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The Full Story
My name is Stephanie, a yoga & pilates teacher, elementary school music teacher, dancer, and lifelong student of movement and the arts. I’ve been practicing and teaching yoga for over 15 years, focusing on hatha, yin, and flow yoga with hands-on adjustments and guided meditation.
teaching philosophy
As an extroverted empath, I thrive on meaningful interactions and love supporting and creating spaces where humans feel free from judgment and can move their bodies. My mission is to inspire community through shared experiences and mutual encouragement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s a physical and mental 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: hatha, yin, and flow yoga.
my movement classes
Movement is for everyone, and my classes are designed to support community and help students to feel connected and empowered in their bodies. 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, challenging, and fun 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.
professional experience and continued learning
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 that need it, where I can reach.
Recently, I have acquired my hot pilates training through Modo Yoga Vancouver, and I am planning my first international yoga & pilates retreat to Zihuatanejo, Mexico, in January of 2027 with my co-host, Sarah: www.sarahcranston.ca
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.
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.
let’s work together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
frankie
Attending Stephanie's yoga classes has been an absolute gift. Each session feels like a perfect balance of strength and softness—empowering, yet deeply nurturing. She creates such a welcoming and uplifting space where you can challenge yourself, laugh, breathe, and reconnect with your inner calm. Her teaching is intuitive and heart-led, and her passion for yoga truly shines through. I always leave her classes feeling lighter, more grounded, and more in tune with myself. I can't recommend her enough!
- Faranak Ghorbani
katarina
Steph brings a personable sweetness to her classes that I sincerely appreciate. She has a sense of rhythm and an appreciation for dance and personal expression that shines through her cueing. Steph’s playlists are also a treat, having been specially curated for the experience she’s delivering for her students. I love being a student in Steph’s class!
- Katarina Wittkamp
elika
I love Steph's classes and highly recommend them to people new to yoga and people who are well-versed in their practice. The tempo and atmosphere of her classes are always comforting and light hearted. I especially love how she offers hands on adjustments and modifications. She really makes you feel more empowered in your movement in a way that fits with your body and fitness level. I always leave her classes feeling rejuvenated.
- Elika Noorizadeh