Stephanie Mckinley

Yoga Instructor, Life Coach, and Therapist

Guiding You Towards a Life of Freedom and Joy

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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!

A Masterful Space Holder

“I have been a student of Stephanie’s for many years, as a brand new yogi and with years of practice under my belt. She is a masterful space holder, creating a fun yet deeply connected space to practice at any level. Her years of experience shine through her classes in the most simple, yet brilliant little wisdom nuggets. I always feel more open, stronger, and more connected to myself after time in her class or on retreat. ”

— Brandie

Warm and Inviting Energy

“Stephanie is truly amazing! Her smile is so warm and inviting, and her energy makes you feel like you can do or achieve anything. Her classes are so much fun and she encourages you to just be yourself and above all else, listen to your body. I highly recommend experiencing Stephanie in a class, workshop, or retreat.”
— Maria

Peace and Balance

“Stephanie’s yoga classes offer a perfect combination of energy and calm; challenge and support; and mindful and fun! After practicing under her guidance, your soul and body are filled with peace and balance.”
— Robin

 

A Peaceful Presence

“Stephanie is truly a peaceful presence to be around, whether in the space of conversation, yoga, or counseling. She brings forth an array of knowledge, observation, and advice, as well as continued compassion and positivity in everything she does. No matter where your search is beginning, Stephanie would be a fantastic addition to your journey!”
— Melissa

An Amazing Adventure

“It’s always an amazing adventure with Stephanie! I’ve taken multiple yoga classes with her, and also retreats. She’s an amazing human with a plethora of knowledge about yoga and life experiences in general. Any time spent with her will never disappoint!”
— Jessie

Kindness and Love

“It’s hard to put into words how incredible Stephanie is! Whether it be a studio yoga class, teacher training, SUP yoga, or on a retreat… you will be met with kindness and love when she is your guide. Not to mention, you will always have fun too! She has an in-depth knowledge of both the physical and energetic bodies, which comes through clearly when you practice with her. I always feel very safe and supported in her classes. The two retreats I have attended with her have been absolutely life-changing! (Also… amazing food, perfectly planned itineraries, and beautiful accommodations) So much more I could say, but if you are interested in working with her, I really couldn’t recommend her offerings enough. I am grateful to have her be a part of my yoga journey!”
— Hannah

Thoughtful and Encouraging

“Stephanie is a delight to work with. She is very thoughtful, helpful, and encouraging. You can tell she really puts her heart into what she does.”
— Melinda

A Pivotal Moment in Healing

“I am a trauma survivor of multivictimization. Reconnecting to my body has been a long and arduous process. My first yoga class with Stephanie was a pivotal moment in my healing; I finally felt like I had the space and support to begin the messy but necessary growth. She taught me to laugh at the complexity of my person and embrace my unique humanness, all while moving me through the grace and beauty of yoga practice. I would not have the incredible relationship with my body and my inner strength without Stephanie’s guidance.”
— Mackenzie

A Safe Space to Practice

“I have been a long-time student of Stephanie’s and am so grateful to have her as a teacher and mentor. She always creates a safe space to practice yoga and have fun! I had the pleasure of attending her fall Sedona yoga retreat and it was an amazing experience. The planning, the food, the yoga — all wonderful and beautiful. Stephanie has a deep understanding of Yoga’s teachings and incorporates these teachings into all of her offerings. I am so thankful to have her as a teacher.”
— Mary

Awakening the Heart

“Stephanie is pure heart. She combines her enormous enthusiasm with an exquisite sensitivity and a uniquely tender way of looking at the world. Stephanie’s classes are fed by a deep and healthy root system in yoga’s time-honored traditions—and at the same time they flower and fruit into something that feels playful, ever-fresh, and filled with present-moment care. There are plenty of teachers who can guide you through shapes. There are far fewer who can awaken your heart and stir your soul. Stephanie is such a teacher. I’ve trained many teachers over the years and Stephanie stands out as among the most extraordinary. If you are looking for an authentic guide to support your journey along the path of yoga — which is to say life — I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
— Caroline Wybar

Validation and Support

“Stephanie is such a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend. She helped me as a yoga student when I was training to be a yoga teacher. I was struggling with chaturanga, which is a very basic part of vinyasa yoga. I felt embarrassed that I couldn’t do it perfectly or even in an advanced way. I had a lesson with Stephanie and she took me so incredibly seriously. She validated me and made me feel so seen. She helped me feel that it was okay that my chaturanga was a work in progress. It meant so much to me that she saw me and affirmed me. She is such a beautiful teacher and everyone who knows her is lucky!”
— Rachel

 

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

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...

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Spring 2025 (April)

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...

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Fall 2025 (Sept)

Fall 2025 (Sept)

Hiking and Yoga Adventure Retreat in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains visiting several Canadian National Parks.

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Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.
— The Bhagavad Gita

Trainings

Seasonal Wellness Series

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

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SUP Yoga 1/2 Day Immersion

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.

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Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga Teacher Training

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.

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Latest Blogs

"When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."

– Peace Pilgrim

Contact Us

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