Welcome to SYCC!
As a Veteran-owned and trauma-informed community space, our mission is to empower our clients to heal, breathe, and be free.
As we process trauma through the mind, we also have to process it through the body. Using the breath as our guide, we systematically work through each area of the body so that each client can calm the mind, increase their mobility, and decrease pain.
We are also a proud supporter of our LGBTQ+ community, and offer a Resource Center to support them in any way we can.
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See what's right for you!
Download the Sanford Yoga App or click the below link to view all of our shenanigans!
Our Story
Mike and Lindsey Knapp founded Sanford Yoga & Community Center in early 2020.
Mike, a Rolfing Structural Integrator, began getting curious about his own body after joining a martial arts class. He quickly realized how moving in non-linear ways often reduced pain and integrated a new sense of wholeness in his body. A short time later, he began a career in massage therapy where he found that he was able to reduce his client's pain and improve their circulation. But there still seemed to be a missing puzzle piece, until Mike discovered Rolfing after visiting a practitioner who fixed his chronic back pain by working on his ankle!
Mike was so intrigued he found a way to make it to the school that year and his career in Structural Integration was born. Structural Integration taught Mike to view your body in many connected dimensions. After simply watching how you walk, he can see where you may be compensating, even if that is not the area that hurts. He then deactivates your nervous system which helps you let go of patterns that may not suit you anymore.
With 18+ years of bodywork experience, Mike brings his diverse skillset to SYCC where he is honored to serve the distinguished community of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.
Lindsey....is a bit of a pistol as well. As an Attorney, Army Veteran, and Professional Rabble-Rouser, Lindsey used yoga as a way to process her PTSD, find balance, and live a happy and healthy life. Mike had been trying to get Lindsey to try yoga for years before she finally gave it a try. And at first.....she hated it. It was frustrating, she couldn't do any of the poses, and the chatter in her mind just wouldn't quit. But Lindsey kept showing up, and over time, she learned to calm the chaos of her mind and is now able to live a very peaceful life.
As the Executive Director of Combat Sexual Assault, a non-profit that provides support to Service Members and Veterans who have been retaliated against for reporting an assault, Lindsey puts her skillsets to good use as she helps others regain their power. Yoga has been the linchpin to her success, and she's excited to show you how.
Stop by and feel their energy and hear Lindsey's insatiable laugh. There's really no one else like them.
Meet the Staff
Lindsey Knapp
Lindsey Knapp
Lindsey Knapp
As an Attorney, Army Veteran, and survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, Lindsey found that yoga helped her calm her mind and process the trauma she experienced through her body. Through gentle and deliberate movements, Lindsey has been able to use yoga to reclaim her breath, and more importantly her mind. Take one of her classes and she will show you how to do the same.
Mike Knapp
Lindsey Knapp
Lindsey Knapp
Mike's background includes structural integration, martial arts, and movement re-education through Rolfing™ Structural Integration and Rolf Movement™.
This gentle bodywork and movement re-education reorganizes your whole connective system from head to toe.
Jody Sinischo
Lindsey Knapp
Stephanie Moon
A Certified Yoga Teacher, Health Coach, and Reiki Master, and beautiful soul, has spent the past 15 years teaching yoga (mostly) in Colorado to elite athletes, the military community, and humans from all walks of life. She enjoys many different styles and will greet you with warmth, understanding, and the opportunity to modify any aspect to fit your personal needs.
Stephanie Moon
Stephanie Moon
Stephanie Moon
Stephanie is the Chief Executive Director of The R3CON Initiative, leading mission-driven programs that help veterans, active-duty service members, and their families resolve trauma, rebuild identity, and restore purpose.
With 22 years as a military spouse and over two decades of service to the military community through trauma-informed wellness and education, Stephanie brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work. She is an experienced yoga teacher, iREST® Yoga Nidra certified teacher, Warriors at Ease instructor, and Ayurvedic lifestyle consultant, integrating neuroscience-based strategies with holistic healing practices.
Stephanie has partnered with veteran organizations to deliver evidence-informed programs that support reintegration, resilience, and long-term transformation. Her leadership is grounded in service, connection, and a deep commitment to bridging the gap between military and civilian life.
Sandra Bennett
Stephanie Moon
Sandra Bennett
Sandra began practicing yoga over 20 years ago at her first duty station Eielson, Air Force Base, Alaska.
Since then she practiced off and on but developed a stronger and more consistent practice to get through the stress of graduate school. In May 2025, she completed her 200 hr YTT with Living Balance Studios in Fayetteville, NC. She hopes to teach inclusive classes for people from different walks of life and abilities, making everyone feel welcome.
Prior to this journey she spent 9 years in the Air Force and later earned her Bachelors of Science and Masters in Marine Science from UNCW. When she isn't on her mat, she loves knitting, crocheting, reading, running, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Jaime Warkonyi
Stephanie Moon
Sandra Bennett
Jaime found her breath and began her practice in 2000 while attending weekly Hatha Yoga classes at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Since her move to North Carolina in 2005, she proudly serves as an elementary school assistant principal in the Wake County Public School System where she provides access to yoga, meditation, and reiki throughout the community. While living out her dharma of service to others, she advocates for self-care, wellness, inclusivity, and community resiliency.
“No mud, no lotus” is one of her personal mantras. She embraces the muddy waters of life, trusts the guidance of the Divine, and meditates on the #OMazing lotus garden creation before her.
Vincent
Cheryle Dangell
Cheryle Dangell
Born and raised in Sanford, Vincent has a connection to the people here, and really loves his hometown. He is an artist and musician, and enjoys supporting local metal and rock bands here in NC. He's a bold, kind, and solid soul interested in helping and being involved in the LGBTQ community in the area, espcially since he didn't know any other queer or trans people when he was growing up. He understands the importance of holding space for others and being seen, and looks forward to welcoming you at the studio!
LGBTQ+ Youth Hangout | Wednesdays 4:00pm
Cheryle Dangell
Cheryle Dangell
Cheryle Dangell
Cheryle is a warm gentle soul who has been teaching yoga for the last 20 years. After a traumatic assault and brush with death, she struggled to reset her nervous system and process the trauma she experienced. But although Cheryle is gentle, she is determined. And there was nothing that was going to stop her from figuring out how to make herself whole again. Thus her yoga journey began. Cheryle is now has more than 500 hours of training with the Yoga Alliance, and has been taking her skillset on the road where she helps children, veterans, family members, and anyone who is willing to walk their healing journey. Currently, her focus is active duty service members and specializes with helping those with PTSD.
Guest Instructor | Rotating Saturdays at 10am