Elmira, NY

I live in Elmira, New York. Elmira is an economically depressed community. Its educational system is struggling with many academic, social and emotional issues.

I am a Speech/Language Pathologist and Teacher of the Deaf and am presently in private practice. I retired as a Teacher and SLP after 35 years of service for GST BOCES. I consult with Chemung Early Intervention and provide therapy to children 3-5 years of age. For those students needing breath support and improved attention, I have used breathing techniques, so they may become better communicators. I also service Developmentally Delayed Adults through The ARC of Chemung. Breathing techniques have helped in reducing rate of speech, increasing volume of speech, and improving ability to attend to task.

For the past four years, I have been part of a team of health care professionals and educators in Chemung County, New York that have worked on bringing Drs. Brown and Gerbarg Breath-Body-Mind techniques into our community. We are working on making a sustainable program through the Chemung County Positive Breath Pilot. As part of the pilot program, I have taught students ages 4-11 at the Southside Community Center after school program. Students have been active learners of “ha” breath, various movements, coherent breathing and relaxation techniques. We have incorporated movements to popular songs as a teaching tool. It has motivated the students to move. The students are eager to volunteer to teach and lead their peers in the program, under our direction. We have provided training for staff from the Department of Social Services, who are under tremendous stress due to the intensive services they provide for children and adults in our community. We have also worked with staff and students involved with the YWCA after school program.

Breath-Body-Mind techniques have personally helped me deal with my own health issues. I was diagnosed with lupus over 25 years ago and often feel fatigued and not able to think clearly. Breathing has reduced my stress level, improved my ability to focus, helped me sleep better, and helps to energize me. I can truly feel the changes in my body and mind with the techniques taught by Drs. Brown and Gerbarg.