Joan Marie Miller
INDEPENDENT WELL-BEING AND LIFE GUIDE | WEST SONOMA COUNTY
I began life as an active child, then was diagnosed at the age of twelve with childhood rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors told me I would likely be bedridden for years, and maybe crippled for life. Even then, I felt a deep conviction that my body’s innate wisdom could overcome this challenge. I instinctively knew that movement was essential for life — so I began crawling out of bed and onto the floor, finding ways to move and reclaim my health. That small, determined act became the foundation of a lifelong path toward wellness, healing, and ultimately helping others find their own way to resilience and wholeness.
I later went on to complete an MFA in dance at Smith College, then performed professionally with a New England dance company for a number of years. Along the way, I also became a lifelong student and practitioner of many movement and healing modalities. These studies included Authentic Movement with Janet Adler, Pilates instruction with Mary Bowen, a student of Joseph Pilates, along with Continuum practice with Emily Conrad, all of which has deeply shaped my approach to embodied healing.
At the age of 23, I took refuge and became a committed practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism — a path that continues to guide my work with others today. For over 45 years, I’ve helped individuals navigate emotional and physical challenges, drawing on a blend of Pilates, Authentic Movement, creative processing, grief work, meditation, yoga, breath practices, Ayurvedic self-care, and personalized nutritional support.
My journey included working with a functional medicine chiropractor, a relationship which lasted almost twenty years. I now see clients in my private West County Pilates studio and at a nearby physical therapy center here in West Sonoma County. My approach is always personalized, respecting the unique needs, experiences, and hopes of each person who walks through my door.
I’ve been privileged to witness countless moments of healing and transformation — not only physical recovery, but profound emotional and spiritual shifts. It is my joy and honor to walk alongside those ready to reconnect with the powerful peace, balance, and vitality they already carry within.
I would be honored to walk with you on your own path to health and well-being.
TESTIMONIALS
Joan Miller’s work on the physical plane is proof of the idea that the more subtle the technique, the greater the results. With light touches and mental imagery to guide posture corrections the body relaxes into alignment.
But her work is not confined to the physical realm. It’s also meditation in action. As the motion creates new space where once there was restriction, the spirit begins to rejoice. Our soul seeks to understand these dark spaces. As the light filters in, there is this sense of coming home to ourselves. We leave with a clearer knowing of the abandoned parts that need tending.
“Movement Therapist” or “Pilates Instructor” isn’t broad enough here. There’s something much bigger going on with Joan Miller’s work. “Jedi Knight“ is silly, of course. But you get the idea.
~ Bruno R. LMT
I started working with Joan in 2013, after my osteopath recommended her. And after all these years, I continue to seek out her expertise and guidance. I knew she was an incredible healer from the moment I met her. Her level of understanding about the mind and body connection is unsurpassed by anyone. She has brought such incredible awareness and healing to my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. You truly feel like you are with family when you work with her. She brings so much love and compassion to her work.
I always feel so seen by her. Everything is customized for your greatest good. She knows if you need to do movement work that day or if you just need to talk or have some hands on energy healing. Her intuition is also uncannily accurate. She simply has a way of knowing things that can help you. I have been able to move forward through so many challenges in my life because of her support. I truly believe anyone, and everyone can benefit from working with her!
~ Judith H.G. MD
After many years of searching for my path to self-health, discovering Joan has been a gift from heaven. Injury and trauma recovery brought me to her, and I know I would not have recovered as well, or discovered this level of mind-body health without her. And she does her work with so much heart, caring and sensitivity to my unique needs. Her spirit is so present when we work together, hard but incredibly uplifting work. Commit yourself to listening to all her subtle insights and instructions and do your homework!
~ Neil B. Entrepreneur Whisperer
I had the privilege of meeting Joan Miller 20 years ago when we connected through our shared roots in the Pilates Technique. Despite coming from different backgrounds, we discovered a mutual passion for the transformative journey of healing the body, mind, and spirit. Over the years, Joan and I have worked closely, often collaborating on shared clients, and I have consistently admired her profound understanding and dedication to the healing arts.
As a Physical Therapist and owner of Sebastopol Physical Therapy with over 30 years of experience, I have a deep appreciation for what it takes to guide someone toward wellness and wholeness. Joan’s expertise and intuition have been invaluable to me, both professionally and personally. On the occasions when I’ve needed guidance along my own healing journey, Joan has been my trusted choice.
Her ability to listen deeply and her compassionate approach create a safe and nurturing space for healing. Joan has a unique gift for helping others reconnect with their inner strength and balance, and I am deeply grateful for the role she has played in my life and the lives of so many others.
Joan is a rare gem in the world of wellness, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a skilled, insightful, and compassionate guide on their path to healing.
~ Paticia M. P.T. Owner
What is amazing about Joan’s work is it truly spans body and soul.
Joan has helped me connect to what is truly essential in my life and been able to attune to the deeper patterns that have created pain and then offered clarity and inspiration for ways to come back into alignment, both in spirit and in body.
I love that I can walk into Joan’s studio a mess and leave feeling centered and empowered.
~ Angela B. CMT
I have worked with Joan for almost four years now. She practices out of an amazing West County studio built in a park-like setting. My sessions with her include work on many levels, and help keep me on the path I seek as I mature in both mind and body. My newly gained body awareness has had profound, positive effects. Joan Miller is a rare find, an expert in her field, and as a healer I wholeheartedly recommend her.
~ Andrew M. DDS
