Short Biography

Stephanie was born in New York City in 1960 and grew up in central New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, Douglass College. After graduating from college, she worked for 10 years as a trainer, technical writer, and technician in the telecommunications industry.

Stephanie (a.k.a. Stefani) Ann Pappas has been practicing Buddhism since 1982 with she took her vows with the Venerable Dawa Sambo from Tibet, and received various teachings from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and other renowned Tibetan Buddhist teachers.

From 1992-2002 she studied intensively with her teacher from Bangalore, India, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and was a teacher for the Art of Living Foundation and Prison SMART Foundation. During this time Stephanie was dedicated to the practice of Hatha Yoga, Sudarshan Kriya, and various Vedic meditations which included long silent retreats.

Stephanie is the founder and director of the Devalila Yoga Teacher Training, a registered 200 hour level training with the Yoga Alliance. Stephanie has certified over 110 teachers in North America.

Stephanie has co-authored 9 other books on yoga. Her new book, "Yoga Posture Adjustments and Assisting" is her first solo book project. Her upcoming books, "Reflections of a Codependent Yogi" and "Yoga At Your Wall" will be available in 2008.

Stephanie also works part time as a massage therapist, an interfaith minister, a belly dance teacher, an ESL teacher, and web designer.

Stephanie divides her time between her homes is in Tulum, Mexico and center NJ where she writes books and teaches. Stephanie leads workshops and trainings worldwide.