Heartwood

Aikido

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Antonio Terrone

Antonio Terrone is a dedicated practitioner and instructor of Aikido with extensive experience in several martial arts including judo, taekwondo, and kendo. Antonio holds a 5th degree black belt (godan) in Aikido recognized by the Aikido Headquarters, Aikikai Foundation, in Tokyo, Japan. He has studied the art for the past thirty-six years with some of the most respected and renowned instructors in Europe, Japan, and the United States, namely Christian Tissier, Seishiro Endo, Wilko Vriesman, and Yoshimitsu Yamada. He visited Japan on several occasions and trained at the Aikido Headquarters Hombu Dojo in Tokyo under its head Moriteru Ueshiba, and other high ranking Japanese instructors. Antonio’s teaching experience includes Aikido classes and seminars in Beijing, Taipei, Amsterdam, and of course, Evanston. In Taipei, Antonio was a leading instructor in the Aikido Club at National Chengchi University, where he taught Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Religious Studies Department.

His newly established Lakeshore Aikido Club brings new energy into Evanston and the greater Chicago area by offering an effective system of self-defense, a dynamic and innovative form of exercise, and a vigorous path to psychological and spiritual wellbeing. The style and pedagogy of Aikido that Antonio promotes follows the lineage represented by Seigo Yamaguchi and Christian Tissier, two of the best Aikido experts in the world.

Antonio’s passion for Asian cultures is not limited to the practice and teaching of Aikido. Antonio also teaches East Asian culture, religions and literature in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at Northwestern University in Evanston. Antonio has published several essays on Aikido including an article in Black Belt Magazine, the most well-known martial art periodical in the world, and his book, The Moon in the Mirror: the Budō Path to the Empty Mind, which came out in 2020.

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847-475-3017
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David Johnson

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with additional training in addictions, hypnotherapy, Gestalt therapy and Self Acceptance Training. I hold a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. For over 20 years, I have counseled individuals, couples and groups regarding issues including addictions and recovery work, identity, codependency, self-care, relationship issues, personal growth, and spiritual awareness. Recognizing that healing needs to take place in the mind, body, spirit and emotions, I utilize a holistic approach.  This includes special guided imagery techniques available for individuals with chronic illness. My available hours are Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings.

Credentials:

LCSW

Meditation

202-580-9313
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Larry Akey

Larry Akey first connected with Buddhism in the 1970s when Trungpa Rinpoche was teaching near his childhood home in Colorado. Inspired by his grandfather, a university professor, he has a deep connection with scholarship and study of Buddhist texts. Before discovering Tsoknyi Rinpoche and Tibetan Buddhism, Larry practiced with Soka Gakkai, the Insight Meditation Community of Washington and Shambhala. Although Larry has studied and practiced primarily with Tsoknyi Rinpoche, he has also received teachings and empowerments from a number of other teachers, including Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Garchen Rinpoche, Lama Alan Wallace and Acharya Malcolm Smith. Larry leads the meditation component of Heartwood. He has had extensive retreat time.

847-491-9858
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Nancy Floy

I am the founder and director of Heartwood Center for Body Mind Spirit and founder of the Heartwood Cancer Program. My vision, more than 20 years ago, was to create a refuge and sanctuary where people of all walks of life could come together in community to learn and grow and heal. I have been practicing Asian Medicine for nearly 30 years and bring experience with both acupuncture and energy healing as well as mindfulness meditation. Treatment sessions include time for the patient to speak about what is causing their suffering and allowing the treatment strategy to arise organically. A session includes bodywork for relaxation, acupuncture to delve deeper into clearing and balancing the channels and guided meditation to soothe and settle the mind consciousness. I am trained in Tibetan, Japanese and Chinese Medicine and seamlessly weave these beautiful modalities together to provide a path out of the suffering that comes with being human. To schedule a treatment session call or text: 847-491-9858 email: nancyfloy@heartwoodcenter.com

Credentials:

MA, LAc, Dipl Ac

Qigong

773-991-4357
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Michelle Bobier

Hello and be well! My name is Michelle Bobier. I have been studying Tai Chi and Chi Gong for 24 years with Master Hongchao Zhang, one of the leading Chinese martial arts masters in America; Master Zhang awarded me a Sixth Duan in Chi Gong in 2015. Additionally, I am a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist who completed the 700-hour BCST training at 3rd Coast Craniosacral of Evanston. Additionally, I studied lymphatic work at the School of Inner health in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The three modalities come together in my wellness practice, reSource Wellness, in Wilmette. My mission is to create a space where people can feel a sense of safety, peace, comfort and support; tap into their resources for healing; and achieve deep rest that can lead to profound change. If you would like information about Chi Gong, craniosacral, or lymphatic work, please feel free to visit my website, below.

Credentials:

BCST

Tai Chi

312-642-0722
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Arlene Faulk

Tai Chi has transformed my life. I spent my first year seated in a chair, doing Tai Chi moves as best as I could. Very slowly I learned to walk again through the practice of the slow, deliberate walk that Tai Chi teaches.

In my published book, Walking on Pins and Needles: A Memoir of Chronic Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis, I tell my dramatic  personal story of experiencing years of debilitating symptoms as I ascended the corporate ladder, landed on my couch for two years, then moved through a zig-zag path to find comfort and healing through Chinese medicine and Tai Chi.

Tai Chi was my guide in managing pain, increasing  overall balance, strength and learning how to relax. Through the practice I discovered my calling and have been teaching Tai Chi for over 20 years.

I teach my students what continues to be life-enhancing for me: Tai Chi is not about trying harder; it’s about letting go, being in the moment, feeling balance and the fluidity of energy.

Yoga

847-544-9571
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Sarah Westbrook, C-IAYT

Sarah is an IAYT-Certified Yoga Therapist. For 21 years, she has guided clients in unraveling the mysteries of their bodies and releasing pain. Yoga Therapy focuses on biomechanics, correcting habituated movement patterns, and moving authentically in harmony with one’s unique anatomy. She is an expert at Posture and Movement Analysis. Her clients typically have complex cases: chronic conditions, injuries and recurring pain.

Try a private session with Sarah (Monday through Friday by appointment) or a one hour Therapeutic Yoga group class (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30am).

Sarah’s Therapeutic Yoga group classes pair strength with appropriate range of motion in every pose. She offers helpful alignment cues and variations when a pose doesn’t feel right. Breath training relieves anxiety, awakens the core and brings lightness to the body. Sarah’s classes are fun, just the right amount of challenging, and deeply therapeutic.

Heartwood’s open layout classroom with streaming natural light and hardwood floors provides a serene space for many types of instruction. Come in and try a yoga, tai chi, or meditation class.  New series beginning regularly. Call the instructor for details. See our calendar for current class schedule.

Current Class Schedule