Student Spotlight: A Conversation with Stephanie Gallaher

Strength, Gratitude & Finding Yourself Again

There are some people who quietly inspire everyone around them simply by the way they move through life. Stephanie is one of those people.

I’ve known Stephanie for more than twenty years. Our boys met on the soccer field when they were just five years old, and somehow those little boys are now grown men and roommates living together in Chicago. Through all those years, Stephanie has also been a familiar face at The Yoga Effect: a dedicated student, a wonderful friend, and someone whose kindness seems to touch everyone she meets.

I’ve watched her raise a beautiful family, build a successful business, care deeply for her community, and show up for the people she loves. This past year, I’ve also had the privilege of watching her navigate one of life’s greatest challenges with a quiet strength that has left me in awe. Not because she never struggled, but because she continued to meet each obstacle with grace, perspective, and an unwavering commitment to keep moving forward.

In yoga, we often talk about sthira and sukha; finding steadiness while also allowing for softness. Healing isn’t about forcing our way through difficult moments. It’s about learning to meet each moment exactly as it is, breathing through what we cannot control while trusting in our own capacity to move forward. Stephanie embodies that beautifully.

I wanted to share her story because I know so many people are walking through their own difficult seasons. Whether it’s illness, loss, injury, or simply life’s unexpected challenges, I hope her words remind you that healing is rarely linear, but it is possible.

About Stephanie

Anna: For those who may not know you, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Stephanie: I am a mom to Logan (26) and Piper (22), a wife to Scott, a dog mom to Kai, a business owner, and a longtime Grayslake resident. I am involved in my church and love to volunteer at our food pantry. My parents live down the street from us, which is the best! We love to travel, especially as a family.

Navigating Life’s Challenges

Anna: This past year has brought more challenges than most people experience in a lifetime. Would you be willing to share a little about your journey?

Stephanie: This last year has been one of the most difficult years of my life. It started last August with shoulder repair surgery that was long overdue. Naively, I thought this would be an easy recovery. I am sure someone explained the recovery process to me along the way, but it really was difficult not to be able to do so many things on my own and to not be able to exercise for 3 months. I could start going for walks after 8 weeks, but I didn’t get back to yoga for 11 weeks and I was so thankful to Anna for letting me join a gentle class of hers for my first time back. I am sure it wasn’t pretty!

Just when I was feeling physically strong again, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am so fortunate that it was caught early, but the journey has still been a long one. In the last year, I have had 6 surgeries and I still have one more to complete this journey.

Finding Support on the Mat

Anna: You’ve been practicing yoga for a long time. How has your practice supported you through everything you’ve experienced this past year?

Stephanie: I have always enjoyed working out, mixing up my workouts, and trying new workouts. Yoga is my time to focus on me. I have been practicing yoga for over 20 years and it helps me feel strong mentally and physically. I really didn’t realize the effect it would have on me not being able to practice during this journey.

After all these surgeries, I felt physically and mentally weak and really needed to feel like me again. I went back to yoga 14 days after my last major surgery with my doctor’s blessing (not for everyone I know). His statement was, “Do what will help you heal and listen to your body.”

I was barely standing upright at that point and again I started with a gentle class and just did what made me feel good. It took me another 3 weeks to get back to my favorite Pilates Yoga Fusion class and I can still barely do all the core work! But I love trying!

Yoga has helped me feel like myself and realize the cancer was just a small part of my life and not what defines me. At the end of each class I thank the Lord for giving my body the strength to heal.

Appreciating the Body

Anna: How has this experience changed your relationship with your body?

Stephanie: My relationship with my body has changed drastically over the last year. I thought this whole process would hurt my self-esteem, but in reality it has made me appreciate all that my body can do and how much healing power it has. I am more thankful now than I have ever been for my ability to just keep moving forward and to be grateful.

Finding Calm in the Storm

Anna: Were there any practices that helped you find calm during the hardest moments?

Stephanie: Yoga breathing and prayer is what got me through the last year. Anytime I would get anxious or just needed to calm down, I would say a prayer and do some yoga breathing. And just remind myself to focus on the task at hand.

Anna: Looking back now, what surprised you the most about yourself during this journey?

Stephanie: I think what surprised me the most during this journey was how much stronger I am now. Was I angry at first? A little. But, I always came back to the grand scheme of life, that this is just one more journey.

And, I am so lucky to have my faith, my family, my friends and a great medical team. I am grateful that although this journey may be long, I have a very positive prognosis.

Moving Forward with Gratitude

Anna: Has this experience changed the way you want to live your life going forward?

Stephanie: I was always grateful for what life has given me. Now I want to make sure I enjoy it even more. Take nothing for granted. Enjoy my family more, take the trips, do what I love, and make more time for myself.

Anna: If someone reading this is going through a difficult recovery of their own, what would you want them to know?

Stephanie: For anyone going through the recovery process, I would encourage doing what gives your mind and body strength. Yoga helps me feel strong and grateful for what my body can still do. If you just need a gentle class, some positive words, and friendship, yoga can help. Take time and listen to your body…it can do more than you ever thought imaginable.

Anna: What does healing mean to you today?

Stephanie: Healing for me is being able to do what I love. I don’t want my body, my surgeries, or treatment to hold me back. This journey does not define me; it just made me stronger and more appreciative of what I have. I am always grateful!

Just for Fun

Anna: Favorite yoga pose?

Stephanie: Savasana (final resting pose)

Anna: Least favorite pose?

Stephanie: Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

Anna: Coffee or tea?

Stephanie: I am equal coffee and tea, they both have their place.

Anna: One thing that always makes you smile?

Stephanie: My kids! Ok that’s 2 things.

Anna: One word that describes where you are right now?

Stephanie: Peace.

Anna: A piece of wisdom you’d like to leave us with?

Stephanie: You realize your inner strength in every journey.

Thank You, Stephanie

Stephanie, thank you for opening your heart, sharing your story with all of us, and always showing up with kindness, humor, and a smile.

One of the beautiful teachings in yoga is that while we cannot always choose what life places in our path, we can choose how we meet it. Throughout this past year, I’ve watched you return again and again to gratitude, presence, faith, and quiet courage. That has been your practice.

Your story reminds us that healing isn’t simply about recovering from illness. It’s about reconnecting with who we are beneath the fear, beneath the diagnosis, and beneath the circumstances.

Thank you for reminding all of us that strength doesn’t always look powerful. Sometimes it looks like showing up for one gentle class, taking one conscious breath, trusting your body a little more each day, and discovering that you are far stronger than you ever imagined.

We’re so grateful you’re part of The Yoga Effect family.

Visit us at www.theyogaeffect.com to learn more about our classes and upcoming offerings.