ACADEMIC DIRECTORS
Biography
Dr. Artemis Morris is a Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, professor of nutrition, researcher, author, and public speaker. Artemis is the co-academic director of the Integrative Health and Healing Program at The Graduate Institute and professor of nutrition at The Human Nutrition Institute at University of Bridgeport, where she also taught nutrition for the Naturopathic Medical School. She completed her Naturopathic Doctorate and Masters in Acupuncture at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington and has been in practice for over 18 years. Dr. Artemis is the medical director and founder of Artemis Wellness Center, LLC an integrative wellness center that focuses on women’s health and wellness. Artemis has served as the director of the natural health center at Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford, the largest geriatric healthcare center in CT where she did research on acupuncture and pain management. Dr. Artemis has been researching the Mediterranean Diet and plants of Crete since 2005 and lectures at medical conferences on The Mediterranean Diet and other natural health topics. Dr Artemis Morris co-authored the book The Anti-Inflammation Diet for Dummies. Her practice philosophy is inspired by the quote from Paracelsus that states, "The art of healing comes from nature and not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature with an open mind."
Biography
Bernie Siegel, M.D. excelled at Colgate University and Cornell University Medical College. He completed his surgical residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. While a pediatric and general surgeon in New Haven, he authored Love, Medicine and Miracles: Lessons Learned About Self-Healing from a Surgeon's Experience with Exceptional Patients, Humor and Healing, and Meditations for Difficult Times. He founded the Exceptional Cancer Patients therapy and healing program in New Haven in 1978. His book Prescriptions for Living was published by Harper Collins in 1998. Bernie's insights on the nature of human experience and the science of medicine are integrated in his unique approach to the practice of healing, and in his view of storytelling and visual arts as paths for creating wellness. His latest book, The Art of Healing (2013), reveals his insights into the healing power of drawings, dreams, and intuition. Visit his website at berniesiegelmd.com.
PROGRAM COORDINATORS
Biography
Deanna Dotson is a creative, caring, and enthusiastic Visual Arts teacher committed to providing a safe environment that promotes taking creative risks and problem-solving. Deanna has been teaching art for the last 20 years, 17 of which have been at the middle school level. Deanna received her MA in Oral Traditions in 2008 and her MA in Integrative Health and Healing in 2018 from The Graduate Institute. Dee received her herbalist’s certification from Rosemary Gladstar's Art and Science of Herbalism program in 2019. In her quest for herbal knowledge, Deanna has interned with Dr. Artemis Morris learning more about herbal medicine making using both Western and Chinese herbs. Dee is also certified in Crystal Healing, Herbal Product Making, and Flower Essences in 2020, utilizing her knowledge and skills to create herbal remedies and products for her family and friends. The activities that bring joy into Dee’s life are being with her family, hiking, gardening, creating (from painting & drawing to making soaps), and canning. She has been an avid canner for the last 30 years, wanting to ensure the health and wellness of her family, knowing where their food comes from and how it is processed.
Biography
Dawn Fusco is a licensed Dental Hygienist with a broad range of healthcare experience. A recipient of the Hu-Friedy Clinical Excellence Award, she has over 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry within various settings. She achieved her Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Healing from The Graduate Institute, a bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Haven, and an Associates Degree in Dental Assisting from Tunxis Community College.
Biography
Kahseim has been a Wellness Educator for over 14 years and immersed himself in the many areas of holistic living, He has been able to transform his own life and positively influence the lives of the students he serves.
He has presented Mindfulness workshops for Wellness Educators from across the state of CT, with the goal of empowering them with resources to mitigate the effects of stress and promote a more peaceful and enjoyable learning environment. He currently facilitates a weekly Mindfulness program available to all staff and students at his high school in Wallingford, CT with the aim of creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for all to practice self-discovery, rejuvenation, and transformation.
Increasingly being sought after as a speaker and workshop facilitator, he currently holds a Master’s in Integrative Health from The Graduate Institute, a 200-hr Yoga Instructor’s Certification through CT Yoga Center, and completed both Jon Kabat-Zinn’s 8-week MBSR Course and The Isha Foundation’s 3-day Inner Engineering and Bhava Spandana Programs.
Biography
Kimberly Ruggiero studied at The Graduate Institute, earning her Master of Arts degree in Consciousness Studies, as well as receiving a certificate in Transformative Coach Training in 2016. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Indiana University in 1985. In 2000, she began her formal art training at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, in Lyme, CT, for 5 years. Kimberly has been trained in Mindfulness Meditation through Engaged Mindfulness Institute and facilitates a Mindfulness Meditation group at The Graduate Institute from October 2016 to the present time. She also works as a Program Coordinator for Integrative Health and Healing and a Professional Coach.
Biography
Susan Moore Strickland, MA, is a former student of the Integrative Health and Healing Master of Arts Degree program at The Graduate Institute. Susan has more than 30 years experience in marketing and television production, fundraising, and event management, and she is the former Publisher of M.D. News Magazine. Susan has an MA in Integrative Health and Healing, a certificate in Stress Management, and a certificate in Energy Healing. In addition, Susan’s experience includes an Internship at Yale, New Haven Children’s Hospital as an Art Leader in the Arts for Healing Program and leading art workshops for Hartford Hospital. Susan is deeply committed to guiding students to become more aware, inspired, and empowered people who are self-sufficient in healing themselves and in healing others.
Biography
Laurie Walter is a Registered Nurse with over 14 years of experience. She obtained her MA in Integrative Health and Healing from the Graduate Institute, her BSN from Sacred Heart University, and her ADN from Goodwin College. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing Leadership at the University of Southern Mississippi. Laurie is a certified Yoga Teacher and Reiki Master, and she holds a Holistic Nursing Certification, HNB-BC, and a Healthcare Simulation Educator Certification, CHSE. She was the recipient of the Clinical Leadership Award from Sacred Heart University 2012 and the Nightingale Award for Nursing Excellence in 2019. Laurie is deeply committed to helping the next generation of nurses form practices of self-compassion and self-care.
Biography
Michelle Wells, a former banker, chose teaching as her second career. She is currently in her sixteenth year of teaching in the Milford School system. She holds a Master's degree in education from Southern CT University and a second master's in Integrated Health and Healing from The Graduate Institute. She is an enthusiastic, nurturing teacher who encourages students to achieve their personal best. She focuses on building relationships with her students and colleagues and always puts the needs of her students first. She has an inquisitive nature and is always eager to challenge herself with new experiences. Michelle enrolled in the Integrative Health and Healing program to learn more about integrating healthy living into her home and school life and received her second master's from the Graduate Institute in 2018.
Faculty
Biography
Gene Ang, PhD, runs a healing practice based at the Mind Body Spirit Center in Westlake Village, CA, and sees clients for Pranic Healing, Reconnective Healing, and the Reconnection. He teaches a number of seminars and workshops that focus on the integration of science, spirituality, and healing. Gene was formally trained as a Neurobiologist at Yale University, where he earned his PhD in basic mechanisms of brain development, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship on the effects of ultrasound on the developing cerebral cortex. After completing his post-doctoral fellowship, Gene decided to take on the role as a facilitator for healing through energy medicine. His work centers around aligning the subtle energy body and its channels, meridians, and energy centers to help restore balance and harmony so that healing can occur -- whether it be physical, emotional, mental, and/or spiritual healing.
Biography
Ann Marie Chiasson MD, MPH, CCFP is Canadian Board Certified in Family Practice and pursued a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. Dr. Chiasson holds an MPH in public health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and an MD, with honors, from Dalhousie School of Medicine in Nova Scotia, Canada. She completed her residency in Family Medicine in Canada and worked as a primary care physician in Northern Canada for the Central Interior Native Health Service and in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Chiasson has also trained with Dr. Brugh Joy (Joy's Way &Avalanche) and Maria Elena Cairo. She works with Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona (Coyote Medicine, Coyote Healing, & Coyote Wisdom), co-facilitating Spirituality and Healing conferences. Dr. Chiasson has had extensive experience exploring energy medicine and alternative healing practices, including time spent with Mayan shamanic healers and psychic surgeons in the Yucatan peninsula. Currently, Dr. Chiasson has a private integrative and energy medicine practice in Tucson, AZ, where she offers consultations, treatments, seminars, and retreats. She also teaches through the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She co-authored with Dr. Andrew Weil Self-Healing with Energy Medicine.
Biography
Dr Grayson studied and trained at Boston University for his Ph.D. His 4-year post-doctoral certificate from Postgraduate Center for Mental Health. Dr. Grayson is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the National Institute for Psychotherapies, a leading postgraduate training Institute in New York, and the Institute for Synergetic Therapy. In addition, he is the Co-Chairman of the medical PTSD Division of the Stand for the Troops Foundation. Dr. Grayson is the author of Your Power to Heal: Resolving Psychological Barriers to Your Physical Health (Release date: April 2017 from Sounds True), Mindful Loving: 10 Practices for Creating Deeper Connections, and the bestselling 9 1/2-hour CD Audio Series for Sounds True, The New Physics of Love: The Power of Mind & Spirit in Relationships. Academic titles include Three Psychotherapies: A Clinical Comparison, Short Term Approaches to Psychotherapy, and Changing Approaches To The Psychotherapies. Dr. Grayson’s professional affiliations include: Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, Diplomat of the American Board of Professional Psychology; Diplomat and former board member of The Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, member of the American Psychological Association, The New York State Psychological Association, The Connecticut Psychological Association, The Association for Transpersonal Psychology, The Institute of Noetic Sciences, The Society for the Scientific Study of Subtle Energies Medicine, EMDR International Association, a former Board Member of the Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society, and is the Founder and past President of the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy, and a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Biography
Doctor of Optometry. Marc Grossman Co-authored International bestseller Magic Eye Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision, published by Andrews and McNeil in 1996. He lectures nationally on topics such as Natural Vision Improvement, Psycho-Emotional Aspects of Visual Conditions, Vision & Learning, Holistic Integrative Visual Therapy, and Chinese Medicine and Vision Care. He is a Consultant to school systems, rehabilitation centers, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Marc’s background includes degrees in Optometry, Biology, Physical Education, and Learning Disabilities, coupled with yoga, bioenergetics, nutrition, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, the Alexander technique, and Feldenkrais.
Biography
Judith Dozier Hackman received her PhD in Higher Education Research and Administration (Psychology cognate, Best Dissertation award) from the University of Michigan, her M.S. in Educational Research (Outstanding Alumnus award) from Southern Connecticut State University, and her B.A. with honors in Liberal Arts and Sciences, major in Social Studies, and minor in Mathematics from the University of Illinois. She also studied at Harvard University, MacMurray College, and Yale University and received a Certificate in Coaching from Columbia Teachers College. Judith had a 44-year career at Yale University serving as Associate Dean of Yale College for Administration and for Assessment, as Director of the Yale Graduate School Teaching Fellow Program, as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, as Director of Institutional Research, and as NEASC Liaison Officer. She also taught high school history. Judith has served as Chair of several boards (Association for the Study of Higher Education, North East Association for Institutional Research, Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund, Church of Christ in Yale), as Vice Chair (MacMurray College, United Way of Greater New Haven), and as a Board Director.
Biography
Robyn is the Chairperson of the Department of Health Promotion and Exercise Science at Western Connecticut State University, 2016-present. She is also the Coordinator Holistic and Integrative Health Option from 2014 – present and was the Director of the Institute for Holistic Health Studies from 2006-2015.
Director, American Cancer Society, 2003-2006. She received a BS degree (URI, 1981) in Electrical Engineering, an MPH degree (SLU, 1994), and a Ph.D. (SLU, 2000) in Health Services Research (Behavioral Science/Health Education and Organizational Psychology). She is a Reiki Master and has been practicing Reiki since 2005. She has completed workshops in Shamanic Reiki, Magnified Healing®, and Brain Gym®. She has over 25 years of experience teaching group fitness classes and is an advocate for Holistic and Alternative Health.
Biography
Lisa Worth Huber, Ph.D., is a peacebuilder, consultant, facilitator, storyteller, and writer dedicated to creating compassionate communities and imagining new futures. A peace educator and participatory action researcher, Lisa focuses on narrative and storytelling as vital tools for empathy development. She works with a variety of organizations, and teaches in universities, K-12 classrooms, homeless shelters, safe houses, and with vulnerable communities, incorporating the arts as a means to give voice to the silenced, address injustice, foster understanding, and nurture compassion. Lisa blends story in its myriad forms—theatre, poetry, prose, storytelling, comic books, and graphic novels—with social justice and environmental concerns to inspire the development of creative activism and ecological stewardship. Currently, Lisa serves as Chair for the Board of Directors of the National Peace Academy and on the Advisory Council for the Connecticut Center for Nonviolence. She is a specialist in community peacebuilding practices from Bohmian Dialogue to restorative justice to Kingian Nonviolence. Her doctorate is in Peace and Conflict Transformation from Lancaster University in the U.K. She is honored to be the first recipient of the Frank McCourt Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
Biography
Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik is the Ayurvedic specialist/consultant at the Institute. After completing B.A.M.S., a 6½ years of Ayurvedic training in 1983 from Kurukshetra University, India. He worked as an Ayurvedic Medical Officer before moving to U.S. He earned M.P.H. and M.P.A. from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and N.D. from the University of Bridgeport, where he taught Ayurvedic medicine and Public Health courses and worked as the Director of Admissions for the College of Naturopathic Medicine. Before moving to Connecticut, he worked as an Epidemiologist and Director of HIV/AIDS sero-surveillance with the Alabama Department of Public Health while maintaining an Ayurvedic practice. He has been a faculty member with the University of Bridgeport, Division of Health Sciences since 2001. He has over 26 years of experience as an Ayurvedic physician. He offers seminars and lectures on Ayurvedic medicine. Dr. Kaushik brings a unique experience as an Ayurvedic college-trained Ayurvedic physician and a Naturopathic doctor with experience in public health and health education. He is also an experienced registered Yoga teacher.
Biography
Dr. Robert Krause, for twenty years, was a Lecturer at Yale University in the School of Nursing and Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Krause also has taught philosophy at Western Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University.
Currently, he is the lead therapist and co-author of the treatment manual for the Psilocybin - Induced Neuroplasticity in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder at the Yale School of Medicine. He is also a facilitator and co-researcher of a study of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy using Psilocybin for personal development at Regent’s University in London and taking place in Weert, The Netherlands.
He maintains an integrative private psychiatry and therapy practice in New Haven. Dr. Krause has certifications in Trauma Therapy from Harvard University, Psychedelic Assisted Research and Integration, and Sex Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He studied to be a yoga instructor with Aum Pradesh Guar in Goa, India, and was certified through the Urban Tantra Professional Training Program as a Tantra instructor. He has been practicing zazen meditation for 30 years.
Biography
Dr McPherson currently teaches at the University of Bridgeport Health Sciences clinic in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where she has been since 2009. She is a lecturer and adjunct faculty of Homeopathy at The University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and Organon study lecturer.
She founded Naturopathic Specialties, LLC in 2004, a multi-disciplinary practice in Milford, CT, where she continues to practice Homeopathy, Naturopathic medicine and teaches Homeopathic Organon study. In 2013 Dr McPherson traveled to the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, Alonissos, Greece, to study with Right livelihood award recipient for Homeopathy Professor George Vithoulkas.
She worked in the Human services field assisting homeless families as a counselor at the Fremont Public association in Seattle, Wa. and for the Archdiocese of Manhattan as a grant writer -supervisor and counselor, for 13 years, before transitioning to Naturopathic medicine.
Brian Luke Seaward is renowned nationally and internationally as an expert in the field of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing, and corporate health promotion. The wisdom of Brian Luke Seaward, a TEDx speaker, can be found quoted in PBS specials, college lectures, medical seminars, boardroom meetings, church sermons, keynote addresses, and graduation speeches all over the world. It has been said that he looks like James Taylor, dresses like Indiana Jones, and writes like Mark Twain. In the role of traveler, visionary, mystic, healer, and mentor, Brian Luke Seaward has created a legacy in the field of wellness and health promotion for all to share.
Dr. Seaward has authored 16 books, including the popular best sellers, Managing Stress, Stressed is Desserts Spelled Backward, and Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart. The acclaimed book, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water: Reflections on Stress and Human Spirituality (now released as a 10th-anniversary edition) has been described as the sequel to M. Scott Peck’s, The Road Less Traveled.
Biography
Norman Shealy attended medical school at Duke University in Durham, NC, and completed graduate study at the Humanistic Psychology Institute (Saybrook Institute). He is currently President of Holos Institute of Health, President of Holos University Graduate School, Professor Emeritus of Energy Medicine at Greenwich University, and was the Founding President of the American Holistic Medical Association. Norm is one of the world's leading experts in pain management. He was among the first physicians to specialize in the resolution of chronic pain. A pioneer in developing safe and effective treatments such as Biogenics, he founded the first comprehensive pain and stress management facility in the country, The Shealy Institute. He is respected worldwide for his innovative and successful approaches to rehabilitation. Visit his website at normshealy.com.
Biography
Charles H. Silverstein is dedicated to pursuing his deep interest in personal transformation, alternative healing, and the relationship between science and spirituality. He holds an MA degree in Conscious Evolution from TGI, and a PhD in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. His research interests included higher stages of adult development, transformative practices, spiritual development and personal growth with an emphasis on meditative practices and somatic awareness. He had a 20-year career as an investment analyst and portfolio manager for a large institutional investment company, and was an educator in the fields of science and mathematics.
Biography
Sergey Sorin, M.D., DABFM, is a Board Certified Physician with extensive experience in Urgent Care, Occupational Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. He has served as Medical Director at the Bath, NY VA Hospital, as well as several other organizations, including Physician Weight Loss and Wellness Center, Tri-State Surgical Weight Loss Practice, and Delphi/Workfit Healthcare.
He is currently CEO and Medical Director of the Shealy-Sorin Wellness Institute, also known as International Institute of Holistic Medicine, which is the world’s premier Holistic Clinic continuing the work and almost five-decade legacy of C. Norman Shealy, M.D. Ph.D, developer of TENS, spinal cord stimulation, Biogenics, and Transcutaneous Acupuncture, among other health innovations.
