My Story

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to do what I love. Living in alignment with what I feel drawn to has been deeply fulfilling. I have learned so much on my journey, and I look forward to sharing my experience in the hope of inspiring others to explore yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Like the lotus flower, we all have the capacity to rise from the mud, bloom through the darkness, and radiate our light into the world.

For over 20 years, I worked in the corporate world while raising my three children. My life was busy, yet there was comfort in the sense of security I had built at home and at work. Over time, however, I came to realize that change is inevitable, and cultivating resilience is so important. After 17 years of marriage, we made the difficult decision to part ways. In that same year—2008—the housing crisis brought significant changes to my professional life as well. Navigating single motherhood while facing uncertainty in the workplace was challenging, so I turned to yoga as a way to cope with these unsettling events.

I began slowly, focusing on gentle yoga poses to release stress and tension. Some days, I simply sat on my mat and focused on my breath. No matter how I practiced, I always felt a sense of calm afterward. That feeling inspired me to commit to a yoga practice for fifteen minutes every day. After several months, I began to notice meaningful changes. The daily practice of connecting mind, body, and breath became deeply therapeutic, easing anxiety and bringing clarity during a time of transition. I felt more grounded and balanced—both physically and emotionally. Even with short, consistent practice, the benefits were profound. Yoga required dedication, patience, and perseverance, but it gave me exactly what I needed.

Wanting to share the benefits of yoga with others, I pursued my goal of becoming a yoga instructor and began teaching in 2012. I completed 500 hours of training and became a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500). In 2015, I opened Marcela’s Yoga Boutique in Old Town Alexandria, where classes and events brought together a beautiful community of like-minded people. I am deeply grateful for the memories created in that space. After three years, I transitioned my boutique online so I could dedicate more time to caring for my mother, while continuing to offer my favorite products and services online.

More recently, I completed a program to become a certified Integrative Health Practitioner. I am committed to continuous learning so I can better support others on their wellness journeys. It is a pleasure for me to help others achieve optimal health and wellness. With my professional training and personal experience, I guide clients every step of the way as they pursue their own wellness journey. Every person deserves to feel their best—no matter their age or stage of life. When one person feels healthy and well-balanced, it positively impacts everyone around them. Being part of that process is deeply rewarding, and I know I am doing exactly what I was meant to do.

Above all, I am grateful to be the mother of three wonderful adult children—a son and two daughters. Spending quality time with my family is something I truly cherish. Yoga has helped me live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life, and I am honored to share what I’ve learned along the way.

The light in me honors and acknowledges the light in each one of you.

Namaste, Marcela

Marcela's Professional Qualifications

Professional Certifications:

  • Certified Blue Zones® Health Professional – 2026

  • Certified Integrative Health Practitioner – 2021

  • Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher – 2020

  • Certified CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program – 2019

  • Certified Brain Longevity Specialist – 2018

  • Registered Yoga Teacher, RYT-500 – 2014

  • Certified Dr. Sears Health Coach – 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