoy and be engaged in yoga and, if they are ready, to advance in it. Now, at seven, Oona likes being challenged. She is particularly proud of being able to do a shoulder stand on chairs, and she brings what she learns from Mary home. Many times I hear a bang-bang on the front door and walk into the other room to see Oona doing handstands against the door or her favorite pose: a backbend, then a walk up the door and a push off to send her feet over and back to the ground. In fact, any bit of empty wall space in our house usually has footprints on it! Oona tells me yoga relaxes her. I have noticed that yoga has helped her physical self-confidence, as well - the way she moves, climbs, even tumbles, and I can see that confidence contributing to a more positive self-esteem.
Her 4 1/2 year old siblings, Hetta and Dylan, have just started going to Mary's Saturday Kids Yoga. In their most recent class, they loved ‘ice skating’ in socks, and then, when the music stopped, shifting into balancing poses like tree or airplane. They both report that Mary is good at teaching them yoga and helps kids who fall over.

I feel so good about my kids going to yoga with Mary at A Desert Song. Moving, relaxing, becoming still, reaching...it's a special thing that they have inside of them, helping them as they continue to become who they are.”

Back to Top