Upledger Clinic Practitioners

D.O., O.M.M., In Memoriam

• Modality Developer
• CranioSacral Therapy
• SomatoEmotional Release
• The Brain Speaks
• Upledger Intensive Therapy Programs
• CranioSacral - Dolphin Integrative Therapy Programs
• CranioSacral - Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) Programs
• Achievement Honors:
• Alternative Medicine Program Advisory Council for the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C.
• TIME Magazine, one of America's "Next Wave of Innovators" for his proven clinical applications of CranioSacral Therapy.

Inventor: Still Point Inducer

Author: Cell Talk, CranioSacral Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy II: Beyond The Dura, SomatoEmotional Release and Beyond, Your Inner Physician and You, A Brain is Born: Exploring the Birth and Development of the Central Nervous System, CranioSacral Therapy: Touchstone for Natural Healing, SomatoEmotional Release: Deciphering the Language of Life, and Lessons Out of School

In Memoriam
Born on February 10, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Upledger passed away on October 26, 2012 at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For manual therapists and other healthcare practitioners worldwide, his legacy is his generosity of spirit in sharing his discoveries and knowledge and ensuring their right to practice, For his patients and the patients of his students, his legacy is an open mind and heart to the validity of non-traditional medical approaches. For his family and good friends everywhere, his legacy is to stay with your journey despite the obstacles. He has proudly passed the torch From His Hands to Ours.

Throughout his career as an osteopathic physician, Dr. Upledger was recognized as an innovator and leading proponent in the investigation of new therapies. His development of CranioSacral Therapy in particular earned him an international reputation. He also served on the Alternative Medicine Program Advisory Council for the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C.

Although much of his experience was garnered through private clinical practice, Dr. Upledger served from 1975-1983 as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University. During those years he supervised a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers in experiments testing the existence and influence of the craniosacral system.

The results of those scientific studies explained the function of the craniosacral system and its use in evaluating and treating poorly understood malfunctions of the brain and spinal cord. Dr. Upledger went on to develop CranioSacral Therapy and other complementary modalities that are now taught worldwide to healthcare professionals through The Upledger Institute's educational programs. He also wrote numerous textbooks and study guides, and more than two dozen research articles.

The Dr. John E. Upledger Foundation was formed to honor his life and work by reaching out to those less fortunate and help improve their life experiences. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the ongoing research and development of new therapeutic applications, and the establishment of community-outreach programs that enhance total health.

MA

• Master's Degree, Psychology
• Certified Instructor, The Upledger Institute
• Program Director, Spirituality and Healing
• Medallion Member, Upledger's International Association of Healthcare Practitioners

In 1984, Lee Nugan was personally tapped by Dr. John E. Upledger, developer of CranioSacral Therapy, to help him establish The Upledger Institute Clinic. Now more than 20 years later, she continues to treat adults, children and couples in her psychology practice here. She brings a wealth of specialized training in guided imagery, meditation, biofeedback, sand-play therapy, play therapy and psychosynthesis.

Understanding the critical role of psychotherapy on even the little ones – ages 2 and up – Lee specializes in safe and compassionate approaches like sand-play therapy and play therapy that encourage children to open up so they can resolve their physical, mental and emotional issues more effectively.

In addition to maintaining her thriving clinical practice, Lee is the developer of Spirituality and Healing, a workshop she has taught in the U.S. and Europe based on principles from A Course in Miracles. She is the author of "Healing the Mind and Body Via the Spirit," an article published in PT & OT Today. Plus, she is a certified instructor of SomatoEmotional Release II workshops. Lee has been deeply involved in The Upledger Institute Clinic's intensive therapy programs, where she works closely with patients, family members and caregivers. She also played a pivotal role in The Upledger Foundation's landmark intensive therapy programs that helped Vietnam veterans better cope with the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Lee earned her bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University and her master's degree from the University of Sydney. Much of her early life was spent seriously studying piano and performing in concerts. She recently used her love of music to create a CD called Compassion for the Self. Intertwining music with guided imagery, she takes you on a journey that allows you to release your fears and open yourself to receive more love and compassion.

LCSW, LMT, CST-D

• Licensed Massage Therapist, Florida (#MA 0014761)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Florida (#SW 7389)
• Master’s Degree, Social Work
• Diplomate Certified, CranioSacral Therapy
• Presenter, CranioSacral Therapy Intro and Overview
• Presenter, Lymph Drainage Therapy Overview
• Presenter, Subtle Energy
• Member, American Massage Therapy Association
• Member, Fla. State Massage Therapy Association
• Member, Nat'l. Association of Social Workers
• Member, Fla. Association of Social Workers
• Medallion Member, Upledger’s International Association of Healthcare Practitioners

An Upedger Clinic staff therapist since 1994, Mya Breman is a licensed clinical social worker who blends psychotherapy with CranioSacral Therapy, Lymph Drainage Therapy and other holistic approaches to address the particular needs of each client she serves. In addition to the successful private practice she maintains here, she also assists in our world-renowned intensive therapy programs.

Formerly a broadcasting executive in TV and radio, Mya originally joined The Upledger Institute as its marketing director in 1989. Impressed by the results she saw patients attain here, she decided to shift her focus and study manual therapy. She went on to earn her state massage therapy license, as well as a master's degree in clinical social work from Barry University.

Today Mya specializes in working with infants and other individuals experiencing a wide range of physical and emotional trauma. She also teaches a series of continuing-education workshops in CranioSacral Therapy, Lymph Drainage Therapy, subtle energy and other innovative healthcare topics. And she is a highly sought after presenter, lecturing and demonstrating her techniques at schools and conventions around the world.

When she's not practicing or teaching, you can often find Mya pursuing another passion of hers: applying her hands-on skills to cats, dogs, horses and other animals who can use some healthy support.

OTR, CSP, CST-D

• Registered Occupational Therapist, National (#576314) and Florida (#OT 8679)
• Certified Instructor, The Upledger Institute
• Diplomate Certified, CranioSacral Therapy
• Certified in Pediatrics, AOTA Specialty
• S.I.P.T. Certified, Sensory Integration International
• Ombudsperson, CranioSacral Therapy Pediatric Curriculum
• Member, American Occupational Therapy Association
• Member, Fla. Occupational Therapy Association
• Member, Sensory Integration International
• Medallion Member, Upledger’s International Association of Healthcare Practitioners

Rebecca Flowers joined The Upledger Institute Clinic in 1998 as a staff clinician with more than 20 years of experience in occupational therapy, CranioSacral Therapy and Sensory Integration.

After earning her bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy summa cum laude from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1986, she went on to establish the pediatric occupational therapy outpatient rehabilitation program at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. Later, in her groundbreaking work as a school occupational therapist, she established the first alternative occupational therapy clinic in Indiana, where she utilized both CranioSacral Therapy and Sensory Integration as well as other complementary approaches.

Rebecca holds three specialty certifications: in CranioSacral Therapy at the Diplomate level by The Upledger Institute, in the administration and interpretation of Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests by Sensory Integration International, and in the Treatment of Pediatrics by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

She also has advanced training in CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation. In addition she has studied Lymph Drainage Therapy, Therapeutic Listening (an auditory training program), and she has extensive training in Healing Touch, Esoteric Healing, Neurodevelopmental Treatment Techniques and Myofascial Release.

Along with her clinical practice focusing on adults and children, Rebecca is actively involved in clinical outcome studies and research. She directs The Upledger Institute's pediatric curriculum and instructors worldwide, and she is an examiner for the CranioSacral Therapy Certification program.

Rebecca teaches a number of Upledger Institute workshops, including CranioSacral Therapy I and Clinical Application of CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release classes focusing on pediatrics and adults. Widely considered an expert in her field, she teaches nationally on a wide range of subjects, and she has published articles on CranioSacral Therapy as well as Sensory Integration.

DC, CST-T

• Doctor of Chiropractic
• Florida License CH9797
• Bachelor of Science, Psychology
• Graduate of Central Florida School of Massage
• Member, Florida Chiropractic Society
• Member, Florida Chiropractic Association
• Medallion Member, Upledger's International Association of HealthCare Practitioners
• Techniques Certified in Upledger CranioSacral Therapy

As a member of the Upledger Clinic staff, Dr. Mabry's extensive experience in Chiropractic, CranioSacral therapy and Massage therapy brings a unique blend of healing manual therapies to patients suffering from pain and dysfunction.

Prior to joining Upledger, she had Chiropractic practices in California, Louisiana and Florida. Dr. Mabry practiced massage therapy and herself is a graduate of the Upledger Institute CranioSacral Therapy curriculum. Her study of the human body began in 1993, when she attended her first Upledger Institute course, ShareCare. Dr. Mabry graduated Summa cum laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic West in San Jose, California. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she completed her undergraduate studies.

Dr. Lynn Mabry has contributed to the publication of two papers in the Clinical Chiropractic journal: "A 24-year-old man with neck pain: case presentation" and "A 24-year-old man with neck pain: case discussion."

She fully believes that every human being has an innate intelligence within them that maintains the material of the body in active organization. She understands that the body is programmed to heal itself and that the innate intelligence in each of us needs no help, just no interference. The application of Chiropractic and CranioSacral Therapy removes interferences from the body to allow the innate intelligence to more effectively adapt, organize and co-ordinate the many self-healing properties of the body, which in turn allows the individual the opportunity to express life, health, healing and well being to their fullest potential.

She is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in her community through safe and effective Chiropractic care and CranioSacral Therapy. She has created her own unique blend of bodywork, which incorporates many different aspects of her years of study and practice and loves how beautifully chiropractic and CranioSacral Therapy go hand in hand.

NCBTMB, CST-D

• Diplomate Certified, CranioSacral Therapy
• Certified, National Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Board
• Clinic Development, Upledger Insititute Clinic

Kat Plasencio, CST-D has been practicing CST since 2000 in a variety of venues. She is an Upledger Institute International (UII) instructor and the Ombusdsperson for the BioAquatic Exploration classes. She serves as a therapy team coordinator and administrator in the Dolphin Assisted Therapy Programs. Kat is on staff at the Upledger Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens.

Kat owns and administers Integrative Intentions, LLC, a company specializing in coordinating CST based Comprehensive Therapy Programs, Therapist Retreats and aquatic workshops around the globe. Integrative Intentions (II) brings together a variety of healthcare and body work modalities into five-day Comprehensive Therapy Programs throughout the world. All programs are based in Upledger CranioSacral Therapy to create and promote overall health.

Integrative Intentions hosts dolphin assisted therapy programs, equine assisted programs, big cat and elephant programs in various places around the world. Integrative Intentions was founded in 2002 by instructors Kat and Chas Perry, and like-minded CST therapists with the intention of bringing healing to humans, animals and the entire planet ecology. II works closely and in partnership with the Upledger Institute International.

About me:

I believe that we are whole - that there is no separation of our mind, body and spirit. I believe that we each have our unique way of healing and that within each of us, is something that knows just what we need and what we need to do. I believe that CranioSacral Therapy allows for each of us to take our own path, and allows for a more full healing experience, whether that is an accompaniment to western medicine, traditional eastern medicine, native healing practices, psychology, pharmaceuticals or stand-alone CST.

I love people. I love that my work allows me to get to know so many individuals. I am blessed to interact and accompany so many on their healing journeys. I get to Be With and hold a space for them and interact with them as they discover how their own bodies hold the knowledge for healing.

My work allows me the joy of travel to lead therapy programs in unique locations like Iceland and Portugal and to lead retreats in places like Sri Lanka, Florida and New Mexico. I am blessed to teach BioAquatic classes and lead therapy programs in the Bahamas. I have amazing opportunities to treat clients in many places on the globe!

I love life - mine, yours, plants, oceans, animals and those of my clients. I have immense respect for dolphins, cats, dogs, oceans, flowers, family, friends, sunshine and all of life.

LMT, CST-D

• Licensed Massage Therapist, Florida MA75481
• Upledger Diplomate Certified CranioSacral Therapist
• Teaching Assistant, International Alliance of Healthcare Educators
• IP Primary/Support Therapist for the Upledger Institute and Integrative Intentions

P.T., CST-D

• Registered Physical Therapist, Northwestern University, Florida PT21158
• Certified Instructor, CranioSacral Therapy
• Diplomate Certified, CranioSacral Therapy
• Ombudsperson, CranioSacral Therapy 2 Curriculum
• Certificate of Competency in Manual Therapy, Institute of Graduate Health Sciences
• Member, American Physical Therapy Association
• Medallion Member, Upledger’s International Association of Healthcare Practitioners
• Graduate, School of Energy Mastery - Robert Jaffe

Frederick B Stahlman is an individual who has the ability to guide his patients through physical, emotional or spiritual challenges with grace and ease. With his extensive background in manual therapies, as well as CranioSacral Therapy, he is able to bridge traditional and complementary approaches to assist his patients in the understanding of the issues at hand and the belief systems that maintain them. Together, they open new doorways of freedom.

Fred's background includes extensive study with most of the masters in manual therapy as well as indepth study in the advanced realms of: CranioSacral Therapy; Lymphatic Drainage; Visceral Manipulation; SomatoEmotional Release; and Awareness Release Technique.

LMT, CST-D

LMT, CST-D

• Licensed Massage Therapist, Florida #MA52819
• Diplomate Certified, Craniosacral Therapy, Upledger Institute
• Certified, National Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Board
• Teaching Assistant, International Alliance of Health Care Educators
• Heal IT Forward Pilot Program Therapist, John E Upledger Foundation
• Intensive Program Support Therapist, Upledger Institute
• Medallion Member, International Alliance of Health Care Practitioners

With over 13 years of training with the Upledger Institute behind her, Henderson’s experience leads her to assist her clients by helping the body to remove restrictions in the Craniosacral system and improve function. This helps the body self-correct, relax, allows the central nervous system to heal, strengthens resistance to disease and relieves pain. The first time Henderson recognized the effects of pain relief with touch was during her mother’s battle with Leukemia in 2005 in the UK. Feeling helpless she began to massage her mother’s feet and noticed that it made her smile and gave great comfort. A year later Henderson began a new life in America and graduated with an Associates of Science Degree in Advanced Massage Therapy in spring 2008.

Henderson's experience includes working in a Chiropractic setting for many years with clients that had sports injuries, post-surgery adhesions, migraine pain, anxiety, muscular pain, and joint flexibility issues. During this time, Henderson began her studies in Craniosacral Therapy. Henderson observed that Craniosacral Therapy techniques was making more progress for her clients and soon realized that there was more to offer. After opening her own therapy business, Henderson’s clients varied from muscular pain to Parkinson Disease, Alzheimer & Dementia, PTSD and more.

Henderson holds specialty certifications In Craniosacral Therapy at the Diplomate level by Upledger Institute International and in Massage Therapy by the National Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Board.

Henderson has advanced training In Craniosacral Therapy, Somato Emotional Release and has also completed several advanced studies with the Upledger Institute:

• BioAquatic Exploration; Craniosacral Therapy II,
• Craniosacral Therapy and the Immune Response,
• Craniosacral Therapy Touching The Brain 1 & 2; Stimulating Self-Correction Through the Glial Interface,
• The Brain Speaks 1,
• Craniosacral Applications for Conception, Pregnancy and Birthing,
• Craniosacral Therapy: Listening to the Second Brain - The Enteric Nervous System,
• Craniosacral Therapy level 1 through advanced,
• Somato Emotional Release level 1 & 2.

In 2020, Henderson was appointed as Pilot Therapist to introduce the latest program by the Dr John E Upledger Foundation called Heal It Forward.  Henderson treated qualified patients in need, who may not have had the resources to pay for services. Described as “treatments of kindness”, this helped to expand the benefit of Craniosacral Therapy and successfully helped so many in need. This led to her transitioning her business into the Upledger Clinic where she is available for therapy. Henderson is well known for her warm, caring, and uplifting personality.

Heal It Forward

Henderson’s inspiration to help others is also extended to fellow students. Currently co-leader of a study group that is Somato Emotional Release focused and held monthly at The Upledger Institute. The group helps advanced students to study and strengthen their technique skills.

Outside of the clinic Henderson enjoys going to the gym, walking, salsa and is currently a green belt level in Taekwondo and martial arts. Also Henderson loves to spend quality time with her daughters/husband and has a soft spot for gardening.

OTR, CST-D

• Registered Occupational Therapist, National (# 1033388) and Florida (#OT 21593)
• Certified Presenter, Upledger Institute International
• Diplomate Certified CranioSacral Therapy, Upledger Institute International
• Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (S.I.P.T.)  Certified, Sensory Integration International (#1473)
• Medallion Member, Upledger’s International Association of Healthcare Practitioners
  

Rob Fournier joined The Upledger Institute Clinic as a clinic therapist with more than 24 years of experience in occupational therapy, CranioSacral Therapy and Sensory Integration. After earning his bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy (with a minor in health education and psychology) from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, in 1998, he went on to work at Children’s hospital. His career allowed him to practice in multiple setting of helping to start a sensory integration clinic, school settings, home care, and co-owning wellness centers. 

Rob holds specialty certifications: in CranioSacral Therapy at the Diplomate level by Upledger Institute International and in the administration and interpretation of Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests by Sensory Integration International.

He also has advanced training in: CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release. In addition he has studied with the Chikly Institute with advanced studies working with the brain and heart center dialogue. Through these modalities Rob can assist with working gently with each facet of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system to achieve their optimal functioning. Rob has additional trainings in: Therapeutic Listening (an auditory training program), Healing Touch, Neurodevelopmental Treatment Techniques, Beckman Oral Motor Intervention, and Myofascial Release. He is a certified laughter yoga leader.

Rob’s personal life/death experience at birth, provides him to see beyond his potential and assisting others to feel their unique relationship and divine truth.  He further uses laughter and play as a gateway of healing and connecting to our true source of happiness within. All healing, growth, and unity begins from within.

Along with his clinical practice focusing on adults and children, Rob is a presenter for the Introduction to CranioSacral Therapy, ShareCare, and Overview classes with the Upledger Institute. He is also currently apprenticing to teach CranioSacral Therapy 1 and SomatoEmotional Release Technique: Mastering the Inner Physician. Rob co-leads a study group for all students that have taken SomatoEmotional Release 1 and beyond.

Rob has authored two books based on his own life/death experiences at birth and his travels around the globe. His first book, “The Process: Soul’s Journey to Oneness”, is dedicated to Dr. John Upledger and documents Rob’s personal experiences on how CranioSacral therapy has shifted his own life perspective. In this book, he includes personal stories of his own sessions on the table and depths he explored within himself. His second book, “The Male Awakening: A Global Perspective”, documents his backpacking travels around the globe with personal stories from people he met exploring unity consciousness and compassion.

In his spare time, Rob likes to go hiking, kayaking, practice mindfulness, and to be out in nature or on the beach. Rob loves to explore new towns, cultures, and ways of life.