Let the Sun Shine In…
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
― Anais Nin
S A S H A
Hi! I’m “Sasha”. Yoga therapist, pre & post-natal recovery guide, self-care and wellness philosopher, herbalist, and soulful curator of experiences that nourish, empower, and inspire a sense of inner luminosity, strength and total well-being.
“The roles of women are incredibly diverse and essential, and carry a vitality extending beyond the birthing of human life. We are generators of creativity, nurturers of beings, intuitive beyond reason, and catalysts for profound healing.”
I am a Mother. Daughter. Sister. Partner. Human. Any biographical tale of my life must begin there. There is weight in those relationships. Sacred work in those roles.
It is from Motherhood that I grieve mothers rushed through their pregnancies, pushed and pulled towards a singular outcome, without reverence for the power of birth—the Transformation of Woman through a gentle and natural delivery, from inception to post-partum care.
From Motherhood, by which I understand the need for self-care; the importance of utter presence and mindful stewardship of the family and home, be it house or land.
It is as a Daughter that I have learned to carry the wisdom of those who’ve come before. To honor the spaciousness of childhood, and the deliciousness of play. And to bring the gifts bestowed to me back to the lives of my relations, so that we may spiral into new territories of existence, together.
As a Sister and Partner, I’ve become painfully aware of the need for real communication. Emotional honesty. Strength and vulnerability. Of learning the intricate ways in which we co-create, intertwining the cultural and biographical heritage of individuals towards harmonious alignment of the collective.
And as a Human, the divine intersection between internal and external beingness, on interdependence with those around us—nourishment through profound relationship with the natural rhythms of the micro and macro biome. Deep respect for the wisdom beyond the scope of human experience.
I am in service to all, and particularly for Women. My dedication is in elevating Women’s health by guiding in reclamation of self-care, self-awareness, and deep intuition, so that we may live healthful, beautiful, empowered lives.
PRENATAL & POSTPARTUM EXPERIENCE
I am a mother to three wild and open-hearted children; Solana Rose (8 yrs), Naiya Moon (5 yrs), and my most recent addition, Taj Henry (2 yrs). My journey into motherhood began in Bali, Indonesia where I was living, teaching yoga, and leading holistic wellness retreats with my husband Brad for eight years. While living in our small village in Nyuh Kuning, I had the privilege to receive my prenatal care for both my girls from world-renowned midwives; Robin Lim and Lianne Schwartz of Bumi Sehat Foundation. My son Taj was born here in Oregon with my beloved midwife Jennifer Gallairdo of Andaluz WaterBirth Center.
My circumstances of becoming a first-time mother in Bali opened my eyes to an entirely different world of prenatal and postnatal care. A prenatal experience for which I would consider to be multidimensional honoring nature, spirit, and surrendering to the support of my village and community. For which now, I am deeply inspired to support women through their own birth journeys and into the first phase of motherhood to provide that richness and depth that is possible, but has often been lost in the birthing journeys of women in western culture.
My personal experience in preparing physically, emotionally, and soulfully for each birth required a commitment to practice the inner work of releasing old narratives, visualization, breathwork, mindfulness, a whole lot of dance, all infused with beauty, sound, and an awakened presence which laid the foundation to have three very peaceful, natural births.
“Gentle Birth. Heals Mother Earth” - Robin Lim
MENTORS & TEACHERS
I feel very fortunate to have been mentored under the guidance of such a diverse collection of human beings, each with their own unique contributions to my continued learning. They are activists, elders, philosophers, doctors, writers, mothers, midwives, herbalists, athletic coaches, yogic practitioners, and naturopaths.
Within the realm of yoga, healing methodologies, women’s health, and cultural wisdom, I’ve studied under master practitioners from Southeast Asia to North America. My work and practice are deeply influenced by Vicki Noble, Uma Dinsmore-Tuli, Todd Jackson, Mark Whitwell, Amy Mathews, Bex Tyrer, Denise Payne, Anodea Judith, Lianne Schwartz, Robin Lim, Dr. Kathryn Kloos, Gary Kraftsow, Charles Eisenstein, and Stephen Jenkinson.
CERTIFICATIONS & CONTINUED TRAINING
Certification in Integrative Pelvic Therapy
E-RYT 500
Experiential Anatomy Training; Cranial One: Biodynamic Interface; Conscious Touch Hands-on Adjustments for Yoga Teachers; and Teaching Shoulder Stand with Todd Jackson
Somatic Dialogue and The Poly Vagal System with Dr. Kathryn Kloos
Soul Medicine Mentorship with Dr. Kathryn Kloos & Scott Kloos, Founder of School of Forest Medicine
Nervous System: Embryology, Patterns, and Perception - Body-Mind Centering with Amy Mathews
Biomechanics of Asana; Form Adaption in Asana; Breath Adaption in Asana; and The Art and Science of Sequencing with Gary Kraftsow
Psychology of the Chakras - Sacred Energetics with Dr. Anodea Judith
P R A I S E ~
“For about two years now I've been almost exclusively attending Sasha's yoga classes. Her classes have helped me to regain lost strength and flexibility that comes from carrying, birthing, and caring for children. Not only have her classes helped me to care for my physical well being, but emotional and spiritual as well. Sasha's classes have been a place where I can feel strong, confident, and yet challenged. Her classes have been a place of emotional release, a place of calm, and a place of laughter. Sasha's classes are a means of connecting with one's self, connecting with all others, and connecting with the Earth. I am so grateful for all that Sasha has given and continues to give. ”
Cree Belknap - 43 yrs, Mama of Two, Homeschool Educator & Gardener, Former Montessori Guide
“I am incredibly grateful that I made the decision to devote eight weeks to myself for this journey. Through Sasha’s loving guidance, I have learned -- I am worth it. Sasha returned myself to me.
I’m not certain I would have sought this out had I known how difficult this journey would be, how deep I would choose to dive, and the depth of honesty, vulnerability, and trust that it would require. This journey was enlightening, joyful, sorrowful, exciting and profound.
Through this process, I’ve learned how to turn into my emotions without fear and without judgement. I’ve released the shame and the blame, and have found forgiveness for others and most importantly myself.
I’ve learned to nurture myself and my body, which has resulted in significant weight loss, clearing of chronic eczema and psoriasis, belly boat gone, acid reflux, IBS gone, and the pain in my body has softened.
Saying thank you or that I am grateful seems completely inadequate to express the depth of what I feel. Say yes to life, yes to purpose, yes to self. “
Nichole Kerle, 52 years, Military Veteran
“Sasha has been a special part of my motherhood journey. When I first met Sasha, I was going through a heartbreaking pregnancy loss. I still remember her warmth and the wisdom she shared, before she even knew me. When I found out I was pregnant again, I decided to attend Sasha’s Hatha flow classes and did so all the way up until a few days before my daughter was born. As the only pregnant person in her class, she made a point to check in and celebrate my special journey of pregnancy and motherhood. Sasha offered support and wisdom, listened deeply and made me feel honored. Her classes were lively, varied and nourishing. She challenged me to move, balance, create, breathe intentionally and get out of my head and into my heart. As my belly grew larger, she encouraged me to build a sanctuary at home, gather my resources and be witness to my own strength and the support around me. She helped me shift my fear of labor and delivery into confidence and strength.
Sasha brings joy and thoughtfulness to her teaching, is passionate about women’s health and honors the unique journeys of her students. She is a heartfelt teacher and friend who offers thoughtful perspectives and years of experience supporting women. I feel so much gratitude for the wisdom and beauty Sasha has brought to my life!”
Julie Stutzman, 33 years, New Mother, Education Administration, and Photographer