About Me
I have found my greatest teachers in Special Needs Kids
I work with children who are hungry to learn new ways to use and express themselves more fully and effectively. The Anat Baniel Methodsm (ABM) for Children is the most direct and powerful way that I have ever experienced as a means of helping children to connect with their own vitality and uniqueness. Along with this work with children, I teach elders and parents to change their neurological potentials through movement. As adults open new brain pathways they also become more child-like, more excited about learning and as a bonus they can move with greater pleasure and ease. Parents who engage in this process for themselves are better able to understand the joy of learning in their children and to help their children continue their learning every day at home.
As a a licensed massage therapist and a licensed clinical social worker, I have always treated the body and mind as a unique whole for each individual. Children with special needs often have a history of extra hospitalizations and may have experienced a traumatic start. My background in listening skills helps me to meet children and parents as they are. My philosophy is to be available without being intrusive. I hope to be a loving presence to each child and parent that I meet. At the same time, I have learned to be present for what occurs for each person in the moment and then we move forward! Children are amazingly able to express themselves and then go for joy, curiosity, and bonding. This is another beautiful way that the children teach me. As a result, I am constantly learning, including new ways to help children. My newest addition is the MNRI® Reflex Integration which combines beautifully with ABM.
I live and work in Gainesville, Florida with my husband, Paul, since the early 1980′s. We co-own the Florida School of Massage where we share our passion for teaching peace through touch.
We also enjoy playing music together along with our love for nature, art, photography and our cat Zorro.
Training and Experience:
Feldenkrais® & Anat Baniel Methodsm
Advanced Body/Mind Therapist since 1982
Instructor Connective Tissue Therapy 1987-93
Instructor Injury Evaluation and Treatment 1991- 93
EMDR® Trauma Recovery 1990′s
Licensed Clinical Social Worker 1998 to Present
Internship in Clinical Social Work – Hospice of North Central Florida 1991
Internship In-Patient Psychiatric Shands Hospital 1992
Instructor Communication Skills 1985 – Present
Co-owner and Core Curriculum Consult ~ Florida School of Massage since 1987
