About Me
Marie Belle Pérez Rivera, Ph.D., NASM-CPT, CNC, E-RYT 500, is a globally recognized teacher, athlete, writer, and community leader known for bridging embodied movement, scientific rigor, and faith-rooted wisdom. A Latina health and nutrition coach, personal trainer, small business owner, and adjunct faculty in Houston, she empowers students to cultivate graceful strength through systematic, evidence-based coaching, mindfulness, and critical thinking, with a particular focus on women’s physiology, performance, and longevity.
Her work integrates somatic and embodiment practices, yoga, calisthenics, handstands, mobility, and intelligent strength training. With an anthropologist’s eye for movement and a faith-based understanding, Marie Belle’s approach weaves together body, mind, and spirit, guiding clients toward resilience, discernment, and integrated well-being.
Marie Belle has shared her teaching across the United States, Latin America, Spain, India, Canada, and Bali, offering workshops, trainings, and immersive experiences that unite movement, mindfulness, strength, and inquiry. She is also a proud advocate for the Fit Over 40 movement, demonstrating that strength, flexibility, and vitality have no age limit.
She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communication from North Carolina State University, a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies from Virginia Tech, and both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Developmental and Biological Psychology from Virginia Tech. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Houston Christian University, where she is deepening her ability to integrate a biblical worldview into mental health counseling. Her developing clinical approach combines evidence-based psychology, theological reflection, and compassionate presence, supporting emotional wellness, spiritual growth, and healing rooted in Truth, Scripture, and relationship with God.
Marie Belle offers public yoga classes, workshops, teacher trainings, and private and group coaching in Texas and online. She also mentors individuals seeking deeper personal, professional, and spiritual development.
She is the founder of Roots Love Yoga, a Latina-owned yoga school and multidisciplinary creative project that cultivates a global community of teachers, artists, movers, and critical thinkers. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, People Are Awesome, Mantra Magazine, Telemundo, Sweat Magazine, Peace Revolution, and Active Life DC, among others.
Marie Belle resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her 107-pound Silver Labrador, Zion, six chickens, and a rooster; living and teaching at the intersection of movement, meaning, and embodied faith.
My path has been shaped by nearly two decades of devoted practice, disciplined study, travel, and surrender. Through years of consistent movement, prayer, and quiet attention, I’ve learned that true strength and freedom come not from striving, but from discernment, humility, and presence.
My daily practice is rooted in silence, Scripture, mindful movement, yoga, calisthenics, and strength training. These practices continue to refine how I move, listen, communicate, and care for others. Time in nature, stillness, and embodied prayer inform how I teach and how I live.
I offer classes that are intentional, grounded, and accessible, supporting students in cultivating strength, mobility, awareness, and steadiness both on and off the mat. My teaching is informed by years of academic study in psychology, theology, and human development, as well as lived experience, allowing me to hold space with clarity, care, and respect for each individual’s process.
My life and practice have led me to train, serve, and learn across the United States, Puerto Rico, and abroad. In every place, the work has been the same: show up consistently, listen deeply, and practice with integrity.
I am honored to offer yoga classes, workshops and intensives in studios and communities that value presence, sincerity, and embodied practice.
To connect with me, make sure to follow my ongoing journeys via instagram.
Currently in school for Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Houston Christian University
Ph. D. in Developmental and Biological Psychology (focus on emotions and culture) from Virginia Tech University
National Association for Sports Medicine (NASM):
Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC)
Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies from Virginia Tech University
Completed coursework for Functional Medicine: Ancestral Nutrition, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Health Coaching, and Business
Continuing Education in Somatic Transformation: Trauma, Resilience, and Mindfulness
M.S. in Psychology (Social Emotional Development) from Virginia Tech University
Over 2300 hours of extensive yoga teacher trainings
500- hour certified in Rocket Yoga and Dharma Yoga
200-hour certified in Ashtanga Yoga, Rocket Vinyasa Yoga, Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and completed 220 hour teacher training in Anusara Yoga
50- hour certified in Yoga Nidra & Embodied Yin
B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Communication from North Carolina State University
