Suzanne DeStefano

Suzanne has helped me explore higher levels of movement efficiency. As a fitness professional aged 55+, her expertise is invaluable! Suzanne will play a key role in my longevity.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 I experience 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!

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!

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 individuals’ bodily concerns and is careful to prevent injury.

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.

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 “my” 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 had 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!

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.

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 struggle with pain- see Suzanne. I think she can help!