About me

I took my first yoga class in 2001 which immediately drew me to this modality of connection to my own body. After the class, I felt more connected to my thoughts, my feelings, and my own body. I thought,"Maybe there is something really true about this 6000 year old practice." After all, yoga means "union".

I decided to pursue this love to learn more about yoga with my first certification through Safax. This gave me the opportunity to teach in a gym setting while deepening my personal practice physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It also allowed me to explore various styles of yoga.

One very special time I recall was my a yoga training that I completed in Ashville, North Carolina. It was called Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. This Kripalu based yoga philosophy was about being in touch with our bodies and knowing that our bodies are our best teachers. What a great concept!

Below are some of my trainings, teachers and mentors:

Certifications:

1. 
   200-hour Phoenix Rising Yoga Teacher Training (www.pryt.com) completed
2. 500-hour Kripalu Yoga teacher training (www.kripalu.org) enrolled
3. Level 1& 2 Safax Yoga completed
4. Safax Aquatics completed
5. Johnny G spinning certification completed
6. member of Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org)
   

Attended workshops:

1. Rolf Gates
2. Seane Corne
3. Johnny Kest
4. Todd Norian
5. Specialty workshops on anatomy

I continue to educate myself by regularly attending workshops/trainings, and constantly learning about yoga philosophy. I will always be a student of yoga.

 

Testimonials:

"I had always admired but was afraid of yoga. I thought that I had to be super limber to show up for a class. Experiencing Stacey as an instructor immediately put me at ease. She is an extraordinary teacher, who is able to help me adjust poses at my level. Poses that seemed impossible and confusing before, I can now participate in at my level. Because she is such an accommodating and talented instructor, Stacey is able to have beginners and advanced yoga practitioners in the same class. It is truly a joy to be in her presence."

- Susan Hyatt, Martha Beck Master Certified Life Coach

"Energetic, enthusiastic and highly educated, 'this girl rocks'!!! Stacey is very proficient in the world of chemistry, anatomy, nutrition and kinesiology. In the 15 years I have been in the fitness industry, I have never met a person who was so dedicated and positive about their craft. Even though Stacey has a very full and demanding agenda, she still finds the time to help others less fortunate than herself. S.O.U.L. Empowerment is very blessed to have such a caring, compassionate and free spirited yoga instructor and board member. Her classes are fun and challenging for all skill levels. Thank you, Stacey Shanks, for all the hard work you do in and out of the exercise room, 'this girl rocks'!!!"

- Atlas Allen, Advanced Personal Trainer, Fitness Director

"I had the privilege of participating in Stacey's yoga classes at a recent retreat. I was nervous attending the first class, as I hadn't been to a yoga class in about three years.

Stacey's approach was not only warm and inviting, she made it easy for each person to feel comfortable working at their own level. She took the pressure off. Stacey has a gift for 'meeting you where you are' and gently guiding you through your practice. And she does this while balancing making the class challenging at the same time. After the class? You'll feel a tremendous sense of peace and gratitude.

Stacey has a spirit of generosity and openness about her that is contagious and a joy to be around. These are just a couple of qualities that lead her to being a wonderful yoga instructor.

For me? In the future? I'll look forward to taking any class I can take with Stacey!
Namaste!"

- Deb Owen

Comments from the Southwest Indiana Retired Council on Aging Wellness Program:

"You did a great job and my husband and I both enjoyed it very much! We look forward to you coming again."
- Frances

"We really enjoyed the chair yoga class. We would like more instructions from YOU. Good for OLD people like us."
- Bob and Dottie

"I felt so good after doing the chair yoga. You did a great job of explaining the movements to us. Enjoyed the class very much!"
- MK

"Enjoyed your class! We wish we could do it more often!"
- Shirley

"You were a great instructor. What fun for all ages. I truly recommend to ALL ages but especially seniors. Thank you very much and we hope you come back."
- Mary

"I really enjoyed the chair yoga class at SWIRCA. We would love for you to come back."
- Mary C.

"I really enjoyed the chair yoga class very much. It was easier to follow than I imagined. Very beneficial to strength and balance."
- Barbara

"The chair yoga class was a lot of fun. It shows that people of all ages can benefit from yoga. This is especially good for seniors for flexibility and balance. Stacey showed us that anyone of any ability, size, age and gender can do yoga! Good for the mind too!"
- Sandy

"It was fun and I really enjoyed the stretching. Music was very relaxing. It put me in a good mood for the rest of the day."
- Joan