Experts
Fran Greenfield
Fran Greenfield
Fran Greenfield has studied and taught mind-body healing for the past twenty-five years. In addition to her private practice as an integrative therapist she gives workshops and seminars on personal and professional development, healing techniques, creativity, and stress management. Recognized as an expert in the field of imagery, she develops innovative therapeutic and educational programs for people with issues that include cancer, asthma, addiction, infertility, and cardiac problems. She writes extensively about health-related issues as well as on quality of life, education and parenting. Ms. Greenfield has taught and practiced in places as diverse as corporations, medical centers recovery programs and prisons, yet always with the same intention – to empower her clients to transform the challenges of daily life into meaningful solutions for personal growth and creative action. She has lectured on mind/body medicine at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, and at Dartmouth College. Ms. Greenfield has also consulted for SHARE (an educational organization for women with breast and ovarian cancer), the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, and the American Infertility Association. While working at the Cancer Center of Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vermont, she led groups in guided imagery, and held individual sessions with patients teaching them simple techniques to address their pain and to manage stress. For Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center’s Department of Complementary Medicine in New York City, she conducted imagery research with critically ill cardiac patients that demonstrated a measurably positive response in their quality of life. Ms. Greenfield has a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Vermont College, and completed her post-graduate work at the American Institute for Mental Imagery. She has co-authored a book, “Asthma Free in 21 Days”, published by Harper San Francisco. In it, she discusses a unique program that provides asthmatics with healing tools that help them reduce dependency on drugs and live more fulfilling and productive lives. . She has also written for “The New York Times” and for “Spirituality and Health Magazine”. Ms. Greenfield lives in Manhattan where she maintains a private practice, teaches, and consults for business, education, and healthcare institutions. You may reach her at frangreenfield@earthlink.net, or phone/fax # 212-472-4260.
Personal Comments When cancer comes, it knocks loudly at the door of our consciousness, screaming at us to wake up. If we choose to listen, we can make our trouble the starting point for our healing. Above all, we must become our own authority in all we think and do. This means we bow down to no one. Instead of bending ourselves into pretzels, we start sloughing off the false voices that tell us who and what we “should” be, and become instead who and what we truly are. Thus, the healing begins and we embark on the most important and enlightening journey of our lives — the journey that leads us to spin straw into gold, and keep saying yes to life, no matter what.
Jeanne Valek Healy
Jeanne Valek Healy
Jeanne is the President and founder of the Carolina Skin Care Academy. The Academy is committed to progressive esthetics through advanced education. She is a Reviewer for Delmar Publishing Co. and the author of more than 25 advanced seminars and courses. She travels extensively for the G.M. Collin skin care line as a Technical Trainer, encouraging all estheticians to set the bar higher and reach their full potential. Esthetics is a second career for Jeanne. Formerly she was a Corporate Relocation Specialist and worked closely with Executives in Public and Private Sectors developing new business in the cities she has lived in across the United States. After securing her esthetics license, Jeanne went further with her education and obtained certification in Medical Esthetics and practiced in a medical spa in upstate New York. Her experience includes basic and advanced esthetic instruction at The Aesthetic Science Institute in Latham, New York as well as seminars at the International Congress of Esthetics, and the Southern Spa and Salon Conference. She lives in Columbia, South Carolina with her courageous husband Jeremiah, a cancer survivor, whose skin was greatly compromised by extensive radiation for neck cancer. She is passionate about helping women along their path whether they are 16 or 61 and dedicated to supporting the Cinco Vidas mission. You can reach Jeanne at 803-315-0092.
Laura Kupperman
Laura Kupperman
Laura Kupperman is a yoga therapist, yoga teacher, life coach, and cancer survivor. She is honored to support survivors and co-survivors through the Cinco Vidas community! Laura’s first experience with cancer came when she was 10 years old and her mother died of colon cancer. At that time cancer was still referred to in hushed tones as The “C” Word, and there were scant resources available for people with cancer. Fast forward 27 years and Laura received her own diagnosis of cancer, literally weeks after she got married. Laura relied heavily on her yoga practice – and other holistic modalities – to help her through chemotherapy and 5 major surgeries. She also used her skills as a life coach to stay organized, proactive, and empowered during treatment. (Who knew cancer was such a bureaucratic nightmare?) Laura now teaches yoga classes and private sessions to cancer survivors in Colorado, and recognizes her ability to give back to others as one of the ways to find meaning from cancer. As a coach, Laura specializes in working with people going through life and career transitions. If a recent diagnosis of cancer has you or a loved one feeling overwhelmed, please take advantage of Laura’s complimentary 30-minute coaching session. Laura is a graduate of Coach U, and is certified as both Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher. She has a B.A. from Wellesley College and M.A. from Stanford University. To learn more, visit http://www.laurakupperman.com/.
Words of Wisdom that helped me get through treatment – AND LIFE: “Focus on what you want to create; let go of things you have no control over.”
Jean Lazar
Jean Lazar
In 1996, Jean Lazar had a heart-wrenching experience that changed her life forever. She had been an industrial designer and art teacher for many years prior to being called to her mother’s side. For three months, she cared for her mother, who was battling cancer. Jean comforted her by rubbing her legs and back while praying that her pain would subside. She gave her shots to bring up her blood count and tried to maintain her quality of life. When her mom lost the battle with cancer and took her last breath, Jean was spiritually catapulted out of the art world and into a world of service via alternative healthcare. Jean has been with Hospice of South Eastern Connecticut for ten years working in different capacities, giving “compassionate touch” to the terminally ill while comforting their loved ones. She is also an energy healer, certified in therapeutic touch and Reiki; an ordained spiritual minister; and a practicing Buddhist. In addition to her Hospice caregiving she works at the Elemis Spa at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut, and is presently studying to become certified in canine massage. She previously worked at two other destination spas located in California and Connecticut. As the author of the book, “Their Last Painting” Stories of Life That Will Rock Your Heart, published in 2006, Jean expanded her call to be of service through the word. Her book—which is available through her website, http://www.jeanlazar.com/—will spiritually support the terminally ill, caregivers, baby boomers with aging parents, health care providers, bereaved loved ones and anyone searching for the meaning in life of death. The book is an experiential book and will touch your heart and awaken your soul. “When you’re ill, people don’t touch you anymore”, said Jean in several newspaper articles. This is a powerful statement that awakens one’s consciousness to the importance of coming from the heart with love, and extending oneself by touching another. You don’t have to be a massage therapist to experience giving in this way, only a selfless person with compassion for others. And if you do let go of the fear and embrace love, you will receive a feeling of joy like you have not felt before while knowing you made someone feel better.
Starr Carson Cleary
Starr Carson Cleary
Starr Carson Cleary is a certified master fitness trainer, advanced Pilates instructor, cancer-exercise specialist, and motivational speaker. A wellness educator in many facets of the fitness industry since 1999 (corporate consultant, fitness columnist, and team-challenge trainer), she’s dedicated to teaching people around the world how to achieve health and wellness through motivation and support. Starr developed the StarrPower Restorative Pilates program for cancer survivors to help them regain strength and mobility after treatment. Through cancer fitness programs and wellness institutions, she currently teaches adaptive and restorative Pilates movements to groups of post-operative cancer survivors and healthcare professionals. As a cancer-exercise specialist, she modifies Pilates mind- and body-integration movements so they’re suitable for rebuilding strength in most cancer survivors. To date, hundreds of cancer survivors, caregivers, and health-care providers have completed the Starr Power Pilates program. Core-strength exercises performed in the reclining or sitting positions help improve posture, increase flexibility, and restore balance. Upper-body Pilates stretches encourage mastectomy and breast-reconstruction recovery. Diaphragmatic breathing, standing, and mat exercises build strength and energy. After a few sessions, participants experience increased muscle tone, better lung capacity, and enhanced flexibility and range of motion, while progressively gaining stamina and confidence. Altogether, StarrPower Restorative Pilates helps survivors become functionally fit, so they might enjoy a better quality of life. Starr is the author of A Woman’s Guide…30 Days to a Better Mind, Body and Spirit, which provides information about mind and body revitalization, fitness essentials, nutrition tips, and more. Starr is also the producer of the “Starr Power Pilates” DVD—a flow-refreshing blend of Pilates standing-core movements and energizing mat-work exercises. (Both the book and the DVD are available on Amazon.com.)
Starr’s Mission Statement Take Back Your Physical Power…One Muscle at A Time
Personal Statement Some people spend a lifetime chasing dreams. I’ve been given the unique opportunity to follow my passion—to provide physical restoration, and help empower and uplift the human spirit of any individual given a second chance to lead a healthy lifestyle. I am also a cancer survivor. Visit Starr’s website: www.bodybystarr.com
Cyndie Suarez
Cyndie Suarez
I began taking nascent steps towards a holistic lifestyle in 1995 when I met the man who became my husband. He possessed wisdom and a beautiful spirit, and with me he shared ideas of eating and living more consciously. Once I began living holistically, I never doubted my choice because it felt right immediately. However, my husband died of cancer in 1997. The experience of coping with his death led me on a journey where I sought relief from my sorrow. At first, the choices I made were self-destructive, but I soon returned to the holistic path and began to explore new ways of approaching health and well-being. In 1998, I studied Spiritual Psychology at the University of Santa Monica, and this program truly helped me see that healing takes place on different levels. I believe that it is extremely important to have balance amongst the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. I then became certified in Colon Hydrotherapy in 2001. In my 7 years as a colon hydrotherapist, I have witnessed miraculous improvements in the quality of health in client after client. Through this work I have learned the power of detoxification, an alkaline-rich diet, and deep-tissue cleansing. Having witnessed brighter eyes and clearer skin from a cleansing lifestyle, I was inspired to integrate esthiology into my practice and in 2004, I attended the Aveda Institute and became a Licensed Esthetician. I am also certified in Reiki Level I, which helped enhance my understanding of energy and faith. In 2006, I co-founded Lyt, a holistic-wellness center that expounds a philosophy deeply rooted in the knowledge, intuition, and compassion I have developed. This is where I witness beautiful transformations and profound healing on all levels. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you, and I thank Britta Aragon for creating a forum with such a high level of consciousness. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – World Health Organization 1948.
Visit us at http://www.lytnyc.com/.
Jacqueline Wales
Jacqueline Wales
Twenty-three years ago, Jacqueline Wales’ father died after a painful battle with cancer of the stomach and throat. Several years later, she watched as both her sister-in-laws died of lung cancer. All of them had been chronic smokers at some time in their lives. Watching people suffer unnecessarily created a profound urge in her to share her experiences with others, and she has been uplifting, inspiring and changing people’s lives for over 20 years. Drawing on her extensive training as a writer, speaker, singer, coach and martial artist, her wisdom and insight are a testament to the beauty and power of human potential. She is the author of When The Crow Sings , a semi-autobiographical novel about three generations of women in her family dealing with the effects of children born outside of marriage, and the upcoming The Fearless Factor: Adventures in the Jungle of Life. She hosts a weekly radio show, “Fearlessly Speaking,” on http://www.achieveradio.com/. Having successfully navigated the murky waters of change herself, Jacqueline fills the hearts and minds of those she touches with the unmistakable realization that anything is possible.
To contact Jacqueline go to http://www.thefearlessfactor.com/or Jacqueline@fearlessfifties.com.
Dr. Donielle Wilson
Dr. Donielle Wilson
Dr. Donielle Wilson, ND, CPM, graduated from Bastyr University in 2000 with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and a certificate in midwifery. She completed a residency in general naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, and a women’s-health-focused internship with Tori Hudson, ND. She was awarded the NYANP Naturopathic Physician of the Year award in 2004. In addition, Dr. Wilson is a past board member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and is a current board member of the American Association of Naturopathic Midwives. Dr. Wilson specializes in women’s and children’s health at her practices in Chester, NY; Greenwich, Connecticut; and New York City. Her passion is to address stress-related conditions, such as cancer, by balancing hormones and neurotransmitters. Dr. Wilson works with cancer patients, helping them to identify underlying causes and to minimize the side effects of conventional therapies by using evidence-based natural therapies like diet, supplements, herbs and homeopathy. She has presented at the annual Breast Cancer Options Conference in NY on several occasions and has several family members who have had cancer. Find out more about her at http://www.doctordoni.com/.
Personal Comments I provide information for patients and empower them to make the choices that are best for them. By looking at underlying causes—whether stress, toxic exposure or systemic imbalances—I help people understand their bodies and learn to provide the nutrients and care necessary for their bodies to heal themselves. Avoiding toxins in our environment and in products we apply to our skin is definitely in line with my approach for cancer patients and for everyone who wants to prevent cancer.