the full story

Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Stephanie, a yoga teacher, music teacher/fan, lover of dance, and lifelong student of movement and the arts. I’ve been practicing and teaching yoga for over 15 years, focusing on building community, ancient teachings, studying myself, and healing through movement.

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my teaching philosophy

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As an extroverted empath, I thrive on meaningful interactions and love supporting and creating spaces where humans feel free from judgment and can embrace self-expression. ​My mission is to inspire community through shared experiences and mutual encouragement, where people unite to empower one another.

I want to cultivate an environment where individuals can thrive creatively, knowing they are part of a larger, caring community committed to their collective.​ Teaching yoga allows me to be in a creative profession, designing meaningful experiences focused on well-being, away from individuals’ day-to-day lives. Witnessing people benefit and connect with my work fulfills my purpose to serve.

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honouring yoga's roots 

​My goal is to protect all that is good about yoga by honouring yoga’s roots, creating inclusive spaces, supporting ethical studios and businesses, holding fellow teachers accountable for maintaining integrity and safety, and emphasizing yoga's more profound, non-commercial aspects: self-reflection, mindfulness, and community care.

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early life and education 

I grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, where I attended the Jakarta International School and played competitive basketball across Southeast Asia. At 18, I moved to Vancouver, Canada, to study Anthropology and Film at the University of British Columbia, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in 2014.

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a turning point: grief & growth 

​My sister Jessica passed away in 2014, and everything was different. The world stopped and the meaning of life changed.

Jessica had a loud, infectious and boisterous laugh that would light up a room and draw everyone towards her. She had long dark brown hair almost down to her low back and big almond shaped brown eyes that looked like there were about to pop out of her head. She had golden brown skin that shimmered when the sunlight caught it right. 

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"I love when it's just the two of us."

She was awarded a scholarship to UBC to play basketball, but she decided to focus on her studies and build community instead. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. She was a skilled debater and would stick up for the people and communities she believed deserved it. 

She always looked out for her people and was really generous about letting people into her world. She loved talking about movies, politics, fashion, art, food, music, life experiences, and life itself. She was so well spoken.

She was the kind of older sister that thought it was fun to help me do my homework. I minored in Film Studies and would often go over to her apartment after class and we would watch my assigned film together and she would have the most insightful things to say and contribute.

She included me in everything and bragged about me to all of her friends. Even when I was there, she didn't care. She was the funnest person to go out with. Once, during summer break from Uni, she decided we were going to Hawaii for a month, just the two of us.

"I feel the most comfortable with you."

She travelled the world with our beautiful family, through sports tournaments, fun adventures with friends, and for work. She fell in love and she loved love. She loved us. She loved me even when I was a brat.

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​​yoga as a path of healing 

Yoga became a path of healing and self-discovery for me, guiding me through grief, anxiety, and the complexities of life’s transitions. Without realizing it at the time, it was also a creative vocation and I didn't even realize at the time how creative I am. 

It’s a practice that reminds me to honour myself and embrace growth, even in the face of challenges.​ In 2014, I completed my 200-hour foundational yoga training in Montreal and later finished my 300-hour advanced training. Over the years, I’ve taught and studied yoga in various forms.

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professional experience and continued learning 

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My professional experiences have included roles in sales, music education, and performance art, but my love for yoga has remained central.  In 2024, I completed Modo Flow training and continue to deepen my understanding of anatomy and teaching techniques with mentors like Katarina Wittkamp. You can check out her impactful work here: https://www.katarinayoga.com/yogientrepreneurmentorship

I am currently studying Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief through the teachings of Francis Weller and his book, The Wild Edge of Sorrow. My goal is to host grief rituals in the communities I am a part of and the ones who need it where I can reach.

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life experience and inspiration 

​I’ve lived in vibrant cities and quiet mountain towns, finding inspiration in nature, music, and human connection. Along the way, I’ve embraced the lessons of love, loss, and resilience, and these experiences shape how I show up as a teacher.

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my yoga classes 

​Yoga is for everyone, and my classes are designed to support community, self-respect, and mindfulness. I encourage students to move at their own pace, connect to their breath, and explore the joy of movement without judgment.​ My teaching integrates creativity and compassion, drawing on my background in music and movement to create unique, heart-centered experiences. Whether you’re seeking relief, space, or simply a moment to reconnect with yourself, my goal is to help you leave class feeling lighter and more at ease.​ ​In addition to teaching yoga, I’m a music educator with West Side Music Together, working with children and their caregivers to inspire joy and creativity through music. 

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beyond the mat 

When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me exploring nature, singing, dancing or sipping coffee with loved ones. I’m committed to lifelong learning and continue to evolve my practice to better serve my community.