Dr. Lydia Heather Knutson received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree summa cum laude from the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic. After graduating she trained with David Newton, D.C. in Wellesley, Massachusetts. His groundbreaking work is her greatest influence. She continues to expand this remarkably effective chiropractic technique with the work of Paul Dennison, Ph.D., founder and developer of Educational Kinesiology, and a pioneer in applied brain research. She is licensed in the states of Massachusetts and California, is a member of the American Chiropractic Association, the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society, the International College of Applied Kinesiology, the Educational Kinesiology Foundation, and the New England Kinesiology Network. She has attended many postgraduate seminars in Sacro-Occipital Technique, Activator Methods, Nutritional Response Technique, Educational Kinesiology, and the infant reflex work of Dr. Svetalana Masgutova. For nearly two years she participated in a project at the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard Divinity School exploring the relationship of women's health and spirituality.
Her personal interest in alternative medical intervention to assist with learning delays and disabilities began very early. Though a bright child, she didn't learn to read until the age of 10. As she struggled in the public educational system of the 1960s, a fortuitous visit to a forward thinking behavioral optometrist saved her life. He recommended eye exercises and a complete cessation of all near work. His hope was that given a rest the eyes would eventually develop binocular vision. This was radical advice, and for a lower-middle class family, the options for implementing it very limited. After flunking out of 3rd grade, her parents gathered the courage to take the very unusual step (in 1969) of taking her out of school entirely. Two years later she began to read and hasn't stopped since.
Dr. Knutson brings to her practice a wide array of skills and interests. In addition to her work as a chiropractor, she is a professional classical singer. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the Longy School of Music/Emerson College and a Masters in Voice from the Royal Conservatory, The Hague, The Netherlands. She is a founding member of the medieval music ensemble Fortune's Wheel, and a member of Boston based Blue Heron Renaissance Choir. She has recorded and toured internationally with many other early music groups, most notably Sequentia Cologne. She has a special interest in treating performers and assisting them with the physical and psychological stresses involved in the high stress, high stakes, high rate of injury, performer's lifestyle.
When she isn't singing or treating patients she enjoys playing with her nieces and nephews, gardening and cooking, and has plans to begin making educational videos. She lives with her husband in Arlington.
[read testimonials for Dr. Lydia Knutson]
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Joya Z. Baynes began her career as an Accountant. She graduated in 1994, with a Bachelor's degree from Georgia State University and immediately embarked upon a 12-year accounting career in Corporate America, traveling throughout the country. During her studies and traveled accounting career she was continuously reminded of her stress-induced health problems as an extension of her childhood ailments.
As a child, Joya had a negative reaction to immunizations resulting in an extremely compromised immune system causing her to become the product of continuous antibiotic use, the latest common cold drugs, two life-threatening events, and chronic constipation. Around the age of 15, she began to have harmful reactions to dairy products which enhanced her eczema irritations and migraine headaches. At the age of 21 she promised herself to find a healthier way to live.
Joya began to study Herbology with The Healing House in Atlanta, GA. She came across the book Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management by Dr. Bernard Jensen D.C., Nutritionist, and was amazed to learn that all diseases stem from the colon, which opened the door to her holistic health peril. This journey led to continued herbal studies with Earthsong Herbals of Marblehead, MA, Reiki training at North Shore Community College of Peabody, MA, an internship at The Holistic Health Center of Ghana, West Africa, and then to North Shore Lotus of Swampscott, MA where her mentor, the late Nancy Huberth, encouraged her to become a Colon Hydrotherapist.
In 2002, Joya graduated from the Internal Environmental Institute, Los Angeles, California. She was trained in the Allred Technique with the founder, Connie J. Allred, whom has been practicing colon hydrotherapy since 1967 and is the founding President of the American Colon Therapy Association (ACTA) which has been expanded to the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT).
Joya is an I-ACT Instructor and is Certified with the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy. While utilizing the Allred Technique, she embraces the "whole body" approach to healing with an emphasis on breath work and healing touch. Joya is committed to assisting individuals, mature and young, with relieving the discomfort of constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, headaches, fatigue, eczema and more, by restoring the colon's muscle tone and normal peristalsis for the achievement of regular bowel movements. Joya believes the combination of warm, purified water into the colon, breathing, and touch is the simplest way to cleanse the tissues of the mind, body, and spirit!
[read testimonials for Joya Baynes]
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Dr. Theresa Hopkins graduated summa cum laude from New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. After graduation, she was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Lydia Knutson, who became her mentor and trained her in the unique non-force chiropractic technique developed by Dr. David Newton. While completing her training at NYCC, Dr. Hopkins was offered the opportunity to intern at the V.A. Hospital in Buffalo, NY. The experience helped develop her interest in treating the geriatric population, while introducing her to the population's unique health needs. She hopes to continue to serve this valued part of our community, which she believes can benefit greatly from non-force chiropractic. Theresa also has a keen interest in neuroscience, and hopes to one day pursue a diplomate in neurology. Theresa holds a license to practice chiropractic in Massachusetts, and is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society.
Before attending NYCC, Theresa graduated with a bachelors of science in biology and chemistry from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. While at Clarkson, Theresa was both president and an avid member of the Clarkson Theatre Company. Theresa's interest in chiropractic began while she was a student at Clarkson. Originally a pre-med student, she became disillusioned with the medical field, and decided to pursue a more holistic approach to health care. She shadowed a local chiropractor, and was amazed at the results she saw. Soon after, she made the decision to begin her chiropractic studies.
When not treating patients, Theresa enjoys reading, cooking, and playing tennis. She currently resides in Arlington with her college sweetheart and their two cats.
[read testimonials for Dr. Theresa Hopkins]
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Eve Kodiak, M.M., holds a license in Educational Kinesiology and degrees from Harvard University and the New England Conservatory of Music. She has combined her professional interests in music and developmental movement into a modality she calls SOUND INTELLIGENCE. She has studied CranioSacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute, Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Dalcroze Eurhythmics at the Longy School of Music. Exploring Sound Healing with Arden Wilken, Continuum Movement with Emily Conrad, and dream work with Robbie Bosnak, Eve Kodiak has also studied infant reflexes with Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, Carol Ann Erikson, Renata Wennekes, Dr. Harald Blomberg, and other pioneers in the field. Her book/CD set, Rappin' on the Reflexes: A Practical Guide to Infant Reflexes, choreographs infant reflex movements to songs and raps, and is being used by practitioners, teachers, and parents on five continents.
Eve frames all of her work within the form of a "Brain Gym® balance." This educational framework involves setting a goal with the client, and then achieving it through neurologically directed movement. "Movement" is a broad category, and Eve Kodiak's clients may find themselves engaged in a variety of activities – from lying on the massage table receiving CranioSacral Therapy, to experiencing the vibrations of tuning forks in perfect Pythagorean fifths, to moving though infant reflex patterns, to improvising on the piano, to drawing or building with blocks, to simply talking. The path of each healing session is as individual as each person's life.
In conjunction with her one-on-one practice, Eve Kodiak presents to groups as varied as the Early Childhood Movement and Music Association, the New Hampshire Leadership Teacher's Association, and the Hope Center in Gardner, MA. Eve Kodiak also performs as a pianist, most recently in a series of concerts in the Boston area in which she both played music from the standard classical repertoire and improvised pieces based on titles given by the audience. She has also taken the role of "tour-guide" for other performers, helping the audience to have a more personal experience of the music they are about to hear. Eve Kodiak has produced a solo piano CD called Meditations for a New Year's Day, composed in the form of a labyrinth walk.
When Eve Kodiak is not at the Lydian Center, she lives on the side of a mountain in New Hampshire with her son, her husband, her cat, her dog, and an undetermined number of mice.
[see publications by Eve Kodiak]
[read testimonials for Eve Kodiak]
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A star pupil and protégée of Begabati Lennihan, Dr. Lategan has recently begun homeopathy consultations at The Lydian Center. She received her doctorate in pharmacology, magna cum laude, from the Lousiana State University Medical Center in 1980. For 25 years she worked in medical education and research, teaching, writing, and conducting research, before deciding to make homeopathy her career. Her studies in homeopathy have spanned the last 20 years, beginning in Switzerland and including a foundation year with The School of Homeopathy in Devon, UK and three years with Robert Stewart, RSHom (NA) at the New York School of Homeopathy. She is presently in her final year of practical training at Teleosis School of Homeopathy.
Dr. Lategan is the mother of two grown children, and resides with her husband and daughter in North Andover.
[see publications by Dr. Cindy Lategan]
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Begabati Lennihan, R.N., CCH*, Director, Teleosis School of Homeopathy, is a 1974 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard who has spent 30 years in different aspects of holistic health care. For 16 years she owned a health food store, where she first began working with homeopathic remedies in 1981. She began studying homeopathy professionally in 1995 with Dr. Luc De Schepper, and with him co-founded the Renaissance Institute of Classical Homeopathy. She currently has a practice in classical homeopathy for women and children in Cambridge, MA.
People come to see Begabati from all over the country, primarily New York and New England. For those traveling from a distance, followups can be done entirely by phone and remedies can be mailed. The homeopathic process works best if the first interview can be done in person.
Begabati has edited Dr. Luc's guide for laypeople, The People's Repertory, and his textbook for professionals, Hahnemann Revisited, as well as Yasgur's Homeopathic Dictionary, a reference book used by homeopaths around the world. Her article, "Homeopathy: Natural Mind-Body Healing" is in the July 2004 issue of Journal of Psychosocial and Mental Health Nursing, and her interview on homeopathy and nursing was webcast on nursedaily.com (download audio file for interview 12.2MB). Another interview on teaching homeopathy was webcast on www.wholehealthnow.com. A national journal for professional homeopaths recently featured an interview about her teaching philosophy and an article on her integration of spirituality and meditation with her homeopathy practice (Simillimum, Winter 2005).
Begabati is an Adjunct Lecturer on homeopathy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and co-authored the chapter on homeopathy in the American Pharmacists Association's Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs. She has also lectured on homeopathy at Northeastern University's School of Pharmacy and MGH Institute's training program for nurse practitioners.
Begabati has practiced heart-center meditation for more than 30 years under the guidance of spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy, who gave her the spiritual name Begabati. (Literally it means a fast-flowing river and symbolically it refers to the individual soul plunging headlong to merge into the ocean of infinite consciousness.) In keeping with Sri Chinmoy's philosophy of community service, she teaches free classes in meditation at Harvard University's Center for Wellness; in keeping with his mind-body approach to fitness, she has completed 50 marathons, ultramarathons and triathlons. Based on her practice in heart-centered meditation, she is able to establish a deeply supportive and nurturing relationship with her clients.
[see publications by Begabati Lennihan]
[read testimonials for Begabati Lennihan]
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Jessica Locke received her certification in the Alexander Technique from The Alexander Technique Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts under the direction of Tommy Thompson, Robert Lada, and Debi Adams. She studied massage therapy at the Massage Institute of New England, and is a Reiki practitioner. She holds a B.F.A. from Ohio State University (majoring in String Bass, Piano and Voice), and a Master's Degree in Vocal Music from The New England Conservatory of Music.
She was led to the Alexander Technique work after a car accident left her with debilitating back pain. After three months of lessons, not only did the pain virtually disappear, but she also experienced permanent relief from chronic migraine headaches and TMJ pain.
Jessica's other interests complement her teaching skills in the Alexander Technique. She was first chair bassist for the OSU Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. Arriving in Boston, she was a professional singer on the Boston scene for 30 years, working as a soloist in churches and temples. She was a member of the Cantata Singers, Emmanuel Music, and Banchetto Musicale, a founding Member of Griffin New Music Ensemble, and a soloist for the Brandeis Composer Series Concerts.
Jessica began her composing career with a multi-media exhibit at The Smithsonian Institution and Paris Air Show. This led to scoring for multiple documentaries, including the long running Visionaries series on PBS, and Race to the Moon: The Apollo 8 Story on American Experience. She has also composed and arranged for the Bose Corporation orchestral recording sessions in Mechanics Hall, Worcester. These experiences provided her with first-hand experience with regard to the difficulties performers may face in terms of the mechanics of playing an instrument, breathing, and performance anxiety.
After 9/11, Jessica traveled from Boston to New York City to provide Alexander lessons for a Ground Zero firehouse. The lessons produced beneficial effects for firefighters suffering from post-traumatic stress. Seeing the increasing health needs of these first responders, she created the Jessica Locke Firefighters Fund, (www.firefightersfund.org) a 501(c)3 organization whose purpose is to provide continued treatment to firefighters suffering from toxic and hazardous conditions at Ground Zero. Jessica's recently released memoir, Rescue at Engine 32, will be used as a fundraiser to open an alternative health care facility in NYC to continue the rehabilitation of these firefighters. She regularly travels to NYC to provide Alexander Technique lessons for the FDNY.
[read testimonials for Jessica Locke]
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Lauri Weinstein's passion for crafts, music, play and learning are fully evident in her work as an Occupational Therapist and Feldenkrais Method Practitioner®. Lauri earned her Occupational Therapy degree from Tufts University in 1987, and her certification as a Feldenkrais Practitioner in 2001.
Lauri began her Occupational Therapy (OT) career at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital, where she also developed an appreciation for working in community healthcare. In 1991 she became a part time OT for the Wilmington Public Schools, and it was there that her interest in working with and treating children began to reveal itself. Since then, Lauri has worked with children of all ages and skill levels in a variety of city and suburban schools, including a 10-year stint in the Cambridge Public Schools. During much of this time, Lauri also worked with the Visiting Nurses Association of Greater Medford, refining her abilities to evaluate environmental safety needs and teach independent living skills; while focusing her studies on modalities of education, including remediation, sensory integration, and environmental adaptation.
Pursuing a professional path that continuously reinforced the idea that wellness is closely connected to the organization and function of the skeleton, Lauri became introduced to the Feldenkrais Method of Awareness Through Movement® and Functional Integration®. Amazed at how quickly these classes could reverse her low back pain, chronic knee injury, and make all-around movement easier; Lauri realized the Feldenkrais Method would enhance her existing therapy skills because it resonated so clearly with developmental and sensory integration theories.
Once Lauri completed the 4-year, 800-hour professional training program, she began her private practice: Revival Movements: Improving function with Occupational Therapy and the Feldenkrais Method. By combining these two complimentary disciplines, Lauri is better able to serve her clients by facilitating a greater awareness and integration of their bodies.
Eager to share her enthusiasm of somatic education and functional skill building, Lauri designed several workshops on proprioceptive learning for teachers, parents, and students. Some of her favorites are: Breathe Away the Testing Blues, Relaxing Toddler Movements for Grownups, and Challenging Children: Creative Strategies for Innovative Problem Solving in the Classroom.
From 1992-1995 Lauri served as the OT director for the Camp Paul for Exceptional Children. From 2002-2004, Lauri shared her Feldenkrais skills with a group of autistic and developmentally delayed adults in the Opening Doors Through the Arts Program at Lesley University. From 2003-2005, Lauri served as co-chair representative of the New England Region of the Feldenkrais Guild of North America.
Lauri is a member of the American Occupational Therapists Association, the Massachusetts OT Association, and the Feldenkrais Guild of North America. Lauri is licensed to practice occupational therapy in Massachusetts, and she maintains National Certification in both Occupational Therapy and Feldenkrais Method.
[read testimonials for Lauri Weinstein]
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Eric Reardon M.S., C.N.C. is a certified nutrition consultant with over 12 years experience in health and nutrition education. He earned a Master's degree in Health and Physical Education from Eastern Kentucky University and completed holistic and clinical nutrition training from Bauman College in Penngrove, CA. He also completed an extensive Functional Medicine training program with Dr. Daniel Kalish, former physician consultant for the San Diego based, cutting edge functional medicine laboratory BioHealth Diagnostics.
Eric's interest in nutrition began as a teenager when his mother took over a small independent health food store. He learned the vital role nutrition plays in how one feels and performs by reading, listening and experiencing the benefits in his own life. After a period of time working in the family business, he worked in health promotion on the west coast and taught in the public school system. Not satisfied with his career path he decided to further study nutrition and received formal training at Bauman College, founded by Ed Bauman Ph.D., a leader in the field of holistic nutrition for over 30 years.
Eric currently consults, writes, and gives educational workshops on how nutritional therapies help to improve or alleviate many health concerns including fatigue, blood sugar imbalance, allergies, hormone imbalance, learning disabilities, digestive issues and more. His background in athletics and physical education enable him to design and implement cardiovascular and strength training programs for those in need of the exercise component.
A former collegiate baseball and basketball player, Eric also enjoys working with athletes looking to enhance performance through proper nutrition and supplementation. He and his wife reside in Chelmsford, MA.
[read testimonials for Eric Reardon]
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Bio coming soon
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Dr. Sharon Sass received her Doctorate in Psychology from Boston University in 1984. She is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and works with individuals, couples and groups. In addition, She is a Hypnotherapist and practitioner of Mind-Body Therapy. She has studied with many Master Clinicians including her greatest influence, Dr. Jane Forsyth, Ed. D. Sharon's extensive post-graduate training also includes three years with Dr. Dan Brown at the Center for Integrative Psychotherapy and many seminars with Dr. Herbert Benson at the Mind/Body Medical Institute. Sharon holds to the belief that whatever school of thought or modality, deep healing of the psyche is based in the authentic emotional engagement between the therapist and client.
Dr. Sass is a recipient of the Boston University Counseling Women's Award and was instrumental in starting their Master's Specialization on Counseling Women Program. She has taught Psychology seminars at Boston University, Boston College and Simmon's College. She is licensed in the State of Massachusetts and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
From a young age, Sharon has had a passion for the teachings of the Great Wisdom traditions, both Eastern and Western. She believes that embracing something larger than ourselves, in whatever form, can help the healing process. She integrates science, spirituality and psychology into her work as a Psychotherapist. This powerful combination of talk therapy and energy psychology can transmute many traumas and negative belief patterns into positive, useable energy for growth. In addition to her own psychotherapy, Sharon has practiced meditation for many years.
Dr. Sass brings other interests and talents to her practice. She is a professional painter and completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of New Hampshire. She maintains a studio at the Joy Street Studios and is represented by the Kiley Court Gallery in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Her work can be seen online at SharonSass.com. Sharon has a special interest in the creative process and has published research on the field. She enjoys working with artists in her psychotherapy practice.
Sharon lives with her family in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has three wonderful children. She enjoys time with her family and friends, gardening, painting and being in her cottage on Cape Cod.
[read testimonials for Dr. Sharon Sass]
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