Mac Talla Saturday April 5th 7pm *** Evanston Conscious Movement Festival April 4-6th****
Hi, I'm Sarah
I am a Yoga Therapist.
I help students regain their ability to move with ease, grace, and strength. Rather than reinforcing outdated movement patterns, I guide students to explore new, more effective ways of moving and being in their bodies. With over twenty years of experience practicing yoga and more than two decades of professional study in human movement, my approach blends the most effective techniques from therapeutic yoga, physical therapy, and both Eastern and Western mindful movement practices. My deep understanding of anatomy informs every aspect of my teaching. By learning to truly feel the body, students gain the tools to manage pain and listen to what their body needs. I move away from one-size-fits-all cues and instead embrace a collaborative approach, where each student learns to discover the movements and cues that work best for their unique body. In one-on-one sessions, I apply a compassionate, intuitive approach, using skilled body reading to address a range of physical restrictions, chronic conditions, and injuries. I specialize in spinal conditions and postural issues, including scoliosis, neck and back pain, hyper-lordosis, hyper-kyphosis, and sacroiliac dysfunction. I’m also committed to collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and personal trainers, to create a personalized movement program tailored to each client’s needs. I continuously deepen my expertise by studying Advanced Yoga Therapeutics with internationally recognized master teachers like Doug Keller and Dr. Loren Fishman. I attend annual training in order to stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques.
My Qualifications
There are many yoga teachers out there. The depth and quality of my training sets me apart.
Training
2011-2025
Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga
Doug Keller, PhD
277 hours
2024-2025
Movement System Impairments
Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, et al
63 hours
2022-2024
Somatic Embodiment: Mac Talla
Sarah Tolan-Mee
50 hours
2008-2018
Anatomy & SATYA (Somatic) Trainings
Tias Little
65 hours
2015-2023
Yoga for Scoliosis & Yoga for Osteoporosis
Dr. Loren Fishman, et al
​50 hours
2008-2013
Therapeutic Yoga Apprenticeship
Gabriel Halpern, Yoga Circle
​940 hours
Swatantrya: Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga/Yoga As Therapy Trainings/Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga Teacher Training Intensives, Doug Keller, PhD: 256 hours from 2012-2022 (32 hrs/year) The Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga: The Vayus and Our Autonomic Nervous System-Myofascial Maps for Yoga, Doug Keller, 15 hours, December 2024 The Vayus, Myofascial Maps and Our Autonomic Nervous Systems, 6.25 hours, Doug Keller, August 2024 Dysfunction in the Nervous System: Long Haul Covid, Doug Keller, June 22, 2022 Yoga for Healthy Hamstrings, Doug Keller, 2011
Learned how to identify faulty movement and posture patterns, sequencing and exercises appropriate for movement system impairments for the ankles, knees, low back, thoracic and cervical spine and the shoulder. Lumbar Systematic Examination & Treatment Case Study, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, February 2025 Kinesiopathic Principles Overview, Dr. Maiko Morotani, January 2025 Movement System Syndromes of the Shoulder and Cervical Spine, Shirley Sahrmann, et al., 14 hours October 2024 Biopsychosocial Aspects of Movement System Syndromes, Shirley Sahrmann, August 2024 Shoulder Biomechanical Evidence, July 2024 Movement System Syndromes of the Shoulder, Shirley Sahrmann, et al., 14 hours, June 2024 The Role of Motor Learning in Movement System Syndromes, Renee Roth Powers DPT, May 2024 Muscle Performance in Movement System Syndromes, Neuromuscular Adaptations, Crowe & Civello DPT, May 2024 Shoulder Biomechanics: Stiffness & Flexibility, Andrew Piraino DPT, April 2024 Case Presentations-Shoulder, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, April 2024 Movement System Syndromes of the Knee, Dr. Sylvia Czuppon, March 2024 Movement System Syndromes of the Ankle, Dr. Mary Hastings, March 2024 Upper Quarter Basics, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, Winter 2023 Advanced Lower Quarter Movement System Impairment, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann September 30-October 1, 2023 The Movement System in Non-Arthritic Hip Pain, Dr. RobRoy Martin, Sahrmann Lectureship, September 29, 2023 Lumbar Movement Systems Impairments Case Studies #1-2, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, August 15 and September 19, 2023 Evidence for Movement System Impairments, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, July 18, 2023 Introduction to Lumbar Spine Movement System Impairment Syndromes, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, June 10-11, 2023 (Participation award granted to Sarah) Upper and Lower Abdominals, Suzy Cornbleet DPT, May 2023 Intro to Movement System Impairment Syndromes of the Lumbar Spine, Shirley Sahrmann DPT, 16 hours, May 2023 Lower Quarter Basics, Shirley Sahrmann and Suzy Cornbleet, DPT, 42 lessons, May 2023
Practiced, learned and collaborated on the structure and presentation of Mac Talla, a somatic embodiment system created by Sarah Tolan-Mee and inspired by the work of Moni Yakim.
I practiced Somatic Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement (SATYA), studied anatomy and yoga philosophy. SATYA 1 Teacher Training, 25 hours, 2018 Asana Intensive 6 hours, 2017 Skin & Immunity, 2016 Asana Intensive, 2015 Asana Intensive, 10 hours, 2010 19.5 hours, 2008
I learned Dr. Fishman's Method for Scoliosis and Dr. Fishman's Method for Osteoporosis Series (1-3). I am a certified Yoga for Osteoporosis Instructor. ​ Yoga for Scoliosis Training Dr. Loren Fishman & Ellen Saltonstall, April 2015 Yoga for Osteoporosis Continuing Education, Series 3, Dr. Loren Fishman, June 2023​ Yoga for Scoliosis Continuing Education: Scoliosis: Solid Success and New Findings, Dr. Loren Fishman, Feb 2023​ Yoga for Osteoporosis Certification & Training Dr. Loren Fishman & Ellen Saltonstall 40 hours February 2017.
I learned how to work 1:1 with injured clients. I learned how to observe posture and use Iyengar therapeutic props, wall ropes, cueing and pose adaptations. Over time, I mentored new Apprentices and taught small groups (2-7 clients) with a common issue (shoulder, low back, etc.)
2007-2010
Yoga Teacher Training
Daren Friesen, Moksha Yoga
800 hours logged
This 200 hour Teacher Training covered Vinyasa cueing and sequencing, in-depth anatomy training, yoga philosophy, a final project and videotaped practice teaching with peer feedback and review.
2019-2021
Other Somatic Trainings
Move Better, Feel Better: Feldenkrais Awareness Summit 2021
Seeing Clearly, Feldenkrais Training for Eye Health, Fall 2019
2008-2016
Other Yoga Therapy Trainings
​​​​​Postpartum Pelvic Floor Recovery Training, April 2020
Adaptive Yoga Therapy for Core Stability and Balance, Gil Solberg, 24 hours, April 2016
​​Yoga for the Pelvic Floor Teacher Training, Leslie Howard, June 14-18, 2014
Myofascial Meridians. Thomas Myers, 2-day Course 2013
Fascial Fitness, Thomas Myers, 2-day Course 2012
​​​Yoga for Structural Conditions, Gary Kraftsow, Midwest Yoga Journal Conference July 2011
Sacral Stability, April Storms, 10 hours, January 2011
Awakening the Pelvic Floor, Leslie Howard, 2011
​​​​Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Silent Meditation Retreat and Weekly Group Classes Winter 2010
​Purna Yoga Teacher Training Aadil Palkhivala 30 hours 2008
2011-2024
Other Professional Trainings
The Nerve Tour, Gil Hedley, PhD, July 2024​
Mindfulness Practices for Getting Pronouns Right; Pronouns in Practice, October 2020
Unpacking Cultural Appropriation in Yoga, Wellness and Healthcare Environments, February 2020​
90 Minutes to Change the World (Teacher Development) with Amy Ippoliti Spring 2011​
Superheroes 90 Minutes to Change the World (Advanced Teacher Development) with Amy Ippoliti Summer 2011
Stop and Breathe™ Relaxation Coach Training November 2008
Integrated Approach to Teaching & Learning (IAT&L) trainings (EMDR, relaxation training, Tai Chi, Yoga and Massage training for Riding Instructors) 1998-2000​
My Experience
There are many yoga teachers out there, but few work full time, and even fewer with decades of experience.
Teaching Experience
2009-ongoing
Yoga Therapist
Chicago & Northern Suburbs
Full-time private Yoga studio Owner & Yoga Therapist to hundreds of private and group students over 21 years. Specialist in Scoliosis, hypermobility and joint misalignment. Monthly Mac Talla somatic embodiment class and workshops.
2009-ongoing
Yoga Instructor
Chicago & Northern Suburbs
Expert in Alignment yoga group classes and workshops. Styles of Yoga taught: Hatha, Gentle, Restorative. Level 1-4. Known for innovative prop use, Dharma talks, highly visual demos and hands-on adjustments.
2013-ongoing
Continuing Education Instructor
Chicago & Northern Suburbs
A "teacher's teacher," I present continuing education workshops on anatomical approaches to yoga instruction. Head teacher for Therapeutic Group Class training Assistant teachers how to see posture and movement patterns and then how to adapt poses and sequences to those patterns.
2016-2018
Yoga Teacher Training Faculty
Yogaview Chicago
Anatomy & Biomechanics Instructor for Yogaview's 200 hour Teacher Training Program. Used PowerPoint, quizzes, images and live demos to demonstrate typical student strategies for attempting poses. Taught Working with Beginners, Working with Injuries and Teaching Practice sessions.
2010-2013
Mentor for Apprentices & Instructor Assistant
Yoga Circle, Chicago
Assistant to Gabriel Halpern. Co-taught classes, demonstrated poses and adaptations. Co-taught the Summer classes.
Mentored Apprentices in the Therapeutic Classes, especially in the observation of Posture and therapeutic adaptations for Scoliosis.
1997-2008
Professional Horse Trainer & Dressage Riding Instructor
Metropolitan Chicago Area
Professional Horse Trainer & Dressage Riding Instructor utilizing Integrated Approach to Learning & Riding (IAT&L) and Centered Riding techniques to help riders be in their body and relax while riding. Specialized in training young horses and horses with behavioral issues.
1997-2008
Other Yoga Work Experience
Moksha Yoga, Chicago
Sweet Peas Yoga Studio, Chicago
Events Manager for Generations Yoga from 2010-2011
Volunteer Staff for Moksha Yoga & Sweet Peas Yoga, 2002-2007
Education
BA in Political Philosophy, Catholic University of America, 1991-95
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Graduate work towards completion of MAPSS (Master of Arts in the Social Sciences) Anthropology of Ethics and Conflict Resolution, University of Chicago, 1996-97