Stefanie is honored and humbled by the rapid growth, conscious change and expansion of this organization.

Stefanie began her yoga journey in 2008 as a performing artist craving an opportunity to hold space for herself and others to make a lasting impact. At that time she was performing for children internationally and fell more in love with children; and looked forward to sharing her Love of the many modalities of Healing Arts with them.

When Stefanie began her Journey as a Yoga Facilitator, she taught children in studio settings as soon as she could in 2008, and soon realized how incredibly receptive children are to the practice.

In 2017 Stefanie's Yoga Outreach Facebook Group became a 501c3 nonprofit with the encouragement and generous grant from Lululemon. Stefanie facilitates yoga practices across DFW for the public and is ECSTATIC to help serve her community further through her this Outreach 501c3 nonprofit: Yena. Stefanie is able to incorporate the many lessons she has learned from Studying Kids Yoga with Yoginos Yoga for Youth (2008), teaching ballroom dance in DISD schools through Dancing Classrooms North Texas (2008-2010) and her time devoted to performance and collaborations with schools (2004-2012).

Instagram: @stefanietovar

Shawn’s Burns is a dynamic certified fitness coach and RYT- 200hr yoga teacher, who’s passion for teaching stems from over 10 years’ experience in the fitness industry as a trainer, collegiate coach at The University Arkansas, and youth motivational speaker.  A graduate and former athlete of the University of Arkansas, he believes in a relentless effort to seeking stillness of the mind and compassion with one’s self while on and off the mat. To cultivate a practice that builds determination and strength within. The beauty of yoga is that everyone is on their own path in their practice. Through poses and postures, we rely on the equality of our breath as a moving meditation. Finding the balance between strength and flexibility. Shawn’s goal in his spiritual practice is to help people discover the power of being their authentic self.

For over a decade, Shawn has devoted his life to youth leadership development and empowerment.  His captivating approach to difficult and complex life issues that youth across America face has continues to take the world by storm.  His ability to capture the hearts and minds of his audience, no matter the setting allows him to make a deeper connection and take a different approach to youth empowerment, prevention education, and motivating youth and families in the development of healthy lifestyles.

Sha’ is a health & wellness ambassador who implements meditative modalities with somatic movement to create space for healing, empowerment, and fulfillment. It is her belief that we must be patient and trust in our own creative and spiritual rhythms on the personal journey of self-discovery. Sha’ specializes in creating reflective practices derived from embodied living, scientific research, and living traditions that cultivate one's own internal reservoir of resources.

Born in Orlando, FL, Sha’s love of culture and travel began as a child while growing up with parents in the United States Air Force. She has lived in numerous countries and now resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband and daughter. Receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas State University in Geography: Resource and Environmental Studies, Sha’ began a career in the cartographic industry. A passion for real estate prompted Sha’ to head a successful brokerage business. With the pressures of maintaining a fast-paced career and family life, Sha’s then informal meditation practice became essential to her well-being. Which led to her passion professions of a certified 300-hour meditation guide, 200-hour yoga teacher, and Somatic Experiencing for Trauma practitioner.

Instagram: @meditationswithsha

Proud daughter of Mexican Immigrants, born and raised in the heart of Oak Cliff, Texas. Jovita is a bilingual yoga instructor and has been teaching for over two years. Yoga became a part of her lifestyle after dealing with anxiety and in search of self-discovery.

Her goal is to guide others to find the best version of themselves by getting them out of their comfort zone and allowing them to be their most authentic self. She hopes to empower every soul in their yoga journey and provide opportunities for minorities to have access to this beautiful practice. When not on her yoga mat, she is in search of the best chilaquiles, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. Y si, le encanta el Reggaeton :)

Lauren Margolies is a holistic wellness teacher offering modalities such as yoga, meditation, sound healing, breath work, energy healing & is also a practicing astrologer. Her purpose as a facilitator is to compassionately guide humans into a deeper connection within themselves.

Dan began his journey into yoga and meditation in December 2011 and by late 2014, he was training to become a yoga instructor. With nearly a decade of experience, he passionately shares these teachings, finding fulfillment in helping others. Dan's formal training is rooted in Hatha Yoga and Yoga Nidra, with a strong emphasis on meditation and pranayama practices. In addition, he is a certified Reiki Master in the Usui/Holy Fire lineage and has been offering energy healing to clients since 2018. His approach integrates these practices, along with others he has learned over the years, to support students and clients in both group and private settings.

Dan's path to yoga and energy work is complemented by his 17 years of experience as a chemist. This unique blend of science and spirituality has shaped his belief that life requires a balance of both to truly connect with the world around us. His personal spiritual practice is deeply rooted in his strong connection to Nature and all living beings. Realizing that yoga, meditation, and energy work were his true calling, he has dedicated his life to these practices.

When working with clients, Dan's goal is to show up with a deeply compassionate presence, creating a safe, comfortable, and accepting space for everyone. His sessions, while often incorporating reiki, are uniquely tailored to each client, guided by their body’s inner wisdom. Together, he and his clients co-create a sacred and healing environment. Dan’s offerings are heartfelt, and his intention is to provide a greater sense of peace, comfort, and equanimity. Whether you are navigating life's challenges or seeking time for self-care, his hope is for clients to leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Vanessa incorporates expressive art, music, animals, and media in treatment. Vanessa's favorite word is "integration". She likes to help her clients move what they know in their head into their heart. Vanessa views herself as a student and if you listen to her for 5 minutes, there will be definite details about what books she is reading, what podcast she is listening to, and of course, Yoga. 

Mrs. Sanford has spoken locally, statewide, and nationally on topics of addiction, anxiety, wholehearted living, court prep for therapists, trauma, animal assisted therapy, and abuse. Mrs. Sanford has also been a co-author for two books and written a handful of blogs and articles focusing on mental health. Mrs. Sanford has facilitated retreats and groups for organizations focusing on support for burnt out staff. Vanessa has been invited to present to CASA volunteers, SMU counseling practicum students, school districts, and local churches. Mrs. Sanford has been interviewed on a local radio show, 3 podcasts, been a guest on Savvy miniseries, and a mentor for Frisco ISM students. Vanessa has been on the advisory council for Frisco Gifted Association and is a proud member of Frisco ARTS. Vanessa was on the National Association for Play Therapy IDEA Team (inclusivity, diversity, equity, awareness) and was the past President for the North Texas Chapter of the Texas Association for Play Therapy. Ms. Sanford was awarded the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award for 2024 by the Texas Association for Play Therapy. Vanessa Sanford wants to live a brave life full of courage, compassion, creativity, kindness, and social justice. She enjoys collaborations and co-facilitating with amazing teachers to offer more diverse services to the community. Vanessa is honored to be on the board of Yena!!!

Monique Pierce is an instructional design and learning strategy professional committed to advancing education, leadership development, and community-centered learning. She currently serves as Associate Director for Professional Development at the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, where she leads initiatives that support faculty and institutional leaders across veterinary medical education.

In her work, Monique designs professional learning programs and collaborative educational experiences that strengthen leadership, innovation, and engagement in academic communities. Her expertise includes instructional design, program development, adult learning, and strategic project management.

Monique is passionate about service and community wellness and is honored to contribute to Yena’s mission of opening space for love and joy through intentional approaches to wellness. Through her role on the board, she supports the organization’s strategic growth and efforts to foster healing, connection, and wellbeing within the community.

Sonia is part yogi, part news junkie, and fully committed to exploring what it means to live a healthy and dynamic life.

As a Health & Wellness journalist for WFAA, she shares stories about fitness, nutrition, medical research and overall healthy living. When not at work, Sonia often teaches yoga and meditation- and leads groups on domestic or international yoga retreats.

Before focusing on health reporting, Sonia gained extensive experience covering breaking news, crime and politics, including everything from natural disasters to global affairs.

Prior to WFAA, she spent 6 years at KTRK-TV in Houston. She also reported for TV stations in San Diego, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and worked internationally covering news in the Netherlands, Africa and the Balkans.

Sireesha supports Yena's operations and activities through strategic planning, brainstorming, and organizing. She provides this guidance through a unique lens of ethics and integrity because of her yoga training and her legal background as a compliance professional and a former public-sector attorney. Sireesha has extensive volunteering experience and has been a member of service organizations in the past. She leverages this prior experience to channel her passion for service/seva and inclusivity -- the perfect combination for Yena's goals and mission for the community.