Yoga Instructors | Acupuncture Practitioners | Massage Therapists | Herbal Medicine Practitioners | Estheticians |
Front Desk Staff | Volunteer Staff
| Yoga Instructors « Return to Yoga Main Page | |
 |
|
Michael is an RKC certified kettlebell instructor. He discovered kettlebells while searching for the most efficient way to stay in shape, outside of a traditional gym. After a full year without stepping inside a gym, working out only with kettlebells, he attended and passed the Russian Kettelbell Challenge instructor certification course. His workouts help clients safely and efficiently shed fat, build muscle, and gain the energy and confidence that come with it. Michael is also an experienced triathlete, martial artist, and EMT with the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad. |
|
| Donna first took yoga 15 years ago in Mexico and fell in love with its beauty, precision and spirituality. After years of studying Iyengar and vinyasa flow yoga, Donna trained with Yogafit and taught mixed-level flow yoga for three years at White Oak Sport & Health. Because she thinks everyone should find joy in yoga, Donna infuses her classes with adventure, spirit and compassion and reaches out to students at every level. Beginners will feel challenged but most find that they advance quickly. A member of the International Association of Black Yoga Instructors, Donna is on leave from her column at The Washington Post while she writes her memoirs. | |
Liz is an RYT200 having completed yoga teacher training at the largest Anusara studio in the U.S. She was brought to yoga and remains inspired by her three children and their unique relationships with the universe. Liz’ intention is to use a playful and spirited attitude to make yoga and its benefits fun and accessible for everyone. |
|
| Elizabeth is a graduate of WSYC YTT and AYTT, as well as an Affiliated Anusara Teacher. She began her studies in Raja and Hatha Yoga in 1974. Her energetic and playful nature embrace Anusara Yoga's unique style and therapeutic quality. Sacred poetry, music and artistic expressions of mudras, asanas and chanting create an imaginative journey into the art of yoga. | |
| Katie delights in teaching adults and children how to reconnect with their bodies through yoga and hoop dance. Katie completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training program through YogaWorks. Katie teaches children and teens in the DC region and is inspired by how yoga and movement can powerfully improve children's self-esteem, flexibility and coordination and tap into to their own inner teacher. A California native who currently resides in Washington DC, Katie is a licensed HoopGirl teacher who believes that she can teach anyone to hoop. | |
| Sara Beth has been dancing for most of her life. As a youth, she danced with the Atlanta Ballet, enjoying many seasons as an angel or soldier in The Nutcracker. As a college student, she danced every day as a dance major at the University of Georgia. Modern was her love at that time. Then, Sara Beth spent a summer at the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC and fell in love with African dance. Bollywood-inspired dance followed. It wasn't until 2003 that she discovered Bellydance. She attended Bellypalooza, the Daughters of Rhea annual super-event held at Johns Hopkins, and fell in love. Since then, Sara Beth has taken classes and attended seminars in traditional ATS, Tribal fusion, American Cabaret, and Bhangra; with such teachers as Lisa Zahiya, Zafira Dance Company, Awalim, Urban Tribal, Samantha Rigg, and Kami Liddle. Sara Beth is currently a student of Piper and performs with the Daughters of Rhea Dance Ensemble. | |
| Carrie loves to share her delight in Anusara yoga with her students. She finished her 350 hour teacher training program at Willow Street yoga in 2006 and continues to deepen her own practice by studying yoga and therapeutics. Carrie firmly believes that yoga is for everyone; every body, every age and stage of life. There are few things she enjoys more than helping a student into a new pose for the first time. Her classes emphasize empowerment and joy and are imbued with a sense of creativity, play and freedom. | |
| Katalin received her 200 hour Yoga Alliance certification at Hot Yoga USA. She also studied at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, and continued her training with Lauren Peterson, Micheline Berry, Annie Carpenter, Shiva Rea, Rod Stryker, Sarah Powers, Gary “Gopal” Bello and Seane Corn. Katalin originally found yoga while looking for a "workout" and over the past five years her life has been transformed by the process. Her vinyasa style hatha yoga class incorporates elements of yin yoga with a focus on detoxification while building alignment, strength and flexibility. During the class she guides the practitioners in deepening their awareness and helps to remove the blockages that the mind created in their body. Katalin moved to the States 18 years ago from Budapest, Hungary where she was a television producer. | |
Anne "Jayanti" Harrison is an RYT 200 and Budding Yogi certified. Jayanti is passionate about her practice and karma yoga. “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin's quote is a perfect metaphor for Jayanti's yoga practice. Although she began to play with the poses some 20 years ago, she decided to really open to the holistic benefits of yoga about 6 years ago which lead her to embark on the teaching path. Jayanti encourages the student to listen to his or her own body intelligence within the poses, enjoying the journey as opposed to grasping at a perfect pose. |
|
| Debbie is a Registered Yoga Teacher 500 hours with Yoga Alliance (RYT500), member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and graduate of the Yoga Center of Columbia’s Teacher Training program. As a former Registered Nurse, she began teaching a gentle yoga class in 1999 for Breast Cancer Survivors that is still in session. Debbie focuses her years of training on how yoga can heal the body through a therapeutic approach to injuries and chronic illnesses. She supports the development of her student's own awakening of body/mind awareness through poses, breath, meditation, and relaxation. Debbie has been teaching pre-natal yoga classes since 2001 and is a senior teacher and trainer at the Yoga Center of Columbia. | |
| Ashley embarked on her study of yoga over twelve years ago and began teaching at the University of North Carolina - Asheville in 1998. Her love of travel has taken her to classes throughout the United States and she has studied and taught yoga in Australia and Costa Rica. In 2003 Ashley received her first certification with Yoga Alliance as a 200-hour registered teacher in Integrative yoga. She went on to complete a 200-hour Kundalini teacher training program with a focus on breath work and meditation. Her background style is a combination of Anusara, playful flow, Jivamukti, and Kundalini. Her classes inspire a deep sense of community and provide a warm and welcoming environment for students to explore yoga and enjoy their bodies. Ashley serves as the director of Blue Heron's yoga teacher training program, which unites the fields of yoga, wellness and Ayurveda. In addition to her background in yoga, Ashley holds a M.Sc. in clinical herbal medicine, and maintains her clinical practice at Blue Heron Wellness. | |
| Bio coming soon. | |
| Carol, Anusara-inspired, RYT 500, is a graduate of the Willow Street Yoga Teacher Training Program and continues to study with senior Anusara teachers as well as Pure Yoga founder Rod Stryker. Her classes incorporate compassion and alignment principles to inspire a sense of well-being and empowerment. Carol is the mother of two daughters in their early twenties and works full time in information technology. She sees yoga as a way to focus and stay connected to what's important. | |
| Catey is a Certified Personal Trainer and correction Exercise Specialist. Catey motivates and inspires her students and clients to push past any fears and weakness with their body and discover the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits of implementing a proper exercise style and regimen. Catey's Certifications are with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Catey is trained and certified to work with all populations including pre-natal strength training. | |
| Peter has been teaching movement and meditation in the Washington, DC area since 1972. He is certified in deep muscle and polarity therapy, and has a Masters degree in Social Work with many years in mental health work. He developed Nature Therapy to utilize the gifts of the natural world for healing and personal growth. Since the early 90's he has been studying, practicing and teaching Qigong and mindfulness meditation. | |
| Claudia is a Certified Anusara Yoga teacher, RYT 500, the culmination of a lifelong devotion to achieving excellence in yoga. She has over 21 years of formal yoga training, starting in Santa Monica, California, in 1984, where she became the first person to offer yoga at the YMCA. While at USC completing a Masters Degree in Social Work, she taught yoga to students and faculty. She integrates her knowledge of yoga with her skill as a social worker, developing corporate stress reduction programs, working with oncology patients at Children's Hospital, and teaching yoga to artists and performers. She has trained with noteworthy teachers of Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga including Rod Stryker, and assisting Erich Shiffman. In 1993, faced with possibly losing the use of her left arm as a result of a debilitating car accident, she began studying Pilates and therapeutic yoga. This led her to John Friend, creator of Anusara Yoga, with whom she now studies. | |
| Paula is a mother of two who knows the importance of taking care of ones self. As a registered yoga teacher and birth doula she knows how challenging it can be to reconnect with the body following the birth of a child. Having physical, as well as mental and emotional support after pregnancy can encourage a healthy happy experience during this life changing time. Paula uses yoga, meditation, and visualization to tend to the recovering mother with compassion while encouraging the mother to bond with the infant though baby massage and gentle body manipulations. | |
Janet is committed to helping individuals stay active, healthy, and participating in life. Janet has been practicing and teaching Pilates in the area for over five years and brings her experience as a personal trainer and fitness coach into her classes. She received her certification from the Pilates Institute of America and has continued her studies of Pilates through workshops and seminars. Her background in working with physical and occupational therapists has deepened her understanding of safe and effective movement therapies. |
|
Lauren discovered yoga over ten years ago as a way to balance her athletic pursuits. After practicing a variety of styles, she trained with Jonny Kest and became a Registered Yoga Teacher in 2005. She teaches a dynamic series of sequenced postures that flow together to promote mobility and healing in the body. She enjoys working with all ages and abilities and believes that yoga meets you where you are, as it is both therapeutic and invigorating. In addition to working in studios, Lauren has had the opportunity to share the benefits of yoga with many athletic teams including soccer, lacrosse and hockey. She enjoys inspiring student athletes to use their breath for personal awareness and stress reduction as well as for strength and flexibility training. Lauren believes that yoga provides an opportunity to practice the delicate balance of effort and ease. |
|
| Sherry has been a practicing massage therapist for over ten years. She is a graduate of The Baltimore School of Massage. She has experience working in a variety of settings. She has worked extensively with seniors, worked with parents and caregivers teaching infant massage, in corporate offices, health fairs, and wellness retreats doing seated massage. Her toolbox includes techniques from Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial and Thai massage. Sherry believes that massage and yoga belong together, and are two of the best things you can do for yourself! She considers herself blessed to be doing what she loves! | |
| Acupuncture Practitioners « Return to Acupuncture Main Page | |
|
|
| Susan is licensed by the state of Maryland in both acupuncture and clinical social work. As a couples, family, and individual therapist for twenty years, she has applied her skills in promoting and building relationships with and among people as a practitioner of Traditional Five Element Acupuncture. Her current healing work is based on traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean theories of the several thousand-year-old practice of acupuncture that works with people interested in a holistic approach to balancing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual facets of wellness and health. She holds graduate degrees from the George Washington University in counseling, from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute, (now called the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts) where she also teaches classes in diagnostic interaction and was a clinical supervisor in the student clinic. She is a member of the Maryland Acupuncture Society and the National Alliance of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Sue has specialized in working with clients in the areas of addiction, sexual and physical abuse and bereavement. She is also a clinical hypnotherapist. For clients who have experienced trauma, Sue’s training in Somatic Experiencing® augments her acupuncture treatment. | |
| Susan is a licensed Acupuncturist and certified Chinese Herbalist. Born and raised in Bethesda, MD, Susan graduated cum laude from both the Sidwell Friends School and Yale University. She earned her Masters of Acupuncture degree from the Tai Sophia Institute, and completed an additional two year training program in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using the powerful twin modalities of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, Susan addresses concerns ranging from a general sense that life could be better to difficult physical issues including chronic pain, infertility and cancer treatment support. Because Chinese medicine is a truly holistic approach to wellness, clients find that as they work with Susan to resolve the concern that brought them in the door, seemingly unrelated positive physical, emotional and even spiritual changes often occur. As clients become more harmonious on all levels, symptoms tend to resolve, while whole new possibilities open up for vitality, satisfaction and peace of mind. | |
Kathy has spent many years in the healthcare environment after earning a BS in Healthcare Administration from Columbia Union College (cum laude). Seeking a broader perspective than the prescription pad and scalpel of western medicine, Kathy embarked on a journey in which she could use her gifts to influence others on a natural path to wellness. She completed the Masters of Acupuncture degree at the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts and enjoys the possibility of empowering others to uncover their own potential for a greater well being through the practice of Five Element Acupuncture. Kathy also offers facial rejuvenation acupuncture. |
|
Rebecca has been studying and practicing Chinese medicine and related fields for 12 years. A licensed acupuncturist, Rebecca earned her Masters of Acupuncture degree from Tai Sophia Institute and is currently doing post-graduate study with Lonny Jarrett. Rebecca's treatment approach addresses not only physical and emotional imbalances, but reaches toward even higher goals - promoting the personal evolutionary edge of each patient. This involves a working partnership where the patient may discover their highest potential. Her acupuncture style blends meridian, TCM and 5-Element acupuncture traditions. Additionally, Rebecca offers acupressure and chi gong healing, two powerful healing modalities that do not require needles. |
|
| Massage Therapists « Return to Massage Main Page | |
|
|
 Stephanie Ayala LMT |
Stephanie holds a B.S. in General Studies, Pre- Physical Therapy and is currently applying to graduate school for PT. She graduated from Baltimore School of Massage two years ago and has had the opportunity to work with professional athletes. She enjoys giving all modalities especially deep tissue, sports and muscle release technique (stretching). She says, "I enjoy the transition made from the minute the client steps through the door, often complaining of a trouble spot, and watching the way they are ready to take on anything once they leave. It's rewarding knowing that I can help a complete stranger just by touch!" |
| Rachel is a graduate of Baltimore School of Massage. She specializes in Myofascial, Deep Tissue, Swedish, and Traditional Thai Massage. Rachel feels that compassionate, mindful presence is the most important part of any therapeutic work. | |
John is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work and the State of Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He is trained in working with individuals who suffer from acute and chronic pain and stress-related stiffness due to accumulated toxins in the body. He also performs sports massage for the athlete in training or the “weekend warrior.” John’s expertise spans a wide range of services to a broad spectrum of clients, including members of local professional sports teams, pre/post event marathoners, assisted living residents and corporations offering chair massage to their employees. |
|
Gabriela has been practicing massage therapy since 1998. She received her Associate’s Degree in Occupational Studies from the Swedish Institute in NY and is also a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institiute in DC. Her philosophy is that each person is their own health expert. As such, each massage therapy session is approached as a partnership with each client toward the goal set at the beginning of the session. She draws from the various modalities in which she was trained to achieve the established goal but specializes in deep tissue work incorporating eastern (Shiatsu) and western techniques (myofascial). This technique lengthens shortened contracted muscle creating space for joints and bones to move more freely. Her style has been described as a perfect post-race treat. Although her technique can be appreciated by anyone who would like to feel the effects of length and space in tight sore, muscles. Gabriela brings presence, non-judgment and awareness to the session and invites her clients to do the same - be present in your body, observe your body and remember what it feels like to be relaxed in your body. |
|
Glenda is a graduate of the Potomac Massage Training Institute and became nationally certified in 2004. She holds a BS degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology and is a graduate of the Indigo Light Institute. She has more than 20 years experience in working with people in the mind-body field and brings to her work the desire and intuition to help people in process oriented bodywork. Glenda is trained in massage for people living with cancer, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial, Hot Stone and Pregnancy massage as well as Reiki and Somatic Experiencing. |
|
Paulette is a graduate of the Baltimore School of Massage. She left a full time government job to pursue a career in massage because she “loves the power of touch” and finds massage to be “the most rewarding career that I have ever had”. In her spare time Paulette enjoys bodybuilding, tennis and working in the yard. “Life is worth celebrating....enjoy each and every day.” |
|
| Bio coming soon. | |
| Angela graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage and became nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 2000. She has been giving massages to friends and family her whole life and credits them with her success in the professional world of Therapeutic Massage. | |
Sooyong is an intuitive practitioner of shiatsu, Reiki, and Cranio-Sacral therapy, who provides a safe space to facilitate your healing process. She believes that everyone has the power to heal. A 1998 graduate of the Ohashi Institute, she is also a Reiki Master, and has studied many modalities, including Cranio-Sacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute, Qigong, Spiritual Healing and Aikido. Sooyong grew up in South Korea, Malaysia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She worked in the corporate world in New York City after graduating from Princeton University, and responded to an early mid-life call to the healing arts. |
|
| Leslie is a graduate of the University of Maryland and the Baltimore School of Massage. She has been certified nationally and by Maryland state since 2000. She was originally drawn to massage therapy as a client for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. After her recovery, she decided to make a career of helping others achieve wellness through massage. Leslie’s training in Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Pregnancy Massage, and stretching exercises has provided relief to clients in pain. Her work with Swedish massage, Reflexology, Essential Oils, Hot Stone Therapy and Reiki provides deeply relaxing and soothing treatments for clients who would like to reduce the effects of stress in their lives. Leslie has recently added certification in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) to her list of therapeutic offerings. She is a member of the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals. Leslie is currently an instructor at the Baltimore School of Massage. | |
| Robin is a graduate of University of Maryland and Potomac Massage Training Institute. She began her work as a massage therapist focusing on orthopedic massage in a physical therapy clinic setting. She incorporates deep tissue, Swedish and myofascial work into her therapeutic massage. She recently graduated from the Ohashi Institute where she studied shiatsu. Adding this knowledge to her practice has allowed her to realize more fully the mind/body connection and treatment of the body as a whole. As a mother of two she also understands the difficulties of fertility, pregnancy and the trials of raising young children. Massage is an essential tool for helping to relieve these everyday stresses. | |
| Michelle is a graduate of Towson University, Howard Community College and the Baltimore School of Massage. She is also a Maryland Licensed Registered Nurse and holds a BS in Psychology. Michelle specializes in the neck and back and her objective for every client is to address and relieve their tension, aches, and pains using Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Myofascial techniques. Clearing the mind while alleviating the effects of stress on the body, helps to promote physical and psychological health and wellness. This is the ultimate goal that she hopes to help all of her clients achieve and maintain. | |
| Diane has been practicing reflexology for several years, using the original Ingham Method. She received her training through the International Institute of Reflexology. Diane believes that while an effective healing technique is crucial for a positive outcome, she also believes that just as critical to the healing process is her ability to convey empathy and warmth and to develop a sense of mutual trust with her clients. She enjoys working with her clients in helping them on their path to well being of body, mind and spirit. | |
Sherry has been a practicing massage therapist for over ten years. She is a graduate of The Baltimore School of Massage. She has experience working in a variety of settings. She has worked extensively with seniors, worked with parents and caregivers teaching infant massage, in corporate offices, health fairs, and wellness retreats doing seated massage. Her toolbox includes techniques from Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial and Thai massage. Sherry believes that massage and yoga belong together, and are two of the best things you can do for yourself! She considers herself blessed to be doing what she loves! |
|
| Herbal Medicine Practitioners « Return to Herbal Medicine Main Page | |
|
|
Ashley began her lifelong study of herbs and nutrition as a child. Her personal experience with severe allergies and asthma brought her to alternative medicine when conventional methods failed. She began her training in herbal medicine in 1997 while studying environmental science at the University of North Carolina, Asheville. Inspired by the relationship between people and plants, she traveled to Australia, studying traditional Aboriginal plant-spirit medicine. In 2003 she completed her B.A. in Integrative Health Studies from UMBC with an emphasis on the intersection of modern and traditional medicines. After spending time in the jungles of Costa Rica working on a biodynamic farm in 2004, she returned to complete a three year Masters of Science in Herbal Medicine program from the Tai Sophia Institute. Ashley currently teaches yoga, leads retreats, designs herbal products and practices clinical herbal medicine in the Maryland and DC area. |
|
| Estheticians | |
|
|
| Jillian is a licensed skin care professional who studied and practiced esthetics in Alexandria, VA prior to joining the Blue Heron team. She specializes in skin analysis, natural acne treatments, and anti-aging peels that focus on addressing skin concerns while maintaining young, healthy skin. Jillian strives to serve her customers by offering expert advice and service that provide her clients with the best tools and education to achieve their individual skin care goals. | |
| Julie began her interest in skincare following her search for a treatment for acne. Julie enjoyed make up but found that she needed to treat her acne before she could apply cosmetics. This lead to her course of study at Yvonne DiVillar Scientific Skin Institute and a profession using natural products for her clients’ treatment needs. As a Licensed Esthetician, Julie relishes seeing her clients’ confidence increase as they become more comfortable in their own skin – literally and figuratively. Julie also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Howard University. | |
| Front Desk Staff | |
|
|
 Lori Chaikin |
Lori Chaikin, Sisley Chung, Rachel Green, Nicole de Pedro, Ashley Valoris and Shalonda Willis - our fabulous front desk team to will be happy to greet you, give you a tour of Blue Heron, schedule appointments and help make your experience welcoming and memorable. We are grateful to all of them for their dedication and skill at smoothing your way as you join our wellness community. |
|
|
 Rachel Green |
|
 Nicole de Pedro |
|
 Ashley Valoris |
|
|
|
| Volunteer Staff | |
|
|
Positions open, call for details!. |
|
blueheronwellness.com