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Julie Brefczynski-Lewis, PhD – Neuroscientist304-293-4820 BiographyDr. Julie Brefczynski-Lewis is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at West Virginia University. She received her PhD in Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and anatomy from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Brefczynski-Lewiss has been practicing mindfulness for more than 20 years and researching its effects for the past decade. Currently, the Brefczynski-Lewis lab is testing the effectiveness of compassion meditation to help with deal with the stress and negative emotions related to difficult interpersonal relationships. Julie has found that compassion training changes brain responses to the faces of difficult people. |
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Laurel Faulkenberry, MA, LPC- Clinical Therapist304-293-8133 BiographyLaurel Faulkenberry is a skilled mindfulness instructor with considerable training. She has been a clinical therapist for 20 years, specializing in mindfulness, trauma, and addiction. In 2015-2016, she co-taught two 8-week courses on Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention for Addictive Behaviors. |
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Nicole Gauthier-Schatz, Yoga Teacher & Stress Management Specialist304-293-2520 BiographyNicole Gauthier-Schatz has been teaching in the Morgantown community and surrounding areas for 27 years. Nicole holds certifications as a Stress Management Specialist, Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, Holistic Lifestyle Teacher and Yoga Therapist. Nicole is also the co-creator of the Mindful Steps to Stress Less Program. Nicole seeks to create a safe, non-dogmatic educational environment, where the student is immersed in the process of self-discovery and inner exploration to become a more integrated human. In a safe refuge, students can turn their inner attentiveness to feelings, sensations, and activity of the mind. Students can then experience more freedom and vitality, and connect the practice to their daily life. The practice leads to increased awareness, mental clarity, and emotional wellness, as well as generating strength and suppleness for a healthier, more vibrant and limber body. |