My Story

I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to do what I love. It is a wonderful feeling when your passion and what you do for work come together. I have learned so much on my journey and look forward to sharing my experience. I hope that my story will inspire others to practice yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Just like the lotus flower, we all have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness, and radiate into the world!

For over 20 years, I worked in the corporate world while also raising my three children. Although I led a busy life, as many people do, there was comfort in feeling a sense of security in my home and work life. But, over the years, I have learned that change is the only constant in life. After being married for 17 years, we made the difficult decision to part ways. It wasn’t easy to be a single mom while also dealing with changes in the workplace during the same year, in 2008, due to the housing crisis. All areas of my life felt unstable, so I decided to start practicing yoga as a way to cope with these unsettling events. I started out slowly, and mainly focused on gentle movements to release stress and tension. Some days I simply sat on my mat and focused on my breath. I always felt a sense of calmness afterwards. This inspired me to practice yoga for at least fifteen minutes every single day.

Thankfully, after several months, I started to notice a change in my overall sense of well-being. I felt more grounded, balanced, and stronger, both physically and emotionally. The experience of connecting the mind, body, and breath on a daily basis was deeply therapeutic. It helped me feel centered, and I felt less anxious during this period of transition. It was amazing to notice these positive changes, even though I was only practicing yoga for a short time every day. The sense of tranquility and clarity I felt after practicing yoga inspired me to continue. It required dedication, patience and perseverance, but it was exactly what I needed in my life.

In 2010, I pursued my goal of becoming a yoga instructor and started teaching yoga in 2012. I wanted to share the wonderful benefits of yoga with others! I have since completed my 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher curriculum. In 2015, I opened Marcela’s Yoga Boutique in Old Town Alexandria. Our classes and events brought like-minded people together and created a beautiful community! I am so grateful for this amazing experience. After three years, I transitioned my business to an online boutique in order to have more time to care for my wonderful mom. I continue to offer my favorite products online.

Additionally, I’ve recently completed a program to become a certified Integrative Health Practitioner. My intention is to continue to learn and grow so that I can better help others. It is a pleasure for me to help others achieve optimal health and wellness. With my extensive knowledge and personal experience, I provide guidance to my clients as they pursue their own wellness journey. Every single person deserves to feel their best, no matter their age or stage in life. When a person feels healthy and well-balanced, not only does it benefit that individual, but it also benefits everyone around them. It is very rewarding to see this happen. If I can help make a positive difference in people’s lives, then I am doing exactly what I was meant to do!

Above all, I am blessed to be a mother of three wonderful children! My son is 30, and my daughters are 28 and 23 years old. Spending quality time with my family is something that I truly cherish. I feel that practicing yoga has enabled me to live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life.

I am honored to be able to share what I’ve learned on my journey with others! The light in me honors and acknowledges the light in each one of you.

Namaste, Marcela

Marcela's Professional Qualifications

Professional Certifications:

  • Certified in Yoga for Healthy Aging - training completed in July 2022.

  • Certified Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP Level 1 & 2) - training completed in June 2021.

  • Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher - training completed in 2020.

  • Certified Lifestyle Coach – CDC Diabetes Prevention Program training completed in September 2019.

  • Certified Brain Longevity Specialist - training completed in October 2018.

  • Certified Yoga Teacher, RYT-500 - training completed in August 2014.

  • Certified Dr. Sears Health Coach – training completed in April 2014

Description of Training Programs:

RYT-500 Registered Yoga Teacher

Marcela Hughes Yoga

My 500 credit hours of coursework with YogaFit® included:

  • Yoga Teacher Training: Level 1 - Level 5

  • Anatomy & Alignment

  • Yoga for the Back

  • Yoga for Seniors

  • Yoga for Kids

  • Yoga with Props/Modifications

  • Restorative Yoga

  • Yoga for Mental Health

  • Prenatal Yoga

  • Pranayama

  • Yoga Therapy

  • Restorative Therapeutics

  • Ayurveda 1 & 2

  • Yoga Lean

  • Yoga for Warriors

  • Healing Emotional Trauma

  • Yoga, Your Brain, and Health

Integrative health Practitioner (IHP) Program

The Integrative Health Practitioner program draws upon state-of-the-art Functional Medicine as well as the healing knowledge of Eastern Medicine and philosophies. I’ve successfully completed both IHP Level 1 & 2 Curriculum which covers the DESTRESS Protocol and Functional Labs. I often recommend these to my clients that have been dealing with a chronic illness to help them discover the underlying root causes of their symptoms. My goal is to help people attain a healthy, balanced body and mind. With years of training in various health and wellness modalities, I offer an integrative approach to health and wellness. Please contact me if you’d like to learn more.

Mindfulness Meditation teacher Training Program

The 160-Hour Immersive Meditation Teacher Training program, led by Dr. Deborah Norris, covers the role of mindfulness-based meditation in health care, education and the community. This program was a wonderful way to deepen my personal practice, while learning the science and practice of teaching mindfulness to others. As a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, I like to offer my students a guided mindfulness meditation session at the end of my yoga classes.

Lifestyle Coach Program - approved by CDC

I successfully completed the National Diabetes Prevention Program approved by the Center of Disease Control (CDC). As a Health & Wellness Consultant, I lead participants throughout this program via Lark Health, a digital care management and prevention platform. This year-long program helps to reduce the risk of diabetes in individuals with pre-diabetes and those at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Using an evidence-based curriculum, I provide support and guidance to participants and help them develop and maintain the skills needed to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Brain Longevity® Therapy Progam

The Brain Longevity® Therapy Program, provided by The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, was a great training to increase my knowledge around neuroscience and the impact meditation has on the brain. It includes stress management protocols, evidence-based yoga therapy protocols, recommendations on nutrition, sleep, and more. As a certified Brain Longevity Specialist, I recommend these practical tools to my clients for healthy aging.

Health Coach program - Dr. Sears Wellness Institute 

The Dr. Sears Wellness Institute is an accredited and approved Health Coach Certification Program. I successfully completed this program that focuses on scientifically proven, clinically based solutions from world renowned doctor, William Sears, MD. As a certified Health Coach, I utilize tools and resources from this program to address obesity, chronic disease, poor nutrition, and a lack of physical fitness. My coaching always includes the four pillars of health: Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, and Nutrition (L.E.A.N.).

YIN YOGa training

I was honored to be at the filming of Yin Yoga: The Functional Approach by Paul Grilley. This comprehensive online certification program helped deepen my understanding of Yin Yoga and Yoga Anatomy. Additionally, I completed a 50-hour Yin Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation Module with Josh Summers. These trainings provided me with the tools and knowledge to integrate meditation into my teaching of Yin Yoga.

YALE COURSE - THE SCIENCE OF WELL-BEING

I completed the most popular course in the history of Yale, The Science of Well Being. This course highlights research that reveals steps we can take to live a more fulfilling life. I help my clients implement daily "rewiring" tasks designed to build those research-backed habits into their lives to make them feel happier. As a Health Coach, I enjoy sharing what I learned in this course with my clients.

DOTERRA WEllness advocate

I am committed to sharing the benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oils with my community. l offer private consultations and workshops for people interested in learning how essential oils can be used as a self-care wellness alternative.

Medical Fitness Network Member

Medical Fitness Network is an organization for fitness and healthcare professionals, integrative wellness centers, and students. Additionally, it provides a free online resource directory for the community. My goal is to help clients make the transition from medical management and/or physical therapy to a personalized yoga and meditation practice. For more info about Medical Fitness Network, click here.                                                                                                          

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE

Finance professional with over 20 years of experience in the Mortgage Industry with the following areas of expertise:

  • Business Analysis / Financial Analysis

  • Management Reporting / Financial Reporting

  • Loan Origination / Mortgage Refinancing

  • Business Consulting

  • Housing & Credit Counseling

EDUCATION

  • UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND - Bachelor of Science in Finance