Sara Ivanhoe

After 30 years in Los Angeles, I’ve finally made my way home to the Bay Area. And after several years mostly out of the public teaching space, there is a lot to share. I wasn’t sure how to come back after such a long pause. Every attempt to “announce” a return felt forced, or cheesy, so I kept waiting. And waiting. I figured I’d know when the timing was right.

Last year, at a gathering, I met an extraordinary woman—Dr. Carol— an Olympic Equestrian Trainer, a deep thinker, and a bright soul. She invited me to speak about sleep in an upcoming masterclass for veterinarians and animal trainers who are on call, often awakened suddenly, caring for beings who can’t speak for themselves.

It felt like an unusual invitation. My instinct said yes.

I unplugged over the holidays, and it wasn’t until today that I realized my first presentation of the year is to Olympic Horse Trainers… in the YEAR OF THE HORSE.

As much as anything can feel like a sign, I heard “it’s time.”

Most of you reading this aren’t veterinarians or horse trainers—but the material I am covering can apply to almost anyone:

• what happens to the nervous system when sleep is interrupted
• how to fall back asleep after a sudden awakening
• support for night-shift and on-call work
• how to rest during the day after a rough night
• and how to re-energize when sleep hasn’t gone as planned

I’ll be sharing more soon—about Mill Valley, Berkeley, Stanford, Glo, sleep, and yoga.

For now, hello again. 🤍

Someone is 3 YEARS OLD today!

They grow up so fast.

A lot of “how did I get here?” thoughts lately. Somehow, on the first day back for in-person learning, I find myself teaching in the Engineering Department. Yes, these kids need to learn to Sleep too, but… somehow this is not where I would have placed me?🤷🏻‍♀️ But here I go, with full confidence that it always works out. “Sleep for Peak Performance,” second semester, here we go…