Meet Sherry Steine

We were lucky to catch up with Sherry Steine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sherry, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My purpose revealed itself gradually, through the intersection of personal experience, professional curiosity, and deep compassion for others walking through their own healing journeys. I have been practicing yoga off and on for nearly 20 years before I decided to take a yoga teacher training.

Early in my yoga teaching, I worked with women who were navigating stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. I noticed that when we slowed down—using gentle breathwork, restorative postures, and grounding essential oils—something profound would shift. The room would become still, yet deeply alive. That’s when I began to see that healing wasn’t only physical; it was energetic and emotional.

When I began teaching yoga to cancer survivors and their caregivers through Hope Connections for Cancer Support in Bethesda, Maryland, my understanding of purpose expanded even more. I witnessed firsthand the courage it takes to live in a body that has been through so much, and the quiet strength that can emerge through breath, scent, and mindful movement. I realized my calling was to create safe, sacred spaces for people to reconnect with their bodies, release fear, and rediscover peace.

Aromatherapy became a natural companion to this work. The right scent could unlock emotion, ease nausea, soften anxiety, or simply remind someone that they are still whole—even amidst uncertainty. My purpose became clear: to blend the science and soul of yoga therapy and aromatherapy into integrative practices that support emotional resilience, nervous-system balance, and spiritual renewal for those on the path of recovery.

Every class, every blend, and every conversation is an extension of that purpose—helping others find stillness, hope, and belonging in their healing journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I wear many hats, but at the heart of all of them is one simple intention—to help people remember their wholeness. Through my practice, SBW Aligned Expressions and Aligned Apothecary, I blend yoga therapy, aromatherapy, and mindful ritual to support emotional well-being, nervous-system regulation, and spiritual renewal.

My work is centered on creating restorative, trauma-informed spaces for women, caregivers, and cancer survivors. I specialize in Therapeutic and Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, AromaPoint Therapy, and Ayurvedic Aromatherapy, integrating ancient healing systems with modern science. What excites me most is witnessing how subtle tools—like the breath, a drop of essential oil, or a few moments of stillness—can transform how someone feels in their body and in their life.

I often say that yoga and aromatherapy are both languages of the subtle body. When combined, they work like poetry—balancing energy, soothing emotions, and reminding us that healing is not something we have to chase; it’s something we can return to. That sense of return—of alignment—is what my brand is really about.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to share that in 2026 I’ll be receiving my Certified Yoga Therapist title which encapsulates over 1000 hours of therapuetic yoga teacher training. I am currently a 500 hour Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher, so this will be a culmination of years of study and heart work, and I’m eager to mentor others in bringing these tools into their own healing communities. I’m also currently working toward my Professional-Level Certified Aromatherapist designation, deepening my expertise in trauma-informed, Ayurvedic, and cancer-supportive aromatherapy

And coming in 2026, my upcoming book, Aligning with the Stars: Vedic Astrology and Aromatherapy, will invite readers to explore the celestial and energetic connections between planetary archetypes, essential oils, and personal healing rituals.

What I’d like people to know most about my work is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about presence. Whether I’m teaching a restorative yoga class, formulating a custom aromatic blend, or leading a workshop, my goal is always to help others find peace within the pause, and to remind them that healing often begins in stillness.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have shaped my journey most are curiosity, compassion, and integration.

1. Curiosity:
Curiosity has always been the thread that connects everything I do—whether it’s studying aromatherapy chemistry, exploring the subtle body through yoga therapy, or diving into the symbolism of Vedic astrology. I’ve learned that curiosity keeps you humble and open to the unfolding of your path.
My advice: Stay endlessly curious. Ask “why” and “what if?” often. Follow the sparks of interest that light you up—they often lead you to your unique blend of purpose and expertise.

2. Compassion:
Compassion—especially self-compassion—has been the foundation of my healing work. Holding space for others means first learning to hold space for yourself, especially when the path feels uncertain. Working with cancer survivors, trauma survivors, and women in transition has reminded me that gentle presence is more powerful than fixing.

My advice: Learn to listen more than you speak. Approach your clients, and yourself, with curiosity instead of judgment. Compassion grows from that place of deep listening.

3. Integration:
I’ve always been fascinated by how seemingly separate disciplines—like aromatherapy, yoga therapy, Ayurveda, and managing chronic health conditions —can all reflect a shared goal: balance, connection, and flow. Integration is where innovation lives.

My advice: Don’t rush to fit yourself into one box. Let your experiences inform each other. Every certification, setback, and insight adds texture to your work. The ability to integrate diverse knowledge into something meaningful is what makes your contribution unique.

Ultimately, I’ve learned that the most impactful qualities come from within. Curiosity keeps you learning, compassion keeps you human, and integration keeps your work aligned with your soul’s purpose. I learned that in real time this year ultimately resulting in being a International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) SEVA (means “service” in Sanskrit) 2025 Finalist for my therapuetic yoga work with Hope Connections for Cancer.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely—I believe that meaningful collaboration is where the deepest healing and innovation happen. I’m always open to connecting with kindred spirits who share a heart-centered approach to wellness, creativity, and community care.

I’m especially interested in collaborating with emotional wellness professionals—such as mental health therapists, psychotherapists, social service counselors, who are interested in going beyond talk therapy and working with complimentary services like trauma informed yoga and aromatherapy. In addition, I would like to bridge the gap of integrative health and team with practitioners who specialize — in neurology, cancer, and other chronic health conditions, who are passionate about bridging evidence-based practice with soulful, compassionate care. I am interested in connecting with wellness organizations, cancer support groups, and nonprofits that serve survivors and caregivers, particularly those seeking trauma-informed yoga and aromatherapy programs. Last but not least, suthors, educators, and creatives who want to co-create offerings around embodiment, energetic healing, and personal transformation—whether that’s through retreats, workshops, podcasts, or written collaborations.

Collaboration, to me, is not just about expanding reach—it’s about expanding healing. When we bring our unique modalities together, we create spaces that are inclusive, restorative, and truly transformative. If anyone reading feels inspired to collaborate or simply start a conversation, I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me through my website at www.sbwaligned.com or email me directly at [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sofiahealth.com/shop/sherry-steine/
• Instagram: aligned express
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-s-ba60892b5

Image Credits

Image Credits: Hope Connections for Cancer, Shift Yoga Studio, Sherry Steine