Our Story
Somatic healing, rooted in the Greek word 'soma,' meaning 'living body,' is a profound approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind and body. True healing involves addressing both physical and emotional aspects of the self.
This holistic philosophy is one that Andrea Cruwell, Embrace Movement Studio owner and founder, integrated into her life long before the studio blossomed into a physical space in the charming historic Harrisonville Square.
The seeds of Embrace were planted in Andrea's life from experiences and relationships encouraging her to cultivate her innate inquisitiveness for learning and life. This led to her earning certification in several holistic modalities, and opening the doors of Embrace Movement Studio in 2022.
"I embrace a healing-centered approach that is deeply intertwined with the concept of self-love. Beyond just instructing yoga postures, my mission is to impart a profound understanding of the body's intelligence and the intricate workings of the nervous system. This entails guiding students to slow down, to tune into the sensations within, and to truly feel each movement. Rather than viewing the body as a machine to be controlled, we honor its wisdom and innate capacity for healing," Andrea shares.
"Women are the sacred keepers of magic, and my passion lies in guiding them to unearth their own."
Through practices such as yoga, dance, breathwork, and meditation, Embrace facilitates a journey of releasing stress, tension, and trauma stored within the body. Each in-person yoga and movement class is crafted with the intention of fostering deep connection and awareness with one's own body, guiding participants towards a state of balance and harmony.
"We proudly offer a sanctuary for somatic healing."
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Our Mission
Embrace Movement Studio's commitment lies in teaching the transformative power of movement and mindfulness, nurturing a space where individuals can explore their inner landscape with compassion and curiosity. We are honored to embark on this journey with our community, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the warmth and support that surrounds us. Together, let us continue to grow, heal, and thrive.
Our Instructors
Meet Our Intuitive Movement Team
Andrea Cruwell
Owner | Certified Yoga Instructor
Wild, nature loving, universe honoring, divinely feminine, adoring wife, free spirited, homeschooling mom and newly... entrepreneur! Andrea is a lover of yoga, dancing, painting, hiking, her amazing husband and four beautiful daughters.
"Namaste, my name is Andrea Cruwell. Studying and learning are by far my biggest passions in this life. In addition to my wife and mother roles. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology in 2012, became a certified Yoga Instructor (RYT200) in 2015. In 2017 I received a Shamanic Healing/ Energy Healing Diploma and Reiki I & II attunement. 2017 also brought with it an intense self-study in Energy Medicine and personal growth. My most recent adventure has been exploring the natural, primitive and intuitive ways we can heal by moving our bodies. I opened Embrace Movement Studio in 2022 and I am currently pursuing certification in Qigong; an Ancient Chinese healing art.
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My teaching style is healing centered and wrapped in teaching self love. I devote my teaching not only to yoga, but to teach the intelligence of the body and nervous system through slowing down and feeling. I think when we approach movement from this perspective, we begin to work with the body rather than against it, and this creates a harmonious relationship that is pleasurable, playful and fun."
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Lindsey Milzarek
Certified Yoga Instructor
“I am a full-time music teacher and a certified yoga instructor (RYT 200), with a deep appreciation for creativity, connection, and presence. I enjoy photography and find inspiration in quiet moments and natural beauty, whether at home or while traveling—often alongside my husband. In my free time, I’m a self-described “serial hobbyist,” spending time reading, painting, raising houseplants, playing instruments, and crocheting. The calm, creative energy that flows through each of these joys carries naturally into my classes.
I discovered yoga at a time when both my mind and body were in desperate need of healing. I fell in love with the way movement, breath, and presence come together on the mat. While my favorite classes often include a flowing vinyasa, I have grown to deeply appreciate slow, nourishing practices that invite rest, awareness, and balance.
My teaching style is warm, gentle, and adaptive with an emphasis on cultivating a strong mind-body connection. I strive to create a welcoming space where students feel supported, grounded, and encouraged to move in ways that feel good for their own bodies.”
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Lauren Fracassa
Dance Instructor
Laurens journey with her body and movement began in a fast paced competitive world as a young girl. Making her first 'all ages' competitive/dance team at the age nine where she competed around the country. By age thirteen, Lauren began choreographing routines which, in time lead her to coaching. Lauren coached multiple competitive KC cheer teams, created choreographed try out routines and choreographed her daughters dance solo that went on to win four separate awards in 2020. As a devoted wife and mother of three daughters, Lauren has grown to recognize the pressure and negative messaging surrounding female body's not only in the dance and cheer world, but in society as well. She has a strong motivation to not only change the narrative within her own family, but also to extend this narrative to women everywhere. Lauren is passionate about teaching women how to heal their relationship with their bodies through dance.
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