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Elemental Gong Meditation & Healing the Heart: A Gong Bath Immersive Journey

Elemental Gong Meditation: EARTH
Join us for our Elemental Gong Meditation, where we’ll be combining the healing powers of multiple planetary gongs alongside their elemental energy to guide you into a meditative state that allows you to bring forth traits that resonate with that particular element.

When we embody the aspects of the EARTH element, what can we receive?

Strength & Stability to create more harmony in our life
Patience & Nurture to grow and support new intentions
Integrity & Conviction to remain rooted in our core values and beliefs

For our EARTH series, you can expect a gong meditation that will help reconnect you with your essence. The purpose of which is to help strengthen your energetic and emotional support system, so that you may become clearer in your heart about what is your purpose in life and what steps you need to take in order to bring it closer to reality.

Elemental Gong Meditation: FIRE
Join us for our Elemental Gong Meditation, where we’ll be combining the healing powers of multiple planetary gongs alongside their elemental energy to guide you into a meditative state that allows you to bring forth traits that resonate with that particular element.

When we embody the aspects of the FIRE element, what can we receive?
Courage & Determination to go after what we desire
Passion & Creativity to spark a deeper connection with ourselves
Healing & Rebirth to release old stories and ignite new beginnings

For our FIRE series, you can expect a gong meditation that will ignite the flames of new energy within you. The intention is to help strengthen your energetic and emotional support system, so that you may become clearer in your heart about what is your purpose in life and what steps you need to take in order to bring it closer to reality.

Elemental Gong Meditation: WATER
When we embody the aspects of the WATER element, what can we receive?

Cleansing & Purification to heal any internal turmoil
Flexibility & Change to adapt to the circumstances of life
Clarity & Peace to center our spirit and body

For our WATER series, you can expect a gong meditation that will revitalize the life force within you. This purpose is to help strengthen your energetic and emotional support system, so that you may become clearer in your heart about what your purpose in life is and what steps you need to take in order to bring it closer to reality.

Healing the Heart: A Gong Bath Immersive Journey
Using purely the sounds of multiple planetary gongs, prepare to immerse yourself in rich tones and heavy vibrations that soothe the body into a relaxed state. Feel the unwanted weight of emotional strain being washed away, leaving you with a calmer state of being.

Gong immersions have a combination of intensity and serenity, where we fluctuate between the two to first bring out blocked or stagnant energy from the body. The gong’s vibration permeates through the body, affecting us on a cellular level to release any tensions within them. Once brought to the surface, various tones and frequencies break them apart, leaving you in a gentle state of harmony and ease.

Combining the elements of astrology and sound therapy, our gong immersion will consist of five Paiste planetary gongs, an introduction to each planet and the role they play in our lives. We’ll open the ceremony with a collective chant to activate our connection to the angelic realm. Once we’ve set our intentions, we’ll fall back into an hour long gong immersion before closing with an integration meditation.

 

Kyle Lam is a wellness practitioner dedicated to serving the emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of the community with sound bath meditation and holistic healing events all throughout Southern California. His background in music and expertise in working with a variety of musical instruments allows him to curate sound experiences that guide participants into a meditative state, enlightening their awareness and strengthening their connection with mind, body, and spirit. His goal is for the community to develop a more intimate connection to their hearts while inspiring new dedications towards the betterment of their well-being.

“Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life. Meaning does not lie in things. Meaning lies in us.”

― Marianne Williamson

Elemental Gong Meditation & Healing the Heart: A Gong Bath Immersive Journey

Elemental Gong Meditation: EARTH
Join us for our Elemental Gong Meditation, where we’ll be combining the healing powers of multiple planetary gongs alongside their elemental energy to guide you into a meditative state that allows you to bring forth traits that resonate with that particular element.

When we embody the aspects of the EARTH element, what can we receive?

Strength & Stability to create more harmony in our life
Patience & Nurture to grow and support new intentions
Integrity & Conviction to remain rooted in our core values and beliefs

For our EARTH series, you can expect a gong meditation that will help reconnect you with your essence. The purpose of which is to help strengthen your energetic and emotional support system, so that you may become clearer in your heart about what is your purpose in life and what steps you need to take in order to bring it closer to reality.

Elemental Gong Meditation: FIRE
Join us for our Elemental Gong Meditation, where we’ll be combining the healing powers of multiple planetary gongs alongside their elemental energy to guide you into a meditative state that allows you to bring forth traits that resonate with that particular element.

When we embody the aspects of the FIRE element, what can we receive?
Courage & Determination to go after what we desire
Passion & Creativity to spark a deeper connection with ourselves
Healing & Rebirth to release old stories and ignite new beginnings

For our FIRE series, you can expect a gong meditation that will ignite the flames of new energy within you. The intention is to help strengthen your energetic and emotional support system, so that you may become clearer in your heart about what is your purpose in life and what steps you need to take in order to bring it closer to reality.

Elemental Gong Meditation: WATER
When we embody the aspects of the WATER element, what can we receive?

Cleansing & Purification to heal any internal turmoil
Flexibility & Change to adapt to the circumstances of life
Clarity & Peace to center our spirit and body

For our WATER series, you can expect a gong meditation that will revitalize the life force within you. This purpose is to help strengthen your energetic and emotional support system, so that you may become clearer in your heart about what your purpose in life is and what steps you need to take in order to bring it closer to reality.

Healing the Heart: A Gong Bath Immersive Journey
Using purely the sounds of multiple planetary gongs, prepare to immerse yourself in rich tones and heavy vibrations that soothe the body into a relaxed state. Feel the unwanted weight of emotional strain being washed away, leaving you with a calmer state of being.

Gong immersions have a combination of intensity and serenity, where we fluctuate between the two to first bring out blocked or stagnant energy from the body. The gong’s vibration permeates through the body, affecting us on a cellular level to release any tensions within them. Once brought to the surface, various tones and frequencies break them apart, leaving you in a gentle state of harmony and ease.

Combining the elements of astrology and sound therapy, our gong immersion will consist of five Paiste planetary gongs, an introduction to each planet and the role they play in our lives. We’ll open the ceremony with a collective chant to activate our connection to the angelic realm. Once we’ve set our intentions, we’ll fall back into an hour long gong immersion before closing with an integration meditation.

 

Kyle Lam is a wellness practitioner dedicated to serving the emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of the community with sound bath meditation and holistic healing events all throughout Southern California. His background in music and expertise in working with a variety of musical instruments allows him to curate sound experiences that guide participants into a meditative state, enlightening their awareness and strengthening their connection with mind, body, and spirit. His goal is for the community to develop a more intimate connection to their hearts while inspiring new dedications towards the betterment of their well-being.

“Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life. Meaning does not lie in things. Meaning lies in us.”

― Marianne Williamson

Dance with Galit Friedlander

Galit Friedlander
Dance Educator | Choreographer | Creator of the DanceSpeak Podcast

With over 20 years of experience in the dance industry, Galit has built a career around inspiring dancers through both technique and performance. Her journey began in New York, where she trained in Jazz, Ballet, and Modern dance while falling in love with street dance (Hip-Hop, House, Waacking/Whacking, Vogue, Poppin…). Shortly after, she was accepted to LaGuardia High School, the ‘Fame’ school, where she studied Theatre. There, she developed a unique approach that blends stage presence and authenticity in dance.

Galit’s professional career began at 16 with an Adidas job, quickly gaining recognition for her versatility. She went on to work as Assistant Choreographer for PRINCE’s Welcome 2 America Tour and has since contributed to major projects, including Pharrell’s Happy video, national and international tours, and projects with artists such as MC Lyte and Pepsi.

Currently, Galit teaches and choreographs internationally, sharing her passion for dance with students of all levels. She is also the creator of the DanceSpeak podcast, where she interviews top dancers, choreographers, and industry leaders to offer insights and inspiration to the dance community.

Galit’s teaching philosophy focuses on creating transformative, empowering experiences. Each class offers a chance to develop both technical skills and emotional expression, leaving students inspired and connected.

Meditation with Jacques-Pierre Cole

Zen Bon Jacques-Pierre is a Buddhist monk, Qigong instructor, speaker, and author of Seven Attempts, 17,000 Thoughts, available on Amazon. His life’s journey has been one of deep transformation—shaped by adversity, service, and self-discovery.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at an early age, Jacques-Pierre struggled for years, even attempting to take his life multiple times. Seeking purpose, he served eight years in the Navy and National Guard Army, later becoming a police officer. These experiences exposed him to the depths of human suffering, conflict, and resilience—lessons that now guide his work with others.

His path to inner peace led him to train under a Zen Buddhist monk for 12 years, ultimately becoming ordained in 2012. He now teaches others to cultivate mindfulness, regulate emotions, and embrace self-discovery. As a speaker for the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC), he specializes in trauma-informed communication and conflict resolution, helping individuals and organizations navigate challenges with compassion and understanding.From teaching Qigong and drawing mandalas in the sand to longboarding in his robes, Jacques-Pierre embodies the philosophy that life is an ongoing journey of curiosity and growth.

“Celebrate today’s day. It is the best day. It is the only day!”

Monk | Speaker | Teacher — take 5-minutes & breathe

 

 

Strength Training with Gay Gasper

Gay Gasper began her fitness career on Fit Tour, completing nine tours teaching fitness workshops in the United States. Additionally, Gay has shared her expertise by teaching at various Fitness Conventions around the world. Gay is the choreographer of over 40 fitness videos, has worked at QVC and HSN.  She currently works full-time at a (CCRC) Continuing Care Resident Community as the Director of Fitness and teaches at numerous fitness facilities around Charlotte, NC. Gay continues to travel and teach, presenting fitness education for Interactive Fitness Trainers of America. 

Hands-On Cooking Classes and For the Love of Baja Dinner with Marcelo Hisaki

Marcelo offers hands-on culinary experiences, 3.5 hours each, during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Classes take place at La Cocina Que Canta, our culinary center on Tuesday and Wednesday, at 4pm. In addition, Chef Marcelo will collaborate with La Cocina Que Canta’s Executive Chef Reyna Venegas and her team to create a special feast (with wine pairing!) on Thursday at 4:45pm.

Hands On Cooking Classes and Chefs Dinner Sign Up

 

Tuesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM
Each class $145 (tax included). Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Wednesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM
Each class $145 (tax included). Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Thursday For the Love of Baja Farm-to-Table Dining Experience 4:45 PM
Celebrate the abundance of our organic farm and the connection to community with a Farm-to-Table dining experience – a perfect blend of health, tradition, flavor, and fun! Cost is $150 per person, tax and wine pairing included. The maximum number of guests is 30. Sign Up at the Appointments Desk or through the link above.

 

Born in Mexico City to Japanese parents, Chef Marcelo Hisaki grew up surrounded by a diversity of flavor, texture, color, and tradition that combined both Japanese and Mexican culinary heritage.

At an early age, his talent and discipline led him to earn a scholarship from Fondation Turquois Monaco to study French cuisine at the Lycée Hotelier de Monte Carlo and train in Michelin-starred restaurants Yoshi and Joël Robuchon, in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

In 2013, Chef Marcelo and his wife Chef Reyna Venegas opened Restaurante Amores in Tecate, Baja California. Their culinary concept is influenced by Mexican, Japanese and French cultures, using local produce with respect, love, and creativity.

He recently represented Mexico in the Bocuse d’Or Finale 2023, a prestigious culinary contest in Lyon, France, receiving the social commitment award as a recognition to his team’s involvement in support of migrants’ food insecurity in Baja California. Read more here.

He currently works as a mentor and teacher for new generations of culinary professionals at Culinary Art School and collaborates in the development of BRECHA, the first Mexican culinary innovation and research center. @restauranteamores, @marcehisaki

Hands-On Cooking Classes and For the Love of Baja Dinner with Marcelo Hisaki

Marcelo offers hands-on culinary experiences, 3.5 hours each, during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Classes take place at La Cocina Que Canta, our culinary center on Tuesday and Wednesday, at 4pm. In addition, Chef Marcelo will collaborate with La Cocina Que Canta’s Executive Chef Reyna Venegas and her team to create a special feast (with wine pairing!) on Thursday at 4:45pm.

Hands On Cooking Classes and Chefs Dinner Sign Up

 

Tuesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM
Each class $145 (tax included). Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Wednesday Hands-On Cooking Class 4:00 PM
Each class $145 (tax included). Class subject to change, check your weekly planner and schedule for updates. The maximum number of guests per class is 14.

Thursday For the Love of Baja Farm-to-Table Dining Experience 4:45 PM
Celebrate the abundance of our organic farm and the connection to community with a Farm-to-Table dining experience – a perfect blend of health, tradition, flavor, and fun! Cost is $150 per person, tax and wine pairing included. The maximum number of guests is 30. Sign Up at the Appointments Desk or through the link above.

 

Born in Mexico City to Japanese parents, Chef Marcelo Hisaki grew up surrounded by a diversity of flavor, texture, color, and tradition that combined both Japanese and Mexican culinary heritage.

At an early age, his talent and discipline led him to earn a scholarship from Fondation Turquois Monaco to study French cuisine at the Lycée Hotelier de Monte Carlo and train in Michelin-starred restaurants Yoshi and Joël Robuchon, in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

In 2013, Chef Marcelo and his wife Chef Reyna Venegas opened Restaurante Amores in Tecate, Baja California. Their culinary concept is influenced by Mexican, Japanese and French cultures, using local produce with respect, love, and creativity.

He recently represented Mexico in the Bocuse d’Or Finale 2023, a prestigious culinary contest in Lyon, France, receiving the social commitment award as a recognition to his team’s involvement in support of migrants’ food insecurity in Baja California. Read more here.

He currently works as a mentor and teacher for new generations of culinary professionals at Culinary Art School and collaborates in the development of BRECHA, the first Mexican culinary innovation and research center. @restauranteamores, @marcehisaki

Clinical Fitness Assessment with Jody Miller

Nutrition Wellness: Metabolism and Healthy Weight – Sunday 1pm Olmeca Gym
This presentation highlights an array of practical strategies for increasing metabolic efficiency and promoting weight loss and sustainable healthy weight maintenance.

RLP Clinical Fitness Assessment – by appointment
Appointment availability and Sign-ups for your Clinical Fitness Assessment can be found in the Main Lounge or contact Concierge to connect with Jody Miller directly.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) sheds light on how well you can perform in a variety of physical activities and how well you are able to burn the calories you consume. CRF is related to weight management, functional capacity, athletic performance, and metabolic efficiency, and is the strongest predictor of all-cause and disease-specific mortality.

Your Clinical Fitness Assessment with Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Jody Miller, includes two 30-minute sessions during you week at the Ranch and one 30-minute session virtually as a follow up to your Ranch visit.

During session one, Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity are assessed:

Body Composition is assessed using the skinfold caliper method with measures taken at several sites on the body (thigh, triceps, subscapular, supra-iliac and abdomen).

Aerobic Capacity (METS) is assessed using a sub-maximal cycling protocol. Guests ride a Schwinn AirDyne to a predetermined target heart rate. Heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.

During session two, a summary of your results and personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations will be provided.

During session three, nutrition coaching and exercise training is provided to support guests in implementing strategies into daily life!

Clinical Fitness Assessment package – $397.00 *plus tax

 

Jody Miller, Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist will provide both the Assessment and Coaching Follow up. Jody works with women and men of all ages to help them achieve weight loss and fitness goals, ultimately reducing the risk of chronic disease. Jody’s specialty is behavior change and sustainable life-long, non-diet approaches addressing an array of health concerns including but not limited to Hypertension, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Pregnancy, Infertility, Menopause, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis and Osteoporosis.

Jody is a member of and received the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist credential from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). She is a member of the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA), IDEA Health and Fitness Association, and has received the Exercise is Medicine EIMTM designation.

Clinical Fitness Assessment with Jody Miller

Nutrition Wellness: Metabolism and Healthy Weight – Sunday 1pm Olmeca Gym
This presentation highlights an array of practical strategies for increasing metabolic efficiency and promoting weight loss and sustainable healthy weight maintenance.

RLP Clinical Fitness Assessment – by appointment
Appointment availability and Sign-ups for your Clinical Fitness Assessment can be found in the Main Lounge or contact Concierge to connect with Jody Miller directly.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) sheds light on how well you can perform in a variety of physical activities and how well you are able to burn the calories you consume. CRF is related to weight management, functional capacity, athletic performance, and metabolic efficiency, and is the strongest predictor of all-cause and disease-specific mortality.

Your Clinical Fitness Assessment with Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Jody Miller, includes two 30-minute sessions during you week at the Ranch and one 30-minute session virtually as a follow up to your Ranch visit.

During session one, Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity are assessed:

Body Composition is assessed using the skinfold caliper method with measures taken at several sites on the body (thigh, triceps, subscapular, supra-iliac and abdomen).

Aerobic Capacity (METS) is assessed using a sub-maximal cycling protocol. Guests ride a Schwinn AirDyne to a predetermined target heart rate. Heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.

During session two, a summary of your results and personalized nutrition and exercise recommendations will be provided.

During session three, nutrition coaching and exercise training is provided to support guests in implementing strategies into daily life!

Clinical Fitness Assessment package – $397.00 *plus tax

 

Jody Miller, Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist will provide both the Assessment and Coaching Follow up. Jody works with women and men of all ages to help them achieve weight loss and fitness goals, ultimately reducing the risk of chronic disease. Jody’s specialty is behavior change and sustainable life-long, non-diet approaches addressing an array of health concerns including but not limited to Hypertension, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Pregnancy, Infertility, Menopause, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis and Osteoporosis.

Jody is a member of and received the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist credential from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). She is a member of the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA), IDEA Health and Fitness Association, and has received the Exercise is Medicine EIMTM designation.

Solo Guitar and Chamber Music with Jason Vieaux, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin

Jason Vieaux is “among the elite of today’s classical guitarists” (Gramophone), and is described by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation”. He is one of only 6 guitarists in history to win the Grammy Award for “Best Solo Instrumental”, winning in 2015 for his album “PLAY”. Jason’s multiple appearances over the last 20 years, for San Francisco Performances, Caramoor Festival, Ravinia Festival, Round Top Festival, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, 92nd St Y, CMS Lincoln Center, Wolf Trap, etc., cemented his reputation as one of the world’s leading guitarists. Jason Vieaux has performed as soloist with over 150 orchestras, including Cleveland, Toronto, Houston, Nashville and St. Louis, working with renowned conductors such as Giancarlo Guererro, Jahja Ling, Gerard Schwarz, and David Robertson. Vieaux’s strong presence on radio and streaming services continues with his acclaimed “Bach Volume 2: Works for Violin”, which was released April 2022 to rave reviews from Gramophone and others. Vieaux recorded Pat Metheny’s “Four Paths of Light” (dedicated to Jason), for Metheny’s 2021 album “Road To The Sun” on BMG Modern. Of his Grammy-winning 2014 solo album Play, The Huffington Post declared that Play is “part of the revitalized interest in the classical guitar.” Vieaux’s regular collaborators include the Escher String Quartet, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, Bandoneonist Julien Labro, and Grammy-winners Sasha Cooke (Mezzo-soprano), Yolanda Kondonassis (harp), Zuill Bailey (cello) and Timothy McAllister (saxophone). Vieaux co-founded the guitar department at the Curtis Institute of Music in 2011 (with David Starobin), and has taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music for 28 years.

 

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

 

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Chamber Music Concert with Cheryl Lin Fielding, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin

Concert with Cheryl Lin Fielding, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin

Cheryl Lin Fielding, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin invite you to a concert covering a broad spectrum of music featuring piano, flute and violin. The program will include works by composers of several countries and eras, and the music ranges from charming to extremely virtuosic. Join us in Oaktree, where the acoustics are perfect and the atmosphere is casual!

 

Cheryl Lin Fielding

Praised by the New York Sun for her “Warm, grand and rich” pianism, Cheryl Lin Fielding has performed on some of the finest stages throughout the world, including the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Weill Recital Hall, Tanglewood Music Center, Music Academy of the West, Aspen Music Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Juilliard Theater, Mark Morris Dance Group, Musco Center for the Arts, and Soka Performing Arts Center. A sought-after collaborator and vocal coach, Fielding has been honored with the Grace B. Jackson Prize in Excellence by the Tanglewood Music Festival, recognized by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, and received the distinguished Gwendolyn Koldofsky Award in Keyboard Collaborative Arts. Cheryl’s musical studies began at the age of three in Taiwan, first on the piano and later on the violin, and continued through dual master’s degrees at the Juilliard School (Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano), and Doctor of Musical Arts in Keyboard Collaborative Arts at the University of Southern California, with extended emphasis in Vocal Performance. Fielding has had the honor of working alongside luminaries such as Matthew Aucoin, Christian Badea, Cori Ellison, John DeMain, Luana Devol, Peter Kazaras, Kelly Kuo, James Levine, Timothy Lindberg, Angela Meade, Carol Neblett, Linda Watson, and Dolora Zajick, and has served as music director, vocal coach, pianist, adjudicator for organizations including Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices, Santa Fe Opera, the Philadelphia Virtuosi, Los Angeles Opera, Opera Pacific, Operafestival di Roma, Opera Santa Barbara, Opera San Jose, OperaWorks, Pacific Vocal Series, Pacific Symphony, Opera Chapman, California State University at Northridge, Azusa Pacific University, the Juilliard School, and the USC Thornton Opera. You can hear her playing on all major streaming platforms on the newly released album with soprano, Tory McKenna: Awakening. Dr. Fielding is passionate about keeping the arts thriving in the communities and has recently help produced several concerts with Parnassus Society at Soka Performing Arts Center. She is currently the Artistic Director of Parnassus Society and Coach at Opera UCLA and Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices.

 

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

 

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Chamber Music Concert

Concert with Rita Sloan, Piano, Martha Aarons, Flute, Lev Polyakin, Violin

Rita Sloan, Martha Aarons and Lev Polyakin invite you to a concert covering a broad spectrum of music featuring piano, flute and violin. The program will include works by composers of several countries and eras, and the music ranges from charming to extremely virtuosic. Join us in Oaktree, where the acoustics are perfect and the atmosphere is casual!

Rita Sloan is recognized internationally as soloist, accompanist, chamber musician, and leading teacher of piano and collaborative piano. In 1999 she was appointed a piano faculty member and director of the collaborative piano program of the University of Maryland. At the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she is also a piano faculty member, she founded and heads the collaborative artist program and was one of the recipients of Aspen’s prestigious New Horizons Fellowships. Residencies and master class presentations include London’s Royal College of Music, the Academy of Music in Vilnius (Lithuania), and the Juilliard School. Ms. Sloan regularly performs with orchestra, in recital, and in chamber music throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan. She has been a returning guest in chamber music venues such as New York’s Bargemusic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Series. She was also a featured artist at the Twenty-Fifth International William Kappell Piano Competition. Ms. Sloan is one of the founding members of the Aspen Ensemble, featured on NPR’s Performance Today. Recordings include a disc with internationally renowned trumpeter, Chris Gekker.

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Guitar Concerts with Jason Vieaux

Enjoy two concerts with Jason Vieaux, guitar:

Solo Bach Program

Jason Vieaux with Martha Aarons, flute and Lev Polaykin, violin

Jason Vieaux is “among the elite of today’s classical guitarists” (Gramophone), and is described by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation”. He is one of only 6 guitarists in history to win the Grammy Award for “Best Solo Instrumental”, winning in 2015 for his album “PLAY”. Jason’s multiple appearances over the last 20 years, for San Francisco Performances, Caramoor Festival, Ravinia Festival, Round Top Festival, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, 92nd St Y, CMS Lincoln Center, Wolf Trap, etc., cemented his reputation as one of the world’s leading guitarists. Jason Vieaux has performed as soloist with over 150 orchestras, including Cleveland, Toronto, Houston, Nashville and St. Louis, working with renowned conductors such as Giancarlo Guererro, Jahja Ling, Gerard Schwarz, and David Robertson. Vieaux’s strong presence on radio and streaming services continues with his acclaimed “Bach Volume 2: Works for Violin”, which was released April 2022 to rave reviews from Gramophone and others. Vieaux recorded Pat Metheny’s “Four Paths of Light” (dedicated to Jason), for Metheny’s 2021 album “Road To The Sun” on BMG Modern. Of his Grammy-winning 2014 solo album Play, The Huffington Post declared that Play is “part of the revitalized interest in the classical guitar.” Vieaux’s regular collaborators include the Escher String Quartet, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, Bandoneonist Julien Labro, and Grammy-winners Sasha Cooke (Mezzo-soprano), Yolanda Kondonassis (harp), Zuill Bailey (cello) and Timothy McAllister (saxophone). Vieaux co-founded the guitar department at the Curtis Institute of Music in 2011 (with David Starobin), and has taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music for 28 years.

Martha Aarons’ professional career began with her appointment as principal flute of the North Carolina Symphony. Subsequently she played with the Cleveland Orchestra for 25 years. After becoming a freelancer, she performed often with the Philadelphia Orchestra. During this time, she appeared as guest principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Mostly Mozart Festival. Ms. Aarons served as Artist Faculty with the Aspen Music Festival for 19 years. Her teaching credits include the Cleveland Institute of Music, Duke University, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill, Oberlin College, Skidmore College, Shanghai Conservatory and Eastman School of Music. She has been soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, and with the Aspen Festival Chamber and Festival orchestras. Her first solo CD, The History of the Tango, is recorded on the Azica label and additionally features pianist Frances Renzi and Grammy-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux. Her newest release is the CD Last Silence with violinist Lev Polyakin and pianist Frances Renzi. Martha is also an avid runner and has qualified for her fifth consecutive Boston Marathon in April 2025!

Lev Polyakin was appointed co-concertmaster of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at age 21. In that position he was regularly featured as soloist. In the U.S. he served as assistant concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, as well as concertmaster of the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen Music Festival. Lev has won several prizes in international violin competitions, including the Beethoven Prize in Carl Flesch in London, and Gold Medal and Special Prize in Brescia, Italy. In addition to solo performances with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, he has appeared as soloist with the London Mozart Players, Royal Philharmonic, and Cleveland Orchestra. Recording credits include Melodia, BBC, National Public Radio, and Decca. He is prominently featured on an album entitled Cafe Music comprising chamber music by Paul Schoenfield, which was nominated for a Grammy. Lev has a special interest in jazz and has recorded three CDs, entitled Russian Blue, The Other Side of the Road, and Christmas Kaleidoscope. He is also featured in the recent release by Azica Records entitled Last Silence, with flutist Martha Aarons and pianist Frances Renzi.

Wild Women of Song

Concert #1:   Great Women Hitmakers – Swing, Jazz, Blues & R & B

Concert #2:   Great Women Hitmakers – the 60’s and 70’s!

And Sing-Along at Lounge

 

Pamela Rose – Vocals  
Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians thrills audiences of all ages.
“Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat 

Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

 

John R. Burr – Pianist
John R. Burr is a musician of wide ranging and diverse style. Although firmly rooted in Blues and Jazz, he is heavily influenced by his love of vocal music ranging from the Beatles to the Great American Songbook, to Contemporary Pop Music. He is a sought-after Accompanist and Arranger on the Bay Area music scene, regularly appearing with Jackie Ryan, Kenny Washington,Tony Lindsay, Nicolas Bearde and Kitty Margolis.

 

Ruth Davies – Bass
Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

 

Daria Johnson – Drums/Vocals
Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Wild Women of Song

Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, Scott Sorkin, Ruth Davies, & Daria Johnson

 

Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, bold, warm voice and easy rapport with musicians’ thrills audiences of all ages. “Outstanding vocals…Pamela Rose hits that jazz and soul sweet spot”.  Frank John Hadley, DownBeat Rose is also best known for her touring concerts celebrating remarkable women in blues and jazz.  Her Wild Women of Song and Blues is a Woman shows resulted in a book and concert series which has toured nationally.

 

Kristen Strom has played alongside many well-known artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Pamela Rose, and the touring company of Blues is a Woman. She also performs in a celebrated duo with husband/guitarist Scott Sorkin. In addition to her albums, Intention, Sojourn and Moving Day: The Music of John Shifflett, she has recorded more than 40 CDs with various jazz and pop artists. Her latest album, Moving Day, was listed as one of Best Jazz Albums of 2018 by The Mercury News and has gotten national and international airplay.

 

Scott Sorkin is a Bay Area guitarist, composer, producer, teacher and recording engineer who performs and records in styles ranging from jazz to Brazilian and Latin styles. His solo CD “Laika” was released in 2017. Performance credits include the Count Basie Orchestra, Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Nnenna Freelon, Paula West, Louie Bellson, Vince Giordano, Tammy Hall, Pamela Rose, Kristen Strom, touring shows “Dream Girls” and Disney’s “Newsies”, Symphony Silicon Valley, Great Performances, PBS Television and SFJAZZ. Sorkin has extensive recording credits as well as film scores (including composer credits). Scott co-leads the international jazz group “Crossing Borders”, featuring Kristen Strom, Jennifer Scott, and Rene Worst. He’s been a featured artist at many festivals.

 

Oakland resident Ruth Davies has lent her fluid, expressive upright bass stylings to many internationally touring artists. Jazz and blues stars such as Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Clark Terry, Elvin Bishop, and Van Morrison are among her long list of tour and recording credentials. Her impressive discography includes many platinum and Grammy-winning recordings.  Ruth has toured with Pamela Rose for many years, with her Blues is a Woman and Wild Women of Song shows.

 

 

Daria “Shani” Johnson is a San Francisco based drummer, singer and multi-instrumentalist with a smooth, sensual style and dynamic spirit on stage. She has become one of the most sought-after drummers in the Bay Area.  After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, Daria toured with her band London Street in the US and Europe, opening for major acts India Airie, Erykah Bada, Brandi Carlisle, and John Legend.  Daria also debuted and starred in the Blues is a Woman show, bringing the audience to their feet night after night.

Your DNA is NOT Your Destiny!

DNA is only responsible for approximately 15% of our life expectancy. The emerging field of Epigenetics explains how our choices of health-related behaviors control proteins that can modify the expression of our genetic code. Learn how to optimize your immune system, enhance brain function, delay aging and maximize the joy in your daily life – not only by making smart decisions involving exercise, nutrition, stress management and life-balance, but also by choosing to engage in a meaningful, purpose-driven life.

The Power of Meaning and Purpose
Learn how to harness the incredible power of the epigenome to enhance both life quantity and, more importantly, quality.

Sedentary Lifestyle is the New Smoking
Our bodies were made to move. Regular motion is the key to healthy circulation, optimizing cardiac risk factors, maintaining muscle mass, functional capacity, and joint flexibility – not to mention prevention of early dementia and some forms of cancer!  After age 35, most people every year lose significant lean mass and strength and gain fat mass, leading to a myriad of self-inflicted health issues. Dr. Rice will explore the latest clinical insights regarding the benefits of an active lifestyle and will explain the necessary ingredients for minimizing associated health risks.

 

With more than thirty years as a family practice and sports medicine physician, Dr. Lee Rice has become one of the premier medical experts on wellness in the United States and abroad. He has been head-team physician for professional and Olympic teams including the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Clippers, San Diego Gulls, San Diego Soccer’s, USA Olympic Volleyball and America’s Cup Sailing syndicates including Oracle Racing. Drawing on these experiences, Dr. Rice founded Life Wellness Institute, a revolutionary healthcare facility focusing on health promotion and individualized wellness programs for families and corporations.  Dr. Rice is a clinical professor at Western University of Health Sciences and a Voluntary Clinical Instructor in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego. He was honored to be the initial Dr. Jerry Lee Chair of Wellness and Integrative Health at the National University System. He is an internationally known speaker for executive organizations including Young Presidents Organization (YPO and YPO Gold), Chief Executives Organization (CEO), and Vistage International. Dr. Rice is a founder and past president of both the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine, as well as a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Rice is an active board member with the San Diego Epilepsy Foundation and McAlister Institute, and is past president of the San Diego chapter of the American Heart Association; he is also a trustee and currently Vice Chair for the non-profit National University. Dr. Rice’s vision for comprehensive health is incorporated into all his activities and is the guiding principle of the Life Wellness Institute.

The Great Microbiome and Other Topics

The Great Microbiome: Our Greatest Ally for Optimal Health
It is becoming common knowledge that gut bacteria are connected to aspects of health, including inflammation, body weight, cancer, immunity, brain function, and so much more. Norma will discuss the benefits of gut bacteria and its impact on our health when out of balance, including how it prepares us for novel viruses that continue to evolve in our world today.

The Top 10 Ways to Heal Your Gut & Maximize Your Microbiota
Considering the amazing benefits of our gut bacteria and its implications on our health, how can we be sure we are eating to maximize our microbiota? Our gut bacteria are influenced by our diet, environment, age, activity, hygiene and stress level. Norma will discuss better foods, lifestyle choices, and updates on supplements that heal and support a healthier gut.

Epigenetics: Your DNA is NOT Your Destiny!
Our DNA was originally thought to be pre-programmed and could not be changed. We were stuck with what we got! That has all changed with the new understanding of Epigenetics, which is the ability of nutrition and other environmental factors to turn human genes on or off. In other words, our food intake and lifestyle behaviors have an effect on how our genes are expressed!  How about those “bad” genes that run in your family? There is new hope!  Learn how your family history, current symptoms, and/or genetic testing can point out deficiencies that can be supported with nutrition, supplements and changes in your environment.

BONE DEEP: Everything that Matters for Better Bone Health!
Did you know that the prevalence of osteoporosis increased for women from 2007-2008 to 2017-2018?  Is it true that calcium supplementation can be harmful?  Are there other nutrients that are more important for bone health?  What other factors matter for bone health?  Join Norma to learn a comprehensive approach to improve bone health.  It’s important for everyone, considering low bone density is prevalent in over 50% of women and over 30% of men aged 50 and over. We have a lot to talk about!

 

Norma Flood, MS, RDN, delves deeper to treat problems where they start.  Motivated by her own health challenges and those of her clients, she applies functional nutrition therapy to effectively treat or support digestive health, mental health, and eating disorders.  Life coaching is also central in her practice. With a background in Pharmacology & Toxicology, Norma’s journey started in research at Viagene-Center for Gene Therapy.  Personal health issues then moved her to get a master’s degree in nutrition and then complete her clinical training in a highly competitive dietetic internship at the UCSD Medical Center.   Norma was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student for her major, and the Outstanding Dietetic Intern for the state of California.  Her 20+ years of experience as a dietitian include UCSD Cancer Center, UCSD Medical Center, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, SDSU Student Health Services and Athletics, and finally Private Practice as an Integrative and Functional Nutritionist. Norma also has a passion for reaching out to youth, which inspired her to start a school garden program at Painted Rock Elementary School, as well as establish Poway Unplugged, which included a tween/teen day camp to teach positive coping tools and balanced health to young girls. Norma is a mother to a 17-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son in Poway, California.  During her free time, she loves hiking, yoga, gardening and time with family and friends.

5 Ways to Nourish Your Mind and Body

Our physical, mental and emotional health are interconnected as the very same things that are good for the body are also good for the mind. So too our spiritual health, our relational and financial health and societal health are all interconnected and intertwined. Through stories and science, we will explore the interconnectedness of these values and how aligning the many facets of our experience allows us to harness their power to lead more productive and successful lives.

Identify your Hunger- How to Tell Physical and Emotional Hunger Apart
Hunger is not only a physical cue for food but also signals our emotional and spiritual needs. This connection between food and emotion is not only cultural but is hardwired in our neurobiology. In this workshop, we will explore the science of hunger and understand why our emotions physiologically drive our desire for food. Participants will learn to distinguish emotional hunger from physical hunger and engage in an evidence-based practice to manage cravings mindfully without reactivity.

Redefine Nutrition- 5 Nutrients to Nourish You Mind and Body
Nutrition refers not only to the food that we eat but also the company that we keep, how we move our bodies and engage in sleep, rest and play, the content we consume and the words that we use to speak to ourselves. In this workshop we will broaden our definition of nutrition to include food, sleep, movement, nature, rest, play and the mind’s diet. Participants will learn actionable guidance on how to incorporate these nutrients into their daily lives in order to enhance their physical health and mental and emotional wellbeing.

Overcoming Saboteurs and Self-Limiting Beliefs to Achieve Health and Wellbeing
Our relationship with food is a mirror to our relationship to ourselves. In this workshop, we will identify the 10 most common saboteurs including perfectionism, self-limiting beliefs, lack of healthy boundaries that not only impact our relationship with food but also our work, our relationships with ourselves, co-workers, family and friends. Participants will engage in an experiential writing practice to uncover unique saboteurs that show up in our daily lives.

Self-Compassion: The (Surprising) Key to Transforming your Life
Self-compassion is not only kind, but is essential to our growth. In this workshop we will discuss why positive self-acceptance and self-compassion are necessary to forming positive habits and creating durable, lasting change. We will learn the three elements of an effective self-compassion practice: awareness, mindfulness and embracing our common humanity and together set the groundwork to implementing this essential practice on your own.

 

Adrienne Youdim, MD, is a physician, author, TEDx speaker specializing in medical weight loss and nutrition. Her mission is to empower people to adopt scientifically backed mind-body techniques to enhance greater mental, emotional and physical health and wellbeing. She holds multiple board certifications awarded by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.   Her book Hungry for More: Stories and Science to Inspire Weight Loss from the Inside Out explores the emotional and spiritual hungers that present as a hunger for food. Dr. Youdim currently sees patients in her private practice in Beverly Hills. She also hosts the Health Bite podcast, ranked amongst the top 5% most listened to globally. Dr Youdim is a national speaker sought after by the media and has been featured on The Doctors, Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, ABC news, Inside Edition, National Public Radio among other news outlets. Dr. Youdim lives in Los Angeles with her high school sweetheart, three kids and labradoodle. In her spare time, she can be found running, reading and gathered around a home-cooked meal with family and friends.

Visual Fitness 4 All: Engaging Creativity & Insight®

Develop your visual fitness by exercising and building your creative muscles while enhancing your discernment skills. Enjoy unique interactive conversations and fun hands-on experiences that will engage you in SEEING MORE in art and life while at Rancho La Puerta.

Discover Deeper Meanings in Mexican Culture through the Art of Frida Kahlo
Use a Balanced Way of Seeing® more as you experience an interactive, new way of understanding Mexican culture and artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954). You will gain insight as you develop essential discernment skills noting the Form+Theme+Context (FTC)® of symbols and traditions of Day of the Dead as well as Frida’s art to understand deeper meanings of Mexican life and art.

Conversing with Mexican Art: Up Close and Personal (45 min)
Engage in a hands-on, multi-sensory workshop to experience a guided, in-depth personal “conversation” with a postcard-sized reproduction to meanings in a Mexican work of art.  Using a packet of playful materials and creative strategies, each participant explores an artwork to reveals its layers of meaning.  This fun workshop concludes with an opportunity for lively group sharing of observations and discoveries.

Visual Fitness: Creativity Exercises with LINE + COLOR (90 min)
Develop your innate creative skills in this hands-on “workout” that uses Marking & Mapping® to discover your “visual voice” and “inner artist” as you engage in visual meditation and warm-up exercises.  Have fun making playful marks using unique art tools that help you create a life map that reflects meaningful virtues, words, images, and events.  This eye-opening experience requires absolutely no previous art experience and results in a special souvenir to take home. Join us and surprise yourself!

 

Inspired by her profound experiences creating art and presenting at the Ranch for over 20 years, Renee Sandell’s Visual Fitness 4 All® programs is the result of her over 45 years of art teaching experience in classrooms and museums. Believing in the power of art to facilitate human interaction, transformation, and healing, Renee’s art, teaching, and research focus on Visual Fitness 4 All.  A retired university professor, Sandell is the author of three books and multiple publications.  She was founder/director of SummerVision DC—a 4-day, museum-based, intensive bootcamp program she led for a decade until the Pandemic. Sandell has received awards for her Form+Theme+Context (FTC)® methodology as a Balanced Way of Seeing®.  Sandell’s Visual Fitness courses and “workouts” are dedicated to engaging Creativity and Insight®in everyone, everywhere.  She currently teaches for Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts, Yellow Barn Studio, and other arts organizations and venues. Renee is an actively exhibiting artist; learn more on her website and YouTube interview.

Retain/Re-Claim a Clear, Creative, Vibrant Mind

Retain / Reclaim a Clear Creative Mind: Cognitive Health Map
The body and mind are two sides of a coin. Identify the constellation of issues that diminish a mind that has the potential to sparkle.

 A Body and Mind Unburdened and The Activity of Sleep
Unburden the body and mind: The vital role of drainage and detoxification for a sparkling mind. Sleep is the “Good Medicine”. Re-establish a body/mind that nourishes your clarity and vitality.

Energy and Mental Clarity: They Have Their Roots in Food
Foods and nutrients are powerful tools to strengthen the body and clarify the mind.

The Gut-Brain Connection & Bio-Compatible Living
The “gut ecology” has profound impact on brain health, depression and mental coherence.

 Just Move!  Body and Brain Training

 

Leni Felton is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She specializes in individualized programs to reclaim physical and cognitive health. She is trained in the Bredesen Protocol for reversing cognitive decline. Leni has a private clientele and collaborates with doctors in an integrative approach. For six years Leni worked with Richard Gracer, MD, at the Gracer Medical Group, San Ramon, an early Orthomolecular Doctor. She has designed and developed spa-friendly cleansing programs for her specialty of drainage and detoxification. A core principle of her work, for 20 years: the body and mind are inextricably linked.

Gut Feelings: Brain, Gut, Diet, Microbiome Connection

Where Love of Wisdom & Truth Meet
Philosophy – the love of wisdom, and science – the search for truth, are intertwined and complementary. Both seek the advancement of knowledge, and the recent accomplishments in so many disciplines have been breathtaking. Answers revealed as universal truths become apparent, yet ever more questions arise. From the origin of the universe to the magic and mystery of love, enjoy an enchanting tour of our amazing world. Where Love of Wisdom & Love of Truth Meet

Quest for Immortality & Vitality
An informative and entertaining program on the rapidly advancing field of age management with precision and preventive medicine. It offers a clear understanding of the advances and breakthroughs that are redefining our expectations of longevity and vitality. In addition to valuable and practical information, the program encourages and motivates the embrace of a healthy living and wellness philosophy.

Love Your Gut!
The amazing world within offers great opportunities for extended vibrant health & well-being, The interconnection between gut, microbes, genes, nervous system, and diet is astonishingly sophisticated. These and other recent discoveries about the redefined human organism, including the importance of love, laughter, and social connection have revolutionized our understanding of human health and disease. Love Your Gut!

Wholeheartedly Embracing a Sensational Life
We all too often under-appreciate our remarkable five physical senses of touch, vision, hearing, taste, and smell. We are also blessed with the incredible gifts of the senses of humor, compassion, purpose, gratitude, wonder, and love. We have inherited tremendous gifts from the wisdom keepers of the past that have illuminated our path to ever greater enlightenment. Hope springs eternal that the wisdom keepers of today & tomorrow will bring wise balance to the exponential growth of knowledge using the most important, yet rarest sense of them all, common sense. Whole-Heartedly Embracing a Sensational Life!

 

Joseph B. Weiss, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, is Clinical Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology) at the University of California, San Diego. He graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine, completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of California at Irvine, and did his clinical and research fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of California, San Diego. He is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Under the auspices of the World Health Organization and others, he has pursued interests in Tropical and International Medicine and Public Health with stays in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Dr. Weiss is also an accomplished humorist, professional speaker and the author of many acclaimed books on the topics of health, wellness, digestion and nutrition. He has presented at international conferences, universities, medical centers, Fortune 500 companies, YPO/WPO, Bohemian Grove, Esalen, Aspen Brain Forum and international spas and resorts. He has co-hosted a popular health radio talk show, “Health News and Views” and truly enjoys educating and entertaining his audiences!

Nourishing Your Health with Integrative Medicine

Reversing Illness: Lessons from Integrative Medicine
Given the incredible advances of modern medicine, it is surprising that its focus is more often on managing chronic disease, than reversing it. Increasing numbers of adults find themselves with several diagnoses for which they may take multiple medications.  In this engaging presentation, Dr Victoria Maizes will present Integrative Medicine approaches that can help people reverse or recover from common chronic illnesses including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease and more. She will discuss novel research on circadian medicine, the microbiome, psychedelic therapy, as well as the role of restorative sleep.

Nourishing Your Health by Living Green
Modern life exposes us to chemicals that may be subtly or profoundly impacting our health.  We absorb toxins in the food we eat, the beverages we drink, the products we put on our skin, and the cleansers we use in and around our homes. Mounting evidence links environmental toxins to developmental disorders, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Dr. Victoria Maizes addresses the evidence for harm, practical steps we can all take to reduce exposures, and the multitude of resources that can help nourish our own health and that of future generations.

Vibrantly Healthy Women
Questions about women’s health and well-being frequently arise in an integrative health practice. Whether it is concern about changes coinciding with menopause, hormones, sexuality, healthy bones, or weight loss, Dr. Victoria Maizes, an internationally recognized women’s health expert will address the science that supports women in their efforts to live vibrantly healthy lives.

 

Dr. Victoria Maizes is the Founding Executive Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and is a Professor of Medicine, Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Arizona Internationally recognized as a leader in integrative medicine, Dr. Maizes is committed to helping individuals live healthier lives and pioneering change efforts that solve US health care system problems. Together with her team at the Center for Integrative Medicine, she created and implemented educational programs that have trained thousands of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals and impacted the care of millions of patients. A highly sought-after speaker, she is the editor of the Oxford University textbook Integrative Women’s Health and the author of Be Fruitful: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Fertility and Giving Birth to a Healthy Child. She co-hosts (with Dr Andrew Weil) the popular podcast Body of Wonder and was named one of the world’s 25 intelligent optimists by ODE magazine.

Nourishing Your Health with Integrative Medicine

Reversing Illness: Lessons from Integrative Medicine
Given the incredible advances of modern medicine, it is surprising that its focus is more often on managing chronic disease, than reversing it. Increasing numbers of adults find themselves with several diagnoses for which they may take multiple medications.  In this engaging presentation, Dr Victoria Maizes will present Integrative Medicine approaches that can help people reverse or recover from common chronic illnesses including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease and more. She will discuss novel research on circadian medicine, the microbiome, psychedelic therapy, as well as the role of restorative sleep.

Nourishing Your Health by Living Green
Modern life exposes us to chemicals that may be subtly or profoundly impacting our health.  We absorb toxins in the food we eat, the beverages we drink, the products we put on our skin, and the cleansers we use in and around our homes. Mounting evidence links environmental toxins to developmental disorders, obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Dr. Victoria Maizes addresses the evidence for harm, practical steps we can all take to reduce exposures, and the multitude of resources that can help nourish our own health and that of future generations.

Vibrantly Healthy Women
Questions about women’s health and well-being frequently arise in an integrative health practice. Whether it is concern about changes coinciding with menopause, hormones, sexuality, healthy bones, or weight loss, Dr. Victoria Maizes, an internationally recognized women’s health expert will address the science that supports women in their efforts to live vibrantly healthy lives.

 

Dr. Victoria Maizes is the Founding Executive Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and is a Professor of Medicine, Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Arizona Internationally recognized as a leader in integrative medicine, Dr. Maizes is committed to helping individuals live healthier lives and pioneering change efforts that solve US health care system problems. Together with her team at the Center for Integrative Medicine, she created and implemented educational programs that have trained thousands of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals and impacted the care of millions of patients. A highly sought-after speaker, she is the editor of the Oxford University textbook Integrative Women’s Health and the author of Be Fruitful: The Essential Guide to Maximizing Fertility and Giving Birth to a Healthy Child. She co-hosts (with Dr Andrew Weil) the popular podcast Body of Wonder and was named one of the world’s 25 intelligent optimists by ODE magazine.

TODAY MATTERS: Why Today Impacts Tomorrow’s Success

Join us for a transformative four-session journey as we unveil the art of crafting a fulfilling day and its profound impact on your tomorrow. In this exploration, we’ll challenge common misconceptions about success while navigating the realms of personal reflection, growth, and self-discovery.

During these sessions, you’ll be encouraged to take vital incremental steps that pave the way for daily success by delving into six key daily practices over four sessions.

Session 1: Introduction
Unveil the secrets of a fulfilling day and how today shapes your future in this inspiring introductory session.

Session 2: Attitude and Priorities
Discover how your attitude opens doors to endless possibilities and how setting priorities sharpens your focus on the path to success.

Session 3: Health and Family
Explore the vital role of health for enduring strength and the stabilizing influence of family in shaping your journey.

Session 4: Thinking and Growth
Harness the power of strategic thinking for a competitive edge and unlock your boundless potential through a focus on growth.

Remember, the most remarkable miracle is transforming who you are today into who you want to be tomorrow. Your canvas is today—start now to create a brand-new ending. Join us to embrace the significance of Today Matters!

 

Mark Wuttke | CEO Peer Advisory | Strategic Advisor | Leadership Coach | Speaker & Mentor

Mark brings over two decades of transformative leadership in the skincare and wellness industries, focusing on luxury wellness spas and eco-conscious markets. As a Vistage Chair, he coaches leadership groups in the world’s premier CEO Peer Advisory organization, cultivating enhanced leadership qualities that lead to better decisions and results among its 45,000+ global CEO membership.

As the founder of Wuttke Group LLC, Mark champions sustainable and ethical business practices, integrating these principles into innovative growth strategies. His leadership in C-level positions at companies like BABOR, AMALA Beauty, Primavera Life, Jurlique, and Cosmetic Solutions has spearheaded the launch of many successful product lines and impactful strategic initiatives that harmonize business success with environmental stewardship.

A certified executive coach with Maxwell Leadership, Mark’s talks, such as “Today Matters,” emphasize the profound impact of today’s choices on our future well-being and success. His commitment to sustainable wellness and authentic leadership makes him a respected voice at global forums, including the Global Wellness Summit and the Global Wellness Institute. He inspires audiences at prestigious academic institutions like Cornell University, FGCU, and FIU to embrace sustainable growth and fulfillment in every aspect of their personal and professional lives, aligning with holistic health and sustainable living.