Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Sheppard.
Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a stay-at-home mother (one of two gay moms), & our son went to Pre-School at Mission Hills Community Pre-School.
Amy & Michael Caldwell at Yoga One offered free yoga to the parents. At 36 yrs old, I signed up for their 200 HR Yoga Teacher Training as a fresh new yogi.
Lululemon Athletica reached out to Yoga One for local yoga teachers to work at their temporary Pop-up Shop at Horton Plaza. This turned into a permanent position at the brand new Fashion Valley Lululemon. It was perfect timing since I was just commencing a painful divorce. I spent 3 &1/2 years at Lululemon as an educator and yoga teacher for community events. My yoga career began to expand to include several Yoga Studios, gyms, and corporate yoga through Optum.
One day a sunny and contented customer asked my why I wasn’t using all my energy to teach students at the school system. After a inimal amount research and inquiry, I “put all my chips on red,” and at 42 years old enrolled in my Credential and Masters Program through UOP.
Last year, I gifted myself the 300HR Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga One, coming home and coming full circle. I have been teaching Yoga and Sculpt since 2013. I am now a 500 HR Yoga Teacher with a Masters in Education and a Physical Education Credential.
I adore my career! I now offer Workshops and Private Yoga Sessions. I currently teach at Yoga Six (since 2015), and Yoga Box Hillcrest and Chula Vista (where my middle school is).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was able to support my young son through teaching yoga and working at Lululemon! The joy and endorphins sustained both os us through a dark time.
I completed my Credential Program and Masters at 4am for over 2 years, before my son woke up every day. Before his school day, before I had to teach many classes a day, or show up at the store.
I slept on the couch for 3 & 1/2 years in our little Mission Hills Cottage while I gave him the big bed, while I put our life back together.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m sober 23 years. I am most proud of this. I weave healthy habits into my yoga classes. Yoga saved me during a tough time. I took it, I taught it, I jumped up and down in sculpt and I used breath and presence to stay in today…while I wrote papers and read everything!
One time, ten years ago I had to teach yoga, drive to meet my divorcing ex at the vet in order to put our beautiful happy doberman down, and then drive to the next corporate Yoga class that afternoon. This day I discovered my own resilience. I had to keep going and I was re-building security, a career, and a life. No days off.
I specialize in making kids (middle school students) feel better through play and learning in PE. I include breath and Yoga Stretches in our warm-ups and I understand a tough day.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In five years I will be 50! I hope to retire from education and expand my Yoga Career, including private yoga sessions, workshops, and operating/managing a yoga studio or two, or three.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annasheppardyoga
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-sheppard-69126936/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/22uf6q2muvxnrg5j2juvds34i
Image Credits
Rebecca Findlay (wife)
