Hidden Gems: Meet Sandra Jersby of StretchA Method

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Jersby.

Hi Sandra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Sweden, and movement has always been a big part of my life, from dance and gymnastics to staying active from a young age. I went on to study nutrition and food science and began my career working as a diet tech at USC Hospital, but I quickly realized I wanted to work more directly with the body.

That led me into personal training, where I went deep into strength, corrective exercise, and performance, eventually competing in CrossFit and bodybuilding. While I learned a lot during that time, I started to feel like something was missing, everything was focused on how the body looked and performed, but not necessarily how it felt.

That curiosity led me into yoga, where I began to understand the body through breath, awareness, and a more intuitive approach. Over the years, I’ve completed over 700 hours of training, which deeply shaped how I work and teach.

From there, I discovered Thai massage, which became a turning point. I started traveling and learning from teachers around the world, blending both Eastern and Western approaches to movement and bodywork.

Over time, I integrated everything into what is now the StretchA Method. Today, I teach workshops nationally and internationally, helping practitioners work more effectively, sustainably, and with greater connection to the body.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Looking back, I think one of my biggest challenges has been myself, working through periods of self-doubt, low self-worth, and imposter syndrome.

A lot of that came from growing up having to become independent at a young age. My parents were divorced, and there were times where things were financially unstable, so I learned early on to rely on myself. I started working young and had to figure things out on my own, which in many ways made me strong and resourceful, but it also came with internal pressure and a lack of guidance or reinforcement.

Moving to the U.S. at 19 added another layer. I was far from home, navigating a new environment, and again had to learn how to take care of myself and find my way. Those experiences shaped me, but they also left me with certain self-limiting beliefs that I had to work through over time.

A big part of my journey has been doing that inner work, through yoga, breathwork, and other mindful practices, to rebuild that sense of self-trust and confidence. I’ve had to learn how to shift my mindset, work through old patterns, and recognize that I am capable and have something valuable to offer.

It’s still something I navigate. I think self-doubt shows up for everyone at different levels. But the difference now is that I have tools. I know how to come back to myself, how to regulate, and how to move through those moments instead of getting stuck in them.

In a way, those challenges have been some of my greatest teachers. They pushed me to grow, to become more self-aware, and to build a life and a career that feels aligned and intentional.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
StretchA Method is a bodywork and movement education system that blends Thai massage, assisted stretching, and modern techniques like mobility and corrective exercise.

What I’m known for is the way I integrate different disciplines into one cohesive method, along with a strong emphasis on intelligent sequencing and body mechanics. It’s not just about learning individual techniques — it’s about understanding how to apply them effectively, safely, and in a way that works for both the practitioner and the client.

As someone who is petite and has worked extensively with larger and athletic bodies, adaptability has been a big part of how I developed my approach. That perspective has shaped how I teach, helping practitioners feel confident working with all body types.

What really sets StretchA Method apart is that the trainings are designed as a full experience, not just a technical workshop. Alongside hands-on techniques, I incorporate elements like breathwork, nervous system regulation, and recovery practices to support the practitioner as well. I believe that in a service-based field, taking care of your own body and energy is just as important as the work you give to others.

I offer in-person workshops across the U.S. and internationally, along with specialized trainings like StretchA Sport, and I’m currently expanding into online education to make the method more accessible.

At the core, my goal is to help people feel better in their bodies while also helping practitioners build a sustainable and fulfilling career in this field.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you’re just starting out, my biggest advice is to stay curious and focus on building a strong foundation.

It’s easy to want to learn everything at once, but what really makes a difference is taking the time to understand the body, refine your technique, and develop your awareness. The more you invest in learning and practicing, the more confident you’ll become in your work.

I would also say, don’t just focus on doing more, focus on feeling more. Your presence, your breath, and how connected you are to your own body will directly impact how you work with others. That’s something I wish I understood earlier.

Another important piece is sustainability. This work is very hands-on, and learning how to use your body efficiently and take care of your energy is essential if you want to do this long-term. The most successful practitioners aren’t just skilled, they know how to maintain their own body and avoid burnout.

And over time, as you grow, your work will naturally evolve into something that’s your own. That’s where the business side starts to come in, but it’s built on the foundation of your skill, consistency, and authenticity.

Stay patient, keep learning, and trust that your path will take shape as you continue to show up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stretchamethod.com
• Instagram: @stretcha.method
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Stretcha-method/61577149183127/
• Twitter: https://x.com/stretchamethod
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StretchAMethod

Image Credits
Image credit:
-Madison Smith
-Terese Bergecliff
-Cam Alexiis
-Ian Spanier