Services
Therapy
“I started working with Stephanie shortly after I was diagnosed with organ failure and an autoimmune disease. My life felt as though it was coming apart at the seams, and in many ways it was. Stephanie helped me put so many things into perspective. She gave me a safe space to land in moments of extreme stress. I was able to start really digging into some family trauma and some past stressors that were making my health challenges even more difficult. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to work with her, and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking therapeutic support.”
Yoga
Stephanie is pure delight to take class with! She has a natural ability to link each movement organically, with opportunities to enhance a position for a deeper shape, or modify to honor my bodies needs in the moment. I love her way! -Rose
Retreat
OH MY, the retreats! My husband and I attended a 3 night retreat hosted by Stephanie. We found such heeling and connection, while also deepening our individual yoga practices. The food was also an unexpected delight! We enjoyed the most fresh, healthy, and creative meals… made even better with curious conversation fueled by ancient stories of wisdom which she would share each night. One of the best investments of time and resources we’ve ever made! – Brandie
Trainings
Stephanie’s understanding of movements, muscles and body composition is astounding to me. She helps connect all the dots and solves so many issues!
-Julie
Yoga
Yoga Open Studio
You can join me on Zoom every Monday morning from 9 to 10:00. I also frequently substitute at my home studio, Shine Yoga, in Winchester, VA.
Yoga Private Sessions
I offer personalized one-on-one and small group private yoga sessions, tailored specifically to meet your individual goals and needs.
Seasonal Retreats
As an international yoga teacher, workshop facilitator, and retreat leader, the highlights of my year are the small, intimate retreats I offer every spring and fall. Whether you choose a fully immersive yoga retreat, a hiking and yoga adventure, or a self-supported multi-day paddle board trip on a river, you’re guaranteed an incredible journey. These retreats take place in various stunning locations and promise a transformative experience.
Balance in yoga, balance in life. Embrace the wobbles, breathe, and find your center.
Find Your Balance
Short little flow to help you find your balance and strength. Allow yourself to ground into the moment and giggle your way through any wobbles you may experience. You don’t always need hours on your mat to come home to yourself. Slow down and take a few moments for YOU as you allow your breath to guide you through this little flow. Hope you enjoy!
About Stephanie McKinley
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University with a Master of Social Work (MSW) and hold LCSW licenses in four states. My career began by supporting youth aging out of the foster care system, providing life coaching and therapeutic services to at-risk individuals aged 13-23. My work included writing grants and designing programs to teach life and independent living skills, as well as serving on task forces and advocacy groups. I also trained other social workers in engaging with at-risk youth.
I progressed to become the Program Director at Kids@Home and later served as the Vice President of Foster Care Services at The Dan Marino Foundation in Broward County, Florida. Following my work with the foster care population, I transitioned to trauma resolution in substance dependence and addiction, serving as the Clinical Director for Lifestyles College, a PHP, IOP, and OP offering comprehensive treatment services and life skills training.
Eventually, I became the Executive Clinical Director of Alternatives in Treatment, a 70-bed inpatient treatment facility. In 2010, I launched my remote private practice, which I consider my greatest honor. With nearly 25 years of experience in the mental health field, I am dedicated to supporting others on their healing journeys. I look forward to assisting you on yours.
Yoga Journey
Early Connection to Yoga:
My journey with yoga began in high school when I attended my first class in Ft. Lauderdale. The physical challenge of practicing a demanding sequence in a sweltering heated room captivated me instantly. What truly surprised me, though, was the stillness and quiet my mind experienced—something rare for me at the time. I was hooked! However, as life got busy, I lost my regular connection to yoga. Yet, the elusive sense of peace I discovered in those classes stayed with me, and I knew it was something I could always return to through this practice.
Transformation:
When I look back on my life it seems to be an ever evolving journey of transformation and healing. Moving through so many chapters of trauma, self study, healing, achieving, reassessing, course correcting, and ultimately settling into the deep knowing that it’s all an unavoidable part of the human experience and our job in this life is to learn to ride the wides and journey back home to ourselves and the connection to the vastness of our infinite spirit. One of the most pivotal chapters of my life was as a single mother selling everything I owned to pack up my 8 year old daughter to travel the US & Canada for 13 months in a tiny pop-up camper, focusing on the natural world of National Parks and Monuments. To navigate a new path and work towards healing generational trauma that I was desperate not to continue handing down. I settled in a new town dedicated to a new way of life with yoga and it’s teachings as the foundation we built a new life on.
Teacher Training:
Stephanie’s commitment to her yoga journey is evident in her extensive and dedicated training. She completed a transformative 200-hour teacher training with Dashama Konah in Bali, which laid a strong foundation for her practice. Building on this, she undertook a rigorous 500-hour teacher training with Caroline Wybar, beginning with a small, highly individualized group of three, and completing the program over the course of three years. Her dedication to ongoing education is further demonstrated by advanced trainings with renowned instructors Janet Stone and Tiffany Cruikshank. Over the past decade, Stephanie has also accumulated numerous Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and certifications, specializing in Yin Yoga, Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Yoga Shred, and Anatomy Training.
Philosophy and Approach
Blissful Living
Stephanie’s philosophy of blissful living centers on mindfulness, self-compassion, and intentional living, where I invite you to embrace the present moment, nurture a kind relationship with yourself, and make conscious choices that align with your values and passions.
Integration of Mental Health & Yoga
Stephanie’s philosophy centers on the holistic integration of mental health and yoga, recognizing the profound connection between mind and body. She believes in using yoga not just as physical exercise but as a therapeutic tool to promote mental well-being. Her approach involves creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore mindfulness, breathwork, and physical postures to alleviate stress and improve emotional resilience. By combining traditional therapeutic techniques with yoga practices, Stephanie aims to provide a comprehensive approach to healing that addresses both psychological and physiological aspects of well-being.
Gratitude
Stephanie uses gratitude as a core principle in her practice, consistently expressing her deep appreciation for her clients and students, and feels profoundly grateful for the opportunity to support their journeys toward greater well-being.
Book a Complimentary Consult
If you’re interested in exploring therapeutic options or discussing a personalized yoga journey, please reach out. We can schedule a call to discuss your goals and determine if we’re a good fit.
Upcoming Retreats
Costa Rica Sept 5-10th 2024
The Yoga Travel Heal and Full Body Breakthrough by Bri retreat is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to reset their body, mind, and spirit in...
Spring 2025 (April)
Local yoga immersive studying the Bhagavad Gita or an Introduction to the Yoga Sutra’s along with 2-3 daily yoga practices daily. More info to come...
Fall 2025 (Sept)
Hiking and Yoga Adventure Retreat in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains visiting several Canadian National Parks.
Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.
— The Bhagavad Gita
Trainings
Seasonal Wellness Series
September 22, 2024 , Winchester Va
I also have a seasonal wellness series in partnership with the Purple Fern on each equinox and solstice
SUP Yoga 1/2 Day Immersion
July 28, 2024 , Winchester Va
Throughout the summer I will be teaching a 1/2 day nature immersion with SUP Yoga class and lunch 1x per month.
Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga Teacher Training
June 7-9
Are you ready for SUP Yoga season?! I’m THRILLED to announce that I’ll be offering a SUP Yoga Certification weekend from June 7-9! This is a fantastic opportunity to become a certified SUP Yoga teacher in our area or to deepen your understanding of this amazing practice.
Latest Blogs
Embracing Blissful Living: A Journey Through Yoga and Mental Well-being
Hello, beautiful souls! I’m Stephanie, and I warmly welcome you to Blissful Living, a space dedicated to nurturing mindfulness, self-compassion, and...
"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."
– Peace Pilgrim
Contact Us
Namaste! Feel free to reach out by filling in the form below, and I'll connect with you personally. Your journey to wellness starts here, and I'm excited to be a part of it with you









