MIND-BODY GROUP WELLNESS for WOMEN IN OAK PARK, IL

STAR U: Sweat. Talk. And Rise Up.

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You’ve been surviving from the neck up for far too long.

You’re constantly thinking, planning, worrying, managing, and performing. You get through the day because you have to, but within all the chaos and the day-to-day routines, you stopped really feeling connected to yourself.

MAYBE LATELY YOU’VE NOTICED YOU:

  • Just keep “going through the motions”

  • Feel emotionally numb or disconnected

  • Can’t ever concentrate or stay present

  • Feel tense, sluggish, or exhausted all the time

  • Find yourself irritable and overstimulated for reasons you can’t explain

  • Keep thinking: Why do I feel so “off” lately?

You may even catch yourself dissociating—arriving somewhere and barely remembering the drive, rereading the same sentence five times, or feeling like you’re floating through your own life instead of actually living it.

Why is all of this happening? 

Your body is probably trying to get your attention. And eventually, when we spend enough time ignoring stress, emotions, exhaustion, and ourselves…our bodies start speaking for us.

It’s time to come back to yourself—to your body, your emotions, your energy, & your voice.

WHAT IS STAR U?

THIS ISN’T THERAPY. AND IT ISN’T JUST ANOTHER WORKOUT.

STAR U is a mind-body wellness experience designed for women who want to reconnect with themselves through movement, music, emotional expression, and community. 

I created STAR U because after years of working with women as both a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified group instructor, I noticed how many were living disconnected from their bodies—constantly thinking, managing, worrying, dissociating, and “keeping it together” while feeling emotionally exhausted underneath it all. 

Music and movement allow our emotional selves to express what we hide and mask from the outside world. Sometimes simply talking about what we’re feeling isn’t enough—our body needs a chance to say something, too.

    • Music from various genres

    • Nervous system regulation

    • Emotional expression

    • Supportive group dialogue

No dance or fitness experience is necessary, and there’s absolutely no pressure to perform. This is a chance to move, breathe, release, and reconnect with yourself in a completely different way—one where your body takes the lead.

REACH OUT

STAR U MAY BE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU IF:

  • Traditional talk therapy has felt helpful…but incomplete

  • You want movement without the pressure or intimidation of gym culture

  • You crave community, but struggle finding spaces that feel genuine and welcoming

  • You miss feeling expressive, playful, powerful, or connected to your body

  • You constantly care for everyone else but rarely feel cared for yourself

  • You’ve stayed after yoga, dance, or fitness classes because emotions unexpectedly surfaced

THE EXPERIENCE

Each STAR U session is 90 minutes and follows three intentional phases:

TALK

After movement, we transition into a group discussion. This is a space to reflect on the experience we just had, share anything that may have surfaced emotionally, discuss challenges from the week, celebrate wins, or simply listen and be present with others.

Participation is always voluntary—you’ll never be required or pressured to share.

01

SWEAT

We begin with movement. The first half of class includes a gentle warm-up followed by simple, easy-to-follow movement inspired by dance, martial arts, and fitness—all choreographed to music. Everything is welcome in a combination of expression, energy, embodiment, and nervous system release.

Throughout class, modifications are always offered, so you can participate at whatever level feels best for your body that day.

02

RISE UP

We close each session by setting an intention for the day, week, or season ahead of us. This is less about completing a checklist and more about reconnecting with yourself and what you really need and want for YOU.

03

WHEN WOMEN START RECONNECTING WITH THEMSELVES…

  • They stop living on autopilot and start feeling present in their lives again

  • Movement becomes freeing instead of something to dread or “push through”

  • They feel more grounded, expressive, energized, and emotionally alive

  • They realize their worries, fears, and even joys are far more universal than they seem on the outside

Your body has been carrying a lot. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO FINALLY LET IT GO.

frequently asked questions

FAQS

  • Getting started is simple. You can book a class directly through the Mindbody app. From there, you can choose the class date that works best for you and purchase either a single session or a class package.

    You do not need any dance or fitness experience to participate—just a willingness to show up and try something new. Come as you are, wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, shoes that provide stability for lateral movement (or go barefoot!), and know that there’s no need to perform or “keep up.” STAR U is designed to meet you exactly where you are.

  • Absolutely. STAR U can be a wonderful complement to individual therapy, especially for women wanting more connection to their bodies, emotions, creativity, and nervous systems outside of traditional talk therapy.

  • I created STAR U as both a certified group instructor and licensed clinical professional counselor because I believe deeply in the connection between the mind and body. After years of working with women in therapy, I saw how many were living disconnected from themselves—stuck in their heads, emotionally overwhelmed, or constantly pushing through stress without a real outlet to release it. From personal experience growing up as a dancer and then a fitness instructor, I find movement to music very therapeutic.  It has enabled me to release pent-up sadness and grief, express anger in a healthy manner, and revel in my joys.  I want to share this with you!

    STAR U combines safe, approachable movement with emotional awareness and supportive community. My background allows me to create an experience that is not only physically supportive and accessible but also emotionally grounded and welcoming for women at all levels.

  • The movement combines elements of dance, martial arts, fitness, and mindful movement choreographed to music. The focus is less about “getting the moves right” and more about helping you reconnect with your body and energy.

  • Currently, STAR U is open to women and those identifying as women ages 18+.

  • No. Participation is always voluntary. You are welcome to share, listen quietly, or simply take in the experience however feels best for you.

  • You would not be alone in that. Many women come in feeling nervous about trying something new or moving their bodies around other people. This space is intentionally designed to be supportive, nonjudgmental, and welcoming.

  • Not at all. STAR U is designed for all experience and fitness levels. The movements are intentionally simple, approachable, and modifiable.

    We know that women’s energy ebbs and flows throughout each month; I will show modifications so that you may choose movement according to your individual energetic needs that day.