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Being a skillful clinician does not
automatically make one an effective teacher. Our instructors
are both accomplished practitioners and trained educators
capable of carefully guiding students through their learning
process. The Blue Lotus School of Shiatsu is also committed
to the integration of the whole person. Instructors use teaching
methods that engage the student’s whole experience including
thought processes, sense perceptions, emotions, and interpersonal
relations. We foster a learning environment that nurtures
open inquiry, group support, and personal mastery while respecting
the learning styles and learning pace of each student. Teaching
methods emphasize intensive hands-on practice along with lecture,
demonstration, group discussion, role playing, and personal
journaling. In addition, we integrate the use of creative
arts to further enrich our learning experience.
Michael DeAgro has been practicing shiatsu
since 1995 and working in the field of counseling and behavioral
medicine since 1987. He completed his master’s degree
in counseling psychology from Loyola College with extensive
post-graduate studies in group therapy, psychodrama and expressive
art therapies. His shiatsu studies began at the Baltimore
School of Shiatsu and have continued with his primary teacher
Pauline Sasaki, an internationally recognized master teacher
of Zen Shiatsu and originator of the Quantum Shiatsu method.
His continuing education also includes studies in nutrition,
Chinese herbal medicine, and qigong therapies. He is a Michigan
State Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Shiatsu
Instructor by the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies
of Asia (AOBTA), and a Diplomate of Asian Bodywork Therapy
by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). He is the founder and director
of the Blue Lotus School of Shiatsu and a former faculty member
of the Baltimore School of Massage Asian Bodywork Program.
He maintains a full clinical practice with specialties in
immune disorders, women’s health, musculo-skeletal disorders,
cancer recovery, emotional trauma, and behavioral health.
In addition to his work as a teacher and practitioner, Michael
also serves as the Director of Education on the AOBTA National
Board. He is well respected for the gentleness, diversity
of experience, and depth of inquiry he brings to his teaching.
Dr. Philip Siemer is the co-founder
of the Suttons Bay Medical Clinic. He is board certified by
the American Academy of Family Practice and has been practicing
in Suttons Bay for 17 years. Dr. Siemer has had a longtime
interest in integrative medicine. A primary focus of his professional
work has been building collaborative relationships with complimentary
care practitioners in the community. He offers our program
not only an immense knowledge of human physiology and integrative
medical care but also invaluable insights about serving the
wellness of a community.
Michelle received her BA in English
and Illinois teaching certificate in 1982 from the University
of St. Francis. Michelle has studied the martial arts for
over 25 years. She has taught biology, environmental science,
English and reading, and currently teaches martial arts for
children through adults. Her love of education and pursuit
of qi mastery brought her to the study of Zen Shiatsu. First
apprenticing with Michael DeAgro, then graduating from the
Blue Lotus School of Shiatsu, Michelle has a private shiatsu
practice in Leelanau County in Michigan. She is a certified
shiatsu practitioner member of the American Organization of
Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), and a Diplomate of Asian
Bodywork Therapy by the National Certification Commission
of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). In addition,
Michelle also serves on the AOBTA national board as the Member-at-Large
representative.
Lindy Ferrigno has been practicing Shiatsu
since 1975, and teaching since 1977. She graduated from the
Shiatsu Center of America and the Swedish Institute. She studied
with Master Shizuto Masunaga, author of Zen Shiatsu; Shinmei
Kishi; Pauline Sasaki; Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral, author of Visceral
Manipulation; and others. She played a formative role in launching
the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA),
serving as Co-Director of Education on the Interim Committee.
She retired from the Education Development Committee of the
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine (NCCAOM) in 2006, after serving on it from its inception
in 1995. Ms. Ferrigno has created and directed accredited
Shiatsu programs in schools, community colleges and acupuncture
colleges in five states. She maintains a full Shiatsu practice
with specialties in organ manipulation, immune disorders,
reproductive health, and recovery from surgeries and accidents.
With permission from her Cherokee elder and teacher, she also
leads groups in traditional journeying methods to discover
their Personal Totems. Lindy teaches across the United States,
sharing her expertise and absolute delight in this beautiful
work.
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Michael
DeAgro, MS, Dipl. ABT, CI, LPC
Dr.
Philip Siemer, MD
Michelle
Racich, Dipl. ABT
Lindy
Ferrigno, Dipl. ABT, CI