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Meet Your Neighbor: Anne Schadler
By Callie Thomas
When spring arrives, the notion of “reinvention” is a popular topic among magazine publishers in just about every category, from women’s lifestyle to sports to financial guidance. When the weather turns a bit warmer, the idea of banishing the winter blues is even more appealing as visions of fresh starts dance in our psyche. Reinventing one’s self can be as simple as changing your style, adopting a new game plan or becoming more fiscally responsible. But what if the reinvention is something much more transformational, like dealing with the stress, anxiety and depression caused by a devastating illness like cancer? Resident Anne Schadler is convinced that yoga is the path to self inquiry and awakening the healing forces from within. In the last five years, Anne has conducted 780 classes for 15,000 students who would agree.
Originally from Kansas City, Anne earned a Bachelor’s degree in dance, which led her to New York and ultimately to Las Vegas where she danced in the show Jubilee at Bally’s Hotel. She pursued an interest in marketing and went on to a career at Neiman Marcus as the Public Relations Manager. It was about that time that she also became intrigued by yoga, primarily for the physical benefits, but as Schadler says, “You don’t find yoga; yoga finds you.” She began to notice changes taking place in her life and in those around her. “Yoga put me on the path of self discovery, and to this day the journey continues even in my present role of teaching yoga privately and with people living with cancer.”
Through yoga, Schadler found her life’s calling and shares her knowledge and giving spirit with cancer patients through the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI). The nonprofit organization combines the best in research, education, early detection, prevention and high-quality patient care to help each patient in their battle against cancer. Studies have shown that breast cancer patients who participate in yoga have improved health and quality of life. Yoga helps to develop greater internal calm, strengthens the immune system, and enables patients to fight their disease by tapping into their inner, spiritual dimension.
Anne is a 200-hour registered yoga instructor and her experience encompasses a wide range of teachings. She draws inspiration to benefit her students through regular travels to India. Her efforts are well received by her students who have described her as “kind,” “patient” and “very giving.” Last November she was named a Local Hero by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. She is one of five to receive the coveted recognition. The program is a national philanthropic initiative that recognizes community leaders who contribute to the health of their neighborhood through volunteer services and civic engagement. The program also supports nonprofit organizations by allowing recipients to direct $5,000 to the nonprofit of their choice. Schadler chose to direct her funds to NVCI. “To me, teaching yoga is a reward in and of itself,” Anne said. “Seeing cancer patients gain strength during my class is truly a joy.”
In addition to NVCI, Anne and her husband John, who is managing partner of SK & G Advertising, support other charitable organizations such as the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the Nathan Adelson Hospice, Three Square and Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada. “We are very blessed, and we know how important it is for our community to be of service to others; to give and give selflessly,” she said. “We are a part of the fabric of the community and we each play an integral role in its health, vitality and growth.”
