Meet Sarah
Sarah is a IAYT-Certified Yoga Therapist
People often come to me after they've tried everything else.
They've been told to strengthen, stretch, rest, or simply "listen to their body," but no one has taught them how to understand what their body is actually telling them.
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That's where my work begins.
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I help people develop movement literacy: the ability to understand how their unique body moves, recognize patterns that contribute to pain, and make informed decisions about exercise, recovery, and everyday life.
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My goal isn't to make you dependent on me. It's to give you the skills to navigate your own body with greater confidence for years to come.
My Philosophy
I don't believe there is one perfect way to move.
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Every body reflects a lifetime of genetics, injuries, habits, work demands, sports, surgeries, pregnancies, illnesses, and stress.
Rather than trying to make your body fit an idealized model, we'll discover what works for your body.
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We'll use yoga's many tools—movement, breath, mindfulness, strength, balance, and awareness—to help you move with greater ease while building resilience and confidence.
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There is no point you could start from that is too far gone.
If you're still breathing, we can begin.
One of the most important parts of our work together is learning why something works.
We'll explore basic anatomy in practical ways so your exercises become meaningful instead of something you're simply told to do.
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You'll learn how to:
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recognize important landmarks in your posture
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notice compensations before they become painful
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understand the purpose behind your exercises
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communicate more clearly with your healthcare providers
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make thoughtful decisions when your symptoms change
Those skills become your owner's manual.
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Instead of relying on someone else to tell you exactly where your foot belongs forever, you'll understand how to solve movement problems for yourself.
I Teach
More Than Exercises
Who I Work With
Many of my clients aren't dealing with just one issue.
I specialize in spinal conditions and complex movement presentations, including scoliosis, persistent neck and back pain, hypermobility, osteoporosis, postural adaptations, and the lingering effects of injury or surgery.
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Many of my clients aren't dealing with just one issue.
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Perhaps you'd like to become stronger, but your knees hurt.
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You love gardening, golf, or yoga, but your back doesn't tolerate twisting.
Or maybe you've been told to exercise more, yet every program seems to aggravate something else.
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I enjoy solving these puzzles.
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Just as importantly, I understand the frustration, fear, and grief that often accompany changes in how your body functions.
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Navigating those emotions is part of healing, too.
I live with complexity too. Yoga is how I navigate my life.
Living with Systemic Mastocytosis has given me firsthand experience with chronic illness, unpredictable symptoms, and the ongoing process of adapting to a changing body.
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It has deepened my empathy and reinforced my belief that movement should be adaptable—not something you have to earn by feeling well enough.
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Yoga offers more than exercise.
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Its practices of breath, attention, movement, and self-awareness provide tools for rebuilding trust in your body, even when life becomes complicated.
Why This Work Matters to Me
Working as Part of Your Health & Wellness Team
Many of my clients aren't dealing with just one issue.
Movement is only one piece of the puzzle.
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I regularly collaborate with physical therapists, physicians, massage therapists, trainers, and other healthcare professionals to help clients make sense of recommendations and integrate them into everyday life.
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My goal is never to replace your healthcare team, but to help you become an informed, active participant in it.
My Qualifications
There are many yoga teachers out there. The depth and quality of my training sets me apart.
Training
2011-2025
Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga
Doug Keller, PhD
277 hours
Swatantrya: Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga/Yoga As Therapy Trainings/Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga Teacher Training Intensives, Doug Keller, PhD: 256 hours from 2012-2022 (32 hrs/year) The Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga: The Vayus and Our Autonomic Nervous System-Myofascial Maps for Yoga, Doug Keller, 15 hours, December 2024 The Vayus, Myofascial Maps and Our Autonomic Nervous Systems, 6.25 hours, Doug Keller, August 2024 Dysfunction in the Nervous System: Long Haul Covid, Doug Keller, June 22, 2022 Yoga for Healthy Hamstrings, Doug Keller, 2011
2023-2026
Movement System Impairments
Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, et al
135.75 hours
2022-2024
Somatic Embodiment: Mac Talla
Sarah Tolan-Mee
50 hours
2008-2018
Anatomy & SATYA (Somatic) Trainings
Tias Little
65 hours
Learned how to identify faulty movement and posture patterns, sequencing and exercises appropriate for movement system impairments for the ankles, knees, low back, thoracic and cervical spine and the shoulder. Movement System Syndromes of the Shoulder. 2-Day Course. Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, Suzy Cornbleet, PT, DPT, Renee Ivans, PT, DPT, Maiko Moritani, PT, DPT, OCS, Renee Roth Powers, PT, DPT, Theresa M. Spitznagle, PT, DPT, WCS. June 6-7, 2026. Application of Motor Learning Principles to the Upper Extremity. Renee Roth Powers, DPT. May 27, 2026 Neuromuscular Activation Patterns Affecting the Shoulder Girdle. Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD. April 22, 2026 Shoulder Biomechanics: Relative Flexibility & Stiffness. Andrew Piraino, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS. March 25, 2026. Case Presentation: Shoulder, Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA, February 25, 2026 Kinesiopathology of Shoulder & Neck: Why MOVEMENT Matters, Maiko Moritani, PT, DPT, OCS, January 28, 2026 Gait & Running Analysis: Cases, Sheila Banovetz, PT, MS, December 17, 2025 PT Management of Selected Post-Operative Knee Conditions, Sylvia Lin, PT, DPT, OCS, November 15, 2025 Movement System Syndromes of the Hip, 2 Day course, Shirley Sahrmann, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, Dr Nancy Bloom, Dr. Maiko Moritani, 10/11-10/12-2025 Physical Therapist-Led Intervention for Hip Related Pain, Marcie Harris-Hayes, DPT, MSCI, September 10, 2025 Applying Movement System Syndromes to Gait & Running Analysis, Sheila Banovitz, MS, PT, July 2025 Movement System Syndromes of the Lumbar Spine, 2 day Course, Nancy Bloom, PT, DPT, MSOT, Theresa M. Spitznagle PT, DPT, WCS, Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA, June 21-22, 2025 Application of Motor Learning Principles to Treatments of Low Back Patients, Renee Roth Powers, PT, DPT, May 2025 Neuromuscular Adaptations in Trunk and Lower Extremities, Shirley Sahrmann PT, PhD, FAPTA, April 2025 Path of Least Resistance: Implications for Trunk and Lower Extremities (A webinar on relative flexibility), Andrews Piraino, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, March 2025 Lumbar Systematic Examination & Treatment Case Study, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, February 2025 Kinesiopathic Principles Overview, Dr. Maiko Morotani, January 2025 Movement System Syndromes of the Shoulder and Cervical Spine, Shirley Sahrmann, et al., 14 hours October 2024 Biopsychosocial Aspects of Movement System Syndromes, Shirley Sahrmann, August 2024 Shoulder Biomechanical Evidence, July 2024 Movement System Syndromes of the Shoulder, Shirley Sahrmann, et al., 14 hours, June 2024 The Role of Motor Learning in Movement System Syndromes, Renee Roth Powers DPT, May 2024 Muscle Performance in Movement System Syndromes, Neuromuscular Adaptations, Crowe & Civello DPT, May 2024 Shoulder Biomechanics: Stiffness & Flexibility, Andrew Piraino DPT, April 2024 Case Presentations-Shoulder, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, April 2024 Movement System Syndromes of the Knee, Dr. Sylvia Czuppon, March 2024 Movement System Syndromes of the Ankle, Dr. Mary Hastings, March 2024 Upper Quarter Basics, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, Winter 2023 Advanced Lower Quarter Movement System Impairment, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann September 30-October 1, 2023 The Movement System in Non-Arthritic Hip Pain, Dr. RobRoy Martin, Sahrmann Lectureship, September 29, 2023 Lumbar Movement Systems Impairments Case Studies #1-2, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, August 15 and September 19, 2023 Evidence for Movement System Impairments, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, July 18, 2023 Introduction to Lumbar Spine Movement System Impairment Syndromes, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, June 10-11, 2023 (Participation award granted to Sarah) Upper and Lower Abdominals, Suzy Cornbleet DPT, May 2023 Intro to Movement System Impairment Syndromes of the Lumbar Spine, Shirley Sahrmann DPT, 16 hours, May 2023 Lower Quarter Basics, Shirley Sahrmann and Suzy Cornbleet, DPT, 42 lessons, May 2023
Practiced, learned and collaborated on the structure and presentation of Mac Talla, a somatic embodiment system created by Sarah Tolan-Mee and inspired by the work of Moni Yakim.
I practiced Somatic Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement (SATYA), studied anatomy and yoga philosophy. SATYA 1 Teacher Training, 25 hours, 2018 Asana Intensive 6 hours, 2017 Skin & Immunity, 2016 Asana Intensive, 2015 Asana Intensive, 10 hours, 2010 19.5 hours, 2008
2015-2023
Yoga for Scoliosis & Yoga for Osteoporosis
Dr. Loren Fishman, et al
​50 hours
2008-2013
Therapeutic Yoga Apprenticeship
Gabriel Halpern, Yoga Circle
​940 hours
I learned Dr. Fishman's Method for Scoliosis and Dr. Fishman's Method for Osteoporosis Series (1-3). I am a certified Yoga for Osteoporosis Instructor. ​ Yoga for Scoliosis Training Dr. Loren Fishman & Ellen Saltonstall, April 2015 Yoga for Osteoporosis Continuing Education, Series 3, Dr. Loren Fishman, June 2023​ Yoga for Scoliosis Continuing Education: Scoliosis: Solid Success and New Findings, Dr. Loren Fishman, Feb 2023​ Yoga for Osteoporosis Certification & Training Dr. Loren Fishman & Ellen Saltonstall 40 hours February 2017.
I learned how to work 1:1 with injured clients. I learned how to observe posture and use Iyengar therapeutic props, wall ropes, cueing and pose adaptations. Over time, I mentored new Apprentices and taught small groups (2-7 clients) with a common issue (shoulder, low back, etc.)
2007-2010
Yoga Teacher Training
Daren Friesen, Moksha Yoga
800 hours logged
This 200 hour Teacher Training covered Vinyasa cueing and sequencing, in-depth anatomy training, yoga philosophy, a final project and videotaped practice teaching with peer feedback and review.
2019-2021
Other Somatic Trainings
Move Better, Feel Better: Feldenkrais Awareness Summit 2021
Seeing Clearly, Feldenkrais Training for Eye Health, Fall 2019
2008-2016
Other Yoga Therapy Trainings
​​​​​Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery Training, April 2020
Adaptive Yoga Therapy for Core Stability and Balance, Gil Solberg, 24 hours, April 2016
​​Yoga for the Pelvic Floor Teacher Training, Leslie Howard, June 14-18, 2014
Myofascial Meridians. Thomas Myers, 2-day Course 2013
Fascial Fitness, Thomas Myers, 2-day Course 2012
​​​Yoga for Structural Conditions, Gary Kraftsow, Midwest Yoga Journal Conference July 2011
Sacral Stability, April Storms, 10 hours, January 2011
Awakening the Pelvic Floor, Leslie Howard, 2011
​​​​Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Silent Meditation Retreat and Weekly Group Classes Winter 2010
​Purna Yoga Teacher Training Aadil Palkhivala 30 hours 2008
2011-2024
Other Professional Trainings
The Nerve Tour, Gil Hedley, PhD, July 2024​
Mindfulness Practices for Getting Pronouns Right; Pronouns in Practice, October 2020
Unpacking Cultural Appropriation in Yoga, Wellness and Healthcare Environments, February 2020​
90 Minutes to Change the World (Teacher Development) with Amy Ippoliti Spring 2011​
Superheroes 90 Minutes to Change the World (Advanced Teacher Development) with Amy Ippoliti Summer 2011
Stop and Breathe™ Relaxation Coach Training November 2008
Integrated Approach to Teaching & Learning (IAT&L) trainings (EMDR, relaxation training, Tai Chi, Yoga and Massage training for Riding Instructors) 1998-2000​
My Experience
There are many yoga teachers out there, but few work full time, and even fewer with decades of experience.
Teaching Experience
2009-ongoing
Yoga Therapist
Chicago & Northern Suburbs
Full-time private Yoga studio Owner & Yoga Therapist to hundreds of private and group students over 21 years. Specialist in Scoliosis, hypermobility and joint misalignment. Monthly Mac Talla somatic embodiment class and workshops.
2009-ongoing
Yoga Instructor
Chicago & Northern Suburbs
Expert in Alignment yoga group classes and workshops. Styles of Yoga taught: Hatha, Gentle, Restorative. Level 1-4. Known for innovative prop use, Dharma talks, highly visual demos and hands-on adjustments.
2013-ongoing
Continuing Education Instructor
Chicago & Northern Suburbs
A "teacher's teacher," I present continuing education workshops on anatomical approaches to yoga instruction. Head teacher for Therapeutic Group Class training Assistant teachers how to see posture and movement patterns and then how to adapt poses and sequences to those patterns.
2016-2018
Yoga Teacher Training Faculty
Yogaview Chicago
Anatomy & Biomechanics Instructor for Yogaview's 200 hour Teacher Training Program. Used PowerPoint, quizzes, images and live demos to demonstrate typical student strategies for attempting poses. Taught Working with Beginners, Working with Injuries and Teaching Practice sessions.
2010-2013
Mentor for Apprentices & Instructor Assistant
Yoga Circle, Chicago
Assistant to Gabriel Halpern. Co-taught classes, demonstrated poses and adaptations. Co-taught the Summer classes.
Mentored Apprentices in the Therapeutic Classes, especially in the observation of Posture and therapeutic adaptations for Scoliosis.
1997-2008
Professional Horse Trainer & Dressage Riding Instructor
Metropolitan Chicago Area
Professional Horse Trainer & Dressage Riding Instructor utilizing Integrated Approach to Learning & Riding (IAT&L) and Centered Riding techniques to help riders be in their body and relax while riding. Specialized in training young horses and horses with behavioral issues.
1997-2008
Other Yoga Work Experience
Moksha Yoga, Chicago
Sweet Peas Yoga Studio, Chicago
Events Manager for Generations Yoga from 2010-2011
Volunteer Staff for Moksha Yoga & Sweet Peas Yoga, 2002-2007
Education
BA in Political Philosophy, Catholic University of America, 1991-95
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Graduate work towards completion of MAPSS (Master of Arts in the Social Sciences) Anthropology of Ethics and Conflict Resolution, University of Chicago, 1996-97
TTRPGS
Glass Cannon Network
Off the leash time with Mazey in the Forest
Dancing
Poetry
Reading & Storytelling with Pasha
NYT Games
Kingdom Builder
Tacos
Stardew Valley
Discovering new music