MEET THE TEAM

Stephanie Clifford started periodically practicing yoga on YouTube in her twenties.  In her early 30’s, facing stress and anxiety and searching for a remedy, she walked through the doors of Shanti Yoga Studio and took her first class.  She was hooked and kept coming back, gaining strength and awareness in her own body and life.  In 2020, Stephanie started her teaching journey with a 200 hr Vinyasa training under Dawn Yager.  Since graduating in Feb. 2021, she has been teaching the practice consistently.  She has taught at Shanti as well as other studios and recreation centers in and around Myrtle Beach.  Stephanie continues her own consistent practice and is a forever student.  She is certified in both Vinyasa and Yin through Yoga Alliance.

In 2024, Stephanie started training in Ashtanga yoga.  She continues to practice in Ashtanga under the direction of qualified Ashtanga instructors.  Through her Ashtanga remix class, she helps students to become familiar with the Ashtanga yoga series, making it accessible to all.

Stephanie enjoys helping her students try new experiences, set and achieve goal, find a love of the traditional yoga practice and become consistent!  The yoga practice has changed her life and helps her to remain steady and move forward even when life is challenging.  Stephanie works full time as a Technical Support Engineer and enjoys making sourdough bread and traveling.  When not on her mat she can be found at home with her husband and fur babies, or on the beach!

Yoga found me in 2014, and from the moment I stepped onto my mat I felt drawn back again and again.  What began as a personal refuge quickly became a transformative path, helping me navigate life's challenges and reconnect with myself in a meaningful way.  Through teaching my intention is to share the beauty, power, and wisdom of traditional yoga and it's philosophy.  I hope to create space for others to explore, heal, and discover what this practice can offer to them just as it has supported me.

Emily began practicing at Shanti in 2022 and quickly fell in love with Vinyasa yoga and the joy of becoming a student again after completing her degree at Coastal Carolina University.  What began as a physical practice soon became a source of grounding, connection, and support.  Inspired by the way yoga helped her feel safe, seen, and empowered, Emily felt called to share that same experience with others.  She earned her certifications in Vinyasa and Yin yoga in 2025 with Sissy Castillo and teaches with the intention of creating a welcoming, supportive space for all.

The practice of yoga has called my name for years, and became an integral part of my life during my undergrad at CCU.  Now, it is something deeply rooted in my everyday life.  I have studied asana instruction and yogis philosophy under a diverse range of instructors, and participate in a weekly philosophy sangha (community) as my commitment to being a lifelong learner.