Shandra Bauer is a curious seeker of what it means to be human and how we find meaning, connection and joy in our lives.  She is a registered yoga teacher and group facilitator who invites others to connect to their inner wisdom, wholeness and purpose through the use of yoga, being in community together, self-reflection, ritual and embodiment practices.  

Shandra teaches and facilitates through a trauma-informed lens with the intention of creating a space that feels accessible, safe enough, and is anchored in self-compassion and acceptance.  Shandra’s areas of interest are grief and loss, trauma, empowering women to live a wholehearted and authentic life in a system of patriarchy, ritual, and collective healing and liberation.

Shandra has practiced yoga for many years but really developed a regular practice after her second child was born.  The busyness of motherhood, marriage, and a career as a PA left Shandra desperately seeking reconnection to her body, mind and soul.  She slowly began the process of reclaiming her wholeness and excavating the parts of her that had been buried beneath titles, tasks and accomplishments.  Her yoga mat and meditation cushion became her safe space to experience connection, acceptance and deeper presence.

Shandra’s experience of the unexpected death of her sister Mel to an accidental opioid overdose in 2017 forever changed her life.  This sudden loss led her on a deep journey inward as she faced the immense grief and loss of losing a loved one.  This led her on the path to becoming a yoga teacher, wanting to offer others space to be held, loved and completely accepted.  She began her yoga teaching journey offering classes at the Cedar House in Fort Atkinson, a beautiful sober living community for women where her sister had lived and thrived for several years. 

Her grief journey continued when she lost her father to stage IV Lung Cancer in November of 2020.  This loss coupled with the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic left Shandra seeking connection and community.  She deeply desired a place to be with others who were grieving but also attend to her grief in a somatic or body-based way.  Shandra discovered the Center for Somatic Grieving and immediately felt a connection to their mission and values.  She completed her 200-hour Mindful Grieving Yoga Teacher training in March of 2023 and is honored to offer 6-week, 6-month and 9-month Mindful Grieving Yoga Therapy Groups.

Shandra is a board-certified Physician Assistant and has worked as a PA at UW Health in Internal Medicine for many years.  Shandra formed deep and trusting relationships with her patients and really came to understand the healing power of presence and the sacred art of listening.  She brings this same presence and ability to hold space for others to her current work and offerings. Although she no longer works in medicine taking care of patients, she stays connected to the healthcare field through her offerings for Women in Medicine through the Inner Compass Program. She is deeply invested in supporting women in medicine to seek connection, community and well-being.

Shandra is a lifelong student and continues to train and study various topics including grief, trauma, ritual, politicized healing and many more. She is grateful to the lineages and teachers who have informed her healing journey and the offerings she provides. Some of her teachers include Francis Weller, adrienne maree brown, Prentis Hemphill, Holly Truhlar, Tara Brach, Brene Brown, Martha Beck, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Glennon Doyle.

She is the mother to three children and partner to Adam.  If she isn’t chasing her crazy kids around you can find her working in her garden, reading a book or trail running.