Children, Families, and Communities was fostered and is currently led by Sara Pierce and Faith Perkins, and is inspired by Karen Sjostrom Hedger. Other partners in learning include Ellen Sevigny and Amy Young. You may contact any of them at info@childrenfamiliescommunities.org.
Sara Pierce:
In my integrative philosophy I welcome the idea that abundance begets abundance. Each method I am influenced by has offered me a window into “partial truths” .And, that when many are applied synergistically with others, the fruits are multiplied exponentially. I deeply believe in the idealistic view of many paths, one destination.
I have had the great pleasure to learn from a number of gifted Teachers in the fields of medicine, physical therapy, Integrated Awareness®, Craniosacral therapy, sensory processing, communication, development, family systems, movement and recovery. Being with children over the last 25 years, with and without individual differences, led to the co-development of Parents Go First and AKID, a guide for seeking services for children.
My greatest teacher has been my life experience with the incredible support and love of my family and allies. For this I am grateful. To explore the world of disabilities and differences, families and communities, and chronic conditions (including recovery) has brought me immeasurable joy and insight. And I am fortunate to be able to teach classes and offer sessions in a variety of places, including an active practice in Greenwich, CT and in the Los Angeles area. Currently, I live in coastal Maine with my family and extended community. And, as the weather grows colder, I enjoy working, teaching and playing in warmer climates, especially Florida, California and Hawaii.
In my practice I seek to:
*Introduce an intelligent component that strengthens the inner working of the body
* Offer core stability in multiple levels of consciousness
* Include more parts of self in greater congruence providing flexibility and possibility that is about opening, letting go and choice
*Encourage breath, connection and resulting awareness that is integrative in nature
*Model and encourage joy, playfulness, and a cultivation of a body and spirit that is happy and at ease.
Faith Perkins:
My work is inspired by the breadth of my experiences as a teacher and therapist. I had the privilege of working in early intervention for over 30 years. My experiences with children and families were an incredible education and led to curiosity and further exploration of touch, sensitivity, energy, and structure. I studied craniosacral therapy to begin to understand touch, and went on to become certified as an Integrated Awareness® Teacher in 2003. My desire to understand the body brought me to the Namaste’ Institute for Holistic Studies. I graduated as a massage therapist in 2010 and continue my studies in energy, consciousness, development and therapeutic bodywork with joy and gratitude.
I believe we are all in a continual act of creation - reclaiming our inherent wholeness and choosing greater congruence in the way we manifest our lives. For many of us this includes taking steps in developing self awareness, gaining comfort with the multisensory aspects our of selves, and accessing states of homeostasis that allow us to remember and act from who we are at a core level. As a practitioner I seek to bring these components to my sessions and classes. I see my role as creating space for individuals to experience awareness, choice and ease in all expressions of themselves.
My practice includes teaching self-healing through sessions and classes in the healing arts, therapeutic massage, and developmental consultations. My massage includes Swedish, neuromuscular treatment, craniosacral techniques, and subtle energy, and can be combined with other healing modalities as the guest desires. I also offer therapeutic water sessions at a student rate at the Ulumuri Pool in Blue Hill.
Karen Sjostrom Hedger:
[8/7/1956 — 2/19/2011]
Karen was a Speech/Language Pathologist specializing in developmental disabilities for over 20 years. Central to her work were the partnerships she developed with families, individuals and teams, and her integration of traditional and alternative health practices.
Karen was the lodestar of Children, Families & Communities. She journeyed to her newest transformation in February 2011. Here are some of her words:
“Philosophically, I believe that we all have the opportunity to create the lives we want by stepping into the responsibility of who we are, including the wisdom of the body, joy and vitality. Using my extensive training and experience, I aspire to be a guiding light for others in their personal process as they create the lives they want.
"I have learned so much from the children and families I have met in Early Intervention; from my family and allies; and from the wholistic world view I gained through Integrated Awarenessâ and the spiritual teaching of Eckhart Tolle and Carolyn Myss. My intent is to reflect the pay it forward concept in my life. I hold such gratitude for all I have been given and blessed with.
In my practice I hope to make every day easier for others while including myself and sharing what I’ve learned and continue to learn. I seek to inspire people to love themselves more and take exceptional care of themselves.”
Ellen Sevigny:
Ellen Sevigny was born and raised in Mount Desert, ME. The park has always been a part of her life, and her study of yoga began right here in Bar Harbor. She was trained to teach Interdisciplinary Yoga at the Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica. She is currently pursuing her masters degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy.