Stephanie Chee Barea, Teen Yoga Educator

A former high school science teacher, grade dean, and co-founder of the Burke High School Leadership Program, Stephanie has over 19 years of experience working with teens. For the past 10 years, her focus has been on bringing yoga to both middle and high school students, in schools as well as in studios. Most recently, she founded her own yoga space – mela.yoga – to establish a community that gathers in joy and spirit. She has successfully led teen yoga retreats to the Bahamas, and continues to find new ways to incorporate yoga and meditation into the lives of our young people.

I've learned to really notice my feelings, and how to slow down and relax by breathing and using certain yoga poses. – Jose, 8th grade

Navigating adolescence is increasingly complicated these days, as our children are constantly bombarded with messages about who they should and shouldn't be, how they should and shouldn't act, and what they should and shouldn't be involved in to achieve success. This is often a time when feelings of isolation and loneliness can seem overwhelming, despite the number of online friends or virtual connections one might have. What yoga offers is simple – the experience and practice of self-care. Within the context of an inclusive, supportive environment, students gain greater awareness and understanding of how their bodies function, how their minds work, and how their spirit can guide them towards a life of joy and fulfillment regardless of external circumstance.

Yoga + meditation within Schools

Stephanie brings her yoga + meditation curriculum to San Francisco Bay Area middle and high school students through Physical Education classes, Health & Wellness classes, Advisory meetings and on-campus "retreats". Similarly, she leads yoga, relaxation, and meditation workshops for high school faculty and staff. Understanding that each school community has different needs and resources, Stephanie will work with you to design a program that meets your goals and expectations within your given time frame and budget.

yoga + meditation studio classes

Stephanie offers weekly classes for middle and high school students at her studio, mela.yoga in San Mateo, CA (within walking distance of both Burlingame and San Mateo High Schools). Current offerings include after school classes such as a Middle School Girls' Yoga Tribe (grades 5-8) and a Co-Ed High School Yoga Tribe (grades 9-12), as well as special workshops such as the High School Exam S.O.S. Exam Survival Series.

Check out Mela's calendar for special teen workshops and the latest schedule updates.

 

She teaches at a number of local schools, including:

  • San Mateo High School, San Mateo, CA

  • Aragon High School, San Mateo, CA

  • Hillsdale High School, San Mateo, CA

  • Mills High School, Millbrae, CA

  • DesignTech Charter High School, Burlingame, CA

  • Burlingame High School, Burlingame, CA

  • North Shoreview Montessori Middle School, San Mateo, CA

 

Stephanie makes yoga about more than just exercise. The class was enjoyable for everyone, from the athletic to the not-so athletic. – Rebecca, 12th grade

Yoga helps me whenever I'm stressed out and need a break. It allows me to calm down and focus on what's important. – Kelsey, 8th grade

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