My Experience and Training

Lee possesses warmth, dedication and a keen intellect; she is an astute, inspiring and compassionate teacher and practitioner whom I would recommend to anyone.”
- Stefanie Cohen, MA, RSME, Intertisciplinary Artist and Somatic Movement Educator

I bring a breadth of experience and training to our work together, including an MA with Distinction in Dance and Somatic Wellbeing from the University of Central Lancashire, a BA in Dance and Visual Arts from Oberlin College, traditional training and mentorship in Reiki, Shamanic training through the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and functional anatomy training as a Certified Franklin Method Educator.

I have taught in a wide range of settings, including yoga and dance studios, colleges, women’s shelters, schools, camps, HIV/AIDS wellness organizations, and conferences.  I have also served on the Board of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association, and was a founding co-chair of their Diversity & Inclusion Working Group.

My winding path of learning and teaching…

I started teaching healing and wellbeing through the arts over 20 years ago as a high school assistant to an classes for kids with developmental and physical delays. I was awestruck witnessing how art motivated children to move and express in ways that they and their caregivers had never seen before. This was especially delightful to me as my own experience growing up in the arts had always been source of refuge and personal growth.

I began my somatic education officially in college, where I was studying interdisciplinary arts with a focus on improvisational dance and installation art. Following my creative interests honed my skills of manifesting ideas in physical reality, as well as served as a foundation for following my body’s wisdom in all aspects of life.  I also sustained a significant fall and spinal injury while in college, which led me deeper into the study and practice of healing arts.

After college I spent a year teaching somatic practices and creative arts in New Orleans, where I also began my Reiki studies. Among the many blessings of my time in New Orleans was getting to see an example of a cultural fabric based in creative expression and off the beaten path entrepreneurship.  I then returned to Philadelphia to reconnect with and serve my communities at home. This intention led me to developing The Visioning Body in 2012, to support YOU in doing your lives and work in a way that honors your whole being.

I like to keep my knowledge fresh and inspired through continued creative and somatic research, as well as professional trainings in Reiki, Somatic Movement, Shamanism, dance improvisation, and entrepreneurial leadership. Through all of my work, I am devoted to kindling a sense of joy and empowerment for being alive in our evolving bodies and world.