Meet Lauren
No one box ever truly fit me...
Growing up in a divorced, interracial family was a gift that took a long road to appreciate. Through my own healing journey, fellowship with women, connecting to my lineage, and acknowledging my ancestors within me, I have found not only peace, but deep joy and pride in my bloodline. My African, European, and Cherokee/Choctaw Indian heritage fills me with purpose to utilize the healing practices of my ancestors to raise vibrations, uncover our true divinity, and rise above the programming of this modern world.
I had to acknowledge that I was exactly who I was supposed to be, to love myself more deeply. As a child and young woman, I didn't understand who or what I was. I never quite fit in anywhere. I felt as though I was constantly explaining my family, my skin tone, and my identity. Finally, in a deeply healing plant medicine ceremony, the spirits of my grandmothers held me in their warm, soft embrace. They told me that I am exactly as I am supposed to be. They told me that I belong. They told me that I do, in fact resemble the women in my bloodline. I wept in gratitude. And I finally saw myself, not as a flaw or mistake, but as a divine creature chosen to walk this path. |
"I move my body to move energy, to build strength and to feel alive, not to meet someone's criteria of fitness." |
I grew up the daughter of a group fitness instructor. My mom was active, and always reminded me that if I didn't have time to care for myself, that I needed to make time. I started joining her aerobics classes at the age of 10, standing right in the front row, doing grapevines and jumping jacks, while watching my mom ignite and command a huge room full of clients. I watched her put together classes, create mixes, and socialize with the gym members who loved her deeply.
By the time I was 12, I was dancing in a community ballet company, classically trained, spending six-seven days a week in classes or rehearsal. It was in my teens that I began to teach movement, first as an assistant ballet teacher, then leading my own classes. I was introduced to Pilates at the age of 13 and yoga at 17. Dance, yoga, and pilates are proven modalities that have healed my body after injuries and the birth of my three babies, and I've watched as they transformed the bodies of my clients. Building strength and balance from the inside-out. I've been practicing yoga + pilates for over 20 years, and am grateful for the opportunity to share. |
After working for almost 10 years in orthopedic and neurologic rehabilitation, I know the body wants to heal. It actively strives to reconnect and rebalance. But it needs our mindfulness and intention to teach proper body mechanics, healthier movement patterns, and how to utilize stability to improve mobility.
I want my clients to feel strong in their bodies, understand their body's language, and move in ways that frees their soul! |
It came as a full download. It was time to step out, and build the business I knew we deserved.
In 2016, while driving home from work in the rehab center, I saw the vision of Meraki Mama Collective. A space of healing, wellness, and community for women + birthing people. I had no business experience, but I built a thriving business, and opened my studio doors after working mobile for two short years. I didn't know
that being an entrepreneur was an option until it was the only way to bring my vision to life. I learned so much along the way: how to build a website, how to network, how to price myself, and so much more. I believe we all have an entrepreneurial spirit, sometimes we just need to help breaking the process down into chewable portions.
that being an entrepreneur was an option until it was the only way to bring my vision to life. I learned so much along the way: how to build a website, how to network, how to price myself, and so much more. I believe we all have an entrepreneurial spirit, sometimes we just need to help breaking the process down into chewable portions.
I am here to walk with you on your journey. It is my life path to be of service as a teacher, guide, healer, and holder of space.
I offer private and semiprivate sessions both virtually and in person. Let me show you your power. Let me guide you back to yourself. Let me help you see the beauty that lies within. |
photos by Yeyo Photography
Lauren Shields, MS, CCC-SLP, CD(DONA), E-RYT200, RPYT, YACEP
- Bachelor's Degree of Science; Communication Sciences & Disorders 2004
- Master's Degree of Science; Communication Sciences & Disorders 2010
- Certificate of Clinical Competence, American Speech Language Hearing Association 2011-Present
- Academy of Certified Birth Educators (ACBE) Birth Doula Certification 2016
- DONA International Certified Birth Doula 2017-Present
- Experienced 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance 2017-Present
- Peak Pilates Certified Mat + Apparatus 2017-Present
- Womb Wellness Yoga for Prenatal, Postpartum, and Fertility Certification 2017-Present
- Certified Traditional Usui Reiki Practitioner 2018-Present
- Carriage House Birth / Birdsong Brooklyn Postpartum Doula Training 2019