Power. Stability. Ease.
Shawna’s mission is to encourage a better quality of life and overall state of wellness through physical and mental empowerment.
About Shawna
Through my long journey of healing, I stumbled upon yoga and realized that my passion for movement had not been extinguished but rather transformed. Drawn to the practice’s harmonious blend of physical postures, breathwork, and spiritual introspection, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Yoga became my sanctuary, offering solace and clarity amidst a very tumultuous time in my life.
While the physical and mental scars of my injury may never fully fade, I have learned to view the physical and mental scars of my injury as symbols of resilience rather than limitations. Yoga has taught me that true healing comes from within and that through compassion and self-love, we can overcome even the greatest of obstacles.
Through my teaching, I found purpose in sharing the transformative power of yoga with others, especially those facing similar challenges. I hope to guide other souls seeking solace and serenity in their lives because I believe within each of us lies the capacity for profound growth and healing.
I am a full-time yoga instructor, a single mom to 3 amazing kids and 2 dogs. My life feels whole and I will continue to help others find their peace.
My life story is a testament to the transformative power of movement and mindfulness.
I was born with a passion for movement. From a young age, I studied dance and after years of hard work, I started my career as a professional dancer. However, life had other plans for me. Opening night of a performance, I suffered an injury that shattered my dream. The diagnosis was devastating: a severe injury that would require extensive rehabilitation and may never fully heal. It wasn't just about the physical pain; it was also the emotional toll of letting go of something that had defined me for so long. The sudden loss of my career left me feeling lost and uncertain about my future.
Class Schedule
All classes are at Down Under School of Yoga locations and can be accessed online via livestream.
Monday
6am Newton
9:30am Newton
5:45pm South End
7:30pm Brookline
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Tuesday
6am Wellesley
8:45am Wellesley
4:30pm Brookline
Wednesday
6am Newton
Thursday
6am Brookline
8:45am Wellesley
12:30pm Newton
6:15pm Wellesley
Friday
6am Wellesley
9:30am Newton
Saturday
7:30am Newton
9:15am Wellesley
Sunday
9am Brookline
10:45am Porter Square
3pm Newton
Upcoming Events
COLUMBIA YOGA RETREAT
SOLD OUT- JOIN WAITLIST!
JAN. 15-23, 2027
Escape to life by the sea. Feel the raw energy of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Discover peace on empty, white sand beaches. Rise with the sun over the Caribbean and fall asleep counting falling stars in the Milky Way. Welcome to Colombia, the "Country of Beauty," where the land is defined by its incredible diversity and charm.
Enjoy 6 nights and 7 days at the foothills of the impressive and magical Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest Coastal Mountain Range. This area is referred to as the Heart of the World, not only because of it’s geographical location, but more importantly because every single ecosystem exists and thrives in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Start your morning with a meditation, walk on the beach, or a cup of coffee and a book. Daily yoga 2x's a day in an open-aired yoga shala literally on the beach! (Mats & props provided), gourmet farm-sea to table meals, , oceanside Spa & Wellness Center , waterfall hikes, and more! Most importantly, connect with an amazing group of like-minded people.
MOROCCO YOGA & ADVENTURE RETREAT
APRIL 23-30, 2027
Wander through the labyrinth, then find your breath by the sea.
Join our community as we wander through the ancient soul of Marrakech and retreat into the bohemian serenity of the coast for a week of yoga, connection, and Moroccan magic.
Morocco- Al Maghrib (the land where the sun sets)- is a living tapestry of color, scent, and sound. It is a sanctuary of profound contrasts—offering both the high-energy pulse of the historic medinas and the deep, silent stillness of the coastal villages. It is where the ancient dust of the desert meets the cooling spray of the Atlantic.
Enjoy 2-nights in Marrakech- a vibrant Moroccan city where ancient history meets lively sensory chaos. Known as the "Red City" for its pink-hued clay walls, its heart is the Medina—a maze of narrow, car-free alleys filled with bustling market stalls, aromatic spices, and traditional courtyard homes called riads. From the street performers and food stalls of the famous Djemaa el-Fna square to the quiet beauty of the Bahia Palace and Jardin Majorelle gardens, Marrakech offers an intense blend of North African culture, French colonial influence, and timeless desert charm.
Transitioning from Marrakech's busy souks and narrow alleys, we will climb rolling hills to a vast, windy beach in the bohemian village of Sidi Kaouki.
Enjoy 5-nights and 6 days in Sidi Kaouki-a laid-back, wind-swept fishing and surf village on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, offering a peaceful, rugged alternative to the bustling cities. Located just south of Essaouira, it features a vast, sandy beach framed by rolling sand dunes and a simple skyline dominated by a historic marabout (shrine). Renowned globally for its strong winds, it is a prime haven for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers, while the village itself maintains a bohemian, rustic charm with its gravel roads, surf shacks, and rooftop cafes. Life here moves at a slow, tranquil pace, where days are spent riding the waves, practicing yoga, or watching camels and horses stroll along the shore at sunset.
YOGIC FEAST IN VERMONT
OCTOBER 23-25, 2026
Join us for the 3rd annual Yogic Feast Retreat at Vermont's OQ Farm, where Shawna and master chef, Nick Escoto will guide you through an unforgettable experience of wellness and culinary delight. This retreat offers a unique blend of yoga and gourmet cuisine on a 500-acre legacy farm located near the quaint and historic town of Woodstock, voted one of the most beautiful towns in America.
Yoga twice a day in a heated glass chapel, 6-catered nutritious meals & a cooking demo by the talented Chef Nick, renovated modern cabins and farmhouse, hiking, sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, sound bowls, fire pit, massages, bonding with a great community...need I say more?