Movement is Medicine

Mindful Movement Medicine for Every BODY

"Play is the highest form of research" Albert Einstein

"We learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same." Martha Graham

AoA Ballet

Sarana Yoga Flow

"The Human body is not an instrument to be used, but a realm one's being to be experienced, explored, and, thereby, educated." Thomas Hanna

Soothing Somatic Yoga

"My breath is my anchor, my movement is sacred activism, and my practice is embodied prayer, for a world where we are all free. Peace worldwide begins inside." -Stefani VanDeest

Contemporary HoopDance

SomaFlow Yoga

"In good action, the sensation of effort is absent, no matter what the actual expenditure of energy is." Moshe Feldenkrais

Testimonials

"I am so very grateful for Stefani's somatic yoga class"

For most of my adult life I have carried tension in my shoulders. Stefani's yoga class has given me the tools to finally be able to release that tension! The various somatic movements have yielded amazing results at relieving my tight shoulders, in fact my entire body now holds less tension and my joints are more limber. -M. Edwards

"This practice has brought a rich balance between rest,renewal and activism."

I'm excited to support Stefani as she expands her heart centered service that supports health and well-being for the whole person. As an 80 year old woman, my yoga practice with Stefani has been and continues to be an integral part of my life. It supports my longevity and affords a rich balance of quiet renewing time, ease in daily activities and the ability to continue and enjoy my passions for cycling, gardening, and the many social, political and justice activities that I am involved in. -Suzie

"During her care, I felt like my nervous system could finally release and trust."

I slipped on the ice and nothing I did seemed to help. Stefani gave me a 90 minute Somatic Healing Session and I'm back, with almost full capacity to function! During her care, I felt like my nervous system could finally release and trust. She helped me inhabit my body more fully, as as a result, I feel better. If you need a reset, Stefani can help you get there! -Kirstin A

"She somehow merges the physical with the surreal in a seamless duality"

Wow. All I can say is that for 5 years this woman has awed me with her talent and enthusiasm for a life well lived. She somehow merges the physical with the surreal in a seamless duality. She is a wonderful teacher and guide and brings my practice to levels of understanding that make me curious enough to explore my own universe even further than I thought possible. She is a true guru. -Gina J

"I always feel held and honored in the spaces she creates"

Stefani is a master of her practice. She is an avid learner and deeply commited to her students and clients. I always feel held in the spaces she creates. -Laureen O

"My body kept the memory of mobility for weeks after just one session!"

About 2 years ago I was in a motor vehicle accident and sustained injuries to my neck and back. My neck injuries cause a lot of neurological issues in my shoulders, arms and hands. I've had therapies such as chiropractic, physical therapy and massage therapy of which Chiro and massage provided temporary relief of pain but nothing helped with my mobility. I decided to give Hanna Somatics with Stefani a try and I was shocked at the results of just one session. During the session, you are naturally encouraged to increase your range of mobility rather than forced and have no idea how hard your body worked until day 2 or 3 after the session when you notice a good soreness. The kind of soreness that you get from a good workout or gym session. My body kept the memory of mobility for weeks after just one session. I can't wait until school and life slow down a bit so that I can go regularly because I know that this is the therapy that I've been longing for to change my everyday well-being. Thank you Stefani!!! -Miranda P

" It has been over 10 years since the accident and I have not been free of that pain until now"

I came to Stefani, interested in the process of Hanna Somatic Therapy and Movement. I know her to have integrity and express love and compassion in many creative ways throughout the community. I have had an ongoing neck irritation from a severe accident in 2003. When I feel stressed or really tired the fascia flares and it becomes highly irritated to the point of pain. This pain was of course directly connected to an emotional memory of the accident and let’s just says ‘unfinished’ business. Stefani and I worked together 4 hours! The process is intentional and slow, using breath and slow directed movement. At the beginning I felt really relaxed. As we continued deeper, I could sense and feel that I was using energy that I had not tapped in some time. We were targeting specifically my neck and shoulders. It was not until two days later that I noticed the old stress points in my neck are GONE!! It has been over 10 years since the accident and I have not been free of that pain until now! I was very surprised and so SO grateful. I do the exercises on my own once a week to the best of my memory. Thank you Stefani for offering your gifts to our community! It was certainly a blessing for me! -Susan H

" It has helped me so much to learn to relieve (and prevent recurrence) of my neck and back pain/tightness"

Stefani's treatments are gentle and calming yet very effective. It has helped me so much to learn to relieve (and prevent recurrence) of my neck and back pain/tightness as well as helped me regain mobility in my hand after a nasty wrist fracture. I'm so thankful! -Linda G

" Such is Stefani and the somatic process. She is intuitive, talented and focused.

There is a special magic taking place when we meet someone who is truly serving their life's purpose. They simply become vessels, acting for the pure joy of honing their craft and helping others. Such is Stefani and the somatic process. She is intuitive, talented and focused. Her work is a result of the rare union between the masculine intellect and the feminine intuitive understanding of her clients' physical and emotional bodies. Try her out, you won't regret. -Erez B

" Somatic Healing addresses old patterns in the body that need to learn new ways, and Stefani can teach you how. You'll be amazed at the results. -Anya L

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"Stefani is a multi talented leader. Always present and in the moment I gain connection and insights each time I have taken any of her classes. It’s hard to pick my favorite, but I think it was my private hooping lesson because of the joy it brought fourth in my body, mind, and spirit. -Cami F

"Where do I start? This woman has many tools in her tool belt. I have taken dozens of yoga classes from her through the years. She articulates movement and has a fun, creative and caring approach to what she is teaching. I have tried most of her skin care products and they are some of the best I have used. The facial products are my favorite. She sets great intentions into everything that she does. Always learning and evolving. Couldn’t recommend this gal enough!" -Candice P

"Stefani is knowledgeable, kind, and understands body systems. She is a valuable practitioner to bring in to your life for knowledge that you can carry with you. -Rachael F

"I felt so safe and comfortable with Stefani. she has a great way of listening and caring for those whom she supports. Plus her bath bomb recipe she shared with me is hands down the best!! -Gayle H

"Stefani is a gifted teacher and guide. She breaks down movement into easy steps and then puts them together in such a way that my body then amazes me with what I am doing. She's taught me hooping and yoga and I look forward to learning more from her." -Ann N

"Stefani’s guided movement was exactly what I needed when I was recovering from surgery with limited mobility. Group hooping was so fun too! Love the gentle bath bombs as well. Grateful for your services! -Katherine J

"Yoga, hooping and somatic work from an exceptionally gifted movement therapist and bodyworker." -Gwendolyn A

"Multiple offerings to sooth and heal mind, body and spirit. -Linda S

"My favorite things to gift are the handmade, wild crafted, and organic products from My Medicine basket. Not only are the products made with the best ingredients: the thoughtful packaging and Intention that is put into creating them all makes it extra special and a sacred gift every time! When the bath bombs run out, all the face cream has been used and the sprays with crystals are nearly empty, I am always wanting to order more! The body glow and face cream is my most loved products from My medicine basket, and my kiddos are always thrilled to have bath bombs with their baths. -Shannon L

somasarana

Nestled within the Pelican Healing Collective in Kendall Yards, SomaSarana offers a peaceful sanctuary where movement is mindful and integrative, intentional and healing.

Movement for ANY body at ANY age.

Address

707 N Cedar St. Suite 3

Spokane, WA 99201