C.Y. Ching was formerly a professional modern dancer, teacher and choreographer. She was on the dance faculties of the University of Hartford Hartt School of Music, Dance and Theater, the Academy of Performing Arts High School and the School of the Hartford Ballet for 18 years. Her concern for people’s health and well-being subsequently influenced her to switch her focus from dance performance and teaching to health improvement through both eastern and western techniques.

Ching is a nationally certified and Connecticut licensed massage therapist. She is fully certified in all levels of STOTT PILATES® mat, apparatus and flex-band techniques. A former student of Aaron L. Mattes, Ching is a highly qualified instructor of Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), a unique approach to increasing range of motion developed by the internationally recognized Mattes.

Ching’s commitment to ongoing education in all areas of health and well-being prompted her to become proficient in both eastern and western approaches wellness. She has studied Qigong and Taijiquan with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, world-renown for his work in the martial and healing arts. These complementary, traditional oriental exercises and practices emphasize the connection between the physical, mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual, and Ching teaches them in a style that is simple, direct and thorough.

Ching personally oversees the work of all staff practitioners to assure proficient delivery of HOW body-mind wellness techniques.

(Craniosaco Therapy and Myofascial Release)

“A holistic approach to manual physical therapy enables me to diagnose and treat the root causes of pain, dysfunction, disease and disability without invasive measures or drugs. The use of unique modalities, such as craniosacro therapy and myofascial release, encourages the natural healing power of the body and addresses the emotional and spiritual needs of each individual”.

Anthony was a regular on the Dean’s List at Quinnipiac University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree and went on to earn a Masters of Physical Therapy. However, the more he studied and practiced physical therapy, the more strongly he felt that it imposed limitations to the healing process and did not fully serve the patient. His desire to offer a broader, integrated program of health and wellness prompted his ultimate pursuit of craniosacral therapy and myofascial release techniques.

With these “tools” he established physical therapy centers in both Massachusetts and Connecticut where he has treated patients from infancy to 90+ giving them relief from pain and dysfunction, and the joy of improved whole-body health and performance.

The techniques are unfamiliar to many people (and also difficult to describe). Briefly, they can involve a light touch focusing primarily on the central nervous system and the system that has the greatest impact on it, the craniosacral system (which extends from the skull/cranium to the tailbone/sacrum). Tensions deep within the body are gently released allowing the entire body to relax and self-correct. The effectiveness of the approach is pretty well summed up by a woman who came to Anthony after enduring more than 6 years of pain and frustration:

“I can now walk without pain in my foot, knees or back ... I can wear summer sandals ... flat-heeled dress shoes ... get out of bed and touch my heels to the ground ... threw my orthotics in the trash ... The physical and emotional transformation is overwhelming ...”

Anthony has done extensive research in a variety of complementary holistic therapies. HOW is pleased to welcome this gifted healer.

Call Anthony Maietta to make an appointment:
Phone # 860-648-0659
his Website www.CenteredHealthPT.net

Char Wilkins, MSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist who works with individuals, couples and groups incorporating the intention and skills of mindfulness as a foundation from which to explore oneÕs life. Her focus is the dynamic connection of mind, body and spirit, and in assisting people to mindfully create emotional, physical, and spiritual health in their lives. She specializes in working with stress-related physical and emotional issues, with people who suffer with depression, anxiety and disordered eating, and with women who have experienced childhood abuse and trauma.

Char teaches mindfulness-based group programs backed by research that help people reduce stress, feel more in control of their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, depression and anxiety. Many participants report feeling more connected to their lives and those they care about as well. These programs for the general public are: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and mindfulness-based eating awareness programs. Char did her internship in the MBSR program under the direction of Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli at UMASS Medical School in 2001, and in 2005 completed training with Zindel Segal and Susan Woods in the MBCT program. Additionally, she has taught Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT) for the general public, and with Jean Kristeller, creator of that program, trained professionals to teach the MB-EAT program.

Char has had a personal meditation practice since 1995 and is currently studying Qigong and Taijiquan. She also trains professionals in the application of mindfulness in psychotherapy, advanced MBCT skills, and mindful eating, and has been an instructor of mindfulness retreats and trainings for professionals at Omega Institute, Kripalu, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, UCSD and NASWCT annual conferences. She provides one-on-one consultation in the use of mindfulness in professional settings. Char serves as president of The Center for Mindful Eating (TCME.org) and is the owner/director of the Center for Mindful Living in Connecticut.

You can read more about mindfulness programs and services by going to her website:
www.amindfulpath.com . Email: info@amindfulpath.com
Phone: 860-402-9333

"Working with individuals one-on-one allows me to develop a relationship with each client and focus on his or her specific needs and goals. When someone comes back feeling good, that's my pat on the back!"

Elaine Szczepankowski has always enjoyed a variety of core-strengthening exercises and weight training, but several years ago at Workout World, she discovered Pilates. Her rapid progress and delight in this approach to physical well-being was obvious, and WOW encouraged her to further her study and become an instructor. What had started as just another approach to fitness became a passion, and Elaine proceeded to become certified by the National Exercise Trainers Association. Totally hooked, she followed up with more intensive training in Stott Pilates adding mat work, reformer and props to expand on her expertise.

As Elaine pursued more classes, she was surprised by how much she discovered about her own body and realized that teaching Pilates could be mutually beneficial and satisfying. Sensitive to her clients' needs, she enjoys the challenge of modifying exercises to accommodate varying abilities and limitations. Through Pilates, Elaine strives to improve peoples' lives with a meaningful experience that embraces body, mind and spirit.