Welcome to the AHSE 2021 Annual Convention.
We invite you participate in the world’s premier
learning community for Hanna Somatic Education.
April 22-25th 2021 Pacific Time Zone
The AHSE Annual Convention, has something for everyone!
Association members use the convention as an opportunity to sharpen our skills, learn new things, and continue exploring our work as a community. It’s also a great way to meet others in the ever-widening learning community of Hanna Somatic Educators.
New—members in related fields of interest can learn more about Hanna Somatic Education and, more importantly, experience its life-changing effects for themselves. Topics presented at the convention are of interest to body workers, doctors, dancers, somatic therapists, and anyone interested in the body, healing, and change.
Ways To Participate
Online
We are pleased to offer you a unique opportunity this year. For the first time the AHSE convention will be offered online from the comfort of your home.
* In addition to our online option, we are planning to have an in-person convention option in future years, depending on the status of the pandemic and whether we can meet safely as a group.
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What You Will Need To Participate
You will need one of these devices to attend our online convetion:
Landline phone
Cell phone
Tablet
Laptop computer
Desktop computer
For Audio only:
Landline phone
Cellphone without a video camera
For Audio and Video:
Internet access
Video camera on or connected to your device:
Cellphone
Tablet
Laptop computer
Desktop computer
If you have or can get one of these devices it will be as easy as clicking a link once you register.
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Register
Registration Options
There are two opportunities for registration.:
AHSE Members Registration - This option is exclusively for AHSE members. It offers members a discounted four-day rate and exclusive access to attend the first day of the convention. Members may also register for the regular daily rate, including the first day of the convention, if they choose to not attend all four days. Members may attend any or all of the days between April 22-25, 2021.
Daily Registration - This registration option is available to anyone (members and non-members) who want to attend the convention for the daily rate on April 23, 24, and 25, 2021.
* Early Registration discount ends Midnight April 1st. *
AHSE Members
Registration
Attend the entire convention, Friday through Sunday, April 25–27, 2025 for the reduced rate of $275 (you save $100). This package includes the first day of the convention, which is focused on recalibration of our basic protocols and related work. The deadline for this discount is midnight on April 4th.
*OFFER ENDS APRIL 4th*
After the early registration deadline of April 4th, members pay the full price of $375 for the same 3-day convention package as the one above.
Members can select single or multiple day(s) of the convention for the rate of $140/day. (This includes Friday, April 25th, recalibration day). Become a member today and save. https://www.associationforhannasomaticeducation.com/ahse-membership
Daily
Registration
Non-members can select single or multiple day(s) of the convention (April 20, 21) for the rate of $140/day. (This does not include Friday, April 19th, Only AHSE members can attend recalibration day)
Non-members can select single or multiple day(s) of the convention (April 20, 21) for the rate of $140/day. (This does not include Friday, April 19th, Only AHSE members can attend recalibration day)
How can I attend all four days of the convention?
If you would like to attend all four days of the convention it’s as easy as becoming an AHSE member. If you are interested you can scroll down to look at the membership option that fits you. Once you add a membership level to your cart you can then scroll back up to registration and then add the Members only four day option. Then it’s as easy as going to your cart and checking out.
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Become an AHSE Member
Which Membership Level Fits You?
Although Membership is not required there are many benefits. Along with your discounted convention registration options, and being able to attend the members-only day, you will be helping to support the AHSE in its continuing mission. If you or someone you know has benefited from Hanna Somatic Education this is a great way to continue to show your support.
Compare
Membership Benefits
AHSE Membership Levels
A Charter Member is a certified practitioner of HSE from Thomas Hanna’s original 1990-1992 training (Wave One) who shared the costs of incorporating the AHSE. The 13 Charter Members are: Brad Bennett; Eleanor Criswell Hanna; Karen Hewitt; Susan King (deceased); Susan Koenig; Nick Medwid; Maggie Munroe; Nikki Nicodemus; Penny Pruzan; Angelo Querin; Phil Shenk; Marilyn Warnock (deceased); Gerald Wylie.
Certified members are those who are certified by the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training as practitioners of HSE, but are not Charter members.
Student Members are student practitioners-in-training who are enrolled in an HSE Practitioner Training at the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training.
Certified Associate members are those who are certified by the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training as practitioners of HSE, but who choose not to become a Certified member for the current year and who are not Charter members.
Associate Members are allied somatics professionals, other health care professionals, and interested members of the general public who would like to receive Associate Member benefits and to support the work of the AHSE.
Questions
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Schedule of Events
April 22-25, 2021
Pacific Time Zone
All Convention Events Are Scheduled in Pacific Time Zone
Time Zone Converter
Thursday April 22
9:00 – 9:15 Announcements / Housekeeping
9:15 – 10:00 Welcome and Sharing
10:00 – 10:15 BREAK
10:15 – 12:15 HSE Teaching Team—Self-pandiculation: Green Light Protocol (#1)
- Guided self-pandiculation
- Home movements
- Enhancements from participants
- Questions and comments
12:30 – 2:00 LUNCH
2:00 – 3:45 HSE Teaching Team—Self-pandiculation: Trauma Protocol (#2)
- Guided self-pandiculation
- Home movements
- Enhancements from participants
- Questions and comments
3:45 – 4:00 BREAK
4:00 – 5:45 HSE Teaching Team—Self-pandiculation: Red Light Protocol (#3)
- Guided self-pandiculation
- Home movements
- Enhancements from participants
- Questions and comments
5:45 - 6:30 Somatic Happy Hour - Free Time
- Zoom classroom is open for practice, connecting, and sharing
Friday April 23
9:00 –10:15 Ryan Moschell — String Theory—Rediscover your Soma by Shifting Your Focus
10:15 – 10:30 BREAK
10:30 – 12:15 Eleanor Criswell Hanna — Neurophysiology Update and Upgrade
12:30 – 2:00 LUNCH
2:00 – 4:00 John Loupos — Fingers, Hands, Wrists, Arms, and Shoulders—Yeah, All That!
4:00 – 4:15 BREAK
4:15 – 5:45 AHSE Annual Meeting
4:15 – 5:15 Meeting
5:15 – 5:45 Honoring Thomas Hanna
5:45 - 6:30 Somatic Happy Hour - Free Time
- Zoom classroom is open for practice, connecting, and sharing
Saturday April 24
9:00 –11:00 Chris Ruane — Five Simple Shoulder Movements and Working with Spirals of the Legs
11:00 – 11:15 BREAK
11:15 – 12:15 Lori Seymour — Making Friends with Your Pelvic floor and Surrounding Support Musculature
12:30 – 2:00 LUNCH
2:00 –4:00 Bill Keele - Improvising Pandiculations
4:00 – 4:15 BREAK
4:15 – 5:45 Gabriel Posner — Intergenerational Trauma and Somatics
5:45 - 6:30 Somatic Happy Hour - Free Time
- Zoom classroom is open for practice, connecting, and sharing
Sunday April 25
9:00 –10:30 John Loupos and Susan Koenig - Horizontal and Vertical Explorations for Better Posture and Carriage
10:30 – 10:45 BREAK
10:45 – 12:15 Teaching team — Guided Self-Pandiculations for Upper and Lower Extremities
12:30 – 2:00 LUNCH
2:00 – 3:00 Movement Collage
Lee Brewster
Harris Ferris
Suresha Hill
Samantha Legassie
Deborah McCusker
Mary Poxon
Nikki Semeniuk
3:00 – 3:15 BREAK
3:15 – 4:15 Movement Collage Continued
4:15 – 4:30 Closing Circle
4:30 - 5:00 Saying goodbyes. See you next year!
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2021 Presentations and Presenters
Recalibration
Guided Self Pandiculation of the Green Light, Trauma, and Red Light Protocols.
Thursday April 22nd 10:15 AM-5:45 PM Pacific
Novato Institute Teaching Team:
Eleanor Criswell-Hanna
Susan Koenig
Phil Shenk
Lyman Spencer
This year’s recalibration will be especially exciting because the teaching team will guide participants through all three protocols, Red Light, Green Light, and Trauma Reflex, via self pandiculation.
Many of us are working by Zoom or other video platform. Even if you are again working with clients in person, reviewing and refreshing how a practitioner could guide the three protocols via self pandiculation will give all of us additional ways to work with our clients and classes. The Novato Institute teaching team had an opportunity this summer to guide all three protocols this way during the “summer trainings.” The feedback has been extremely positive and affirming regarding the versatility of bringing Hanna Somatic Education anywhere in the world.
Sessions:
Green Light Protocol: 10:15 A.M. — 12:15 P.M.
Trauma Protocol: 2:00 P.M. — 3:45 P.M.
Red Light Protocol: 4:00 P.M. — 5:45 P.M.
Each session will include:
Guided Self-pandiculation
Home Movements
Enhancements from participants
Questions and Comments
The Novato Institute for Research and Training
1500 Grant Ave. #228
Novato, CA 94945
somaticsed.com
(415) 897-6044
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String Theory
Rediscover Your Soma by Shifting Your Focus
Friday April 23rd 9:00 AM-10:15 PM Pacific
Ryan Moschell, LMT, CHSE
String Theory—"At the heart of string theory is the thread of an idea that's run through physics for centuries, that at some fundamental level, all the different forces, particles, interactions and manifestations of reality are tied together as part of the same framework.”
In this group movement class, I will offer the concept of String Theory to inspire you to a new level of awareness with your traditional Somatic movements. We will explore the ways in which changing your focus concepts can keep your soma’s possibilities expanding.
Ryan Moschell, LMT, CHSE, was certified by the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training®, and is also a Licensed Massage Therapist. He has a full-time practice in Annapolis, Maryland. In 2015, Ryan was elected to, and continues to serve on, the Board of Directors of the AHSE. His almost two decades of experience as a bodyworker and his academic background in cultural anthropology offers him a broad perspective on human behavior and how a cultural norms can affect health and wellbeing. His innate curiosity has led him to continually search for new and creative ways of communicating and connecting with each of his clients. Ryan combines and utilizes many of the specialized techniques he has learned over the years to enhance his clients’ experience as they move from pain to pain-free on their way to their full potential with Somatic String Theory©.
Get Out Of Shape®
107 Ridgely Ave. #14C
Annapolis, MD 21401
GetOutOfShape.com
Ryan@GetOutOfShape.com
(410) 703-6956
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Neurophysiology
Update and Upgrade
Friday April 23rd 10:30 AM-12:15 PM Pacific
Eleanor Criswell Hanna, Ed.D.
How do we explain the neurophysiology of Hanna Somatic Education? What are you confused about? What are the most salient points to cover with our clients and students in our classes? Why are we now emphasizing the phrase “motor-sensory” rather than “sensory-motor?” How do we understand the bigger picture of motor and sensory function and control within the brain and nervous system?
This presentation will combine a number of elements including updating you on current research and clarifying answers to your questions. We all “drift” from our comprehension, absorption, and assimilation of neuro information. Perhaps you'd like to “update” your understandings and explanations. How does HSE reset the resting tonus of the muscles and how does this relate to overall mobility, pain, stiffness, postural alignment, fascial integration, mental-emotional health, stress, and even specific conditions from arthritis to diagnoses of neurological deficits. How do we explain these concepts at various levels of complexity?
This presentation will include lecture and group interaction. Come with your questions and concerns. Elevate your communication and understanding skills. Remember, this is a life-long area of study and growth.
Eleanor Criswell Hanna, Ed.D., is emeritus professor of psychology and former chair of the psychology department, Sonoma State University. Founding director of the Humanistic Psychology Institute (now Saybrook University, San Francisco), she is editor of Somatics Magazine, the magazine-journal of the mind-body arts and sciences, and director of the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training. Her books include Biofeedback and Somatics: Toward Personal Evolution, How Yoga Works: An Introduction to Somatic Yoga, and she is editor of Cram’s Introduction to Surface Electromyography. She is past president and board member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association. She is also on the board of the Association for Hanna Somatic Education. She is the originator of Somatic Yoga and Equine Hanna Somatics.
Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training
1500 Grant Ave. #228
Novato, CA 94945
somaticsed.com
ecriswel@ix.netcom.com
(415) 897-6044
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Fingers, Hands, Wrists, Arms, and Shoulders.
Yeah, All that!
Friday April 23nd 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Pacific
John Loupos, CHSE
People who work with their hands are notoriously inclined to suffer long-term harmful effects due to their chosen manual activity. You need only think of professional knitters, kneaders, and knot tiers, and that’s only the ‘K’s! Even bodyworkers are not immune to this susceptibility. Every massage therapist or like-modality practitioner I know who has been at their practice for 20 years or more complains about sore or arthritic fingers, hands, and shoulders.
What to do? The Somatic movements that make up this presentation will leave your upper extremities with a sense of relief, renewal, and enhanced sensitivity. You don’t even have to be a ‘K’! All letters from A to Z (including HSE) can benefit from smarter and more compliant hands.
John Loupos, CHSE is certified by both the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training® and by Somatic Systems Institute where he studied directly with protégés trained by Thomas Hanna. John is founder of The Pain & Mobility Clinic, and of Jade Forest Kung Fu/ Tai Chi (home of PMC) in Cohasset, Ma., and author of, “The Sustainable You - Somatics and the Myth of Aging.” John also sits on the Board of Directors for the Association for Hanna Somatic Education (AHSE).
Pain & Mobility Clinic
130 King St.
Cohassett, MA 02025
painandmobility.com
jadeforest@comcast.net
(781) 383-6822
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AHSE Annual Meeting
and Honoring Thomas Hanna
Friday April 23rd 4:15-5:45 PM Pacific
All are Encouraged and Welcome to Attend
At our AHSE Annual Meeting you’ll be invited to sit in and also participate as Board members share a lively review of the past year’s activities—decisions and discussions that have served to shape our organization for the coming years. And, for those of you who can’t get enough of elections (this in the spirit of the 2020 national elections) you’ll have a chance to be part of our process as we elect and confirm various members to open positions on the Board of Directors. We’ll also use this occasion for a very special homage to our renowned founder, Dr. Thomas Hanna, as 2020 marks 30 years since his passing.
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Five Simple Shoulder Movements and Working With Spirals of the Legs
Education, Exploration, and Movement
Saturday April 24th 9:00-10:00 AM Pacific
Chris Ruane, LMT, CHSE
In the first part of this presentation, we’ll look at the movements of the shoulder joint and explore five somatic shoulder exercises and hands-on pandiculations. These can be easily incorporated into a bodywork or massage session, in a private movement session, yoga or Pilates class, integrated into a gym training session or HSE classes and client work.
Next, we’ll talk about the spiraling nature of alignment, comparing and contrasting overlaps found in the red, green, and senile postures of Hanna Somatics, with a focus on legs. The skills you learn will allow you to integrate a full leg pandiculation, using an individual’s habituated pattern, to succinctly introduce Hanna Somatic work into a bodywork, massage or private movement session. They’re also great additions to your work with HSE clients!
Chris Ruane, LMT, CHSE, is a clinical Hanna Somatic Educator gratuating from the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training® and Practitioner, Maryland Certified Massage Therapist, 500 hour Yoga and Pilates teacher with over 19 years of experience and is currently pursuing a BA in Psychology at UMBC and comprehensive Pilates training with Balanced Body. A true movement detective, Chris’s focus is to help others achieve full range of movement in a pain-free body and to teach others how to find those limitations for themselves and their clients, in and outside of the classroom.
9170 Old Annapolis Rd.
Columbia, MD 21045
ChrisRuaneLMT@gmail.com
(410) 852-3613
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Making Friends with Your Pelvic Floor
and Surrounding Support Musculature
Saturday April 24th 11:15 AM -12:15 PM Pacific
Lori Seymour
Male and female incontinence, pain with intercourse, prolapse, and pelvic/abdominal/low back pain are all common issues for our clients and can also be helped! To be able to help our clients, though, we must first become friendly with our own pelvic floor and its support system. This session will use pandiculation and other skills to identify and enliven the specific deep support musculature of the pelvic floor. We’ll incorporate information and movement tools from the PT pelvic floor specialists I’ve worked with, as well as GYROTONIC® and Pilates techniques.
Lori Seymour, CHSE. After being told to stop dancing by several doctors at the ripe old age of 16, Lori came to Pilates as a young dancer in 1986 to rehabilitate a chronic hip injury. She used Pilates and then GYROTONIC® to rehabilitate myriads of dance injuries throughout a 29-year dance career. Her movement teaching experience includes swimming, ballet, modern dance technique, dance Improvisation, contact improv, and company class. She has been certified in Pilates since 1998, certified in GYROTONIC® since 1999, taught teacher trainings in both systems, and has been certified in Hanna Somatic Education since 2017. Lori has been working for 10 years in a physical therapy clinic that specializes in the treatment of women's health, along with pelvic floor issues for both men and women. Lori has continued her education in the areas of postural alignment, scoliosis, osteoporosis, gait, vestibular health, healing methodology, pelvic issues, disk herniation, feet and multiple joint conditions, and athletic and dance training.
1000 Fremont Ave. Suite #108
Los Altos CA, 94024
Lori5959@gmail.com
(408) 209-9109
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Improvising Pandiculations
Pelvic Periphery and Feet
Saturday April 24th 2:00 PM -3:00 PM Pacific
Bill Keele, CHSE
This presentation will focus on improvising pandiculations in two important areas of the body. The first of these is the pelvic periphery. This complicated intersection invites all our detective abilities to unravel established patterns of organization to get back to feeling free to move in a stable way. We will assess and palpate, use old reliable pandiculations, and improvise new pandiculations to solve the riddles of this complicated area.
In the second part of the presentation, we will focus on the feet. Creative pandiculations in this area result in better balance and improved proprioception.
Bill Keele, CHSE, studied therapeutic movement in the tradition of Viniyoga in 1999, and gained his certification as a Viniyoga teacher. In 1999, Cynthia Lindway, an early Somatics graduate, introduced him to Hanna Somatics. Bill completed the Hanna Somatics Training Program at the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training®, graduating in 2003 in Wave 6. Subsequently, Bill taught Biomechanics and Postural Analysis, studied Ortho-Bionomy and Muscle Energy Technique, and gained certification in Mat Pilates. In 2006, he attended Makawao School of Therapeutic Massage and was licensed in the State of Hawaii. In 2010, Bill completed a six-month study in the field of Structural Applied Kinesiology taught by another past Hanna Somatics graduate, Lorne Fedderson.
312 Holoni St.
Pukalani, HI 96768
BPKeele@hawaii.rr.com
(808) 283-1560
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Intergenerational Trauma and Somatics
Saturday April 24th 4:15 PM -5:45 PM Pacific
Gabriel Posner, CHSE
While we know that Hanna Somatics can be great for helping people fully resolve injuries they’ve suffered over the course of their life, how effective is it for injuries suffered by their parents and even grandparents? Evidence is piling up that the effects of stress and trauma can be passed down from generation to generation. The effects can be seen in changes to parenting style and behavior that is modeled by subsequent generations. The effects also are seen in changes to epigenetics. In this workshop, I will present the current state of research and knowledge into inter-generational trauma as well as ways that other somatic practices are helping people to resolve these issues. While this is not something that we learned in training, I will also discuss how intergenerational trauma might show up in session and HSE and pandiculation can be applied to resolving it and stopping the transmission to the next generation.
Gabriel Posner, CHSE, graduated from the Novato Institute of Somatic Research and Training in 2008. He also is certified in Massage Therapy and has his Master of Science degree in Mind-Body Medicine through Saybrook University. Gabriel taught Massage Therapy and Somatic Education at the National Holistic Institute and has been maintaining a private practice since 2004. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association for Hanna Somatic Education and is working towards a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine.
Gabriel joined the Essential Somatics faculty in 2019. He assists with Clinical Somatic Education trainings and mentors students in the training. Gabriel maintains a private practice in Denver, Colorado offering Somatics and Biofeedback for musculoskeletal issues, complete injury recovery, optimal performance, and self-regulation.
In his spare time, Gabriel is raising three young children with his wife in beautiful Colorado. To keep up with the kids, he is focusing right now on mountain biking, rock scrambling, bug hunting, and cuddle piles.
Elevated Somatics
28006 North Speer Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211
Gabriel@Elevated Somatics.com
(415) 385-0798
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Horizontal and Vertical Explorations
For better Posture and Carriage
Sunday April 25th 9:00 AM -10:30 AM Pacific
John Loupos and Susan Koenig
In this joint presentation, we will focus on improving posture and carriage—how you stand and how you walk.
John’s component will focus on standing movements drawn from his original “Functional Differentiation of the Lumbar, Thoracic, & Cervical Spine” curriculum. The movements are specifically designed to increase awareness and significant improvements in range of motion as regards axial rotation.
Susan’s component will focus on standing, floor, and walking movements drawn directly from her clinical work with clients that have been shown to improve functional standing and walking.
It’s unlikely you’ll ever walk the same after this presentation!
John Loupos, CHSE - See Bio above
Susan Koenig CHSE, was in Wave 1, Thomas Hanna’s, Hanna Somatic Education Training in 1990. Since that time, she has been practicing, teaching a Saturday morning movement class (now monthly), and is part of the Novato Institute for Somatic Research and Training® Teaching Team along with Eleanor Criswell, Phil Shenk, and Lyman Spencer.
Susan Koenig - Somatics For You
1424 Derby St.
Berkley, CA 94702
SusanKoenig@EarthLink.Net
(510) 982-9782
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Upper and Lower Extremity Work
As self-Pandiculation
Sunday April 25th 10:45 AM -12:15 AM Pacific
Eleanor Criswell-Hanna
Susan Koenig
Phil Shenk
Lyman Spencer
The foundation of the extremities is the trunk. Therefore, thoroughly working with the three basic protocols is the foundation of all extremity work. But sometimes the extremities need more attention to release chronic contraction, pain, and discomfort. Even though the brain organizes us as a whole, resetting the resting tonus of muscles crossing just one or even two joints can be greatly beneficial in the context of improving full body movements and somatic awareness. In this session, we’ll be guiding self pandiculations for the major muscles and joints of both the upper and lower limbs as time permits. Sometimes the pandiculations will be very focused and we'll work with only one joint, such as working with the flexors and extensors of the elbow. Sometimes we will work with a series of joints such as ankles, knees, and hips and then integrate these pandiculations into larger regions of the body, including the pelvis, somatic center, and up through the body in order to increase full body functioning. During the session, you’ll also have an opportunity to describe and demonstrate self pandiculations you find beneficial to yourself and clients.
The Novato Institute for Research and Training
1500 Grant Ave. #228
Novato, CA 94945
somaticsed.com
(415) 897-6044
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Movement Collage
A truly unique class guided by multiple teachers
Sunday April 25th 2:00 PM -4:15 PM Pacific
Lee Brewster
Harris Ferris
Suresha Hill
Semantha Legassie
Deborah McClusker
Mary Proxon
Nikki Semeniuk
All bios are below:
Back by popular demand, this movement class will be a collage of movements led by several people. In “round one”, each presenter will guide us in a movement of their choice. In “round two”, each presenter will guide us in a different movement. We may even have time for a “round three”! Each movement will be complete in itself. There is no particular theme or connection between the movements—just favorite or particularly effective movements from each presenter’s clients and students.
Lee Brewster
Lee is a strength trainer, yoga teacher, and somatic educator (graduating in January 2021). Her special interest is in teaching how deep relaxation through movement leads to connecting with states of consciousness outside the boundaries of tension and habituated patterns.
The Novato Institute for Research and Training
422 Bonnardel Ave.,
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Lee.Brewster2@gmail.com
(707) 217-8064
Harris Ferris
Harris began his training in dance and movement with masters of the postmodern movement including Dan Wagoner, Eric Hawkins, and Aileen Passloff, before focusing exclusively on ballet where, following his training, he enjoyed a 13-year career as principal dancer with Buffalo’s Empire State Ballet. Moving onto a career in non-profit performing arts management, Harris has led several ballet companies and is currently Executive Director of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Harris has continued his lifelong interest in dance and movement as both expression and personal growth, studying Skinner Releasing, Alexander Technique, Developmental Neuromuscular Stabilization, and ballroom dancing, and has taught dance technique in numerous settings. In 2014, Harris became inspired by the teachings of Thomas Hanna and subsequently earned his HSE certification in Novato California as part of Wave 19. Harris holds a BA in Sociology from SUNY Buffalo and an MBA from Rutgers University.
710 N. St. Clair St.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
hferris@pittsburghballet.org
(412) 728-7136
Suresha Hill, CHSE, Ed.S. (Educational Specialist), D.O.M.T.P. (Diplomate in Osteopathic Manipulative Theory and Practice)
Suresha began her career in holistic health and education in the 1970s when a graduate advisor presented his unique theories in Systems Intervention and Prevention, her specialty curriculum in the field school psychology at Kent State University. Along the way she became an avid martial arts student, instructor, athlete, meditator, and dancer. Having sustained countless injuries, she was motivated to learn how to help rejuvenate her own system, while learning to facilitate the rehabilitation of her clients. Keeping the perspective of how to gently intervene into the body in a holistic way to help rebalance the system, she began numerous courses of study for the body, its nervous system, its energetic structures, breath therapy, then eventually Hanna Somatics and other osteopathic approaches that went in depth with the body’s fluid, visceral, and bony layers.
P.O Box 150954,
San Rafael, CA 94915
sureshahill@gmail.com
Samantha Legassie, CHSE
Samantha lives and works in Toronto, Canada. She graduated in 2017 from the Novato Institute and has worked with many clients since that time, but feels strongly that she has been her own best client! She found Somatics in 2014 when she was told that she would spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Since then she has maintained a daily Somatics practice and her life is dramatically different than was predicted. Samantha has a background in nursing, instructing ballroom dance, teaching yoga, and is co-author of the International Best Selling Book Ignite Your Health and Wellness. She is currently writing a book about Somatics and her experience of it.
3 Greystone Walk Dr., Unit 2118, Scarborough, Ontario M1K5J4, Canada
samantha@rejuvinagesomatics.ca.com
(416) 807-9307
Deborah McCusker LMT, CHSE
Deborah was certified by the Novato Institute in wave 18. She maintains a private massage therapy and HSE practice in Kodiak, Alaska.
2561 Beaver Lake Drive
Kodiak, AK, 99615
debmccusker@yahoo.com
(907) 539-1461
Mary Poxon, CHSE
Mary was a general dentist in private practice for 30 years before becoming a certified yoga therapist, C-IAYT. She has a special interest in helping people with chronic pain. She has studied several types of yoga, including Loyola Marymount UniversityYoga RX program, YTRx-500C & POLY-500, iRest Yoga Nidra, and is a Viniyoga Wellness instructor. Mary is a graduate of wave 19 at the Novato Institute, where she immensely enjoys being a teaching assistant. She practices Canine Somatics daily with her dog Mimi.
646 Middle Rincon Rd.,
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
mpoxon@mac.com
(707) 321-2542
Nikki Semeniuk, CHSE
Nikki graduated from the Novato Institute in 2018, with wave 19. Nikki has been teaching dance for over 30 years, and is a body development, coordination & movement specialist. She holds certification through the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA), and is a Certified Acrobatic Arts instructor. Nikki discovered Hanna Somatic Education after suffering a hip injury in 2013. Unfortunately this injury led to chronic pain, and ultimately to her having to sell her very successful studio. Nikki continues her education with Hanna Somatics by returning to the Novato Institute as a teaching assistant, and teaches Somatic Education through her business Serenity Somatics.
Evansburg, Alberta,
T0E 0T0, Canada
nikki@serenitysomatics.com
(780) 542-8550
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We are the Association of Hanna Somatic Educators (the AHSE), a community that has come together to make this unique and effective work more widely known. We support each other in our continued learning and in our individual practices. We provide resources and in-depth information about the development of Hanna Somatic Education® (HSE), how Somatics can work for you, and where to find a practitioner.
We hold public programs to introduce and promote HSE®. We set and uphold professional standards through our Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics statements. We organize and host an Annual Convention which has workshops open to all, and connect you with other training events and learning opportunities throughout the U.S.
As a group, we are committed to acting fairly and wisely toward each other and toward those with whom we work. We are proud of the talent, creativity, and passion in our AHSE community. Our website development and upkeep, Convention, committee, leadership, and most other work in the organization is done by generous volunteer members. We are here to help you in any way that we can.
* All donations to the Association for Hanna Somatic Education, Inc., which is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, are tax-deductible.
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AHSE
2137 Penny Lane,
Napa, CA 94559-3602
Thank You
We are so pleased that you came to visit our AHSE convention page today. We hope to see you at the 2021 convention. Most importantly we want you learn how to feel better every day of your life with Hanna Somatic Education. Be well, share this with your friends, and come back to visit again soon!