North Suburban Wellness Doctors and Staff
Stephanie Metz
An inner voice prompted me to try my first yoga class, although no immediate “click” happened, I persisted.
As a longtime runner, I lacked flexibility and craved constant motion; yoga challenged my comfort zone. I kept at it and found a connection to the practice, at first through the physical, then a gradual mental shift.
After learning that I carried the BRCA1 Gene (Ovarian/Breast Cancer), yoga helped me meet the physical and mental challenges presented by this new information and two surgeries.
My study of yoga, and shift in perspective, changed my life. I put my family first and left my 14 yr career as a Marketing director; as I enjoyed my newfound life, I felt drawn deeper into yoga and to teach. One reason I teach is to help people who are recovering from surgery and/or coping with illness. I currently volunteer at Highland Park Hospital/Kellogg Cancer Center and teach Yoga Therapeutics, breath work and guided meditation. I also teach with the hope of helping students (like me) connect with the practice, whatever their initial challenges may be.
In my class a student can expect focus on alignment, a steady flow sequence, as well as long holds to build heat. My teaching is influenced by the styles of Ashtanga and Anusara, a vigorous practice that provides opportunity to look within and feel gratitude.
I am appreciative of the extensive training I received (Moksha Yoga) from Daren Friesen, as well as the opportunity to work with many master teachers. I am especially grateful to have worked with Jane Alenier, and to have apprenticed with Gabriel Halpern in his therapeutics intensive.