Shelly Dimitrijevic

Shelly Dimitrijevic’s professional and philanthropic activities have always focused on improving the lives of others. She began her nursing career at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis and went on to become a LifeFlight nurse specializing in neonatal, pediatric, and cardiovascular intensive care.

Shelly has been involved with numerous charities focusing on children and education including the Charlee and the Chocolate Factory gala, The Venus Orbit, Design For A Cure, Jackson Memorial, and Impact Oasis. In 2010 she founded the Lotus program, a program that focused on educating parents on the nutritional needs of children and basic child development. Shelly also served on the Frost Science Museum gala committee for 7 years before Co-Chairing the event in 2015.

After a diagnosis of Celiac disease and subsequently receiving Certification as a Nutritional Consultant, Shelly recognized that topically applied products have an effect on her Celiac Disease and overall health. She turned her focus to developing skincare that was free of toxic and hormone-disrupting ingredients.

Since she lost her only sibling in 2012 Shelly has been determined to find a way to contribute to the recovery community in a way that can make a great impact and ensure that others have the resources necessary when they are struggling.

Shelly’s substantial contributions to SHE RECOVERS of both time and resources have been instrumental and deeply appreciated.

Kirsten Newquist

As a result of being introduced to SHE RECOVERS through retreats and meet-ups, Kirsten will be starting her yoga teacher training in the fall. These retreats also led her to become more deeply involved with SHE RECOVERS in a volunteer capacity. Kirsten was instrumental in setting up some of the Foundation’s grassroots groups and currently volunteers her time helping SHE RECOVERS Foundation to design and implement the Volunteer Chapter Network.

Kirsten and her husband recently moved from Southern California to Roswell, Georgia to be closer to Kirsten’s sister and two young nieces. When she isn’t spending time being an aunt, you can find Kirsten hanging out with their rescue Labrador or exploring their new state.

Mary Beth O’Connor, BA, JD

BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE
she / her

In addition to being a board member, Mary Beth is a founding member of SHE RECOVERS Support for Legal Professionals and is active at the local level with SHE RECOVERS in the Bay Area. Mary Beth has been living a sober life in recovery since 1994. She has a history of trauma and abuse, from which she’s worked hard to recover as well. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014 Mary Beth was appointed an Administrative Law Judge, from which she retired in 2020.

Mary Beth’s award-winning memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, was published in 2023. She also writes opinion pieces, such as I Beat Addiction without God for the Wall Street Journal and I was a federal judge, and I support Safehouse. Here’s why for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Mary Beth advocates about multiple topics related to trauma, substance use disorder, and recovery. She has appeared on television, radio, and podcasts; speaks at conferences and other events; and trains judges, attorneys, and medical professionals.

Taryn Strong, RYT, CPRC

FOUNDER AND BOARD VICE-CHAIR
she / her

Taryn Strong is co-founder of the SHE RECOVERS® Foundation and a Certified Recovery Coach, Somatic Coach, and Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher. Her work is grounded in the belief that healing must include the body.

Through somatic practices, Taryn supports others in reconnecting with their bodies, releasing patterns shaped by trauma and survival, and expanding their capacity to feel embodied, present, and alive. This approach is deeply personal, rooted in her own recovery and reconnection after years of disconnection.

She is also a Certified Aromatherapist, AromaPsychologist, Botanical Perfumer, and Community Herbalist, with a deep respect for the emotional and psychological power of scent.

Teaching yoga since 2007, Taryn has hosted over 60 women’s recovery retreats, presented internationally, and co-taught with leading voices in the field of behavioral health. She currently leads the SHE RECOVERS Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor Certification, SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio, and SHE RECOVERS Podcast.

Susan Carter

CEO
she / her

I am recovering from:
Alcohol use disorder, codependency, disordered eating.

The Identity-based group I belong to:
Chronic pain & auto-immune disorder, healthcare & allied professionals.

My personal definition of recovery:
My personal definition of recovery is the continual process of expanding my awareness to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically enhancing my life-long journey to wholeness.

What led me to SHE RECOVERS:
A desire to give back what I have been so graciously given that has led to an amazing life of sustained recovery and spiritual growth. I truly believe that every moment in my life has led me here. One of my favorite stories to share is how I came to find SHE RECOVERS – or rather, how they found me. In short, it involves a spark of curiosity over coffee and a remarkable moment at a SHE RECOVERS Conference that changed the trajectory of my life both professionally and spiritually. You can hear all about it here.

Why I love being a part of this team:
It brings me immense joy to work alongside such smart, passionate and committed colleagues and volunteers. I learn so much from them. Not a day goes by where I am not deeply inspired by this team and community.

Those that know me best might describe me as:
Tenacious, resourceful, and loving.

How these qualities show up in my everyday life:
Love is the foundation for all my thoughts and actions, I am resourceful when confronted with a challenge, and I am tenacious like a “dog with a bone” – I’ll never stop chasing the dream.

Something unique you may not already know about me:
I have four kidneys and a double bladder. I have vitiligo, an auto-immune disease that destroys or suppresses pigment producing cells on the skin.

Something I am most proud of is…
Launching a global nonprofit for women in or seeking recovery from all things.

Radical self-care look for me looks like:
Being mindful of ease and learning to pause. And, pampering myself with modalities that foster a healthy body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and service to others.

What I wanted to be when I grew up:
An artist.

Something that is inspiring me right now:
Supporting people to find, create, and nurture a relationship with the God / Creator / Higher Power of their understanding.

The SHE RECOVERS Intention & Guiding Principle resonating the most with me right now is…
Connection is our sole (soul) purpose. We’re stronger together.

My favorite SHE RECOVERS resource is…
The SHE RECOVERS Together Online Group where connection, support, and empowerment is available 24 / 7.

SRF Blogs I’ve authored:
sherecovers.org/a-peek-behind-the-curtain/

Dawn Nickel, PhD, CPRC, SRCD

ACTING CEO, CO-FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR

she / her

I am recovering from:
Substance use, trauma including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, codependency, anxiety, and workaholism.

The identity-based group(s) I am a part of:
Healthcare & allied professional, cancer survivor, mature woman.

My personal definition of recovery:
It changes often, but these days my definition of recovery is simply that recovery is a lifelong journey of healing. I think that not having a solid, static definition is a good thing. It opens the door to empower us all to create individualized and diverse definitions for our own recovery, and it’s a reminder that recovery differs across populations, cultures, and settings.

What led me to SHE RECOVERS:
Taryn and I talk about SHE RECOVERS being our ‘accidental movement.’ So not sure what led me here other than a true desire to create a connective, supportive, and empowering space for women to think / talk about and experience recovery.

Why I love being a part of this team:
I want to leave behind a legacy of hope for women in or seeking recovery.

Those that know me best might describe me as:
Grateful, curious, and a survivor.

How these qualities show up in my everyday life:
I believe that I pass recovery on to express my gratitude, and I call upon my curiosity to figure out what else I can do to support women in recovery. Oh, and I have survived a few near death experiences including surviving cancer.

Something unique you may not already know about me:
I really dislike cilantro.

Something I am most proud of:
My daughters, more than anything.

Radical self-care look for me looks like:
Rest, hanging with other women in recovery, walking in fresh air, reading novels, long hot baths, and sweet, milky tea.

What I wanted to be when I grew up:
An actress.

Something that is inspiring me right now:
The women working or volunteering to help grow SRF.

The SHE RECOVERS Intention & Guiding Principle resonating the most with me right now is…
We are all recovering from something. It all started there!

My favorite SHE RECOVERS resource is…
Definitely the SHE RECOVERS Together Online Gatherings – they are such an amazing display of everything that we are about. Volunteerism and support, vulnerability, celebration, and information.

A few of the SRF Blogs I’ve authored:
https://sherecovers.org/recovering-from-intimate-partner-violence/
https://sherecovers.org/dear-women-in-twelve-step-programs/
https://sherecovers.org/we-are-all-recovering-from-something/
https://sherecovers.org/when-your-mother-dies/
https://sherecovers.org/do-you-know-what-workaholism-looks-like/

SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio Woman doing yoga on floor

SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio Woman dancing

SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio Woman doing yoga in wheelchair

SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio Two dancing community members

Come home to your body. Move your recovery.

The SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio is an online library of trauma-informed, body-based practices designed to support women and non-binary individuals in or seeking recovery in reconnecting with themselves through movement.

Practice SHE RECOVERS Yoga and Dance from the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule, and in a way that honors your body and your recovery.

30+ classes. Unlimited access. One monthly membership.
Free trial available.
Cancel anytime. No experience necessary.

Your membership directly supports free recovery resources, education, and community care through the SHE RECOVERS Foundation.

EXPLORE CLASSES + START FREE TRIAL

Inside the SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio

30+ embodied movement classes
Trauma-informed yoga and dance practices
Access to a monthly LIVE SHE RECOVERS Trauma-Informed Yoga class with Taryn Strong — practice in real time
Short and longer sessions
Themed classes: Fill Up Your Cup, Notice the Stories, Energize and Ground, etc.
Gentle and active options
Suitable for all bodies and abilities
Guided by certified SHE RECOVERS Trauma-informed Yoga Teachers & Dance Facilitators
Practice any time, anywhere
New classes added regularly

“Taryn possesses such an amazing energy that is warm, welcoming, and inclusive to all. She has THE BEST voice! Since moving away from Victoria, I’ve never found a teacher who measures up to her – SO EXCITED FOR HER VIDEOS! I can’t wait to bring her into my living room!”

SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio group of women doing yoga together

Why embodiment matters for your recovery

Isn’t it time you gave your brain a little time off? Let your body help.

Recovery isn’t just cognitive, it’s embodied. The SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio offers trauma-informed movement sessions like yoga and dance designed to help folks in recovery reconnect with their bodies and experience healing from the inside out.

Membership also supports our nonprofit mission and expands access to free recovery resources for women and non-binary individuals.

Benefits:

Reconnect with your body in a supported way
Build self-trust, self-worth, and self-awareness
Complement your unique recovery patchwork
Move through your emotions
Heal from the inside out
Experience somatic release + joy
Contribute to accessible recovery support for others

“Today was my third class with Payton, and I cried. I stopped watching and just moved. I have lost a lot of my body awareness. Payton and these classes fill my soul. I am five months sober, and the addition of these classes has enhanced my journey light-years.”

Modalities

SHE RECOVERS Trauma-Informed Yoga

SHE RECOVERS Trauma-Informed Yoga is not your average yoga class — it’s invitational, non-performative, and designed to meet you exactly where you are.

It’s a trauma-informed, body-centered, all levels welcome space to notice what needs tending, release what has become stuck, and find sanctuary within.

It’s a place to befriend your body.

SHE RECOVERS Trauma Informed Dance signature image with a variety of women dancing at home

SHE RECOVERS Dance

SHE RECOVERS Dance is not a regular dance class with choreographed steps — it’s a trauma-informed, somatic exploration of intuitive movement in recovery with curated music and intentional cues.

There are no rules; the floor is yours to dance your dance.

SHE RECOVERS Dance invites whimsy and expression, and celebrates presence over perfection.

EXPLORE EMBODIMENT STUDIO

Meet the Facilitators

All Embodiment Studio classes are guided by SHE RECOVERS Certified Professionals who are trained in trauma-informed practices and compassionate facilitation.

Taryn Strong, RYT, CPRC, SRCD

Co-founder of SHE RECOVERS Foundation | SHE RECOVERS Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher | Developer of SHE RECOVERS Trauma-Informed Yoga + Teacher Training | SHE RECOVERS Coach

Teaching yoga since 2007, Taryn Strong has hosted over 60 women’s recovery retreats, presented internationally, and co-taught with leading voices in behavioral health.

Her work is grounded in the belief that healing must include the body — because recovery is not only mental, but physical. Through somatic practices, Taryn supports others in reconnecting with their bodies, releasing patterns shaped by trauma and survival, and expanding their capacity to feel embodied, present, and alive.

Payton Kennedy Redefining Recovery Retreats

Payton Kennedy, RYT, CPRC, SRCD, SRYT, SRDF

SHE RECOVERS Dance Facilitator | Creator of SHE RECOVERS Dance + Facilitator Training | SHE RECOVERS Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher | SHE RECOVERS Coach

Along with her roles of coach and yoga teacher, Payton Kennedy promotes self-awareness, body liberation, freedom, joy, and empowerment through SHE RECOVERS Dance. She has led groups of all sizes, online and in person, through these transformative guided movement experiences that build resilience in recovery and life.

Over the last decade, her work with SHE RECOVERS has centered around producing conferences, leading retreats, trainings, and workshops around North America.

You may enjoy SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio if you:

Have never quite felt that yoga practices were made with you in mind
Avoid yoga because it feels prescriptive or shaped by narrow ideas about bodies and ability
Want to move your body playfully without worrying about choreography
Like dancing, but haven’t explored it in recovery
Have never felt like you belonged in traditional dance classes
Struggle to feel in your body due to trauma, body grief, shame, or other life experiences
Sense that processing your emotions through your body may be healing
Want to engage with movement as a form of release and self-discovery
Are seeking a joyful, expressive modality for your recovery patchwork
Wish to reconnect with your inner child through music and movement
Feel curious about reconnecting with your body in an invitational, supportive, non-performative way
Are ready to befriend your body

This space is for you if you’re craving a compassionate, more embodied relationship with yourself and your recovery.

“I’ve been [ moving ] weekly for a while now and was wondering when it would all kick in. My whole life, I just loved to dance. Last night had such a great vibe and energy. Well, it happened. Moving meditation, soulful. And Payton used so many songs that were just perfect. Kudos to this community where women can just be.”

SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio woman doing child's pose yoga

SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio Senior woman doing yoga in wheelchair

How it works:

Start with a free trial
Monthly membership follows
Cancel whenever you like
Get immediate access to all classes
Practice anytime, anywhere

No pressure. No perfection. No prior experience necessary.

“Taryn’s yoga classes are like no other. Her holistic approach to her teaching always leaves me feeling that my mind, body, and spirit have been nurtured and strengthened.”

Come home to your body. Move your recovery.

Join the SHE RECOVERS Embodiment Studio, support yourself, and the recovery of others.

START YOUR FREE TRIAL

Shelly Dimitrijevic

Kirsten Newquist