In these pages, we feature many of the area's favorite Teachers, Speakers and Workshop leaders. 

Featured Teachers (Alphabetical Order)

Amber Baker, Kundalini Yoga Instructor

In her own words:  "I completed my Kundalini yoga certification courses in May 2007 at Kundalini Yoga in Chicago. For the past eight years, I have also been a practicing certified massage therapist, having received my certification through the Nuin Center in Pittsburgh. In addition, my experience includes twelve years of social work, working with many types of children. I am currently working with children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. As a teacher of Kundalini Yoga, my classes focus on letting yourself be exactly where you are and building on that foundation of acceptance. I will always strive to tell you both the benefits of what you are doing as well as the physiological responses that create that benefit. If I don't have an immediate answer for a question you may have, I will certainly find it as soon as possible!"

Dr. Elisa Beck, Optometrist: Improving your Vision Naturally

There is more to vision than how clearly you can see the Eye Chart.  What is peripheral vision, depth perception, and tracking ability? How do these factors affect how we see?

Dr. Elisa Beck received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 1987 from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia, and is a member of the Amwrican Optometric Association, western Pennsylvania Optometric Association, the College of Optometrists in Vision development and the Optometric Extension Program.  Elisa specializes in working with childrenand adults with learning related visual issues, and in improving overall visual awareness in herself and others. From learning disabled to athletes, she has facilitated natural vision improvement and enhancements in many people through optometric vision therapy.

Giovanna Bologna, Power Yoga Instructor

In her own words:  "I have been studying yoga for the past 5 years and recently graduated from the Amazing Yoga Studio in Shadyside, where I have been trained as a Power Yoga teacher. Together with my daughter Sienna and my husband Marc, yoga is one of the best things that ever entered my life. As a teacher my goal is to inspire students through a series of postures to become stronger mentally and physically and to awaken them to a new level of self-expression, peace and calm."

Judy Burke

Judy graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Communications and Psychology. She was employed by Pittsburgh Catholic Educational Programs where she worked as a teacher, counselor and administrator. In 1983 she married and started her family. While
raising her two daughters she began to study spirituality and alternative healing. In 1984 after taking a course in Transcendental Meditation everything opened up. She was led to study many spiritual texts including A Course In Miracles and The Ascended Masters' Teachings. She was led to many healers and alternative therapies. She has studied and received certification in Reiki, Spiritual Response Therapy, Spiritual Structuring, DNA Orion Energy Healing Technique and is a Tuning Fork Practitioner. Since 1990 she has organized many healing meditations in Pittsburgh including World Healing Day and Earth Day.

In addition to her healing practice Judy is employed by Cornerstone Senior Communities as a Training Specialist. She also facilitates various workshops on mudras, prosperity, sound healing and wellness. She is currently involved in starting The Akasha Mystery School of Pittsburgh and The Pittsburgh Spiritual Cinema Circle.  [TOP]

Patricia Cardoza: Psychotherapy, Reiki, Aromatherapy & Crystals

Patty is a certified Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapist (REBT), which is recognized around the world as a quick and highly effective psychotherapy method to deal with emotional and behavioral patterns. It is simple yet deep and effective. Patty declares: "My therapies are based on compassion and love -- helping clients find in a gentle and kind way that their negative habits and patterns can indeed be overcome. In this way, I give my clients behavioral strategies to use as life-long tools, especially whenever similar situations reappear".  She received her certification in Lima Peru, at the ITREC Institute, which is a licensee of the Albert Ellis Institute of New York City (www.rebt.org).

Reiki is a popular Japanese technique for healing with the hands. "It is the most effective energy therapy in my experience" says Patty. Through Reiki, Patty transmits positive universal energy to her clients. She calls her style Reiki Dharma in honor of her Reiki Teacher, Master Frank ARJAVA Petter (www.reikidharma.com). Patty completed Master Arjava's intensive 12-day Master Training Seminar in 2003 in Lima Peru under his personal supervision. Her Reiki Mother is Master Ivana Rigobello, who has over 30 years of healing hands experience in Peru. "She is a wonderful and compassionate teacher, and a close and personal friend", states Patty.

In Aromatherapy, the oils are applied directly onto the skin by single drops or gently massaged for a couple of minutes on the body. The oils are absorbed into the bloodstream though the skin, and activate parts of your brain which in turn activate key parts of your body. Certain essences, such as: Jasmine, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Bergamot, Orange, Geranium, Patchouli, and Rose, are either used alone on different parts of the body, or occasionally mixed for optimal effect. Patty states: "My work in Peru allows me to use a wonderful, all-natural brand of essential oil from Santa Natura. Here in the U.S., an excellent brand is Young Living Essential Oils".

In her crystal therapy massages, Patty employs stones of different shapes and colors, which are obtained from the highlands of Peru. She states: "I usually start my treatment with PIRITA, also known as Fool's Gold! Quartz crystals of different colors may be used, generally related to the color of the chakra with which I am working.  I usually finish the sessions with a Laser quartz crystal". A unique characteristic of her practice is that she uses a pendant quartz crystal on her left hand while she massages with the quartz crystal on her right hand. "This is the way I was taught to do it in order to fully drain out the negative energy that is stuck in the body as blockages or knots" she says.

Patty can be reached by email at pattyreiki@yahoo.com.  Also check out her new website coming soon at: www.PattyReiki.com.    [TOP]

Daniel Caron, MS, CAGS, Original Play LLC

Daniel’s years of work with Original Play will help you to take your leadership initiatives to a new level. His background includes work in education, wellness and counseling. He left this work shortly after 9/11 to focus on helping people develop better relationships through Original Play. Daniel now travels across North America assisting groups and organizations with challenging situations and relationships. He facilitates Original Play programs for youth groups, colleges, businesses and conferences. Daniel’s articles on Original Play have appeared in education and personal development publications.

Fawn Chang:  feng shui design that works for YOU

Fawn Chang, Certified Feng Shui Consultant and teacher, has practiced feng shui for more than 12 years. Fawn has studied with International Masters Phil Janetta and Terah Kathryn Collins and is a graduate of the Western School of Feng Shui®. Fawn has also studied with Dr. Deepak Chopra, MD to become a Creating Health® Educator and Dr. Robert J. Gilbert, Ph.D. (Vesica: Sacred Space & BioGeometry).

By removing the cultural myths and confusion surrounding Feng Shui, Fawn helps clients incorporate the essential principles of balance and hharmony into our Western lifestyle to make your environment work for you to meet your goals and surpass your expectations for health, wealth and happiness.

Carol Ciocco:  Angel Gatherings and Reconnection

Edward Dinnen:  Conscious Transformation Workshop

Edward Dinnen holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Newport University, Newport Beach, California.  In the working world Ed has successfully done marketing and sales, helped create start up companies, and done extensive organizational and operational consulting.  Currently he is exploring a path of personal transformation, while making ends meet, which is precisely what George Leonard and Michael Murphy of the Esalen Institute call “a householder’s path”.

Ed describes his workshop at The Green Bough as follows: 

Have you ever thought that we must be here for a reason other than merely working to get by? Consider this question: are we still evolving? Our mind and body is integrated. We, all of us, learn. Ultimately we may well be able to evolve capacities that currently are termed extraordinary. Research conducted by George Leonard and Michael Murphy, of the Esalen Institute strongly suggests that the best path to the realization of our latent powers lies in a long-term practice which integrates mind, body, heart, and soul. Integral Transformative Practice (ITP), is a path of practice that can help you realize your inborn genius while bringing pleasure, fulfillment, and good health, not just during this workshop but also in the weeks, months, and years to come. You will be introduced to a forty-minute series that includes physical movement, breathing practice, relaxation, transformative imaging, and meditation. You will practice balancing and centering, the use of ki, focused surrender, and the creation of effective affirmation. This workshop involves physical movement but is not strenuous. All that's needed is a generous heart and a willingness to participate.

Recommended Reading: The Life We Are Given by George Leonard & Michael Murphy

Contact: Edward Dinnen, 412-606-4843, dinnen@verizon.net   [TOP]

Jim Donovan:  Interactive Drumming Experience!

In this program Jim gently guides the participants through a series of steps designed to help students learn the basics of hand drumming, musicianship and group dynamics through drumming.
The Interactive Drumming Experience focuses on strengthening listening skills, creative expression, relaxation and having fun. Jim’s relaxed and humor infused style of teaching is non intimidating and all-inclusive. Jim provides the drums or you may bring your own. No experience required.  During the program you will:  Learn the basics of hand drumming, develop a rhythmic foundation, learn to play music with a group, explore rhythms from around the world, learn to express your creativity through music, and sharpen listening skills.

Jim Donovan is a current and founding member of the multi-platinum band Rusted Root. Jim has released 3 solo CDs as well as 4 instructional drumming CDs. Jim has also recorded with Triloka recording artist Krishna Das on his highly acclaimed CD “Live on Earth”. Jim's most recent CD Revelation #9 is nominated for 2004 Electronica Album of the Year by Just Plain Folks Songwriters organization. Fulfilling his desire to share the power of rhythm first hand to people, Jim has built a series of educational drumming workshop programs that he teaches across the US at universities, festivals, schools, corporations, festivals and specialty venues. He is an adjunct professor at St. Francis University and is the current director of percussion at the New York Institute of Dance and Education. Jim is a featured columnist in Drum! Magazine the worlds number one drumming magazine. Jim was recently nominated for “Best Rock Pop Percussionist” in the 2004 Drum! Magazine Readers poll. For More Information, visit Jim's website, or email him. [TOP]

Susan "Suzie" Knechtel:  Music, Mandalas and Relaxationn

Susan “Suzie” M. Knechtel, MMT, LPC, MT-BC, has worked in the healthcare field for 18 years, with an emphasis on Music Therapy for over eleven of those years.  Suzie is a Board Certified Music Therapist, a nationally recognized professional credential. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania.  Suzie has presented at many workshops, seminars and intensive weekends, both nationally and internationally.  She graduated with a Masters in Music Therapy and is nearing completion of her Fellow in Guided Imagery and Music from Temple University.  [TOP]

Patricia Lemer, M.Ed, LPC, Executive Director, Developmental Delay Resources (DDR)

Ms. Lemer is a licensed professional counselor who practiced as an educational diagnostician in the Washington, DC area for over 30 years. In 2002, she re-located in Pittsburgh, where she shares offices with the Squirrel Hill Family Wellness Center. Ms. Lemer lectures extensively on using a trans-disciplinary approach to developmental problems. She is especially interested in diet, nutrition, vision and sensory foundations for learning. She is the author of many articles, including Attention Deficits: A Developmental Approach, Autism Spectrum Disorders, What’s New? and Prioritizing Therapies for Children with Developmental Delays. She is presently editing a book about autism spectrum disorders, to be published in Fall, 2006. [TOP]

Mariangela Mancuso, Yoga Instructor

Mariangela has been practicing yoga for approximately 10 years. She recently became certified to teach through the YOGAFIT program.

Over the years, yoga prevented a need for carpel tunnel surgery and allowed her to maintain a stronger back, despite degenerative discs issues. While running her own business for 30 years, yoga became a refuge to restore herself to a more peaceful heart and mindset which went beyond “yoga time” into daily life.

In her own words:  "Yoga helped me be aware of how I treated my body, which led me first to a vegetarian, then vegan, lifestyle. Now, I am excited to help others explore their own yoga journey".

William Meader, International Philosopher

For over 20 years, William Meader has been a student and teacher of Esoteric Psychology. Central to his teaching is an exploration of the many facets of spiritual psychology as conveyed within a theosophical framework. His efforts represent an amalgamation of subjects central to a progressive spirituality. Such topics as the psychology of the soul, esoteric astrology/cosmology, and the nature of soulful creativity are the cornerstones of his work. His passion is to teach people the deeper implications of modern spiritual development, and the means to more effectively express the soul in the outer world. William’s work is international in scope, and has gained widespread recognition. His articles are often featured in the Point of Light spiritual magazine and have also been published internationally.  

William is also a trained Esoteric Astrologer. The focus of this aspect of his work is to astrologically help people gain a deeper understanding of the Soul’s nature and purpose. Also examined are the personality factors that tend to block the Soul from achieving its incarnational intention. From this, methods are suggested to counter these tendencies so as to facilitate greater Soul expression. 

In addition to his spiritual interests, William has an advanced degree in the behavioral sciences, and has had several years experience as a psychology professor in California. Much of this work centered upon the transpersonal aspects of human consciousness. Having received a university degree in Business Management, he also has experience as a business educator, offering a variety of staff development seminars and workshops to the business community. Currently William is teaching and lecturing in Europe, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. He is married, and lives in the San Francisco area.

William returns to the Pittsburgh area two times a year to offer public events and esoteric astrology consultations. For information on his local events and the Pittsburgh Esoteric Studies Group, contact Linda Woodward at 412-487-6677.  His website is: www.meader.org  [TOP]

Dr. Jeffrey Meth, D.C and Holistic Nutritionist

Jill Palermo has received six fellowships and grants for her painting. Her work was placed on Pittsburgh's "2004's Best Art" list. Recent solo shows include "Cellular Luminaries" at The World Universe Gallery in New York, "Recent Works" at the Life Sciences Greenhouse, and "Out of Nothing" at Springboard Space in Pittsburgh. Mary Thomas of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reviewed "Out of Nothing," saying "Palermo's deft handling of paint- a bare wash reminiscent of Rothko in one area, finely defined veins elsewhere- makes her a painter's painter." Coinciding with the exhibition, Palermo hosted a workshop with BMC practitioner Mark Taylor entitled "Voice of the Living Cell."

In 2004, Palermo was chosen to exhibit in "Generation Art II," featuring five emerging painters, at The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. She has also recently been included in juried group shows at The Westmoreland Art Nationals, 937 Liberty Avenue Gallery as part of the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Take Two Gallery in East Stroudsburg, PA, and The Regina Gouger Miller Gallery. In June of 2004, she was chosen as a visiting artist at www.crudeoils.us .

Palermo received her bachelor of fine arts degree with a minor in architecture from Carnegie Mellon University in 2002. She has studied in Barcelona, Spain, and lived in an intentional community in Southwest Oregon, learning about sustainability, organic gardening, animal husbandry, and forming community. Palermo is also a North Star certified life coach, and is currently doing further training with the NLP and Coaching Institute. In 2001, she started The Copper Onion, a handmade metal jewelry business, exhibiting at art festivals and galleries around the country. Palermo lives and works in Pittsburgh's expanding art zone of Lawrenceville.

Jase Peck: Self Empowerment

Writes Jase:   "

Zimmerman Shi Fu was born in the Year of the Ox in Pittsburgh, PA. He is a Chinese Martial Arts Master. He has trained in Chinese Martial Arts (wu shu) exclusively for over 10 years.  He currently lives in Pittsburgh and also has a home in Shanghai, China where his Chinese wife and their newborn son await immigration to the USA. During his visits to China, he meets with his master Zhou Min De and receives additional martial arts instruction and fine-tuning at the Shanghai Jing Wu (Chin-Woo) school located in the pu xi (west) section of Shanghai.

Zimmerman Shi Fu is certified to teach:

• Yang Style Tai Ji Quan
• Qi Gong (energy work)
• Nei Gong (internal work)
• Xin Yi Liu He Quan (mind-intention 6 combination fighting style)
• Mi Zong Lian Bu Quan (Huo Yuan Jia esoteric fighting style)
• Mian Quan (secret “cotton” fighting style), and
• Chan (Zen) Meditation.

Zimmerman Shi Fu is known for his disciplined yet gentle teaching style. His approach is personalized and aimed at helping his students become the best that they can be. Competitiveness with others is not encouraged, rather, challenging and improving one’s self is the ultimate goal to achieve balance and harmony of the body / heart / mind / spirit. By way of the Chinese tradition and his teacher Zhou Shi Fu, he is bound by oath to only teach students who are relatively pure of heart and will not misuse the teachings in any way.

Zimmerman Shi Fu is the only known direct descendant of the traditional Yang style Tai Ji Quan school who currently teaches in the mainland United States. Although the famous Cheng Man Ching was a disciple of Yang Cheng Fu and taught Tai Ji Quan in the United States for some time before his death, he had altered the system (as some great masters do) to his own style and did not teach the traditional Yang family style to his American students (some of whom eventually became teachers). 

To read more about Zimmerman Shi Fu, his philosophies, technique and his lineage, click HERE.  To visit his new website, click HERE. [TOP]

Tom Zeller, Healer, Thai Body Sculptor & Herbalist

In 1981, while he was working as a carpenter at a construction site, Tom was injured severely. This injury left him in paralyzing pain, which terminated his employment at that location and impaired his ability to continue to make a living at this skill.

Upon the initial diagnostic with the orthopedic, he realized that the pain killing drugs and “cut and slash” approach offered by the allopathic community would not fully heal him. So he turned to Holistic methods of health care. Through prayer and mediation upon the Bible and his Christian faith, Tom was guided to read several other texts on ancient forms of healing. Being a Literary Scholar and having read the Bible several times, became very beneficial in this time of his life. He realized that a true “transformation” needed to take place in his life, incorporating a completely different “lifestyle”. His prayers guided him to other texts that enlightened him to HEAL HIMSELF. He was now experiencing a “vibrancy of being” rather then a “day to day existence”.

Tom has lived in several countries throughout his life. He has often referred to various ancient cultures to provide inspiration for his healing techniques. His mother was a great influence on his style and grace; and his father provided him with the “training of a boxer” that affect his stamina, and the “twitch muscles” so beneficial as a “Sculptor of Bodies”.

His high degree of skill is a phenomenal “life changing” awareness for all of those whom he touches. Tom’s quick wit and profound sense of timing help the body to unblock the meridians and complete the vibration cycle of health and healing. The transfer of energy that naturally occurs through the system improves lymphatic drainage, increases the circulation of the blood and thus the proper oxygenation to all the organs, bringing health and wellness to the entire person on a physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual level.  [TOP]

Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Art Therapy, Aromatherapy, Astrology, Biofeedback, Bodywork, Craniosacral, Detox Therapy, Diet & Nutrition, Drumming, Energy Medicine, Environmental Medicine, Enzyme Therapy, Flower Essences, Guided Imagery, Herbals, Homeopathy, Hypnotherapy, Light Therapy, Meditation, Mind/Body/Spirit, Music Therapy, Naturopathy, Neural Therapy, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Yoga, Sound Therapy, and MUCH more!