True Body Project

I joined the True Body Project the summer I turned 14; it was my first job, but little did I know that it would become the foundation for my entire adulthood. That beautiful experience taught me that my voice is my strength and that genuine empowerment comes from within. The creative expression and movement practices we learned in TBP have become quintessential in establishing balance for me as I navigate my analytical career as a Surgical Robotics Engineer and my artistic endeavors as a photographer and videographer. In the chaos of the world, I often return to those roots via swimming, cycling, and strength training as a method of active mindfulness and to reignite the flame of self-determination I first kindled in True Body. I am grateful to have had amazing women like Stacy, Aralee, Donna, and Apryl as creative mentors during my adolescence. Their leadership, compassion, and dedication were awe-inspiring during this formative time in my life. Ultimately, the True Body Project sowed the seeds of creative expression and movement, which have become the roots of my womanhood and a vital compass in my life.

Ciera Brooks

A summer job, turned into adolescent awakening, turned into 20 years of seeking spaces, people, moments, and movement which would emulate even partially what 2005 meant for me and my cohort of apprentice-peers. Every day was a new somatic experience, churning up the chaos of creation inside us all. As our work evolved into one, incredible, collaborative achievement, we saw the end of the summer draw close. We had come from all over the city, few of us with cell phones and no social media to speak of, and so most of us would inevitably drift apart. I went on to be involved in various other iterations of the TBP over the years, sometimes being reunited with my dearly held True Body friends, welcoming newcomers, and never forgetting the teens of 2005 who were so briefly but impactfully a part of my life. The chaos of creation is still churning within us, uniting us wherever our True Bodies may be.

Ramsey Rosenberg

I was 16 when I participated in the inaugural True Body Project. I still carry the values it instilled in me to this day, the core three being 1. my story matters, 2. Hearing the stories of others, especially those from different circumstances, is a gift and 3. My worth is not defined by my physical appearance. With the rise of social media paired with a dramatic increase in cosmetic procedures over the last 20 years, not the mention the adverse geo-political climate, I fear deeply for the safety and self esteem of our young people. This is why I feel passionately about the importance of programs like True Body Project.We must continue to foster spaces for kids and young adults to connect and been seen and heard for who they truly are. True Body Project does just that!

Jess DeLisio

When our teaching cohort was searching for a place to deepen their knowledge and skill sets around trauma-informed and SEL integration into the classroom, Stacy and The Well was the first resource that came to mind. Stacy has been a leader and expert in this arena for years, and is someone I personally have gained extensive wisdom and tools from over the years while building a personal and professional toolkit within the world of Somatics. The team at The Well created a bespoke training - fitted to our teachers specific needs, requests, and schedules. The space was comfortable, inviting, and had everything we needed. The training itself was a beautiful balance of science, experiential practices, depth, and levity. I am grateful to have this resource in our city and the Pones teachers all agree that we would continue in this training all year long if possible.

Kim Popa, Pones

What I learned from True Body was how to become more empowered and connected with my body, mind, and spirit. As my own recovery and healing journey evolved, I was inspired to learn more about different techniques and modality to share with and help support others. True Body shows up in my yoga, sound and reiki work as trauma-informed care to support each unique journey and guide people through sound, breath and movements to relax, renew and restore.

Sarah Yeung

True Body made it clear to me how much holistic health really can be an integral part of our daily life, as opposed to an isolated practice. While as a cancer survivor, I intuitively understand the need for embodiment and connection, the training with Stacy has offered me valuable techniques in holding space for others to experience, embody and express themselves in playful and sustainable ways.

Manuela Kind

Through True Body Project I learned the importance of connecting with my body through simple and playful practices. By being grounded in a somatic practice I am able to show up for myself and others more fully and authentically.

Rowe Schnure

What I have learned from my True Body experience is that when given the opportunity to connect to our physical, mental, and emotional experience with space, patience, and understanding, a path towards greater connection and empathy for ourselves and others can be fostered and grow. The skills I learned as a True Body Project teacher have taught me how to show up for myself and others with greater intention, and the importance of creating an environment where clients can feel safe, supported, and honored during a transformational and sometimes overwhelming time, as they prepare for childbirth and motherhood.

Hadley Corpus

True Body shows up in my flow, yin, therapeutic-style and nidra practices. The various calming and energy-lifting techniques, plus somatic movements can nurture people of all ages and across all cultures.

Dorothy Blake

The True Body Project introduced me to somatic healing I’d been intuitively practicing in my life without having the language to describe it. It allowed me to formalize an integrated womanist spirituality with embodied somatic work to be able to share it with others.

Dominique Brown

What I learned from True Body how to be more settled and present to myself and others. Noticing the subtle shifts in the body and energy, and how this impacts how we show up in relationships with ourselves and the world. I learned the reciprocity of healing in relationships and the joy that can be found when are more embodied.

Deanna Martin