Nice to meet you
Most people call me Amber, but Sitara is another name I go by.
It's short for Bodhi Sitara (Awakening Star). This is a name given to me by the elders at Osho International India when I took Sannyas in 2004.
Sannyas
Sannyas means courage more than anything else because it is a declaration of your individuality, a declaration of freedom. It declares that you are becoming universal.
I'm also known to be a Purple Cow. Seth Godin’s Purple Cow theory has inspired me for many years, and I certainly have a reputation for doing things differently. I’ve learned to take risks, stand out, and trust that meaningful work is built through courage, creativity, and community.
No matter what people call me, at my core, I am a social entrepreneur. My work is dedicated to innovative projects that address pressing social challenges. I seek to develop collaborations that strengthen resilience, connection, and belonging in individuals and communities.
When I’m not working, you can find me on the water, paddling, foiling, sailing, or in the bush snowshoeing and hiking. I also love spending time with my family and grandchildren.
An ongoing journey
My work is deeply informed by lived experience. After navigating severe depression and chronic pain, I came to understand the power of mindfulness, restorative practices, and community support. Those experiences reshaped my life, and continue to shape the work I bring into the world today.
The beginning
I was 21 when I left my bartending job to step onto a very different path as a yoga teacher. What followed has been a deeply evolving journey, both personally and professionally, shaped by continual growth, learning, and connection.
Today, my work is a tapestry woven from where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going. Each thread reflects the people, experiences, and communities that have influenced my path.
Over time, this work has expanded beyond any one path or role. It has taken shape through collaboration, community, and a willingness to respond to what is needed in the moment.
What remains consistent is a commitment to creating spaces where people feel supported, connected, and able to move forward.
Work highlights
My spouse, Gord Stevens, and I combined forces as what we often refer to as "a skipper and sannyasin"
Together, we deliver mindfulness and mental health programming within the aviation sector, supporting professionals in high-performance environments with practical tools for resilience and well-being.
We also offer group programs for those navigating a fear of flying.
You can learn more about this work at gordandamber.com
It's been such a joy to weave my work into various programs, including motorcycle maintenance and stained glass!
Projects keep growing and evolving, shaped by my commitment to doing things differently and working alongside agencies and community partners dedicated to meaningful change.
Here’s to building hope, courage, and community, together.
Over the past 25 years, this work has taken shape
in many forms
Each area reflects the experiences, relationships, and communities that have shaped this path.
