Physical Therapy:

• Justine Bernard, PT, DPT
  

  Justine Bernard received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons specializing in Neurological and Orthopedic Rehabilitation in 2003. She worked in acute rehabilitation, inpatient acute care, and outpatient rotations in both St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, NY.  After moving back to Washington DC, she began her own orthopedic and neurologic private practice out of a Gyrotonic Studio in NW D.C. She incorporates her experiences as a professional dancer and Gyrotonic Master Trainer into her treatments. In combining the Gyrotonic system with her knowledge of physical therapy, people are able to transform their bodies from moving with restriction and unease to moving with freedom and joy. Currently she is working on a pilot study for Low Back Pain and Gyrotonic Exercise; please contact her if you are interested in being a subject. She presented a workshop on Gyrotonic Exercise and Osteoporosis in April 2008 at the Mind Body Conference in California..

• Rosalie Begun, PT
  Rosalie Begun has been practicing physical therapy in Washington, DC for over 20 years. She is owner of Begun Physical Therapy Center, LLC and treats patients with a variety of orthopedic and sports-medicine conditions. In addition, she has extensive experience treating dancers and performing artists….including the casts of touring Broadway shows. Rosalie is also a certified GYROTONIC® instructor and Yamuna® Body Rolling practitioner (a system of massaging, stretching and strengthening the body using special balls), and a pilates mat instructor. She incorporates these modalities in her treatment sessions and also offers private and group training sessions and workshops. Rosalie also has studied various methods of manual therapy and keeps her skills up to date through regular participation in continuing education courses. Prominent area physicians regularly send her patients with problems of unusual complexity. Rosalie believes in treating patients holistically and takes the time to provide the best care possible.
• Robert Gillanders, PT, DPT
  Robert joins the Elements staff with 13 years of experience as a physical therapist. He earned his MPT from University of St Augustine in 1997. He earned his DPT from Marymount in 2007 with a research focus on whiplash injuries. Robert has extensive continuing education training from The North American Institute of Manual Therapy. Robert's areas of clinic expertise include lower back pain, postural dysfunction, and running related injuries.
  

Reflexology and Acupuncture:

• Annette DiLascio - Certified Reflexologist
  Annette DiLascio received her certification in reflexology in 1993 by the National Academy of Reflexology. She is a registered practicing member in good standing of the International Reflexology Association. She is widely acknowledged as an outstanding and results-oriented reflexologist. Annette is fully devoted to her work and her unique approach creates a harmonious connection for the mind and body.
• Susan Jensen, M.Ac.
  board certified since 1997 by the National Certifying Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, holds a Master's in Acupuncture from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute (now called TAI Sophia) in Columbia, Md. She has also studied Japanese Meridian Therapy with the Tohohari Medical Association in the U.S. as well as in Japan. Prior to becoming an acupuncturist, she trained at Potomac Massage Training Institute, graduating in 1983, and taught there for more than ten years. Her acupuncture approach is based in Five Element theory--seeing and listening to the patient as a whole and in the context of nature and the seasons. Symptoms are seen as helping to point the way to bringing balance and health. She's worked with patients dealing with a wide variety of issues and concerns including fertility, digestion, sleep, allergies, HIV-associated conditions, pain, depression, skin problems, effects of chemotherapy, headache, anxiety, stress and achieving/maintaining general wellness. She's had a private practice in Washington since 1983.

GYROTONIC® Exercise:

• Justine Bernard — GYROTONIC® Master Trainer
  

  Dr. Justine Bernard began studying Gyrokinesis®, then known as Yoga for Dancers, in 1994 with Hillary Cartwright while on scholarship at The Ailey School for Dance in New York, NY. She also studied with Juliu Horvath at White Cloud and became certified to teach Gyrotonic exercise in 1997 and Gyrokinesis® in 1999. She taught at Studio Riverside under the guidance of authorized master trainer Leda Franklin for many years.
  In 2003 she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons specializing in Neurological and Orthopedic Rehabilitation. After working at St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center as a physical therapist, she returned back home to Washington, DC to teach Gyrotonic exercise and open a private physical therapy practice. Dr. Bernard is currently a Gyrotonic Master Trainer in Washington D.C. and owns Elements Fitness and Wellness Center, a complete Gyrotonic studio which also offers physical therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy.

• Nathan Martin — GYROTONIC® & Pilates instructor
  Nathan Martin has had extensive education of Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis® exercise from around the world which makes his approach unique and versatile. He is currently a Gyrotonic® Master Trainer and Gyrokinesis® pre-trainer. His foundation training started in New York City at Gyrotonic® New York and has extended to having certifications in all Gyrotonic® specialized equipment, Paul Horvath’s therapeutic courses, Gyrotonic® for Golfers, Pre-Post Natal course, and repeated participation in Level 2 courses of both Gyrotonic® and Gyrokinesis®. In addition, Nathan has participated in several other courses and workshops in the US and abroad, continuing to expand his knowledge of the Gyrotonic® work. Nathan currently studies with Hilary Cartwright in her Yoga for Dancers courses both in New York City and abroad. Nathan hopes to help expand knowledge of the Gyrotonic® system throughout the Washington area.
• Yvonne Hamm — GYROTONIC® instructor
  Yvonne Hamm is a certified Gyrotonic instructor and has been teaching Gyrotonic exercise since January 2007. She received her MA in Dance from American University and is a graduate of the Dance Teachers Professional College in Hamburg, Germany. She also holds a German degree and license in psychomotor training from the Motopaeden School in Dortmund, Germany. She has taught dance and creative movement in Germany, New York City and Washington, DC for over twenty years and founded “Dance Discovery” a children’s dance program in Washington, DC.
• Rosalie Begun — GYROTONIC® instructor
  Rosalie Begun has been practicing physical therapy in Washington, DC for over 20 years. She is owner of Begun Physical Therapy Center, LLC and treats patients with a variety of orthopedic and sports-medicine conditions. In addition, she has extensive experience treating dancers and performing artists….including the casts of touring Broadway shows. Rosalie is also a certified GYROTONIC® instructor and Yamuna® Body Rolling practitioner (a system of massaging, stretching and strengthening the body using special balls), and a pilates mat instructor. She incorporates these modalities in her treatment sessions and also offers private and group training sessions and workshops. Rosalie also has studied various methods of manual therapy and keeps her skills up to date through regular participation in continuing education courses. Prominent area physicians regularly send her patients with problems of unusual complexity. Rosalie believes in treating patients holistically and takes the time to provide the best care possible.
• Ellen Barlow — GYROTONIC® instructor
  

  Ellen Barlow, certified Gyrotonic® and specialized equipment instructor, is a movement education specialist with over 25 years experience teaching and designing programs in fitness, rehabilitation, dance, yoga and other mind-body practices. She is a Registered Movement Therapist with the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association and a certified practitioner and teacher of Body-Mind Centering®. While Ellen approaches movement  training from multiple perspectives, she engages her Gyrotonic exercise clients in anatomical awareness and perceptual-motor learning so they may embody their experiences of improved alignment, strength, flexibility, coordination and balance.

• Susan Perry — GYROTONIC® & Pilates instructor
  Susan is a certified practitioner of Gyrotonic Expansion System since 2005 with further certifications in Gyrotonic Ladder and JumpStretch Board. Her education includes training from several Master Trainers in Washington DC, New York, California and Florida. Susan also is experienced in both classical and evolved Pilates approach with a certification starting in 2002 through the PhysicalMind Institute of New York, continuing courses with Power Pilates and Stott Pilates. A former National Certified Massage Therapist she brings 20 years of professional studies including Myofasical Release, Shiatsu and Cranial Sacral work. It is her background in fitness and bodywork that lead her to Gyrotonic and her desire to teach a comprehensive system for fitness and rehab.
• Julianna Nagy — GYROTONIC® instructor
  Julianna was introduced to the Gyrotonic system while dancing at Boston Ballet and became instantly hooked. She completed her teacher training under the guidance of master trainers Kathy Van Patten and Justine Bernard. She has experience working with a wide variety of clients, from professional dancers to individuals with therapeutic needs. Her Gyrotonic continuing education includes ladder certification from authorized master trainer Sebastian Plettenberg. Julianna is also certified in pilates matt. While teaching, Julianna is currently pursuing her master's degree at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.
• Michelle M. Silva — GYROTONIC® Pre-Trainer, GYROKINESIS® & Pilates Instructor Michelle began studying Gyrotonic® exercise in 2003 and found that the system reminded her of the joy she felt studying ballet as a child. She is certified in the Gyrotoner®, Leg Extension Unit, Gyrotonic® Applications for Golf, and Gyrotonic® Level 2 exercises. Michelle continues to independently study with a variety of Master Trainers throughout the U.S. as well as attending yearly courses with Juliu Horvath. Michelle is also a New York Certified Pilates Instructor. She found what is considered the “Authentic Pilates Method” in 1999, and in 2001 entered the certification program under the tutelage of Romana Kryzanowska, the world-renowned protégé of Joseph Pilates, and Romana’s daughter Sari Mejia Santo through their original International New York based Pilates Certification Program. Her certification process required a minimum of 800 hours of apprenticeship and a pre-requisite of 75 hours of personal sessions with “Authentic Pilates” instructors. Michelle continues her education and certification through “Romana’s Pilates”.
• Tracy Monaco — Pilates, Gyrotonic®, GyroKINESIS® Instructor and Gyrotonic® Pre-Trainer.
  Tracy’s career in body movement and fitness began while earning a B.F.A. in dance from Western Michigan University. After a professional dance career she continued her training and received certifications in Pilates mat work and equipment. However, Tracy’s true passion lies within the Gyrotonic Expansion System®. She is certified in GYROTONIC®, GYROKINESIS®, and specialized equipment. Tracy’s continuing education led her to study Gyrotonic Level 2, therapeutic shoulder applications and Gyrotonic for Golf. She continues to gain knowledge for her students throughout the country and worldwide. www.tracymonaco.com
• Tristan Mortensen — GYROTONIC® Instructor
  After his tour in Afghanistan with the US Army, Tristan began looking for something to improve his quality of life. He was soon introduced to the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®. Tristan immediately witnessed an profound change in his well being. After 3 years of study, he became very passionate about the work and decided to become a certified trainer. Having trained under Juergen Bamberger and Nathan Martin, he is currently a GYROTONIC® instructor. Tristan hopes to share his passion of the work to help others increase their own quality of life. Tristan is also a certified Level 3 practitioner of Frequencies of Brilliance, a powerful form of energy work.

Massage and Body Work:

• Tony Jackson, CMT
  has been practicing massage therapy for over 16 years. He was certified at the Potomac Massage Training Institute and later returned to teach anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, as well as practical massage techniques. He is an expert in reflexology, Swedish, deep tissue sports massage, myofacial massage and is especially well known for Thai massage. He has gained a well rounded experience working at spas, wellness centers, fitness centers, and chiropractic offices over the years. Tony uses massage therapy to create peace to the mind, health to the body and freedom and joy to the soul.
• Kamala A. Oliver, CMT, NCBTMB,AMTA, Doula, ATMAM Practitioner
  

  Kamala has been practicing Massage Therapy for more than 14 years. She obtained her Massage Therapy Diploma from the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences in New York City, a Medical Massage Diploma from the Baltimore School of Massage and is a Professional ATMAM (The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage) practitioner. She is also a Certified Doula and a Certified Infant Massage Instructor for Parents and Caregivers. She is also certified in, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sports Massage, Shiatsu, Hot Stone Therapy, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Pre and Postnatal massage.
   
  The scope of her practice includes helping those with soft tissue maladies such as carpel tunnel syndrome, whiplash, lower back and hip issues as well other neck and shoulder discomforts. To help clients decrease their pain to function optimally, she approaches each client with an integration of the modalities that she has learned throughout her career depending on their need.
   
  Her interest in improving the reproductive health and fertility of both men and women steered her in the direction of becoming an ATMAM practitioner. Her experience, knowledge and technique combined with her intuition creates an environment for clients to experience the nurturing, peace and well-being necessary for healing. She has two sons and resides in Washington, DC.

• Elisabeth Saidi, Reiki II Certified Practitioner- A
  After 12 years as a graphic designer in France, Elisabeth moved to the US to focus on her family life. She decided to open up to the “invisible” and took part in two Myofascial Release Healing seminars with John Barns in Sedona, AZ between 2005 and 2006. Feeling the urge to use her hands to heal, she was certified in Reiki I & II in 2006 by David L. Gleekel, CRMT of the Reiki Center of Greater Washington. Elisabeth uses her free time to deepen her understanding of the “invisible“ and studies the connection between the physical and emotional states, past lives, the law of attraction, the power of positive thinking, and children as our spiritual teachers. She has taken classes on intuitive Reiki, realizing one’s life purpose, spiritual prosperity and the metaphysics of healing. She is also an artist and studies at the Washington Studio School. Elisabeth is an intuitive healer and is open and eager to help others feel better physically and emotionally. Before joining Elements Fitness and Wellness Center she used her knowledge of the amazing and soothing power of Reiki to benefit her friends, children and relatives. Elisabeth believes it is essential to take care of oneself on all levels and is honored to accompany others on their path to wellness.
• Angela Jacobs - Certified Massage Therapist
  Angela Jacobs has more than 11 years experience as a massage therapist. Her areas of specialization include medical massage, pregnancy massage, hot stone therapy and Reiki. Offering a personalized approach, Angela works with clients to create an optimal massage that addresses specific needs. Her massages focus on mind, body and spiritual healing encouraging self awareness and connection to the body through touch.
   
  Angela was trained at the Potomac Massage Therapy Institute, Washington DC. She has certifications in Reiki, studying under the Usui Method. She is also certified in Hot Stone and Prenatal massage. In addition, she received certification in medical massage from the Potomac Masssage Training Institute. Angela has worked in a variety of settings including fitness clubs, 5 Star Hotels and as part of physician practices.