Since 2010, Michelle Stortz, has worked with hundreds of cancer and chronic illnesses survivors in the Philadelphia area. She enjoys designing custom yoga programs that anyone can do regardless of ability.
Currently, Michelle works with cancer patients at Fox Chase Cancer Center, the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia, Jefferson University Hospital, the Abramson Cancer Center through Pennsylvania Hospital at Old Pine Community Center, Unite for Her as well as working privately in patients’ homes.
Michelle also teaches mindful meditation. She has been studying in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition for the past 15 years and has also trained in the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction curriculum.
Additionally, her early career in contemporary dance and performance studies continues to inform her yoga teaching through somatic modalities such as Bartenieff Fundamentals, Feldenkrais Method and Body-Mind Centering. She has a passion for moving and helping others find this joy.
Michelle’s work is dedicated to her late husband, Jon Lustig, whom she lost to complications in cancer treatment in 2009.
Michelle’s mission is to:
- serve those living with cancer or chronic illness through the practice of yoga
- educate this population, their caregivers, and medical professionals on the benefits of yoga and the science behind the practices
- implement yoga programs in medical settings or wherever it will serve best
- continue to study, unearth, research and refine the practices for those on a healing journey
Yoga and Other Physical Trainings
300hr Teacher Training in Yoga for Cancer and Chronic Illness (2013)
200hr Basic Yoga Teacher Training (2006)
Pilates Mat Exercises Teacher Training (2005)
CranioSacral Technique, Level I (2004)
Swedish Massage Certification (1993)
Mindfulness and Meditation Trainings
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Practicum/Jefferson University Hospital (2017)
Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra (2016)
Dedicated Practitioners Program/Springboard Meditation Sangha (2012/13)
Additional Studies
Bartenieff Fundamentals
Trigger Point Massage Technique
Body-Mind Centering Somatics Practice
Reiki, Level II
The Satipatthana Sutta (mindfulness/Buddhism)
Professional Membership
International Association of Yoga Therapists
Yoga Alliance
Other Education
MFA, Ohio State University, Dance/Choreography
BFA, University of Texas, Dance
Michelle Stortz 