Workshops & Demonstrations

This page includes a description of each workshop, a short bio of each presenter and a link to contact information on the presenter. Workshops and demonstrations will be held in Classrooms A, B, C and D. At 1:00 p.m. there will be a Cultural Dance and at 4:00 p.m. a Drum Circle in the Auditorium. Each presentation will be 50 minutes in length.

Clicking on a photo will give you a full size image of the picture.

11:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

Cheryl Jones-Reardon - Room A
Mindful Living and Stress Reduction

This presentation is designed for those who want to reduce stress related to work, family, or health. We’ll discuss how mindfulness can help you live with greater present moment awareness. The practice of mindfulness is not something that we can learn from a ‘how to’ book. It’s about learning and practicing a skillful Way to connect with an inner resource that exists deep within…one that will forever be accessible.

Cheryl Jones-Reardon, M.A. Exercise Science, has had extensive training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She holds a Certificate in Spirituality from Saint Joseph College and is the author of Mindful Exercise. Cheryl is founder of The Mindful Path, LLC. Contact information.

Deborah Ravenwood - Room B
Learning To Communicate With Your Animal Kin

In this enlightening talk, you will learn how to open the line of communication with your animal companions and enrich your relationship with them. Animals are masters at intuitive communication - they hear and understand what we are saying to them. Together, we will explore the possibility of opening the door to a more satisfying relationship with our animal kin by listening and sharing our thoughts with them. Learn about a drug-gree approach (using the Bach Flower Remedies) to help animals balance their emotional states and enhance their own lives and their relationship within their family. Join intuitive animal communicator, Deborah Ravenwood, for this heart-warming presentation.

Deborah Ravenwood, EMP, BFRP is director/owner of Ravenwood Holistic Wellness Center in Manchester. She is an energy medicine practitioner and 1997 graduate of the Institute of Healing Arts and Sciences. She is an Internationally Registered Bach Flower Practitioner with a 2001 Certification from the Edward Bach Foundation and is a Bach International Education Program Practitioner Teacher. She is also a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. Contact information.

Stacy Munro, ND - Room C
Probiotics: Healthy or Hype?

Take a journey with Connecticut naturopath, Dr. Stacey Munro, to the ecosystem of your digestive tract. Learn about probiotics, the "friendly bacteria" in our intestines and their role in human health. We will discuss research supporting the use of probiotics for immune strengthening, eczema, allergies, asthma, digestive problems, infectious diarrhea, and include some specific pediatric conditions. Types of probiotics and dosing will also be discussed.

Dr. Stacey Munro is the owner and director of Nature's Helper Medical Clinic in Windsor. She earned her degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ in 2005. Her practice focuses on the treatment of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, heartburn, fatigue, allergies, arthritis, and more. Contact information.

George Hoffman - Room D
The Gift of Balance - Stress Relief With Chinese QiGong

Stress and how to manage it are all too common problems in our fast-paced daily lives. Too much to do with too little time in which to do it leads to an accumulation of tension, stress and associated physical and emotional impacts. Conquer your stress with relaxed breathing techniques, optimized body posture and focused intention that can help you rebalance your body's energy and release stagnant energy, stress and tension.

George Hoffman has 16 years of study and 11 years of teaching experience in the Chinese arts of Tai Chi and Qi Gong. He has successfully developed and continues to deliver classes in both arts for a number of organizations including municipal recreation departments, corporate fitness centers, health-focused healing centers and as guest instructor for a Connecticut Tai Chi Cooperative. His goal is to give students the tools with which to reap the ongoing health and self-healing benefits associated with Tai Chi and Qi Gong by offering group classes and individual instruction at a variety of locations. Contact information.

12:00 p.m.

Steve Marantz - Room A
Your Prescription To Financial Well-being

How do you build the right prescription for financial well-being? Like any other prescription, you must have the right components. In this workshop, Steven Marantz will discuss components such as: life cycle location, inventory of assets, debt, investment alternatives, retirement plans, psychological factors, actions to consider and future possibilities.

Steve Marantz is a Financial Advisor at Rockville Bank. Contact information.

Dr. Norton Berkowitz - Room B
The Healing Power Of Our Past: Past Life Therapy

Norton Berkowitz, Ph.D. is a national and international educator, lecturer and facilitator. He has lectured and facilitated workshops for various foundations, universities and organizations throughout the United States. Additionally, he has appeared on local and national radio and television programs. Over the past fifteen years, Dr. Berkowitz has been a practicing hypnotherapist and is a participating member of the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame, the National Guild of Hypnotists and the Association of Past Life Researchers. He is Founder and Director of the Life Memory Recall Research Group, a group dedicated to collecting data and studying the healing effects of the hypnotherapeutic techniques Norton has developed: Life Memory Recall and Guided Light Therapy.

Currently, Dr. Berkowitz is continuing his work in private practice, is educating allopathic practitioners about his therapies via research and is facilitating large group workshops to increase awareness about the incredible healing potential his work can provide. He is the co-author of "THE HEALING POWER OF OUR PAST" with Dr. Hollie Martin. Contact information.

Kathleen Glucksman - Room C
HypnoBirthing: Comfortable, Easy, Peaceful Labor and Birth

Come learn about a natural childbirth technique for achieving a satisfying, relaxing and stress free method for you and your birth companion to bring your child into the world calmly and peacefully. See an actual HypnoBirth and experience a guided journey and light hypnosis to help you relax and use your wonderful imagination.

Kathy Glucksman is a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree. Her background is in neonatal nursing, but she has been in private practice as a lactation consultant since 1989, has been a labor support doula since 1991 and has been teaching HypnoBirthing, mostly in the Tolland/Mansfield area since 2001. She has attended over 50 hospital births and 6 home births. Contact information.

Marie Menut - Room D
Healing With Tibetan Singing Bowls

An introduction and demonstration of Tibetan Singing Bowls as used for reducing stress and for healing. Marie uses Tibetan Singing Bowls and tingshaws to channel Vibrational Healing. Known as the Himalayan Sound Instruments, they were used in ceremonies, meditation and healings. Originating in the ancient Orient, it has been found that shamans breathed prayers into the bowls as they formed them from the metals they found in the area, as they traveled. Today, they are used both for diagnosis and treatment. Their resonating tone changes as they are moved and sounded over the body, indicating blocks in a client’s energy field. Once the blocks have been identified, the vibrational sound waves produced by the instruments are used to clear and re-balance the energy in the person’s body.

Marie Menut, RN is on her third career, mom, rehab nurse, healer. Marie began working the healing arts of sound and touch into her nursing practice 28 years ago. She started with hands-on healing, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Sound Healing using Tibetan singing bowls, and Reiki. She found that her patients responded better when she used these complementary therapies. Marie's descriptive name for her healing is: 'Vibrational Healing on the Cellular Level.' Contact information.

1:00 p.m.

Sara Miller - Room A
Alexander Technique: Move Better, Feel Better

Do you want better posture and balance? Would you like to feel better and move easier? Then attend "Move Better, Feel Better" and learn how the Alexander Technique can help you! In this class you will begin to investigate how you use our body and explore ways of moving with less tension.

Sara Miller is co-founder of Miller Alexander Technique. She is certified by the American Society for the Alexander Technique and is a alumni/teaching member of the Alexander Technique Center New England. Contact information.

Marian Vitali, DC - Room B
Your Inner Well: An Energy Process For Renewal

Dip into your inner well and give yourself the resources and opportunity to restore balance, passion, and a lightness of spirit in your life. In this workshop you learn and practice an energy releasing and renewing process by simply using your hands, breath, intention, and an open heart. This workshop is based on Peruvian shamanic wisdom and taps into a universal spiritual essence. Your inner well is a renewable energy resource. It can be drawn upon to grow your vision and transform your life.

Dr. Marian Vitali DC, has devoted 30 years to providing therapeutic wellness services (including chiropractic, massage and energy healing); health, fitness, and well-being education, with consultations to thousands of people. Dr. Vitali created WholeLife Wellness & Shamanic Services, llc, which provides energy healing, workshops, mentoring, and wellness coaching services. She promotes a heartfelt vision that every person has the extraordinary potential for wholeness. She is inspired over and over again by people discovering and growing their inner resources. Let who you are becoming unfold! Contact information.

Greg Coleman - Room C
Abundance Patterns, Labyrinth Patterns: How to Combine These Two Energies to Bring More Abundance Into Our Lives

Everything that we do, are, and desire in our lives is part of the pattern of our lives. Abundance is one of these patterns. Using the newly designed Twelve Abundance Labyrinths, we will explore the Twelve Stages of Abundance and their associated patterns through mediation and writing. Participants will then select the Abundance Labyrinth that embodies their State of Abundance and use it to bring a greater understanding of and more Abundance into their lives.

Greg Coleman, MS, MFA, is the owner of Heartstone Labyrinths™, LLC, a poet and writer, and a master labyrinth designer and artist, who has created over 90 Intentional Labyrinth™ designs each with its own handbook that describes its intention and how to use it. The designs are created to help individuals and groups work with particular physical, emotional and spiritual concerns. He is a Reiki Master and teacher and an Aroma therapist who creates essential oil blends to accompany some of his labyrinth designs. He has created two forms of energy bodywork: Feng Shui Body Work™ and Intentional Labyrinth™ Energy Bodywork. Contact information.

Morningbird Jackson & Vibrations Of Love - Room D
Relaxing & Healing With Bowls

The vibration of sound has a definite effect on the energy field surrounding the body. Sound waves vibrate in reaction to the condition of the energy field. Participants may experience relaxation of tension and stress, deeper meditation, lowering of blood pressure, relief of pain, accelerated healing of wounds and fractures, enhanced mental acuity and the release of blocked emotions. Tibetan Bowls represent the sound of energy. They have been used in sacred ceremonies in the monasteries of Tibet and Nepal for over 3000 years. The sound allows you to go deep within yourself to a place of peace and healing. If possible bring a blanket or mat to sit or lay on.

Vibrations of Love is presented by Laura Dufield and Martha Miranda. The share a common interest in healing and meditation. Laura and Martha are Reiki Masters and Laura is a graduate of Tibetan Singing Bowls from Hartford Hospital Integrative Medicine Department.

MorningBird is a local Native American who does healing through music and meditation. She loves to do this kind of healing energy with Vibrations of Love and their singing bowls. For MorningBird this is a very sacred healing technique. Contact information.

Center For Progressive Therapies - Auditorium
Cultural Dance

Bollywood & Classic Dance of India and a cultural children's dance will be presented. Troupe Little Egypt of Belly Dance Connecticut will tapping their cymbals and swirling their veils in a dance presentation of the Middle Eastern culture. Dance is a healthy form of aerobic, endorphin releasing activity available to us all, and it's fun! Teachers from the Center for Progressive Therapies have chosen music and movement typical of their classes and trainings. Contact information.

2:00 p.m.

Scott Goldsmith - Room A
A Family That Plays Together...

The old adage, “A family that plays together, stays together” still rings true. However, opportunities for family play have all but vanished because of increased job demands, reliance on organized activities and the influx of media-based entertainment and electronics. The result is a breakdown in family relationships. This is a one-hour introduction to my series of workshops designed to strengthen family bonds through fun and engaging activities. The activities will help families enhance trust and improve communication skills, leaving them feeling rejuvenated with a renewed sense of hope and connectedness. These workshops also help parents and kids break down communication barriers, opening the door for genuine and meaningful conversations. For today, you don’t need to come with your family to join in the fun and learning!

Scott I. Goldsmith, M.S., LPC is a school psychologist, licensed professional counselor and teambuilding consultant with an office at the Center For Progressive Therapies (C4PT) in Manchester, Connecticut. Scott provides individual, family and group therapy. He also facilitates an array of workshops aimed at improving schools, corporations and other organizations through experiential teambuilding programs. Contact information.

Matthew Raider, MD - Room B
Meditation: Connecting Body, Mind, Spirit

Meditation can help you deal with the stress in your life. It can boost your immune system and help you with your physical and emotional problems. Dr. Raider presents some of the latest medical and scientific data regarding meditation and the prevention and treatment of many disease states including high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and chronic pain. He also will explain how and why meditation helps us to live in a way that gives expression to our spirit, the source of all healing and shows us how to use meditation to access your own healing power.

Dr. Matthew Raider, MD is a Geriatric Physician and is medical director of four health care facilities and was faculty for UCONN Medical School Geriatrics Curriculum for many years. Contact information.

Marie Mammone, ND - Room C
What Is A Healthy Diet: The Anti-Inflammation Diet With Spirit And Love

If you're totally confused by the mountain of information., it's time you got some straight information. This informative talk presented by a naturopathic physician, Dr. Marie Mammone, will allow you to do just that. A well-chosen healthy food program will increase your energy, relieve aches and pains, and even heal chronic illnesses. At this talk you will learn what a healthy anti-inflammation diet is. Once you separate fact versus fiction you'll be well on your way to a healthier you.

Dr. Marie Mammone is a Naturopathic Physician who practices in Wethersfield, CT. Contact information.

Breathe...more of Tolland - Room D
Spring Cleaning: Yoga for Detox

Both beginners and long time students of yoga may be unfamiliar with the "why" behind the "doing" of the yoga asanas. While they may know what "feels good", they may not understand the very real health benefits of each pose. This workshop will explain why many of the yoga poses have specific purposes which are said to help speed up metabolism and digestive processes.

Cherie L. B. Trice, MA, RYT, Director and Vicky D. Hannon, RYT, Assistant Director, are both yoga instructors at Breathe...more and registered through Yoga Alliance. On a combined basis, they have over 28 years of teaching experience. Contact information.

3:00 p.m.

Richard Gould - Room A
Advanced QiGong - Energy Healing Techniques of the Taoists

An in depth presentation into the ancient healing traditions of the Taoists, including the use of Energy Healing, nutrition and herbs to bring health, vitality and balance to the body, mind and spirit. Examples and demonstrations will be provided. Highly informative for everyone, a must see for Energy Healers.

Richard Gould received a rich and powerful education in spiritual practices working with such prominent masters in Tai Chi and Chi Kung as Grand Master William CC Chen, Ken Cohen, Kam Lam Chuan, and Dr. Yang Jwing Ming. Dedicated to advancing spiritual awareness and the quality of life for all, Richard creatively combines his unique life experiences, knowledge, skills and gifts in his teachings of Spiritual Alchemy.

In addition, Richard is an award winning Visionary Artist, spirit medium and master guide. After earning his B.F.A. he went on to graduate studies and apprenticed with several prominent artists and craftsman. Over the years his work has appeared in national magazines, books, CD’s, videos, television and environmental graphics. Today, Richard offers a large and diverse body of artwork designed to heal, empower and inspire. Contact information.

John Tycz - Room B
Why Your Lawn and Landscape Should Go Organic

This presentation will address why and how homeowners, businesses and municipalities should switch their lawn and/or landscape from a conventional (synthetic chemical) approach to an organic approach.

John Tycz, BSc, MA, is a NOFA Accredited Landscape Professional and member of the Ecological Landscaping Association. He owns Go Organic LLC, an all organic lawn and land care business, serving the CT-MA-RI area since 2007. Contact information.

Lisa Burch - Room C
Psychotherapy as a Pathway to Spirit

Psychotherapy is a powerful tool for addressing intrapersonal and interpersonal stress and relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety to name a few. When old wounds, neglects and traumas are healed it allows space for connection to Spirit, and Spirit can facilitate the way to wholeness and health. Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Lisa Burch talks about 28 years of experience as a psychotherapist, facilitator and witness to moments of grace and hope as Spirit shows up in the therapy office.

Lisa Burch, LCSW is co-founder/co-owner of Spirit Matters, a holistic healing center in Ellington, CT. She received her Bachelors degree from Trinity College in 1978 and her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago in 1981. She combines traditional psychotherapy with more recently developed therapies including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS). Lisa uses ego state (inner child) work and relaxation training strategies to assist clients in building inner strength and resources. She integrates the wisdom of Eastern philosophies and practices and other religious and spiritual traditions in an nonsectarian way to counteract the anxieties and frenetic pace of the Western world and build inner peace and connection to Spirit for herself and her clients. Contact information.

June Hyjek - Room D
Cleaning Out the Closets: Releasing Negative Tension and Building Energy

Clear out negative thoughts, tensions and stress, and make room for new rebuilding energy in your life! In this workshop, you will learn how to clear out those thoughts and worries that are holding you back from getting what you want in life, and then practice holistic techniques to tap into, build and use the life force energy within you. You will gain a fundamental understanding of the chakras and then practice techniques from a variety of energy therapies, including meditation and relaxation, Self- Reiki and Chi Kung.

As president and owner of Meridian Health & Fitness, June Hyjek provides integrated wellness programs that combine mind body and energy therapies with traditional fitness training. She offers extensive experience in stress reduction, pain management and weight loss, working with clients to overcome the physical or emotional issues that have hindered their success. Her practice emphasizes techniques that work to create physical, emotional and spiritual fitness. June is a graduate of the Advanced Training Program with the Center for MindBody Medicine and is certified by the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America, with specializations in chronic disease, core stabilization, orthopedic disabilities, eating disorders and seniors. She is also a Reiki Master and practices Chi Kung and Tai Chi Chu’an. Contact information.

4:00 p.m.

Priscilla Bengtson - Room A
What's Your Body Really Telling You?

Pain and discomfort are your body's way of telling you something is wrong. Physical pain and postural misalignments can be caused by physical, emotional or other factors. Exercise can help, but oftentimes, the problems go beyond the physical body. During this workshop we will explore your body alignment, daily habits, belief systems and emotional triggers to see what may be the source of your pain and discomfort. Working with your energy centers, you will obtain a better understanding of your physical body, along with your body-mind and learn ways to renew your spirit, relax your mind and change your body. Dress comfortably and be ready to move.

Priscilla Bengtson is a certified Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master and Health Coach. In addition, I hold certification as a Thai Yoga practitioner, Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor and Fitness Specialist. In addition she is a spiritual messenger (psychic if you want to call it that), and certified Angel Therapy Practitioner® through Doreen Virtue, PhD. Contact information.

Cate Vallone - Room D
Pilates Is For EVERY Body

Pilates is a system of exercise and rehabilitation that focuses on the deep stabilizing muscles of the torso, hips and shoulder girdle. Join us to learn the fundamental breathing technique and stabilization principles of Pilates to promote strength and flexibility, improve posture and reduce tension.

Cate Vallone, owner of Evolution Pilates Studio in South Windsor, is a fully-certified STOTT PILATES instructor and NSCA-certified personal trainer. Cate has been teaching Pilates since 2001, and currently splits her time between training clients and teaching instructor certification classes. Contact information.

Dennis Cotton - Auditorium
Power of the Drum

Come take part in our closing drum circle. A drum circle is a structured rhythm event that makes all participants feel welcome and valued. It allows non-drummers and drummers to feel creative and give to a community based on music. A drum circle teaches cooperation, reduces stress, builds friendships, and opens the door to people who may not otherwise play music.

Dennis Cotton has been studying the art of drum circles since the early 1990’s. He is a renowned drummer/percussionist who has made a name for himself as an elite music educator, session player and accomplished performer. He has recorded over 30 albums and toured internationally. Contact information.