BACKGROUND

Hi! I’m Katie Schiffgen and I’ve been teaching yoga for about ten years and practicing on and off for over half of my life. I have learned so much as a practitioner and instructor of yoga and am so passionate about sharing it with anyone and everyone who is willing to open their mind and heart to discovering a deeper part of who they are!

When I first started teaching I was more interested in the physical benefits of yoga. I loved studying alignment and made it a goal for myself as a teacher to find clear, concise, and accessible ways to incorporate sound and sustainable alignment principles into every class. I wanted my classes to be physically accessible to a beginner yogi, but still challenging and stimulating for a more seasoned practitioner. In most of my classes, I use many alignment principles I picked up from years of practicing and studying Anusara Yoga… but I also incorporate teachings from many different styles of yoga that have resonated for me over the years. I don’t subscribe to any “one right way” or any dogmatic approach to yoga… but rather try to offer a more “there’s something here for everyone” type of approach. I am inspired by many of the different teachers and styles of yoga and movement-based practices that have had the opportunity to learn from along the way!


After a few years of teaching mostly power classes, I became increasingly interested in the spiritual side of yoga. I began opening up to slower, more restorative and meditative classes as part of my own personal practice and then eventually as part of my teaching as well. In 2018, I had a life changing experience in a Breathwork class and started diving deeper and deeper into different types of Breathwork modalities and Pranayama practices. When my husband and I separated for a couple years in 2019, I discovered the power of various somatic practices to release emotions, reconnect with lost parts of myself, process feelings, and even heal old traumas. When my dog was tragically killed in 2020, I realized how powerful somatic modalities can be in helping to process and heal GREIF. I am now passionate about sharing this type of healing work with others. I have been facilitating various types of “Breathwork Ceremonies” since 2020 and in 2022 I became certified as a Somatic Breathwork™ Facilitator which has helped me expand my Breathwork offerings to a whole new level!

Beyond facilitating classes, my retreats have become a big part of my offerings as well. Since 2016, I have facilitated or co-faclitated over 20 retreats internationally and domestically. I absolutely LOVE exploring the world and different cultures and sharing that with people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to adventure with me! Retreats are an excellent way to see the world; they are expansive and transformative; they are a perfect blend of mindfulness, movement, relaxation, and adventure!

Over the years, I have become a more intuitive practitioner and facilitator because of my own continuing studies, experiences, and exploration of the many different avenues of these practices. I am often attending various classes, workshops, immersions, and trainings of all different kinds. Ten years later, I now teach from a more integrated and embodied place than when I first began as an instructor. My yoga classes are authentic, heartfelt, and personal with a focus on the breath, physical alignment, and functional mobility. My Breathwork offerings are approachable and transformative for many people even after just one class. I believe that alignment in our bodies goes hand in hand with alignment in our lives… the more aware and aligned we become inside, the more that is reflected outwardly; as above, so below.

My sincere hope is that I can provide a safe, loving container for my students/clients to have whatever experience they need most in that moment. I hope they step back out into the world feeling a bit more aligned, connected, and inspired to walk through life with more playfulness, curiosity, openness, and surrender; with the capacity to feel it all and embrace it all.

xoxo💗


My Latest Endeavor

In March of 2024, the Breath and Body School will begin its first round of facilitator trainings! This is my latest project that I’m super excited and hopeful about. These trainings are not just intended to prepare students to become facilitators of Breathwork and/or Yoga… but also to guide them on a deep inner journey. Everyone would find value in the trainings — whether or not they ever want to actually teach classes.

All classes are online and financial plans and scholarships are available.


In 2022, I was interviewed by “Voyage Utah” Magazine… click here to go to the article if you’re interested!