E-RYT 200, RYT 500, Studio owner of Central Street Yoga, Evanston Illinois

Shana Marie Stitzel, E-RYT 200, E-RYT 500
Studio Owner | Central Street Yoga, Evanston, Illinois

Shana Marie Stitzel’s journey as a yoga teacher began with a deep dive into meditation and what she describes as “the journey into truth and presence.” Her teaching is rooted in mindfulness, inspired by a devotion to cultivating joy, peace, and light, both on and off the mat.

A dedicated student and teacher, Shana brings a traditional and authentic approach to yoga, encouraging students to explore breath, alignment, and the subtle energies of the body with compassion and clarity. Her classes are known for their grounding presence, intentional instruction, and heartfelt warmth, inviting students into a space of deep self-inquiry and balance of body, mind, and spirit.

Shana began her formal wellness path with a certification as a raw food chef in 2009. She completed her 200-hour RYT in 2010 with Global Yoga and her 300-hour training in 2015 under the guidance of Suddha Weixler at the Chicago Yoga Center. Her studies reflect a blend of rich lineage and diverse traditions, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Anusara, Yin, and Ashtanga Yoga.

With deep gratitude for her mentors—especially Suddha Weixler, a direct disciple of Swami Narayanananda—Shana continues to study and share the lineage of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. She is also a devoted student of Sri Manju Pattabhi Jois, of the Ashtanga Lineage- Having been given the blessing in carrying forward the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga she shares her love of the practice, it's disciplines and endless gifts with reverence and care. 

As the founder of Central Street Yoga  LLC in Evanston, Illinois along with her online platform ShanaMarieYoga.com  Shana teaches weekly classes, leads workshops, continued ed, teacher trainings, and her own SMYL YA accredited TT course throughout the Chicago area, and continues to expand her offerings both in-person and online. She remains a passionate student of the practice, and her hope is to keep growing in wisdom and generosity—honoring the sacred in herself and others with every breath.