Board and Faculty

Mia Segal

((Quality and Pedagogical Standards. Curriculum development. Feldenkrais applications) was born in Jerusalem, into a large family that had lived in Jerusalem for ﬁve generations. Her mother was highly intellectual, and her father, one of the founders of the State of Israel, a renowned Hebrew scholar, and the country’s legal legislator. After her military service, Mia married an Air Force Pilot, who was subsequently injured in a plane crash. His rehabilitative challenges motivated Mia to receive her certiﬁcation as an Alexander Technique teacher, at the Isabelle Cripps Center in London, where she subsequently worked. Her teacher, Charles Neil, introduced her to Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais who was looking for a professional assistant. In 1957 she started working with Moshe, leading to a long term, productive and enduring collaboration, which lasted until his death in 1983. Feldenkrais became part of the Segal family: exploring and working with theories, concepts, ideas and experi-ments became part of daily life as the method was growing and becoming structured. People from all over the world were coming to study with Dr.Feldenkrais and he entrusted Mia to work on his most important clients, including Israel’s ﬁrst PrimeMinister, David Ben Gurion, famous musicians, athletes and scholars. In 1968, the Segal family went to Japan to explore the culture, including some underlying fundamentals of the Feldenkrais work - movement in general and Judo in particular. Mia met and studied with Yataro Ohkura, the great Kyogen artist, the Judomasters at the Kodokan, and spent time with Haruchika Noguchi, creator of Katsugen Undo, a therapeutic method of the body’s natural ability to heal itself. In 1971 Feldenkrais traveled to Japan to visit Mia and to meet and collaborate with these masters. During that time Mia and her daughter Leora earned black belts in Judo at the Kodokan, the University for Judo. Together, Feldenkrais and Mia trained students worldwide, including the very ﬁrst training seminars in the USA. When Feldenkrais was not well enough to travel, Mia took over the fourth year of the ﬁrst practitioner training in San Francisco and his trainings in Europe. She continued conducting her own training programs worldwide, as the standard bearer and ultimate authority of this work, its applications,philosophy and methodology. She is known for her unequalled mastery of the work and admired as a superb teacher. Te unique design of her programs, which she continued to perfect with her daughter, Leora Gaster, is testimony to her vast contribution, experience and leadership. Mia is committed to ensuring that his work is carried forward in the essential and powerful form it was developed in her presence, by Dr. Feldenkrais, during their many years of collaboration and friendship. As Dr. Feldenkrais himself said: "Mia is my best student and the only one to take the work beyond me".<www.mbsacademy.org>

Leora Gaster(Quality and Methodological Standards.Curriculum Development) embodies extensive knowledge and ability in the ﬁeld, enhanced by a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University and years of teaching experience. Leora was raised in an environment of exploration into human-development, as a function of her parent's background and interests, combined with the exponential factor of Dr. Feldenkrais constant presence. Leora experienced the rare opportunity to grow alongside the important work and practice that was developed by Dr, Feldenkrais and which was part of daily life. Te house-hold attracted international personalities and Leora witnessed ﬁrst hand the transformative process in a vast array of cases. In her teens, the family moved to Japan, where they immersed themselves in that culture and its many aspects. Tey became part of a traditional Japanese theatre group, studied judo intensively (Leora received a black belt in Judo from the Kodokan, Tokyo, when she was 16, with special commendations and training) and developed relationships with some of Japan's "living national treasures', masters of their crafts and disciplines. In addition, she is an NLP trainer and spent time observing and studying the great medical hypnotist, Milton Erickson. Leora is the Academic Programs Director of MBS Academy. Her clarity of guidance, both in large seminars and as mentor to practitioners and trainers of all levels, has produced some of the best Feldenkrais practitioners worldwide. Leora has compiled, synthesized and written the deﬁnitive set of concise manuals for teaching the work and has produced targeted DVD's illustrating its underlying principles and applications. She currently leads programs and teaches in several Feldenkrais centers in the world, including New York, California, Switzerland, New Mexico, Rome, Munich and Tokyo.<www.mbsacademy.org>

Dr. Leon Segal leon

Innovation Psychologist (Application of cognitive science and ergonomics to product innovation and team creativity) Leon is a cognitive psychologist with over two decades of experience in the application of cognitive science and ergonomics to product innovation and team creativity. He has used the analysis of people's everyday experience, and the subsequent emergence of empathy, to conceptualize new designs in a broad range of contexts: from aircraft cockpits and medical products, through consumer products to retail and oﬃce environments. Leon has worked with a diverse range of leading companies worldwide, including 3M, AIG, BMW, IDEO, Israel Discount Bank, Medtronic, Microsoft, NASA, Palm and Steelcase. He is founder of LivingPatterns (2002) and currently resides in Israel. <www.leonsegalonline.com>

Walter Bauhöfer, MD (Integrative Medicine) completed his
medical studies in Heidelberg and at Free University in West Berlin in 1968. During the last three years of studies he spent extensive time studying C.G.Jung’s psychoanalysis. During his rist years in practice as MD, he also pursued sociological studies at Free University Berlin and contributed to the Scientiﬁc medical journalist, working for German TV and Berlin broadcast stations. Following that, he concentrated on medical epidemiology at the Federal Health Authority- and exmined physical activity and related cardiovascular diseases . In 1986 he presented a medical thesis on physical activity and cardiovascular diseases and received a magna cum laude Dr, Bauhofer spent time as MD at the surgical hospital Grunewaldklinik ans since 1982 – establish own private GP clinic with emphasis on naturopathy, regulatory medicine, orthomolecular medicine, chinese medicine, classical homoeopathy. Constantly triving to broaden his understanding and expertise, he pursused further in depth training in the following ﬁelds: Pneotherapy, Hypnotherapy, NLP-Master practitioner, Feldenkrais-Training with Mia Segal and Leora Gaster in Nijmegen 1993-95. In 2006 he received a degree in osteopathy and is currently studying acupuncture in China. Walter speaks several Foreign languages ﬂuently: French, English, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Italian.

Dr. Karl Pribram MD (Neuro-physiology, Research) is a professor at Georgetown University and George Mason University, and an emeritus professor of psychology and psychiatry at Stanford University and Radford University. Board-certiﬁed as a neurosurgeon, Pribram did pioneering work on the deﬁnition of the limbic system, the relationship of the frontal cortex to the limbic system, the sensory speciﬁc "association" cortex of the parietal and temporal lobes, and the classical motor cortex of the human brain. To the general public, Pribram is best known for his development of the Holonomic Brain Model of cognitive function and his contribution to ongoing neurological research into memory, emotion, motivation and consciousness. American author Katherine Neville is his signiﬁcant other.

Albert Pope Hinckley Jr. II, Albert

(Environmental Policy, Architecture) was Born in Mt. Kisco, NY in 1934. Family moved to Fauqier County, Viginia in 1940. Albert attended Phillips Exeter Academy, 1951, received his BA in Architecture from Princeton University for in 1955 and from MIT in 1959. While at MIT, he worked during summers in the oﬃce of Sir Hugh Casson in London. From 1960-1962, Albert worked in the architectural oﬃce of Maurice Segal, then husband of Mia Segal, during which time he spent many ours with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais in the Segal home. In 1963 he returned to the US and worked in NY, until opening own practice in Warrenton, VA in 1966. Albert is curently in a partnership: Hinckley Shepherd Norden AIA PLC. He has travelled extensively and serves on the board of The American Friends of Covent Garden, The Casa del Herrero Foundation and The Cultural Landscape Foundation.

Dr. Linda Tellington Jones linda

(Tellington Touch Method for animals and humans) founder and creator of Tellington TTouch, is recognized internationally as an acclaimed teacher in the ﬁeld of “Human and Animal Healing.” Inspired by her four year study with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, Linda developed programs for both humans and animals. In the 80's, she revolutionized the equine world by introducing TTEAM and Tellington TTouch. Her book “ TTouch For You” Integrating Body, Mind and Spirit. “ Although, Linda initially developed her work for equine behvioral problems, it rapidly expanded to treating emotional and physical conditions in both animals and humans. Today, in twelve countries, there are over 500 certiﬁed Tellington TTouch practitioners that work with horses, companion animals and in zoos. In addition, the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing accepted the “TTouch” as part of their Research and Education Program. Linda is the author of eleven books, which have been translated to twelve languages, and her work is the subject of prime-time TV documentaries in ﬁve continents! <www.TTouch.com>

Cynthia Harvey CH1

(Dance. Performance-Excellence) One of ballet’s most versatile and valued artists. Ms Harvey danced virtually every ballerina role with American Ballet Teatre and also had the distinction of being invited by Sir Anthony Dowell to be a principal of the Royal Ballet. With Te Royal Ballet, Miss Harvey danced an array of Ashton and Mac Millan ballets, and was honoured to be the ﬁrst Odette/Odile, opposite Jonathan Cope in Sir Anthony Dowell’s production of Swan Lake, currently in the repertoire of the Royal Ballet. Harvey performed as guest artist with Baryshnikov and Company, Nureyev and Friends and numerous companies before retiring in 1996. On video, Ms Harvey appears as Kitri opposite Mikhail Baryshnikov in his production of Don Quixote, (ﬁrst winning acclaim opposite Anthony Dowell) in Natalia Makarova’s “Te Ballerina”, the “Waltz” in Les Sylphides, and, in the documentary, “Tchaikovsky’s Women” for Britain’s Channel 4. She is a featured artist in the Fred Weismann documentary on The American Ballet Teatre. Co-author of “Physics of Dance & the pas de deux”, she teaches in Norfolk, England and in 2007-2008 has been guest teacher for American Ballet Teatre, The Australian Ballet, Teatro alla Scala, The Royal Swedish Ballet and Te Norwegian National Ballet Company, Te Royal Ballet School in London as well as the English National Ballet School and The Elmhurst School. Miss Harvey has been on the board of DanceEast, the national agency for dance in England and was a prominent member of the committee that saw major ballet directors from around the world gather to discuss issues relating to improving life for ballet companies and schools.

David Liebman david

(Wind Instruments, Music Theory) Liebman’s career has spanned nearly four decades, beginning in the 1970s as the saxophone/ﬂautist in both the Elvin Jones and Miles Davis Groups. He has played on nearly three hundred recordings with over one hundred under his leadership or co-leadership. In jazz education he is a renowned lecturer and author of several milestone books: Self Portrait Of A Jazz Artist, A Chromatic Approach To Jazz Harmony And Melody, Developing A Personal Saxophone Sound which have been translated into other languages, in addition to teaching DVDs, contributions to various periodicals and published chamber music. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the International Association of Schools of Jazz (IASJ) existing since 1989. Awards include two National Endowment grants; an Honorary Doctorate from the Sibelius Academy (1997); Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Solo (1998) and Best Big Band Arrangement (performance-2004); induction into the International Association of Jazz Educators Hall of Fame (2000); Pennsylvania Council of the Arts grant in 2005; Jazz Journalist’s Award for soprano sax in 2007. He currently teaches in the Graduate Division at the Manhattan School of Music. He has consistently placed in the top three for soprano saxophone in the Downbeat Critic’s Poll since 1973. Liebman's career has spanned nearly four decades, beginning in the 1970s as the saxophone/flautist in both the Elvin Jones and Miles Davis Groups. He has played on nearly three hundred recordings with over one hundred under his leadership or co-leadership. In jazz education he is a renowned lecturer and author of several milestone books: Self Portrait Of A Jazz Artist, A Chromatic Approach To Jazz Harmony And Melody,Developing A Personal Saxophone Sound which have been translated into other languages, in addition to teaching DVDs, contributions to various periodicals and published chamber music. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the International Association of Schools of Jazz (IASJ) existing since 1989. Awards include two National Endowment grants; an Honorary Doctorate from the Sibelius Academy (1997); Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Solo (1998) and Best Big Band Arrangement (performance-2004); induction into the International Association of Jazz Educators Hall of Fame (2000); Pennsylvania Council of the Arts grant in 2005;Jazz Journalist’s Award for soprano sax in 2007. He currently teaches in the Graduate Division at the Manhattan School of Music. He has consistently placed in the top three for soprano saxophone in the Downbeat Critic’s Poll since 1973.
INTL. HERALD TRIBUNE: "He's a precocious elder statesman who deals with the vagaries of the jazz life with remarkable aplomb and feels the obligation to reinvest some of his honest gains for the common good. A seminar without David Liebman is somehow not a seminar. " (Mike Zwerin)
DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE: "Liebman is among the most important saxophonists in contemporary music . . . a leader and artist of integrity and independent direction." (Leonard Feather)
<www.daveliebman.com>

Dr. Peter Scherk, MD (Medical Advisor for Feldenkrais Curriculum, Course Mentor) trained with Mia Segal for over 20 years and worked as a Seminar Assistant to both Mia and Leora and helped present Medical-related material, while maintaining a large practice in his hometown in Germany. Peter is dedicated to integrating traditional, scientiﬁc and complementary disciplines and, to this end, continues to pursue studies in relevant ﬁelds. In addition to his general medical practice, Peter, being a professional violinist, leads workshops targeted to trouble-shoot issues speciﬁc to professional musicians. Tese workshops are designed to develop their compe-tence and abilities in dealing with multiple aspects and stresses, which are part of professional performance.

Veit Siegmund 201-0112_IMG

(Education. Adolescenet development. Athletics. School curricular systems), a school teacher of science and physical education, trained with Mia since 1992, assisted Miaand Leora in a three year training and, over the past 10 years, created a breakthrough in the educational concept of his entire regional school-system, proving progress in students' academics, as well as reduction of athletic-related injuries in , by introducing Feldenkrais lessons into the curriculum. Veit has inspired enthusiasm for the Feldenkrais work among students, parents and faculty alike. He will be continuing this exciting project with Mia and Leora, designing a specialized Feldenkrais curriculum for school-teachers, supported by the German educational system.

Maja Van Niekerk maja

(Feldenkrais teacher and coach. Course- assistant coach and coordinator) While studying education, Maja taught blind children to orient themselves in space, teaching them to perform somersaults on a trampoline. Tis got her interested in exploring the impact of movement on behaviour. During her Feldenkrais training, which she took with Mia Segal in 1993, she further developed her concepts in the use of movement education. In addition, Maja has her own successful private practice, leads her own workshops and works in close consultation with neurologist and acupuncturist Mr Wong-Chung, formerly head of the department of Neurology at Nijmegen University Hospital. Maja has been assisting in the three-year international programmes for many years and now co-trains and is part of the faculty respsonsible for Assistant Training courses. For more about Maja: <www.feldenkraisnijmegen.nl>

Joel Teague joel

(Finance) graduated in1979 from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, majoring in Economics. In1980-1985 he was a partner in the Professional Business Brokers, Ltd, Winston-Salem, NC. Following that he served as Senior Vice President, mutual fund sales, at First American National Securities, Atlanta, GA. In 2000 he became Managing Director, White Horse Code Corporation, a computerized trading applications for hedge funds in the currency and futures markets, with programmers in St. Petersburg and Wales. Joel is a member of Old Speculators Club, hedge fund managers/ traders. Joel is a master practitioner of NLP and has long term experience with the Feldenkrais Method.
Professor Uri Vardi uri4

(Music. Cello technique and development. Feldenkrais Method applications to music and education) has performed as a recitalist, soloist, and chamber player across the United States, Europe, South America, as well as his native Israel. Following an extensive teaching and performing career in Israel, in 1990 Vardi was appointed Professor of Cello at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to his work at Wisconsin, Vardi has taught and conducted master classes at numerous music schools, including the Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Indiana University, Yale University, Eastman School, Oberlin College, Cleveland Institute of Music, University of Iowa, Ohio State University, Geneva Conservatory (Switzerland), Paris Conservatory (France), and the Jerusalem Music Center (Israel). He has also participated in several Summer Music Festivals across the U.S. and Israel. Professor Vardi's students have been successful as soloists, chamber players, faculty members of major music schools, and members of major orchestras. In his teaching, Vardi puts great emphasis on the choreography of playing, the relationship between movement and sound. In order to further his understanding of this approach, Vardi has specialized in the Feldenkrais Method, for which he received the 1999 UW-Madison Arts Institute Faculty Development Award. He completed a Feldenkrais Practitioners Training and was certiﬁed by the Feldenkrais Guild of North America and by the International Feldenkrais Federation as a Feldenkrais practitioner in 2003. <www.harmoniousmovement.com>

Sabine Vohmann Heinze (Feldenkrais teacher. NLP master practitioner. Course senior assistant and coach) studied the Feldenkrais Method with Mia Segal and fulﬁlled the requirements necessary to practice on the level of “Course-Assistant Leader” and “Coordinator” during Feldenkrais Practitioner Trainings.. Sabine’s certiﬁcation as a Master Practitioner and Trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, (NLP), was achieved in similar fashion in that she studied with the founders of NLP: Richard Bandler and John Grinder. Sabine teaches the Feldenkrais Method as a component to her NLP course entitled: Health-And-Terapy. She’s worked as a physiotherapist, studied family therapy and Milton Erickson's Hypnotherapy. Based in Brazil, Sabine has co-authored a book with Roderick Heinze “Camie Su Vida Con NLP” (Change Your Life with NLP). To contact Sabine please visit her website: <www.feldenkrais-somatics.com.br >

Eric Opiela eric

(Attorney), graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Texas Law school at Austin, where he was the student body vice-president and chairman of the University of Texas System Student Advisory Council. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law, where he was Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Criminal Law, one of the nation’s top two scholarly journals dedicated to criminal justice, Eric served on the General Counsel at Texas House of Representatives, the Federal Judicial Law Clerk at United States Court of Federal Claims and Committee Director and Counsel at Texas House of Representatives In addition to his law practice, Eric serves as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Texas. <eopiela@opielamixon.com>