When you meet Lisa Schaefer, you’re immediately struck by her calming presence and quiet strength—traits that make her a valued Women for Healthy Rural Living (WHRL) community member in Milbridge. Through her work with Healthy Acadia and WHRL, Lisa teaches tai chi and restorative yoga, helping others reconnect with their bodies, find peace in the present moment, and explore their own paths to healing.
Lisa’s journey with tai chi began by chance. About eight years ago, she took a class at the University of Maine at Machias (UMM) and dabbled in the practice. Life got busy, and tai chi slipped into the background—until she spotted a class offering in a Healthy Acadia newsletter. Tai chi instructor Nina was offering a class at WHRL. Lisa signed up, and something clicked. “That first class at WHRL rekindled something in me,” she says. “I started taking other classes after seeing the brochure. It just felt right.”
For Lisa, tai chi became more than a physical practice. It was a way to heal, especially after surgeries and health challenges. “Tai chi helped me in my own recovery,” she shares. Everyone can benefit from the movements, breathwork, and mental focus—it all helps calm anxiety and brings you back to your body. You stop living so much in your head.
Inspired to share these benefits with others, Lisa worked closely with Nina to become a tai chi instructor. Today, she leads classes at WHRL and other locations, always emphasizing that tai chi is a practice without pressure. There’s no competition, no ‘perfect’ way to do it. You can modify movements as needed—even do them while sitting down.
Lisa also teaches restorative yoga, a gentle, meditative practice that complements her tai chi offerings. Whether through yoga or tai chi, Lisa’s approach is rooted in kindness and accessibility. It’s about listening to your body and learning to take better care of it. Lisa said, “You’re never too old to start taking steps toward better health.”
Before diving into wellness and movement, Lisa was a pharmacist—a career that allowed her to help people in another way. Originally from Indiana, she attended pharmacy school and later resided in Illinois. When her husband, a Massachusetts native, wanted to return to the East Coast, Lisa was ready for a change. They moved to Maine in 2010, and after a short stint in Bangor, a job opportunity brought Lisa to Machias in 2013. She fell in love with the region’s natural beauty and the sense of community, and she’s been there ever since.
Outside of her classes, Lisa has embraced the creative spirit of Down East Maine. She quilts, knits, and weaves, and is currently exploring watercolor painting. She gardens, reads, and has a particular interest in herbs and natural healing. Her curiosity led her to investigate the history of her property, and to her amazement, she discovered it once belonged to an ancestor.
Lisa’s involvement with WHRL has had a ripple effect on her family and community. “My family supports WHRL by spreading the word—telling friends and neighbors about the programs, encouraging them to check it out,” she says. And the connections she’s formed through WHRL have been deeply meaningful. Through these programs, she’s met some genuinely wonderful people and finds WHRL a supportive, welcoming place.
Recently, Lisa added a new member to her household—a lively puppy already outgrowing her older sibling. Amid all her hobbies, teaching, and community work, she’s adjusting to puppy parenthood with the same grace she brings to everything she does.
Whether guiding a class through gentle tai chi movements or sharing a quiet moment in yoga, Lisa Schaefer embodies the WHRL spirit—empowering others to discover strength, healing, and community, one mindful breath at a time.
Thank you, Lisa, for all you do!