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California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana | Louisiana | Massachusetts | Minnesota | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Pennsylvania | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wisconsin | Canada | U.K. | Costa Rica
CALIFORNIA
West Coast Director
San Francisco Bay Area
650-494-0889
tom@meridianstretching.com
www.StretchWorks.net
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Tom teaches Resistance Stretching classes and workshops and he works with individual private clients in the San Francisco Bay area. He creates custom flexibility training programs and provides counseling on diet, nutrition and cross training. He works with both general audiences and serious athletes.
Tom was flexibility trainer to Dara Torres, winner of two Gold and three Bronze medals for swimming in the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Tom accompanied Dara to the Olympic Swim Trials, Olympic Training Camp, and then on to Sydney for the Olympic Games. For Dara, Tom provided flexibility training, injury prevention and correction, as well as nutritional counseling.
From 1992 to 1999, Tom trained and taught at The Meridian Stretching Center in Boston. He works closely with Bob Cooley, developer of this revolutionary system of stretching, to continually develop and refine the system. He assists Bob in creating and instructing the Teacher Certification Program for the Meridian Flexibility System.
Tom takes the mystery out of stretching, using strong communication skills and an innate understanding of how to create leverage in stretches. His knowledge encompasses extensive study of the human structure, flexibility and strength training, and personality theory, plus over ten years of practical experience. Uniting these with his own creative passion for health, he helps others recapture their innate flexibility and strength as well as physical and emotional excellence.
Tom stretches to strengthen and develop his body, to support his athletic abilities, and to advance himself both physically and mentally. His favorite areas of study include diet and nutrition, physical health, and spiritual and emotional development. He loves to share this knowledge with clients for a more rounded and balanced program.
Tom is the computer-modeling specialist behind Bob Cooley's research into computer analysis of human range of motion. His credentials include a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and over ten years of computer modeling experience at firms such as Andersen Consulting.
Doran Christie
Certified Intern - Level III
San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, CA
408-269-7807
doran.christie@gmail.com
www.StretchWorks.net
Doran Christie has been studying the Meridian Flexibility System with Tom Longo and Bob Cooley since 2001 and is presently a Certified Intern teaching in San Jose, California. Doran has over 20 years of training in Therapeutic Yoga and is certified in Neural Linguistics.
Doran is a personal flexibility trainer working primarily with women. She blends her yoga training and Meridian Stretching with her many years of practical experience and resulting intuitive development and understanding. She works closely with each client to create the benefits of stretching, strengthening and flexibility to create change and balance in one's life. She completes each session with a sensory relaxation to assist in integrating the work into the body memory.
Doran and Tom Longo currently co-facilitate Meridian Flexibility Workshops throughout the Bay Area and will soon be expanding the Workshops to Hawaii.
Certified Instructor
San Diego, CA
510-919-2805
flexstretch@hotmail.com
www.E-CentricStrength.com
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n/a
Nic Bartolotta
Certified Instructor
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510-684-3537
anodynestretch@hotmail.com
www.E-CentricStrength.com
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n/a
Luther Cowden
Certified Instructor
Los Angeles (will travel)
512-743-7111
email
flexiblestrength.org
everyonestretcheverywhere.com
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Luther Cowden is a certified Meridian Flexibility Trainer who travels internationally to offer Resistance Stretching classes, workshops, private assisted stretching, couples stretching, workplace stretching, and online training. He was introduced to the Meridian Flexibility System by Chris Maher and originally trained by the founder, Bob Cooley, along with Tom Longo in San Jose, CA. He has continued his training with Bob Cooley, Steve Sierra, and Anne Tierney in Connecticut, New York, Texas, California, Florida and Costa Rica.
His past clientele includes professional and Olympic athletes, artists, dancers, performers, musicians, authors, executives, severely injured individuals, as well as people just looking to get in shape.
Luther worked with Kate Wodash and Jay Lyons to create the first Meridian Flexibility Center in the Southwestern United States based in Austin, TX. Luther also travels internationally and has taught Resistance Flexibility and Strength Training throughout North and Central America.
“I use RFST to upgrade all aspects of myself while providing the same service for others. I love helping others be everything they wish to be whether it’s a better athlete, artist, performer, or person. I enjoy working with people who desire a life free of pain, tension, and stress. I also enjoy the challenge of teaching others who may not at first be very open to or interested in creating and maintaining positive health.
I envision living in a world where people serve as positive checks and balances for each other. A world where every time people encounter each other, they create upgrades in each other's physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological health. I want us all to help each other feel good, because if you ask me, it's all about feeling good!
I have found MFS and RFST to be one of the most powerful positive gifts that I can share with others. I want stretching to be a practice that releases people's barriers allowing us all to come together as one and be free with each other!”
David Allen
President
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408-268-6222
David@MeridianFlexibility.com
www.MeridianFlexibility.com
David Allen is an author, executive, technologist, and healer. He met Bob Cooley in 2003 and was quickly impressed with Meridian Flexibility and its application to psychological, physiological, spiritual, and emotional fitness. David's greatest passion is to spread the benefits of Meridian Flexibility™ to the world through his altruistic work at Meridian Flexibility Corporation.
Jessica McKimmie
Certified Intern - Level II
San Diego, CA
619-822-9161
email
www.e-centricstrength.com
Jessica would love to help you feel healthier and remove the tension in your body - call or email her to schedule an appointment today!
Jessica began training with Anne and Steve in 2005. As a lifelong athlete, including college basketball at San Francisco State University, Jess had experienced most types of traditional training and rehab. After one session, she knew the RFST system was the best work out and physical therapy resource she had ever experienced.
“Using eccentric contractions with Anne and Steve, we were able to remove the trauma from my hands, wrists, and arms from my recent bicycle accident. The resistance stretching has impacted my life on many levels, mentally and physically ‘unwinding’ and developing strength spiritually and emotionally.”
Jessica has a background in Eastern medicine perspectives, acupressure, Reiki, and intuitive healing. When Jess isn’t mashing your hamstrings, you’ll most likely find her on the basketball court, on her bike, or trying San Diego’s latest organic eatery. Balanced with a bachelor of science in Business Management, Jess also freelances creative marketing efforts for local and national businesses. Now teamed up with the West Coast stretching team, E-Centric Strength, she is happy to travel for private sessions or to teach workshops - especially to Northern California and Washington State.
Daryl Fink
Certified Instructor - Level II
Sacramento, CA
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daryl@meridianflexibility.com
www.meridianflexibility.com
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To arrange for an initial complimentary consultation simply call Daryl at 530.647.6923, or send an email to Daryl@MeridianFlexibility.com
Karin Vastola
Certified Intern - Level I
Carnes & Co.
Yuba City, Ca 95993
530-821-0123 /19
email
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Massage Therapist
Energy Work
Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist
Attended Bob Cooley's workshops at Omega Institute New York and Redwood City California.
Currently seminar leader teaching bodywork, meditation and alternative healing in Balingen, Germany.
Elena Keegan
Certified Intern - Level I
Los Angeles, Ca
225-405-8300
email
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COLORADO
Tracy Saraduke
Certified Intern - Level V
Evergreen, CO
303-670-9181
tjsaraduke@aol.com
www.acuwebpage.com
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RN in Colorado, Licensed Acupuncturist, 2 years training in Rosen Method Bodywork
Certified Intern - Level I
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404-451-9474
www.body-n-balance.com
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CONNECTICUT
Certified Intern - Level I
Stamford, CT
914-953-2710
daylyte1102@aol.com
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Yoga Instructor
Barbara Feeney
Certified Intern - Level II
Stamford, CT
203-629-0979
bfeeney_1@msn.com
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Certified Massage Therapist
Nicole Griffin
Certified Intern - Level I
Stonington, CT
860-535-9838
mourtleee@sbcglobal.net
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Yoga Instructor
Certified Intern - Level III
Riverside, CT
203-570-9806
maurann77@yahoo.com
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Personal Trainer, Nutritional Counselor, and Wellness Coach
Henry Nye
Certified Instructor
Brookfield, CT
914-646-5939
hankn3@aol.com
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Henry teaches the Meridian Flexibility System and Resistance Stretching classes and sees individual clients for private sessions in Fairfield County, CT, and in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley, New York. Through his helpful nature and his personalized stretching and health recommendations, clients attain balance in body, mind and spirit; feel a greater sense of well-being; and realize personal and professional potential. While specializing in athletes and performers, Henry welcomes and enjoys all.
Henry's interest in stretching started early as a teenage athlete. In 1999, he began training in the Meridian Flexibility System and Resistance Stretching under the mentorship of Elizabeth Smith-Troy at the Yoga Center in Fishkill, NY, and through her, met and trained with Bob Cooley. As a competitor in cycling, swimming, marathon, triathlon, and dancesport, Henry immediately felt the benefits of Resistance Stretching above and beyond those of other stretching philosophies. He started teaching advanced MFS and RS classes at the Yoga Center in 2002 in order to share these insights with others.
From 2002, Henry trained in shiatsu at the Ohashi Institute in NYC to enhance his knowledge of meridians and the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is a certified health counselor having completed his program at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC in June 2005.
Henry uses his training in stretching, shiatsu, and health counseling, together with his 20-years of experience in process integration as an engineer and manager with IBM, to seamlessly integrate MFS and RS into his client's lives.
FLORIDA
Sarah Sammons-Ulmer
Certified Intern - Level I
Fernandina Beach, FL
904-415-6785
sammons_ulmer@yahoo.com
www.BodyAwareness-Studio.com
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Pilates, Personal Trainer
Certified Intern - Level I
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Kathleen Lake
Certified Intern - Level I
Orlando, FL
407-375-5949
email
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Bodyworker, Yoga Instructor, Reiki Practitioner Level II, Addictions Counselor, Writer/Actress
Kathleen Lake was a student of Bob Cooley's in the late eighties and early nineties, and attributes much of her recovery from adrenal failure and chronic fatigue to Bob's training. Recently she became an intern and trained with Anne Tierney and Steve Sierra. She is a life coach, physical trainer, writer and theatre artist who helps people meet their personal and professional goals through physical training and emotional support. She likes to collaborate with those in all aspects of recovery from chronic illness and addiction, and since our culture has a lot of addiction in it -- to speed, money, fame, accumulation and numbing out the pain of all the above -- she thinks that's most of us.
Certified Instructor
Stamford, CT / NYC
847-687-6416
anne@meridianstretching.com www.Innovative-BodySolutions.com
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Anne Tierney met Bob Cooley a year ago while completing her Masters degree at Lehigh University. Immediately upon being stretched she knew it was something that every athlete not only would love but also desperately needed, especially at the collegiate and professional levels. Day after day, year after year athletes are constantly adding stress and tension to their bodies – Resistance Flexibility and Strength Training® finally offers a way to take it all out.
Over the last year she has worked with Steve Sierra as a Meridian Flexibility Intern, during which she has gained experience working with an Olympic-hopeful swimmer, golfers, and collegiate-level basketball and football players. She is currently part of The Elite Team of trainers, formed in April of 2005 and made up of Bob Cooley, Steve Sierra, and herself. By working directly alongside Bob Cooley and his top trainer, Steve Sierra, her education has advanced at a great pace and she has acquired invaluable information and experience due to her direct association with the two of them. They handle the most extreme, unique, and difficult cases as well as the top-tier athletes and executives. Currently, their clientele includes: NBA players Allan Houston of the New York Knicks and Charlie Ward of the Houston Rockets, Major Leaguer Jayson Werth of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and executives of major corporations. As a Certified Meridian Flexibility Intern, she has learned the concomitance between the physical body and psychological, spiritual and emotional traits.
Prior to joining Bob full-time in May of 2005, Anne was an Associate at Standard & Poor's Corporate Value Consulting Practice in New York City where she worked for a year valuing intangible assets and investment portfolios as well as assisting on litigation cases. She also teaches private basketball lessons and runs her own summer basketball camps, "ANNe-U-ALicia Basketball Camps, " in her hometown of Lake Zurich, IL with her business partner Alicia Ratay.
Anne graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lehigh University with a double major in Finance and Economics in 2003 and received her M.S. in Economics in 2004. She has enjoyed much success in the classroom as well as on the basketball court. Upon graduation she received the Richard H. Johnson Award in Economics (top undergraduate economics student), the University Service Award (unsurpassed dedication to Lehigh University through an organization), Undergraduate Merit Award (Outstanding Achievement in Academics), and Lehigh's Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award for 2002-2003. As a Division I basketball player, 4-year starter and 2-time Captain for Lehigh University, she graduated as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Lehigh as well as holding numerous other records: All-time leading rebounder in the Patriot League, 2000 Patriot League Rookie of the Year, fastest player in league history (male or female) to reach 1,000 points, 4-time First-Team All Patriot League selection (2000-2003), 2-time Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the Patriot League, 3-time Verizon District II Academic All-American, and 2003 "NCAA Woman of the Year" Nominee.
Steven Sierra
Certified Instructor
Stamford, CT / NYC
484-553-3298
sierra@meridianstretching.com
www.Innovative-BodySolutions.com
Steven Sierra has been working with Bob Cooley and training clients in the Meridian Flexibility System® since 2001. He specializes in training Olympic and Professional Athletes, Executives, and helping severely injured and disabled individuals.
Most recently he is working with NBA players Allan Houston (New York Knicks) and Charlie Ward (Houston Rockets) as well as Jayson Werth (Los Angeles Dodgers). He is on the Elite Training Team with founder Bob Cooley— this is an exclusive group of Meridian Flexibility Instructors who create rehabilitation and ‘upgrade' programs for some of the best athletes and performers in the world.
Prior to meeting Bob Cooley, Steve was co-owner with Marcus Riggleman of Phoenix Fitness in Allentown, PA where he oversaw member services, equipment management, and fitness training. After meeting Bob, Marcus and Steve opened Studio 16—A Meridian Stretching Studio — in Bethlehem, PA dedicated entirely to the RFST and MFS.
Steve says: "RFST is the ultimate in fitness training. After meeting Bob, I dropped 30 pounds of un-needed mass and actually became stronger! I now enjoy weight training without suffering from the characteristic aches and pains often associated with strength training. I now look and feel the way I always wanted and I keep improving everyday. The emotional and psychological benefits from RFST and MFS are the parts missing from most physical training. My life is now moving in the directions that I have always wanted."
Steven is a NASM certified personal trainer. He also spent 4 years in the Air Force serving our Country.
Ryan Amsel
Certified Intern - Level III
Miami Beach, FL
310-980-9642
ryanamsel@yahoo.co
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Yoga Instructor
Certified Intern - Level I
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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GEORGIA
Certified Intern - Level III
Atlanta, GA
404-252-7550
BodyAwareness-Studio.com
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Leslie Clayton, founder and director of Body Awareness Studio in Atlanta since 1993. Leslie has a professional Ballet and Modern Dance Background. She taught Children and Adult Ballet and Creative movement for 20 years. She is a Reflexologist, Polarity Therapist/Yoga, Certified Energy Medicine Therapist. She began her Pilates Training with Ramana Krysanowska in New York. Leslie is a Certified Level III Meridian Flexibility Intern.
Leslie brings Pilates trainers, fitness professionals and health care practitioners together for continuing education and always strives to maintain the highest standards of fitness, health and well being for her trainers and her clients.
Jared McCleary
Certified Intern - Level III
Hiram, GA
678-925-2933
jmccleary2085@yahoo.com
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n/a
Certified Intern - Level I
Hiram and Woodstock, GA
678-925-1978
smccleary@bellsouth.net
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Massage Therapist
Mary Jo Falvey
Certified Intern - Level II
Marietta, GA
678-234-0202
email
www.PilatesTutor.com
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ACE Personal Trainer, Pilates
Renee French
Certified Intern - Level I
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770-552-8852
info@body-n-balance.com
www.Body-n-Balance.com
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Pilates, Gyrotonic
Kasey Garret
Certified Intern - Level II
Atlanta, GA
770-314-6315
email
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AFAA Personal Trainer
Kelli Giavelli
Certified Intern - Level II
Powder Springs, GA
770-380-5119
email
-
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n/a
Lisa Osburn
Certified Intern - Level I
Duluth, GA
404-451-9474
lisa@osburn.org
www.Body-n-Balance.com
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Personal Trainer, Pilates, Gyrotonic
Theresa Wiedman
Certified Intern - Level I
Marietta, GA
404-316-0935
resaisfree@comcast.net
www.Body-n-Balance.com
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Massage Therapist
Certified Intern - Level III
Atlanta, GA
404-543-8507
www.BodyAwarenessStudio.com
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n/a
Certified Intern - Level III
Atlanta, GA
678-642-6326
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n/a
Chris Renfrow
Certified Intern - Level III
Atlanta, GA
678-576-8085
email
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NSCA Personal Trainer
Certified Intern - Level III
Atlanta, GA
404-664-7097
www.BodyAwarenessStudio.com
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Donna Riley’s first meeting with Bob Cooley was inspiring. It was clear that he had created a system that combined many of the human performance, fitness, and personal development techniques she had been practicing and teaching all her life. She’s been training with Bob and working with individual clients in Atlanta since 2006.
Donna has 25 years experience studying and teaching many techniques related to human performance. She holds a BFA in Dance from Rutgers University, is ACE and NSCA personal training certified, and is a Faculty member of Balanced Body University teaching Pilates certifications around the country. She possesses a highly intuitive and passionate style with a gift for analyzing and teaching movement in powerfully effective ways. Along with Donna’s extensive knowledge of the sciences of movement and physiology, she has also spent many years taking workshops in emotional and spiritual development. With an ability to see beyond the physical form, and a keen eye for seeing the intricacies of the body in motion, Donna is able to bring her clients to the next level of physical, emotional, mental, and/or spiritual growth. “For me the body is the doorway in to the person. How someone stands, moves, and holds tension patterns in their body says a lot about how they show up in life. My intention is to bring them to break through moments which lead to discovery and transformation.” Donna believes the Meridian Flexibility System® is a powerful way for people to become whole on their journey to a joyous and abundant life of fitness, balance, and health.
Certified Intern - Level I
Alpharetta, GA
770-722-4587
www.Body-n-Balance.com
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Pilates, Gyrotonic
Cory Garner
Certified Intern - Level II
Acworth, GA
678-923-6904
email
www.Body-n-Balance.com
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Pilates
Sandi Ecclestone
Certified Intern - Level I
Alpharetta, GA
-
email
www.Body-n-Balance.com
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Pilates Instructor, Gyrotonics, Physical Therapist
Sarah Papp
Certified Intern - Level I
Marietta, GA
770-402-5302
email
www.Body-n-Balance.com
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Leslie Clayton
Certified Intern - Level III
Atlanta, GA
404.252.7550
leslie@bodyawarenessstudio.com
www.BodyAwarenessStudio.com
Leslie Clayton, founder and director of Body Awareness Studio in Atlanta since 1993. Leslie has a professional Ballet and Modern Dance Background. She taught Children and Adult Ballet and Creative movement for 20 years. She is a Reflexologist, Polarity Therapist/Yoga, Certified Energy Medicine Therapist. She began her Pilates Training
with Ramana Krysanowska in New York.
Leslie brings Pilates trainers, fitness professionals and health care practitioners together for continuing education and always strives to maintain the highest standards of fitness, health and well being for her
trainers and her clients.
Certified Intern - Level I
Atlanta, GA
404-699-6112
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Winsor Pilates
Certified Intern - Level I
Alpharetta, GA
678-886-3252
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Certified Intern - Level I
Roswell, GA
304-444-6372
andreasmassagetherapy.com
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Greg & Kasey Moore
Certified Intern - Level I
Dahlonega, GA
706-867-0511
email
www.PeaceLoveAndPilates.net
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Pilates and Gyrotonic
Certified Intern - Level I
Stockbridge, GA
404-966-4400
mjkfngers@yahoo.com
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MaryBeth O'Reilly
Certified Intern - Level I
Roswell, GA
404-786-2827
lifedesign@charter.net
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Personal Trainer and Life Coach
Certified Intern - Level I
Villa Rica, GA
404-394-1571
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Certified Intern - Level I
Atlanta, GA
904-415-6785
bodyawarenessstudio.com
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Certified Intern - Level I
Atlanta, GA
856-371-5585
janmeghan@hotmail.com
www.Body-n-Balance.com
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Personal Trainer
ILLINOIS
Peter Merlin
Certified Intern - Level II
Winnetka, IL
847-849-0505
email
www.ultfitev.com
Certified Pilates Instructor
Certified Ginastica Natural Instructor www.ginasticanatural.com
Operate out of Ultimate Fitness in Evanston, Illinois.
www.ultfitev.com
Willing to travel.
Carrie Collins
Certified Intern - Level II
Roscoe Village
Chicago, IL 60618
773-750-5031
email
www.StretchChi.com
Carrie Collins received her training in the Meridian Flexibility System from Steve Sierra and Anne Tierney. She was introduced to Resistance Flexibility Training in 2003 while living in San Francisco. Carrie is a classically trained pianist and found that the system not only relieved tension from long hours of practicing, but also helped balance and strengthen her body, mind and spirit. Her work as a Meridian Flexibility Trainer has lead to feature articles in Time Out Chicago and The Chicago Tribune.
Carrie has experience working on athletes such as marathon runners and swimmers. She's worked with yoga and pilates students to enhance their practice. She's also worked on clients with severe back pain, knee pain, scoliosis, shoulder injuries and cerebral palsy.
Certified Intern - Level I
Evanston, IL
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INDIANA
Certified Intern - Level I
Bristol, IN
574-612-6464
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Martial Artist
LOUISIANA
Elena Keegan
Certified Intern - Level I
Baton Rouge, LA
225-405-8300
goyoga@cox.net
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n/a
MASSACHUSETTS
Founder & President
Boston, MA
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meridianstretching.com
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Bob Cooley is the founder of the Meridian Stretching Center and the developer of a revolutionary stretching technique known as Resistance Stretching. An expert on flexibility and its relation to health, he has united biomechanics, structural kinesiology, Hatha yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a genetically based personality system in his powerful stretching program, The Meridian Flexibility System.
Bob has over 20 years of teaching and research experience in such diverse fields as biomechanics, motor learning, stretching, movement, yoga, Chinese Medicine, personalities, and psychology. In 1978, he addressed the U.S. Olympic Swim Committee's Advanced Coaches Seminar on his head-up free-style swim stroke, which he developed to avoid "swimmer's shoulder". In 1979, he wrote a paper with Dorothy Voss, one of the developers of PNF, which is the forerunner of current rehabilitative stretching techniques. Bob did graduate research at the University of Massachusetts Exercise Science Department, where he worked with the developer of current biomechanical computer analysis, and the University of Maryland Biophysical Studies Department.
Bob has stretched Dara Torres, Olympic gold medallist swimmer, Eric Flaim, the four-time Olympic speed skater, Daniel Pelzig, choreographer for the Boston Ballet, athletes from the Boston Bruins, and professional dancers. He is a flexibility and psychological trainer for professional athletes, tri-athletes, and CEOs. Currently he is writing his second book on personality system entitled The Sixteen Geniuses - Sixteen Genetic Personality Types.
Paula Sylvester
Certified Intern - Level IV
South Boston, MA
617-268-5863
email
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Certified Massage Therapist for more than 12 years.
Certified Intern - Level II
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A 1989 graduate of the Florida School of Massage, Joanna has been practicing massage therapy for sixteen years in the Boston area. She has been involved with Meridian Stretching for fourteen years under the tutelage of Bob Cooley and Barbara Chandler, and is now a certified instructor of Meridian Stretching.
Joanna's caring approach integrates her massage techniques and stretching knowledge for each individual's specific needs. Her massages carry with them the knowledge of meridian stretching, and her stretching includes elements of massage. The benefits of these therapies include reducing trauma, detoxing, relieving stress, improving circulation, and decreasing depression, anxiety, and fear. The massage and stretching, especially in combination, promote restful sleep, normalize blood pressure, and improve body self awareness.
Joanna has an instinctive sense about what each client needs and what will help them. Her touch and knowledge help facilitate the body-mind-spirit connection.
Karen Lauchlan
Certified Intern - Level III
Natick, MA (Metrowest)
508-653-5500 ext 3
klthistle@mac.com
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Cranio-Sacral and Massage Therapy
Ivan Marrero
Certified Intern - Level V
Boston, MA
787-349-1234
imarrero@hotmail.com
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n/a
Certified Intern - Level V
Wellesley, Ma
617-335-2707
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TeamMates Fitness, Certified West Coast Pilates Instructor, ACSM Certified
Donna Ricci
Certified Instructor
Newburyport, MA
617-461-0461
email
InnovativeBody-Solutions.com
Donna Ricci is a clinical psychologist and professional organizer who, for more than 20 years, has been helping people increase their awareness of themselves and their environments.
She has worked with countless clients helping them to express their creativity while coping with the demands of daily life. She has an understanding of the mind/body/spirit connection and believes that overall quality of life is enhanced when pursuit of that balance becomes a life long process. She believes that both physical and psychological traumas become trapped in the body and that a combination of cognitive therapy, attention to the external environment and a physical regimen can help release those traumas. Her extensive work with people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder lead to the development of methods to improve organizational skills in both the psychiatric and general communities.
Creative Spirit Organizing (www.creativespiritorganizing.com) is a company she began with the expressed purpose of helping people to increase their creative flow and output by identifying the barriers that inhibit their success. She has worked extensively with musicians and artists in helping them dismantle those barriers and become more fully expressive in their creativity.
She has done research on Noonan's Syndrome and has presented on various topics including Organizational Skills Development, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder and Asperger's Disorder.
She has been trained as a teacher and musician and is also a quilter whose work has been displayed and sold throughout Massachusetts (www.belladonnaquilts.com). Her avocations have instilled an appreciation for the flow of creative spirit and its value in our lives and in society.
She also has a private psychotherapy practice in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Certified Intern - Level II
Allston, MA
617-872-4082
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n/a
Phoebe Barnes
Certified Intern - Level II
Massachusetts
781-516-2303
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Phoebe has practiced and studied Resistance Stretching and Strength Training for many years. She completed her teacher training in 1995 and has been teaching group classes in Meridian Stretching for 7 years. Her classes focus on Resistance Stretching with partner and group assists. With her private clients Phoebe is dedicated to searching and finding the root of the problem maximizing results and healing.
"The Meridian Flexibility System has changed my life many times over and I see it change the lives of others through my guidance and teaching."
Currently Phoebe is a Certified Intern working with Barbara Chandler under Bob Cooley's guidance.
Frank Albanese
Certified Intern - Level II
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email
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n/a
Roy C. Iggulden
Certified Instructor
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617-519-0271
email
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Roy Iggulden is a Certified Meridian Flexibility Intern of Boston, Massachusetts. Roy has been stretching and instructing in this system since 1999. His style is attuned to each client in an extremely individualized manner, with the intention to break through sub-conscience barricades that exist within everyone. His focus is on improving people's lives through performance enhancement, achieved through the stretching process. The performance enhancement and stretching are not limited to the physical world, but include all pillars of life. Roy offers one-on-one sessions in the greater Boston area.
Roy became involved in the Meridian Flexibility System when pain and inflexibility were getting the better of him. Playing in countless sports leagues and spending a substantial portion of the working day in front of a computer had taken its toll. Muscle and joint pains were the norm and he thought this was just an inevitable step in the path of life. The Meridian Flexibility System taught him that the "cow paths" of life are just one well worn option. Numerous transcendent paths are also always present, for those with the ability to look beyond the common perspective.
Roy's background is in Materials Research. He received a Bachelors Degree in Composite Materials Engineering in 1994 and a Masters of Science in Materials Science and Engineering in 1996. He then worked for IBM for over 8 years focusing his efforts on the enhancement of materials, where he received 15 patents and authored or coauthored over 25 papers. His focus has now evolved from the enhancement of materials to the enhancement of life.
MINNESOTA
Certified Intern - Level IV
Wayzata, MN
612-801-5195
www.TransformYourEnergy.com
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Naturopathic Doctor; Master Herbalist; Certified Nutritional Counselor; 2nd Degree Reiki
NEW JERSEY
Reggie Lamptey
Certified Intern - Level I
Maplewood, NJ
973-885-8936
email
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Personal Trainer, Massage Therapist, Football and Track Coach
NEW YORK
Rona Goldstein
Certified Intern - Level I
Somers, NY (Upper
Westchester County)
914-248-5688
rlgintuitiveart@optonline.net
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Yoga, Reiki, Shamanic Practitioner, and Intuitive
Peter Guare
Certified Intern - Level V
Albany, NY
518-727-6233
email
HumanHyperformance.com
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Peter Guare was awarded the John Lewis March Prize and graduated from Union College with a B.S. in Psychology. He then studied Cognitive Psychology on Fellowship at the University of Connecticut. He is also a certified Optimal Breathing Development Specialist and an Emotional Freedom Technique Advanced practitioner.
Head Track Coach at Scotia Glenville for 16 years, his athletes have won several state championships and been ranked as high as 3rd nationally. He has studied with Brent McFarlane, Olympic Head Track Coach, Team Canada, Sydney 2000, among others.
He believes that the natural human state is one of health and high performance and uses the above methods and others to help his clients reach their potential. His latest workshop (9/13/06) was presented to the Siena College Division I MAAC Champion Women’s Tennis Team.
He is featured in the November and December 2006 issues of the national publication Running Times Magazine, and has been featured in The Healing Springs Journal, www.breathing.com, www.emofree.com, www.psychedonline.org and other publications.
Jane Hawksley Ogle
Certified Intern - Level I
Schenectady, NY
518-482-2266
info@plazafitness.net
www.PlazaFitness.net
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ACE Certified group instructor and personal trainer, IDEA Master Trainer
Hicham Haouzi
Certified Intern - Level II
NY, NY
646-325-4993
hhaouzi@equinoxfitness.com
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Personal Trainer
Certified Instructor
Allentown, PA
610-751-9150
sbianchi@care2.com
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Susan was introduced to Bob Cooley nearly 5 years ago and knew from that point on her life would never be the same. Since that time she has trained extensively with Bob, Anne and Steve and has completed all 5 levels of certifications. She continues to attend and asssist at certifications as well as teach workshops in PA and NYC.
Susan enjoys the diversity of her client base, from elite and professional athletes, CEOs and healthcare professionals, to those recovering from trauma and injuries. Each person's body has a unique story to tell and helping them discover their body's potential is the passion behind her work.
Susan is a Wellness Coach and holds certifications through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and the CHEK Institute. Her emphasis is on core strength, stabilization and functional movement.
She is grateful to Bob, Anne and Steve for their ongoing support as she continues her quest to grow, learn and empower others.
Certified Intern - Level V
NY, NY
917-881-4899
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Author of: The Complete Book of Pilates for Men, Pilates Instructor
Chuck Rowland
Certified Intern - Level II
NY, NY
917-841-2298
email
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Chuck Rowland, a certified fitness trainer, was first introduced to our unique stretching protocol in the spring of 2006. Told of Bob Cooley’s appearance on NBC’s Today, he bought Bob’s book, “Genius of Flexibility”. One self-stretch (central hamstring) resonated. But by his own admission, Chuck still “didn’t get it”. However, frequent use of that one self-stretch was effective enough to provide significant relief from a herniated disc, and became the impetus for him to become a certified intern.
Chuck holds fitness certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). Though his client base is broad, he counts individuals just coming off physical therapy and golfers as his most challenging and enjoyable clients. He has found Resistance Flexibility and Strength Training invaluable in his fitness practice.
Elizabeth Smith-Troy
Certified Instructor
Fishkill, NY
914-475-8838
email
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Elizabeth became associated with Bob and his stretching techniques after sustaining serious spinal injuries in a bus accident in January of 1991. She tried everything short of major surgery to relieve her pain. Stretching with Bob was the only thing that worked. In acknowledgment of how stretching has changed her life, Elizabeth has completely devoted herself to perfecting her own stretching practice while teaching others. She assumes a very intimate role in the lives of her students, providing advice and information about nutrition, spirituality, and life paths. She encourages individuals to reach their highest potential through the use of the Meridian Flexibility System®.
Elizabeth accompanied Bob Cooley on his trip to the Sydney Olympics to assist in the training of Dara Torres. She also appeared on ABC-TV's Good Morning America Program with Bob and Dara on January 30, 2001.
Certified Intern - Level II
Brooklyn, NY
718-384-1156
leighello@aol.com
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Certified Hatha and Kundalini Yoga Instructor, Reiki
NORTH CAROLINA
Certified Intern - Level I
Waxhaw, NC
704-621-0423
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PENNSYLVANIA
Markus Riggleman
Certified Instructor
Allentown, PA
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email
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Markus is a Certified Meridian Flexibility Instructor in Allentown, PA.
"In July of 2001 my brother Chris Maher asked me to go meet and get stretched by a gentleman named Bob Cooley. The rest is history. Thanks Chris and Bob!"
Markus has been studying under Bob Cooley ever since. Being a certified professional personal trainer and fitness instructor since 1991, he has many years of experience in the fitness industry. His clients range from professional and amateur athletes to executives and fitness buffs just looking to get in better shape. He was co-owner of Phoenix Fitness and Studio 16 in Allentown, Pa for many years before deciding to work with clients full time. Presently he owns and operates Maximum Human Development, a flexibility and strength and conditioning training center in Allentown, Pa. He also works with several athletic teams and teaches fitness and stretching classes at Lehigh University. Markus has been a competitive athlete himself most of his life. Participating in various sports in high school, most notably cross country and track. Currently he has had a successful power lifting career, winning a National Championship. He is also presently a student of Tai Chi as well as pursuing a Natural Doctor degree from Clayton College of Natural Health.
"I am a logical thinker by nature. Bob Cooley's information is not only solid but very practical. As a competitive power lifter, I soon learned that by being more flexible and having longer muscles I became much stronger and lost excess bulk. Plus my body moves more freely and also I feel much better. For years I would strength train and not value stretching. Now I know better. Anyone desiring to develop themself and be a better person both inside and out would truly benefit from Bob's information. Athletes in particular will find more strength, range of motion and effortless movement and most importantly less injuries. I encourage everyone to check it out for themself. You will be amazed…..Keep on Stretching!"His credentials include: National Strength and Conditioning Association - CPT; National Federation of Professional Trainers - PFT; BALAZS - Boxing Basics Certified.
Recent Major Athletic Accomplishments:
2001 ADAU NJ State Bench Press Champion
2002 ADAU Bench Press Nationals Champion
2003 ADAU Classic Bench Press Champion
2004 WNPF PA-DE-MD State Bench Press Champion
2004 WNPF National Powerlifting Champion
Client base includes individuals of all fitness levels:
Atlantis Aquatic Club (ATAC); Lehigh University Swimming & Diving; Lehigh Valley Comets Ice Hockey Team; Arena Football Player-Chad Clark; several top High School athletes; Executives and Professionals; and Fitness Enthusiasts.
Certified Intern - Level I
Hummelstown, PA
717-903-8392
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Susan Bianchi
Certified Instructor
Allentown, PA
610-751-9150
email
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Susan was introduced to Bob Cooley nearly 5 years ago and knew from that point on her life would never be the same. Since that time she has trained extensively with Bob, Anne and Steve and has completed all 5 levels of certifications. She continues to attend and asssist at certifications as well as teach workshops in PA and NYC.
Susan enjoys the diversity of her client base, from elite and professional athletes, CEOs and healthcare professionals, to those recovering from trauma and injuries. Each person's body has a unique story to tell and helping them discover their body's potential is the passion behind her work.
Susan is a Wellness Coach and holds certifications through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and the CHEK Institute. Her emphasis is on core strength, stabilization and functional movement.
She is grateful to Bob, Anne and Steve for their ongoing support as she continues her quest to grow, learn and empower others.
TENNESSEE
Certified Intern - Level I
Knoxville, TN
865-256-3364
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n/a
TEXAS
Kate Wodash
Certified Intern - Level IV
Austin, TX
512-809-5782
katewodash57@yahoo.com
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Certified Pilates Instructor, Pilates for Equestrians, Customized Sports-specific Pilates
Jay Lyons
Certified Instructor
Austin, TX
512-913-1331
email
www.FullBodyStretch.com
Jay travels around North America offering MFS previews and privates in order to generate interest for future RFST certifications to be held by Bob Cooley, Steve Sierra, and Anne Tierney.
Jay was introduced to many modalities of body work over a 20 year quest to be pain free after a motorcycle accident that nearly took his life. He found many temporary fixes for the pain and discomfort while investing a lot of time and money in each system. None of the systems "fixed" him, they only provided temporary relief. When Jay read Bob Cooley's book, everything made sense. There was a reason Jay was not healing and Bob's book gave 16 FAST fixes. These 16 basic self stretches provided instant relief, strength, and a real stretch at the same time. YES, pain relief, strength, and stretch in muscles that had not been used in over 20 years. The 16 stretches gave him 100% control over his work out and pain management.
This health quest has taken Jay to NYC to be trained by two of Bob Cooley's elite trainers, Anne Tierney and Steve Sierra, as well as by Bob Cooley himself. At present Jay's clientele include rock climbers, executive and clerical staff, land surveyors, software engineers, Vietnam Veterans (PTSD), small business owners, building contractors, massage therapists, professional chefs, and corporate trainers.
Prior to learning body work Jay worked as an Administrative Professional Chef for over 20 years with great success in multi-million dollar corporate dining, catering, and retail specialty food operations. In the mid 1980's he was hooked on computers and technology creating his own .com company until late 1998. Since 1999, Jay has worked in the educational industry integrating technology into curriculum for everyday use.
Monica Matsler
Certified Intern - Level II
Arlington, TX
682-558-6263
flexus.monica@gmail.com
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n/a
Certified Intern - Level II
Dallas, TX
469-556-8321
sheiquea@hotmail.com
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Massage Therapist
Certified Intern - Level II
Bellair, TX
713-494-0357
chris_asano@yahoo.com
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n/a
Certified Intern - Level II
McKinney, TX
972-658-5277
carlamce@comcast.net
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ACE Personal Trainer, Yoga, Pilates & Pilates Reformer, Kickboxing, Sports Nutrition
Certified Intern - Level I
Argyle, TX
214-458-3836
kar69@flash.net
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n/a
Elizabeth Formby
Certified Intern - Level I
Keller, TX
817-739-7900
elizabethformby@
signature7.com
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n/a
Kirk Rexroat
Certified Intern - Level I
Argyle, TX
972-965-3889
kar69@flash.net
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Chiropractor
Certified Intern - Level II
Austin, TX
572-633-7211
nancyanneldridge@hotmail.com
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Certified Massage Therapist
Linda Ryan
Certified Intern - Level I
Austin, TX
512-586-9189
ryan_lin@msn.com
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Equestrian, Rock climber
Eve Springer
Certified Intern - Level I
Austin, TX
512-296-8290
msevemarie@earthlink.net
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Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, Aerobics Certified
UTAH
Certified Intern - Level I
Salt Lake City, UT
801-556-5964
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Personal Trainer and Wellness/Performance Coach since 1992. Currently owner of the Personal Training Zone in Salt Lake City, Utah - offering Personal Training, Pilates, Yoga, Massage & Meridian Stretching. Since Sept/07 implementing Meridian Stretching with my clients (I currently spend 15-20 hours per week stretching clients) - all clients results have improved significantly. The program is fantastic on its own as well as being integrated with our functional/traditional training methods.
BS Degree in Exercise Science & Health Education from Western Ky. University, NSCA -CSCS & NASM-CPT
VERMONT
Barbara Rosow
Certified Intern - Level II
Williamsville, VT
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babsr49@sover.net
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n/a
VIRGINIA
Stan Alexander
Certified Intern - Level V
Afton, VA (near
Charlottesville, VA)
434-760-1607
alexanders@ntelos.com
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Tae Kwon Do - 3rd Degree Black Belt; Qigong and Meditation
WASHINGTON
Brian Hata
Certified Intern - Level III
Seattle, WA
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hata@nwlink.com
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n/a
WISCONSIN
Certified Instructor
Madison, WI
608-669-6727
email www.trainingwithbjorn.com
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Now doing privates in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Minneapolis.
Bjørn Holtan is a Certified Meridian Stretching Flexibility Trainer and the owner of Studio B., a studio established in 2003, dedicated to the practice and study of Meridian Stretching. Meridian Stretching is a revolutionary technique relying on Resistance Stretching while incorporating a variety of different aspects including, psychological, injury prevention, and nutrition to help clients achieve an overall balance and well being.
Mr. Holtan's past clientele run the gamut from Olympic hopefuls, to stretching enthusiasts as well as novices and people suffering from chronic physical, physiological and psychological impairments. He is also a member of the Elite Meridian Stretching Training Team.
Certified Intern - Level I
Superior, WI
218-348-4112
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CANADA
Certified Intern - Level V
Calgary, Alberta
403-921-7867
sylruns22@aol.com
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Professional Runner
Marvin Schwartz
Certified Intern - Level III
Ottawa, Ontario
613-233-0744
schw1949@gmail.com
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Integrated Kabbalistic Healer
COSTA RICA
Luther Cowden
Certified Intern - Level V
Costa Rica / Austin, TX
512-743-7111
FlexibleStrength.org
everyonestretcheverywhere.com
Luther Cowden
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Luther Cowden is a certified Meridian Flexibility Trainer based out of Austin, TX. He was introduced to the Meridian Flexibility System by Chris Maher and was originally trained by the founder, Bob Cooley, along with Tom Longo in San Jose, CA. He has since been trained by Bob Cooley, Steve Sierra, and Anne Tierney in Stamford, CT.
His past clientele includes competitive athletes, professional artists, dancers, performers, and musicians, executives, severely injured individuals, as well as people just looking to get in shape.
Luther travels internationally to offer classes, workshops, privates, couples stretching, and online training. He worked with Kate Wodash and Jay Lyons to create the first Meridian Flexibility Center in the Southwestern United States based in Austin, TX. He is currently living in Costa Rica offering Resistance Flexibility & Strength Training.
“I use RFST to upgrade all aspects of myself while providing the same service for others. I love helping others be everything they wish to be whether it’s a better athlete, artist, performer, or person. I enjoy working with people who desire a life free of pain, tension, and stress. I also enjoy the challenge of teaching others who may not at first be very open to or interested in creating and maintaining positive health.
I envision living in a world where people serve as positive checks and balances for each other. A world where every time people encounter each other, they create upgrades in each other's physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological health. I want us all to help each other feel good, because if you ask me, it's all about feeling good!
I have found MFS and RFST to be one of the most powerful positive gifts that I can share with others. I want stretching to be a practice that releases people's barriers allowing us all to come together as one and be free with each other!”
ENGLAND
Diane Lee
Certified Intern - Level III
Bath, England
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yogaandmassage@hotmail.com
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Yoga Instructor
Certified Intern - Level I
Valladolid, Spain
+34-696-939-697
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I'm a Physical Therapist specialized in Osteopathy since 2003. After 3'5 years of experience working in Spain, I decided to learn a different way to work. First I went to US with Tom Kelly from Associated Therapeutics from Knoxville (TN). After that I spent 5 months working in France. But I realise that I didn't found what I was looking for. During the beginning of 2008 I bought Bob Cooley's book. I start to practice with my self. And I start to feel that the Meridian Flexibility System has got something special. At the same time I start to study Acupuncture and thanks to this I could understand better the theory of the MFS. Finally I decided to go to Florida to start training with Anne Tierney and Steven Sierra. And I must say that learn the MFS and the RFST is the best thing I have ever done in my life. That is the best technic that I have ever tried physical and psychologically.
Soy Fisioterapeuta especializado en osteopatía desde 2003. Después de estar trabajando durante 3 años y medio en España, decidí aprender diferentes maneras de trabajar. Primero fui a los Estados Unido con Tom Kelly de Associated Therapeutics de Knoxville (Tennessee). Luego pasé 5 meses trabajando en Francia en diversos centros de rehabilitación. Pero me di cuenta que pese a todo no había encontrado lo que buscaba. Al inicio de 2008 compré el libro de Bob Cooley "Flexibilidad". Comencé a practicar los ejercicios que en él aparecían y rápidamente empecé a sentir diferencias y avances a nivel físico. Me di cuenta que el Sistema de Flexibilidad de los Meridianos tenía algo especial. Al mismo tiempo me especialicé también en Acupuntura y gracias a ella, pude entender mejor parte de la teoría del MFS. Así que finalmente, decidí ir a Florida y comenzar a entrenar con Anne Tierney y Steven Sierra. Actualmente debo decir, que aprender el Sistema de Flexibilidad de los Meridianos (MFS) y el Entrenamiento de Flexibilidad Resistida y Fuerza (RFST) es lo mejor que he hecho en mi vida. Es la técnica más eficaz que he probado nunca, a todos los niveles, tanto físico, como psicológico.