Student Testimonials

“Feldenkrais has been life-changing for me. Enhancing my self-awareness has
dramatically improved my athletic performance and self-confidence. Suzanne can see
each individual’s needs, and she tailors her lessons accordingly. The movements are
generally easy to perform and relaxing.”- Susan Sugrue

“Learning to overcome habits, not by forcing the body into a certain form, but by recognizing and replacing movement patterns is truly life-changing for anyone who pursues an athletic passion. Suzanne explains the principles of Feldenkrais learning with clarity, empathy, and effective application. The changes evolve over time but are achievable for people of any age and any pursuit. I look forward to every lesson!” – Elena Cook

“I found Suzanne purely by accident one day at the club while stretching. I saw her working with one of her clients and doing strange movements with them. I finally asked her what she was doing, and she told me it was  Feldenkrais. I took some initial private sessions with Suzanne to address the extreme stiffness, lack of fluidity, and
balance that I had been experiencing despite my ongoing efforts at training and exercise. Between her private sessions and the group sessions I currently take with her, they have been life-changing. I found a level of fluidity, balance, and physical harmony that I had previously lacked. I have much more connectivity, physically and
emotionally with my body than ever before. I highly recommend anyone struggling with balance, flexibility, and other degenerative issues pursue a Feldenkrais course with Suzanne. It has been transformative!”-
David K

Suzanne is an advanced certified Feldenkrais practitioner and dressage instructor. I’ve done four sessions in the last two weeks, and it has changed my life. She is so skilled and intuitive and able to see the most amazing minute movements. The practice of doing the most subtle changes in how I move, with her instruction and guidance, has allowed me to do amazing things like find my right seat bone while riding, feel where my right shoulder blade is again, & even feel safer & have better control on my mt. bike. I cannot wait to see how it has affected my riding at my next lesson where I work much more than I do on 25 year old Zoe.

I cannot thank Suzanne DeStefano enough! I look forward to more discovery and healing as we work
together. I highly recommend her no matter where you live because all of this
work has taken place over Zoom!-Lore Mettler

“When we moved from Falls Church, VA, to Chadds Ford last summer, my husband and I were excited to find the Center. I was especially pleased to see that there was a Feldenkrais practitioner on staff who I could request as  a Personal Trainer. I knew little about Feldenkrais from my many years of modern dance and yoga, but as an older adult with a history of the usual things, I approach new modalities with a lot of caution. Since working with Suzanne in both small group and individual sessions, I have found her to be very knowledgeable and smart in her movement approach.

The work is challenging (in a unique Feldenkrais, good way), but she meets you where you are. I have definitely found improvement with my chronic aches and pains, range of motion, and in-the-moment awareness of how I use my body. I do not love working out, but I always look forward to my sessions with Suzanne!”-Joanne B.

“Suzanne has improved my strength and stability, particularly when working on my relatively weak right side after back surgery many years ago. She is a thoughtful, patient, and supportive trainer and works on increasing one’s bodily awareness and flexibility in motion. I recommend her without reservation.”-Richard C.

“I have had balance issues from being overweight. But since starting Feldenkrais with Suzanne, it has been a revelation. I can walk without swaying. My balance is so much better. My Plantar Fasciitis is starting to abate.
I feel lighter, and my movement has become easier. I see Suzanne two times a week and have been seeing her for about three months. My body feels better with each session, so I feel better about myself. If you have trouble balancing or walking or struggling with pain- see Suzanne. I think she can help!”-Tina H.

“I have been working with Suzanne since she came to the Center. I do not have pain from plantar fasciitis, I walk better and have improved balance, and my body feels like it did when I was young. I feel better everywhere, so I feel better about myself. What Suzanne does is really amazing. Everyone should try her services!”-Tina H.

“It is an ongoing story but Suzanne has helped me with increasing my body awareness and how to move my body in new ways that put less strain on me.
I definitely recommend Suzanne. She is sensitive to individual’s bodily concerns and is careful to prevent injury.”-Martha F.

“I’m grateful that Suzanne has been my trainer at the Center. I needed help getting started and staying with a routine. I have had difficulty in the past, as l experienced post-exertion muscle pain. I also have neuropathy. Suzanne listened to me, helped me set goals, and worked with me patiently. She kept me on track, always ready with a plan when we had an appointment and would adapt to my needs. In my experience, trainers would perhaps make the best effort but continue a pre-planned routine even when it is not working. Not so with Suzanne – her responsiveness has been remarkable. I now keep my routine going in the Center and at home.

In addition, I can apply what she taught me in the Feldenkrais method; this has made me aware of my body structure and healthy body awareness. I experience less pain and can help myself recover. I’m enjoying this journey. I’ve had an exceptional experience with Suzanne!”-Doris L.

“My balance and flexibility have improved since working with Suzanne over the past year as a Personal Trainer and participating in her Feldenkrais class. I feel taller and looser; after each class, and my hip pain has decreased notably. Suzanne takes the time to make sure each class participant understands and can practice the various small movements that are a key part of the Feldenkrais method. I have recommended Suzanne and the Feldenkrais class to several other members looking for a new approach to improving balance and flexibility.”-Kathy G.

“I have been experiencing painful upper arm and shoulder conditions caused
by bursitis and tendonitis. I went to an orthopedic surgeon who prescribed cortisol shots
and several Physical Therapy sessions, with limited success. I continued to experience
pain and restricted motion in my right arm, which I rely on for work and painting.
Then, I was told about the Feldenkrais Method. As it so happens, the Center has
employed a certified Feldenkrais practitioner – Suzanne. Long story short – Suzanne has
worked with me for several months, and slowly but surely -the pain has almost
diminished, and my range of motion is almost fully restored. I continue to see
Suzanne to work on my neck and knees, which have occasional discomfort and pain. I
have learned a lot about my bad habits of sitting and walking, which often contribute to
long-term pain that many experience as we get older. I highly recommend trying this
method of treatment – but give it time. Results won’t happen quickly, but with patience
and willingness to try alternative therapy – you will notice many improvements.”-
Richard M.

“Suzanne has worked with me for the last 6 months. When I first began training with
her using the Feldenkrais Method, my muscles were very tight and tense, and I was
having frequent back and hip pain. Since working with Suzanne, my body has been
less tense, and my hips and shoulders have loosened significantly. If Suzanne
sees that anything is causing me pain, she can adjust her method to eliminate the pain
but still achieve the intended results.

I have also started taking Suzanne’s Wednesday morning small group class. She is
excellent at modifying movements depending on each person’s body and physical
limitations. Suzanne is extremely passionate about the Feldenkrais Method. It is all
about mindful movement and enabling your body to use the laws of physics to work
smarter and have the muscles and bones work together for less stress on the body. I
would wholeheartedly recommend Suzanne and the Feldenkrais method.”-Maria P.

 

“A few years ago I found my abs; as a bonus of exercises I was doing in
Physical Therapy to heal my shoulder. It was an ah-ha! moment that transformed
workouts for me. I am grateful to Suzanne for helping me find my glutes through
lessons from the Feldenkrais method. This was another ah-ha! experience for
me.
For years I have been battling plantar fasciitis and chronic knee pain. I learned that I
can engage my glutes more intentionally and effectively to reduce the load and protect
these areas from further pain. I have found that the movement and sensory
lessons that I have learned with Suzanne are transferable to everyday activities
like going up and down stairs, walking, and balancing. I also have a more stable
foundation for the movements required in my workouts.
Suzanne has been very creative in planning workouts that protect my injury-prone areas
yet strengthen and prepare me for imminent knee replacement surgery and the
recovery period that follows. I look forward to partnering with her as I resume workouts
after surgery.”-Beth S.

I met Suzanne in 2004 during a phone survey that she was conducting for Feldenkrais practitioner Paris Kern; I had visited Paris a few times for functional integration.

Since then I have taken innumerable Feldy Lessons, as I call them, at her home in Chadds Ford, in various workshops and now on zoom, which I love by the way! (I am always on time.) I have taken many riding lessons with Suzanne as well as learn some in-hand over the years.

I can’t imagine a better combination of training and continuing education for the equestrian. Suzanne has a real gift for finding issues in my body and those in my horse that could use Feldenkrais attention. Often with slight changes, a demonstration of movement in me or in my thoroughbred Sunny, we have made dramatic improvements.

To be clear, I am a trail rider, plain and simple! I have no aspirations for competitive riding of any type. But I do want to ride as well as I can and do what’s best for my horse. I have been riding since I was very young and showed in the Pennsylvania Junior Circuit. Leisurely, safe riding in Beaver Valley of Northern Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania is what I now love. (With a few slow paperchases thrown in during the spring and fall.)

And now, so many years later, Sunny is 22, I am 70. I was thrilled to discover that Suzanne was offering classes on zoom during the Covid Pandemic. She has an equestrian podcast too.

I had a total knee replacement on November 23, 2020. And while the surgery and physical therapy went great and I was back in the saddle and on the trails on February 1, 2021, things were off. I didn’t feel fully integrated. I cautiously proceeded with Feldenkrais lessons, not quite sure what I could and could not do. (Full knee rehabilitation isn’t complete until 10-12 months.)

Suzanne was very understanding and always had suggestions for me to adjust the lesson, all the while taking care of myself. Literally within two lessons I felt like my old self, a full connected body! Of course maintaining that wonderful feeling requires regular Feldy work. I keep a diary of our lessons and often repeat them, in whole or partially, throughout the week.

This summer, after I felt comfortable my new knee, I decided to focus on other body parts needing attention. In particular my shoulders were killing me. Just two visits to Suzanne for Functional Integration (private lessons on her table and other slow movements off the table), and I was back on the road to success. My posture had been excessively upright, shoulders forced back and up. That led to so much strain in my upper body. I conscientiously practiced walking correctly and in particular, relaxing my shoulders … All The Time! I was pain-free, with a relaxed upper body within a few weeks. And the bonus? If things go south again, I know what to do! Suzanne literally helped me reverse a life long bad habit.

I would recommend Suzanne DeStefano’s Feldenkrais lessons and Functional Integration to everyone! And if you are a rider, the combination of getting your body working correctly with your improved horse, through lessons with Suzanne, is simply amazing. Life suddenly becomes so much easier. And finally if you are a barn manager, having Suzanne teach riding at your barn is wonderful for your boarders, leasers, students AND horses. I urge you to consider a series of workshops that combine riding, in-hand work and Feldenkrais lessons and/or Functional integration. Whether you are a beginner or advanced eventer, Suzanne is the best instructor you could hope for! Don’t believe me? Well try her out for a few lessons. If you are willing to listen and adjust, you will not be disappointed!

Dawn Willoughby

December 2021

 

“I’m someone that gave up riding because I felt like I was always nagging my horse. Thanks to Suzanne, I’ve started riding again and I’m much happier in the saddle.

Lengthening my spine and finding myself over my legs has made me feel like one continuous unit. Until I felt connected from head to toes, I didn’t realize that sitting back in the saddle had caused me to feel and operate as if I were two separate pieces-disconnecting my legs from my pelvis. I’m more secure in the saddle, feel more connected to my horse’s movements and my aids are clearer. . . and instead of nagging, I’m giving my horse space to respond for a more pleasant conversation.” -Joan Adelman

“I got to ride Aslan yesterday. Very interesting.

To back up: I had morning chores as usual — where I “walk the earth” for about 45 minutes brining horses in. As I walked, I was mindful of allowing my sacrum to drop. I could feel the release and recognize it from what we did in session. From there, the rest of my brain/body just sort of  wanted to reorganize itself all the way up.

The most interesting thing that I noticed from allowing The Drop, is that my hips leveled out to a good degree without any force or readjustment on my part. My walking felt less heavy/shuffling. And much more efficient.

So back to the saddle: same thing happened there too. What you and I worked on is still similar to what I located last week. But much less “EFFORT” was required. No grunting or holding. The simple drop of that plumb line made a good counter resistance and resulted in balance. For the first time, Aslan and I were able to stay in sync for a longer period of time. Even at the trot — if either of us fell out of balance, we managed to get back together without having to transition down to the walk. So now I am finding balance AND no pulling. I was also able to modulate the tempo by increasing and decreasing the tone. Both of us are very pleased with ourselves!” -Jenni Vance

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Suzanne (from the bottom of my seat) lol.I am a very grateful student of hers.The combination of her wisdom,experience and feldenkrais have taught me and helped me more with my riding than anyone else has in my 39 years of riding.As a result I have been able to find a better relationship with my horse,my seat and truly feel and enjoy every stride in the saddle but doing remarkably less!-Maria Vandegrift

My horse, Callie, wouldn’t go forward from my leg or with a tap of the dressage whip.  She would stand in the ring and kick at my leg if I attempted to ask or push her into a trot.   Suzanne’s approach is quiet with no drama, plenty of explanation and going just past the horse’s comfort zone to ensure progress  After only a few lessons she is moving more comfortably, efficiently and “balanced”.  I am learning to feel when Callie is “balanced” and straight to make the upward transition to the trot easy for her.  Also, Suzanne has changed my position to allow Callie to do her job and taught me not to be so busy with corrections.    I am finally developing a “feel” for what Callie is doing instead of just riding.   I am fully confident with Suzanne’s help I will have my horse and partner back.   Suzanne is a wonderful teacher and can help the horse and rider at all levels-Julie Huston

Feldenkrais

As you well know I suffer from severe “Planatar Faciitis” a disease of the foot where the bones move, the foot rotates, and arthritis develops between the joints in my feet. Without your lessons, I would be unable to move or walk. Even the lessons involving the twisting of the torso helped me in walking and carrying myself as well as eliminating the pain under the shoulder blades. The “Feldy elves” do wonders in rewiring my system at night. These little guys can explore and initiate nerve circuits all over. I have had the pain in my feet create pain in my knees, and lower back because the pain in my feet force my body to compensate by transmitting the gravitational forces incorrectly through the joints.

Since I am old (well older than you) and have been pretty restricted in my mobility, I have found that the ATMs and FIs we have done have re-awakened my nervous system permitting me to walk normally, well, as best as I can, with minimal discomfort. Obviously, nothing can cure my affliction, but the Feldenkais work has made a big difference in total flexibility of my torso as well as my limbs. I get out of bed with ease and no pain or stiffness. Now I know it is a continuous process and I am looking forward to further Feldenkrais Inspired lessons. I may get “Inspired” to get back in my dressage saddle.-Dale Wennagel