Program coordinator Cheryl Van Demark, PT is a registered Yoga teacher and physical therapist with a master’s degree in physical education and exercise science. Over 25 years of working with patients as a physical therapist has cultivated a great appreciation for the power of integrating mind, body and spirit in recovering from injury and coping with lifestyle changes imposed by altered states of health.
A youth dedicated to training as a competitive swimmer instilled a commitment to regular exercise and an invaluable experience of spending hours each day swimming in the “flow” of connection with the breath, stillness of the mind and the consequent energetic power of the body. Singing in a chamber choir revealed how sound has the capacity to uplift the spirit. Clinical skills acquired over years of treating people with the art and science of manual physical therapy techniques have illustrated the power of touch in health care. Decades of teaching therapeutic exercise has created multiple venues to help individuals become stronger and develop their kinesthetic senses to empower their inherent abilities to improve movement dysfunction.
The life science of Yoga and Ayurveda has opened yet another door into the great journey of the study of our miraculous human form and the amazing power of the mind to create an environment for pursuit of an optimal state of health within. One of the many fruits of mindfulness training is discovery for each of us the Truth that lies within and how to use this life to carry out this Truth for the benefit of others.
The mission of Health in Motion is “The science of physical therapy as expressed through the art of mindful movement practices.” It is Cheryl’s sincere hope that participation with the program and our wonderful instructors will allow individuals to discover a fun and sucessful life long movement practice to enhance health and wellness.