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Dean Solon

By on November 3, 2015 in Classes, Meditation

Meditation Group Leader

Dean Solon

Dean Solon

Dean began to meditate during the winter of 1970-1971 after a series of experiences—external and internal—had led him to question the assumptions underlying his life.  Since that time, he has continued with a meditation practice, sitting twice a day, every day.

He has studied many of the world wisdom traditions, with particular emphasis on the teachings of the Buddha and Jesus, and in the shamanic and Sufi traditions. For the past four years he has been leading a weekly meditation group.

For more than 32 years he worked for the Social Security Administration, meeting with clients who were applying for and receiving SSI benefits (the needs-based program administered by the agency).

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Rachel Kobin

By on November 3, 2015 in Classes, Creative Writing

RachelKobinCreative Writing with the Philadelphia Writers Workshop

As the director of the Philadelphia Writers Workshop, Rachel Kobin currently offers two creative writing workshops in the greater Philadelphia region. Rachel uses the Amherst Writers & Artists™ method to create a supportive, collaborative setting for writers of all backgrounds. The workshop allows beginners to explore their unique voice, and provides experienced writers a forum where they can further develop their craft.

Rachel received her training in the Amherst Writers & Artists™ method with Alison Hicks. Alison Hicks is the founder and director of the Greater Philadelphia Wordshop Studio. Previously, Rachel was a member of the Havertown location workshop for eight years.

Career in Writing, Film and Television Production

Rachel Kobin has been a writer ever since she adapted Louise Fitzhugh’s book, Harriet the Spy, into a play for her third grade classmates to perform. Later, as part of her early career in film and television, she worked for the producer of the movie at Viacom.

Rachel’s experience as a professional writer and editor includes:

  • Critiquing screenplays
      • For filmmaker Jonathan Demme, Director of Silence of the Lambs, and Philadelphia
  • Editing of short stories, novels, non-fiction, and technical writing
  • Writing corporate communications, marketing communications, and advertising

Most of the time Rachel focuses on running workshops and advising private editing clients as they develop their manuscripts. With the help of her manuscript workshop writers, she makes time to write a TV pilot for a satirical series featuring dynamic roles for actresses ranging in age from 20 to 70.

Rachel finds helping writers navigate through the adventure of creating exhilarating. She is thrilled by long-time workshop participant Eric Bell’s recent success at finding an agent to represent him and his novel, Alan Kim is Not a Coward.

N.B. Although she is sensitive to emotional issues, and while writing can be therapeutic, Rachel Kobin has no official training or licensing as a therapist. Writing workshops can be a great compliment to therapy, but should never substitute for professional psychiatric or psychological care.

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Brittiney George, BS, CST, CRS, ICI, CEIM

By on November 3, 2015 in BodyMind Integration, Classes, Infant Massage, Self Care Program

BrittineyGeorgeBrittiney George is a Movement Practitioner and Somatic Therapist Specializing in Transformative Touch.

Brittiney is a former native of Michigan, who moved to Pennsylvania in 1999.  She has specialized in movement for over 20 years and was a corporate manager and trainer in financial services prior to starting her own private practice.  Brittiney offers Somatic Therapy sessions, HSP Women Leadership Circles, Workshops, Movement Classes, and Infant Massage and Baby Signs® Parent Series and is currently on faculty at The Somatic Therapy Center.

 

Supporting You:

Brittiney specializes in helping people find their ground when they are feeling thrown by life and movement when they’re feeling stuck.  This can be due to trauma (physical, emotional, or relational) or by a life event that requires new movement (i.e. new job, new baby, or a new relationship).

Whether you are coming in for an individual session, a movement class, or a workshop, her intention is that you leave feeling seen, heard, supported, and most of all, deeply listened to.

She is passionate about working with:

  • highly sensitive individuals
  • the hidden artist that never got to fully express themself
  • people that feel stuck in a pattern of movement and/or repetitive life choices
  • the open-minded, open-hearted individual that’s ready to make changes for themselves

Somatic Therapy Sessions:

Brittiney George’s Somatic Therapy office

Somatic Therapy is the healing balm for the places in you that have been bruised, scratched, or cut up by life.  You know your story, your body knows the impact of how you’ve experienced it.

“A Somatic Therapy session is like settling into your skin after having experienced a lifetime of things getting under your skin.” -Joe Weldon, co-founder The Somatic Therapy Center

Somatic Therapy uses transformative touch and talk together to help you listen to your body and interpret the messages that you receive.  It invites ease, relief, and connection to the body, mind, heart, and soul.

Sessions are 55 min. in length.  During a session you are fully clothed laying on a massage table or sitting in a chair.  Touch is always done with your permission and with complete respect for you.

“While seemingly very simple, this is a powerful and non-threating way to access insights that can be important in healing.  Brittiney has a gentle touch and intuitive wisdom that has helped me to uncover issues for further thought and exploration.” — LGD

*Contact Brittiney to Schedule your FREE Introductory Session*

 

Classes and Workshops:

Rest, Restore, and Move Class:

Bi-weekly on Tuesdays from 12-1pm

Your place to play with postures, to invite in rest, and to explore movement.  All welcome.

» Learn more about the Rest, Restore and Move Class

Highly Sensitive Women Leadership Circle:

Community gatherings and retreats to support Highly Sensitive Women in Leadership.  Join Brittiney George, Elizabeth Venart, and Tracie Nichols for community, education, and exploration around creating a new paradigm of what it means to be a leader.   “Being an agent of change doesn’t mean changing others, it means being you!”

Learn more and register for upcoming events at: https://www.meetup.com/Highly-Sensitive-Womens-Leadership-Circle/

 

CEM Workshops:

4th Wednesday of the month from 7:30-9pm

Connection, Expression, and Movement (CEM) is a monthly women’s workshop led by Brittiney George and Alix Amar that focuses on bodymind integration. Each month the discussion and explorations center on a specific theme such as stress management, embracing your gifts, finding your ground, and exploring balance in your life.  Workshops are limited to 10 participants. Register by contacting Brittiney George.

“What stood out for me was learning to rethink, in a positive way, about my body. Paying attention, acknowledging…and truly listening to signals and messages from my body helped me feel more balanced in my mind, spirit, and body.”— KS

New Parent Support:

Brittiney offers a safe, shame free zone (yes, crying babies are allowed!) in her Infant Massage and Baby Signs® 6 wk series. Parents will receive tools to reduce stress, deepen communication, and create a community of support for both parent and child.

Infant Massage Classes (birth-pre-crawling):

Infant Massage strengthens bonding and begins the dialogue of healthy touch with your child. Parents massage their own babies and learn different strokes each week that aid in relief from colic and gas discomfort and muscle tension while promoting bonding and better sleep.

By the end of the series you will:

  • Know the difference between yes and no cues to touch.
  • Be able to differentiate between soothing and stimulating strokes.
  • Have a strong base of knowledge of strokes, holds, and movements you can use for soothing.

“Being a developmental psychologist I know the theory behind infant massage, but being able to practice with my own child in Brittiney’s class really solidified the positive aspects in the literature.  It was life changing for us both!”-Dr. Paige Davis

Baby Sign Language Classes (6-18 mths):

Babies have a lot to say even before they can speak.  With the Baby Signs Program®, babies and toddlers can communicate using simple, easy-to-learn signs that promote cognitive, social, language, literacy, and sensory-motor development to make the most of their critical first three years.

By the end of the series you will:

  • Know signs that help with reducing frustration and tantrums.
  • Have signs and songs you can use for education, communication, and play.
  • Learn educational activities that promote intellectual development for your baby.

“Shortly after my daughter started walking, she started signing. I remember you saying some babies need to walk first before responding to sign language. It’s so exciting for both of us! I love seeing her learn new things and I can tell she appreciates the ability to communicate and know that we can understand and respond.”-KB

 

Education/Certifications:

  • Certified Somatic Therapist (Levels I, II, & III)
  • Certified Rubenfeld Synergist (Levels I, II, & III)
  • Certified Educator of Infant Massage through Infant Massage USA
  • Independent Certified Instructor of Baby Signs® Sign, Say, and Play Programs
  • Certified Pilates Instructor through PhysicalMind Institute in New York, NY
  • Certified Pilates Instructor for Breast Cancer Survivors through Pink Ribbon Program
  • Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Hillsdale College in Michigan
  • Interned at University of Michigan-MedSport Physical Therapy Center
  • DVAEYC Early Childhood Conference Speaker (2016)
  • Inspired Family Conference Speaker (2014)
  • LOVE AWARD- Finalist for Mainline Parent Best of Family Mommy & Me Class (2015)

“I have found that this touch is a gentle and positive way to really get in touch with your body and feelings.  It has brought a gentle and positive change to my life.  I would recommend Brittiney George and her work without question, excellent.”-Chris T

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