Universal Healing Arts
Our team of professionals offer an eclectic array of services, tools and healing modalities dedicated to enhancing your well-being in a safe and supportive environment that promotes transformation and healing
Our Team
Shima Chayvet
FOUNDER, HEALER, TEACHER
While working as a Vice President in the home care arena Shima was searching for something as a diversion to relieve some of the stress she was having on a job that took up most of her time. In a conversation with a friend she found out there was an Energy Healing Class at Westchester Community College being led by Gene Krackehl, Healer, Composer and Author. Instantly she fell in love and became involved in this concept of Energy Healing. Shima was certified as an Energy Healer in May of 2005. In November of the same year Shima found out there was a Reiki 1 and 2 certification course being offered at Wainwright House in Rye. Curious she went to the class and met Libby Barnett who studied and was attuned by John Harvey Gray one of the original Reiki Masters who was taught in this country in 1973 by Hawayo Takata. Libby then became attuned as a Reiki Master by Judy Carol Stewart who was the 35th Reiki Master. Shima took the Reiki 1 and Reiki 2 class with Libby and in 2006 Shima went to New Hampshire and was attuned to Reiki Master by Libby Barnett. In 2008 Shima again went back to Libby to become attuned as a Master of Reiki Masters.
As you can see Shima has a rare and close connection to the original 22 Reiki Masters attuned in this country and believes in maintaining the integrity of this ancient hands on healing technique. Over the years Shima has taught more than 150 students to this art and attuned many to become Reiki Masters. She is now holding classes for children in Reiki 1 and is currently teaching Reiki in an after school program in Westchester. She was asked to be a guest on a local TV show by the host, Colette Lopane-Capella of New Day Vitality speaking about Reiki and it’s benefits. Many come to Shima for Reiki Healing on a mental, emotional and spiritual level. Shima believes that Reiki is not just something that you do it is who you become because of it. Eventually Shima left home care with a dream to eventually open a healing arts center that would serve the community and those needing to be inspired to enlighten their minds, heal their bodies and nourish their souls. One step into Universal Healing Arts at 4 Crestview Avenue in Cortlandt Manor it becomes apparent that the dream has become realized.
While working as a Vice President in the home care arena Shima was searching for something as a diversion to relieve some of the stress she was having on a job that took up most of her time. In a conversation with a friend she found out there was an Energy Healing Class at Westchester Community College being led by Gene Krackehl, Healer, Composer and Author. Instantly she fell in love and became involved in this concept of Energy Healing. Shima was certified as an Energy Healer in May of 2005. In November of the same year Shima found out there was a Reiki 1 and 2 certification course being offered at Wainwright House in Rye. Curious she went to the class and met Libby Barnett who studied and was attuned by John Harvey Gray one of the original Reiki Masters who was taught in this country in 1973 by Hawayo Takata. Libby then became attuned as a Reiki Master by Judy Carol Stewart who was the 35th Reiki Master. Shima took the Reiki 1 and Reiki 2 class with Libby and in 2006 Shima went to New Hampshire and was attuned to Reiki Master by Libby Barnett. In 2008 Shima again went back to Libby to become attuned as a Master of Reiki Masters.
As you can see Shima has a rare and close connection to the original 22 Reiki Masters attuned in this country and believes in maintaining the integrity of this ancient hands on healing technique. Over the years Shima has taught more than 150 students to this art and attuned many to become Reiki Masters. She is now holding classes for children in Reiki 1 and is currently teaching Reiki in an after school program in Westchester. She was asked to be a guest on a local TV show by the host, Colette Lopane-Capella of New Day Vitality speaking about Reiki and it’s benefits. Many come to Shima for Reiki Healing on a mental, emotional and spiritual level. Shima believes that Reiki is not just something that you do it is who you become because of it. Eventually Shima left home care with a dream to eventually open a healing arts center that would serve the community and those needing to be inspired to enlighten their minds, heal their bodies and nourish their souls. One step into Universal Healing Arts at 4 Crestview Avenue in Cortlandt Manor it becomes apparent that the dream has become realized.
Elaine Cirillo
HEALER, INTUITIVE, TEACHER
I believe there is an invisible life force that animates and permeates all living things. It is the underlying creative intelligence and healing force of the universe. Channeling and directing this energy can help move blockages within the body.
The body has an innate intelligence and natural ability to heal itself, consistently striving to achieve homeostasis, a state of balance. The body communicates any imbalance with us by producing symptoms. If we give the body the correct stimuli we can set the healing process in motion.
My goal is to guide my clients back to optimal health by assisting them in achieving balance, where every system of the body is working properly. In this balanced state, the body functioning optimally allows vital life force energy to flow freely and unobstructed.
Rising Star Teacher, Practioner and Certification, Prema Birthing Practitioner and Prema Agni Facilitator, Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Master, Tao Basics, Eriksonian Hypnosis, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Shamanic Healer Training
Social Artistry Trainer
Advertising Marketing Consultant
My current practice includes Tai Chi, Qigong and Meditation
I believe there is an invisible life force that animates and permeates all living things. It is the underlying creative intelligence and healing force of the universe. Channeling and directing this energy can help move blockages within the body.
The body has an innate intelligence and natural ability to heal itself, consistently striving to achieve homeostasis, a state of balance. The body communicates any imbalance with us by producing symptoms. If we give the body the correct stimuli we can set the healing process in motion.
My goal is to guide my clients back to optimal health by assisting them in achieving balance, where every system of the body is working properly. In this balanced state, the body functioning optimally allows vital life force energy to flow freely and unobstructed.
Rising Star Teacher, Practioner and Certification, Prema Birthing Practitioner and Prema Agni Facilitator, Certified Reflexologist, Reiki Master, Tao Basics, Eriksonian Hypnosis, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Shamanic Healer Training
Social Artistry Trainer
Advertising Marketing Consultant
My current practice includes Tai Chi, Qigong and Meditation
Marissa 'Breathe' Dinki
SOUND HEALER, BREATH WORK
I am a Sekhem Secichim Reiki Master, certified in Sekhem Sound Healing and EFT. I am also studying yoga so I can do yummy sound healing savasana and I have completed Gabby Bernstein's Spirit Junkie Masterclass.
And here now in March 2021 I am doing a Breathwork Facilitator Training with Sara Silverstein.
So we can truly breathe our pain and trauma out of the body together.
I do classes weekly, energy healing sessions, readings , workshops and coaching programs all focused on the living a heart centered life and growing through the sh*T we as humans go through.
I am a Sekhem Secichim Reiki Master, certified in Sekhem Sound Healing and EFT. I am also studying yoga so I can do yummy sound healing savasana and I have completed Gabby Bernstein's Spirit Junkie Masterclass.
And here now in March 2021 I am doing a Breathwork Facilitator Training with Sara Silverstein.
So we can truly breathe our pain and trauma out of the body together.
I do classes weekly, energy healing sessions, readings , workshops and coaching programs all focused on the living a heart centered life and growing through the sh*T we as humans go through.
Alexis Rodriguez
TAROT, HOUSE CLEARING
Alexis is a Reiki Practitioner, Energy Worker and Spiritual Advisor. Currently Alexis uses Tarot and root work as a tool for Spiritual Guidance and Energy work. The goal of her practice is to help clients understand how to find balance between the physical and spiritual aspects of themselves.
Alexis is able to accomplish this by providing tools to help nurture confidence in one’s intuition, spiritual development and life. Her work creates community and an opportunity to see first hand the growth that her clients achieve over time. Alexis began this practice to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps as an Espiritisa and to venerate her ancestors – the indigenous peoples of Puerto Rico and Yoruba. Alexis looks forward to meeting you and to assist you in the areas of your life that you are struggling with.
Alexis is a Reiki Practitioner, Energy Worker and Spiritual Advisor. Currently Alexis uses Tarot and root work as a tool for Spiritual Guidance and Energy work. The goal of her practice is to help clients understand how to find balance between the physical and spiritual aspects of themselves.
Alexis is able to accomplish this by providing tools to help nurture confidence in one’s intuition, spiritual development and life. Her work creates community and an opportunity to see first hand the growth that her clients achieve over time. Alexis began this practice to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps as an Espiritisa and to venerate her ancestors – the indigenous peoples of Puerto Rico and Yoruba. Alexis looks forward to meeting you and to assist you in the areas of your life that you are struggling with.
Grisella Ramos Santiago
AKASHIC RECORDS
My name is Grisella. I am a New York state licensed clinician with over 15 years of experience working with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship and general life issues. I have learned in my years of working with a diverse group of clients that we are all searching to become whole in all aspects of our lives. Because of this, I have expanded my clinical practice to a HOLISTIC THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCE which includes Akashic Record readings, I can utilize not only my clinical skills, but also your personal akashic record information to assist you in knowing yourself at soul level in order to help you understand why certain unhealthy patterns keep reoccurring in your life and how to make positive changes to help you live your best life, the life you were meant to live. I work with my clients on a weekly, and biweekly basis supporting them on their path to wellness. I offer in person and remote services. Based on your specific needs..
My name is Grisella. I am a New York state licensed clinician with over 15 years of experience working with issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship and general life issues. I have learned in my years of working with a diverse group of clients that we are all searching to become whole in all aspects of our lives. Because of this, I have expanded my clinical practice to a HOLISTIC THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCE which includes Akashic Record readings, I can utilize not only my clinical skills, but also your personal akashic record information to assist you in knowing yourself at soul level in order to help you understand why certain unhealthy patterns keep reoccurring in your life and how to make positive changes to help you live your best life, the life you were meant to live. I work with my clients on a weekly, and biweekly basis supporting them on their path to wellness. I offer in person and remote services. Based on your specific needs..
Amy Byrne
YIN YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Amy’s class is a journey that slowly and almost effortlessly expands on the connection of mind, body, and breath. She is passionate about her practice and brings a sense of playfulness and mindfulness to her students. Amy’s goal is to help others ground down and connect to their inner wisdom and intuition, which in essence, brings more joy to daily life.
With a full-time corporate career, Amy finds the practice of yoga helps balance the demands of busy modern-day life. The pandemic was a catalyst to finally go for her dream of taking yoga to the next level.
Her journey began in college. She studied voice under the tutelage of a professor who incorporated pranayama breathing techniques and several asanas to optimize body alignment and maximize breathing efficacy while singing. This led to a lifelong inquiry of yoga through self-study, and the connection meditation brings to mind and body.
Yoga promotes relaxation, flexibility, loving-kindness, and a deeper sense of self. The goal of yoga is not to be perfect in the pose but rather to let yourself be just as you are. Yoga is a way of life, and progress will come with time, practice, and patience. Amy calls her class “Be Yoga” because yoga is who we “be” in this world.
Throughout Amy’s life, she has taken classes in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Karate, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. She holds a BA from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She holds a Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training Certification from Yoga Farm Ithaca and is a registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance as RYT200.
Amy’s class is a journey that slowly and almost effortlessly expands on the connection of mind, body, and breath. She is passionate about her practice and brings a sense of playfulness and mindfulness to her students. Amy’s goal is to help others ground down and connect to their inner wisdom and intuition, which in essence, brings more joy to daily life.
With a full-time corporate career, Amy finds the practice of yoga helps balance the demands of busy modern-day life. The pandemic was a catalyst to finally go for her dream of taking yoga to the next level.
Her journey began in college. She studied voice under the tutelage of a professor who incorporated pranayama breathing techniques and several asanas to optimize body alignment and maximize breathing efficacy while singing. This led to a lifelong inquiry of yoga through self-study, and the connection meditation brings to mind and body.
Yoga promotes relaxation, flexibility, loving-kindness, and a deeper sense of self. The goal of yoga is not to be perfect in the pose but rather to let yourself be just as you are. Yoga is a way of life, and progress will come with time, practice, and patience. Amy calls her class “Be Yoga” because yoga is who we “be” in this world.
Throughout Amy’s life, she has taken classes in Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Karate, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong. She holds a BA from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She holds a Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training Certification from Yoga Farm Ithaca and is a registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance as RYT200.
Debbie Martin
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
Debbie Martine has been in the fitness industry for 20 years. She is certain that working out will not only help you to lose weight and control the onset of many health issues but it will also help you with your self esteem and mood. Join Debbie on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. for an opportunity to de-stress and claim back your “real” you!
Debbie Martine has been in the fitness industry for 20 years. She is certain that working out will not only help you to lose weight and control the onset of many health issues but it will also help you with your self esteem and mood. Join Debbie on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. for an opportunity to de-stress and claim back your “real” you!
Sifu Gary Renza
TAI CHI, QIGONG INSTRUCTOR
“Sifu Gary Renza has been actively involved in the Chinese healing and martial arts for the past 30 yrs. He has competed in numerous tournaments, is a published writer, lecturer, herbalist and one of the most sought after teachers in the tristate area.
Sifu Renza has extensive training in the Chinese martial arts including Northern and Southern Shao’lin Ch’uan, Tai Chi Ch’uan, Hsing-I Ch’uan, Pa Kua Chang, Ching Na and Chinese Kenpo. He is also well versed in Taoist and Buddhist meditations and philosophies as well as the healing arts of Chi Kung, Chinese medicine, Tui Na and Chinese herbalogy. He has also written articles for some of the leading martial arts magazines in the country.
Over the years Sifu Renza has received numerous awards for his excellence and perseverance in the Chinese martial arts. At the present time Sifu Renza is teaching in the Cold Spring and Cortlandt Manor regions in southern New York.”
~Hudson Valley Martial Arts Organization
“Sifu Gary Renza has been actively involved in the Chinese healing and martial arts for the past 30 yrs. He has competed in numerous tournaments, is a published writer, lecturer, herbalist and one of the most sought after teachers in the tristate area.
Sifu Renza has extensive training in the Chinese martial arts including Northern and Southern Shao’lin Ch’uan, Tai Chi Ch’uan, Hsing-I Ch’uan, Pa Kua Chang, Ching Na and Chinese Kenpo. He is also well versed in Taoist and Buddhist meditations and philosophies as well as the healing arts of Chi Kung, Chinese medicine, Tui Na and Chinese herbalogy. He has also written articles for some of the leading martial arts magazines in the country.
Over the years Sifu Renza has received numerous awards for his excellence and perseverance in the Chinese martial arts. At the present time Sifu Renza is teaching in the Cold Spring and Cortlandt Manor regions in southern New York.”
~Hudson Valley Martial Arts Organization
Karen Shaw
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
With a childhood background in Gymnastics & Weight Training, Karen’s goal as a yoga teacher is to guide her students to reach their full potential. Through years of extensive training and personal experience with her own health and the health of her clients, Karen uses different modalities ranging from the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of each individual person.
“For the whole person to be healthy your mind needs to be free of negative thoughts and the body free of unwanted stress. Your body has to be nurtured, strengthened and free of toxins. Your spiritual self has to be developed and aware. When any one of these personal aspects is not performing optimally, one’s ability to function optimally is affected.”
Karen’s journey started out as a Certified Personal Trainer/Aerobics Instructor through the American Fitness Association of America 30 years ago. Since then Karen’s unparalleled teaching approach started in 1998 as a Certified Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master/Teacher through the Usui System of Natural Healing, and an Ordained Interfaith Minister. While living on the west coast Karen studied yoga under Brian Kest Power Yoga, YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide and Shamanism under the Huichol Indian Tribe of Mexico. In 2009 when Karen left the west coast, she became an appointed Shaman.
With a childhood background in Gymnastics & Weight Training, Karen’s goal as a yoga teacher is to guide her students to reach their full potential. Through years of extensive training and personal experience with her own health and the health of her clients, Karen uses different modalities ranging from the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of each individual person.
“For the whole person to be healthy your mind needs to be free of negative thoughts and the body free of unwanted stress. Your body has to be nurtured, strengthened and free of toxins. Your spiritual self has to be developed and aware. When any one of these personal aspects is not performing optimally, one’s ability to function optimally is affected.”
Karen’s journey started out as a Certified Personal Trainer/Aerobics Instructor through the American Fitness Association of America 30 years ago. Since then Karen’s unparalleled teaching approach started in 1998 as a Certified Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master/Teacher through the Usui System of Natural Healing, and an Ordained Interfaith Minister. While living on the west coast Karen studied yoga under Brian Kest Power Yoga, YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide and Shamanism under the Huichol Indian Tribe of Mexico. In 2009 when Karen left the west coast, she became an appointed Shaman.
Ali Alvarez
HEALER, INTUITIVE
Ali Alvarez stumbled into the healing world as she was grappling with how to handle the destructiveness of an eating disorder. The slow journey back from this dark edge brought her lovingly into the worlds of yoga, meditation, bodywork, visualization and process work as well as Reiki and Cranial Sacral Balancing. All of these modalities became layers upon each other bringing more light and clarity into her own healing process.
We do not receive just one opportunity to handle a crisis, we receive many teachers in the form of challenges. When faced with the death of a marriage, Ali found herself walking on fire at a Tony Robbins 4 day event. This became the birth of curiosity of the mind, and truly how powerful we are. She explored birthing with a doula training after the challenges of childbirth with her son. A lifetime of journaling and dream-catching brought a deep interest in channeled writing and archetypes of symbolism. She spent time at The Esalen Institute in California working with Laura Day, a highly recognizable intuitive, to work with her own intuitive development. Healing, growth and process work can be quite subtle, simple and profound. Sometimes all we need are some good basic tools and to be shown the direction to move in.
Ali Alvarez stumbled into the healing world as she was grappling with how to handle the destructiveness of an eating disorder. The slow journey back from this dark edge brought her lovingly into the worlds of yoga, meditation, bodywork, visualization and process work as well as Reiki and Cranial Sacral Balancing. All of these modalities became layers upon each other bringing more light and clarity into her own healing process.
We do not receive just one opportunity to handle a crisis, we receive many teachers in the form of challenges. When faced with the death of a marriage, Ali found herself walking on fire at a Tony Robbins 4 day event. This became the birth of curiosity of the mind, and truly how powerful we are. She explored birthing with a doula training after the challenges of childbirth with her son. A lifetime of journaling and dream-catching brought a deep interest in channeled writing and archetypes of symbolism. She spent time at The Esalen Institute in California working with Laura Day, a highly recognizable intuitive, to work with her own intuitive development. Healing, growth and process work can be quite subtle, simple and profound. Sometimes all we need are some good basic tools and to be shown the direction to move in.
Amy Lee Flower
YOGA, MEDITATION, TEACHER
Amy Lee Flower began exploring the practice of yoga and meditation at the age of 14. During her adolescent years, there was an awakening of her light within, cultivated from the continuous growth of absorbing yoga from within. After 10 years of practice, Amy became certified to teach yoga. In 2017 she founded Shanti Students, a leading organization teaching mindfulness skills, meditation and stress management throughout schools for staff, students and families. Known for her vibrant outlook on life, illuminating wisdom and a grateful heart Amy is continuously studying and learning, creating new workshops and classes to connect with both adults and children. Being present for her students is what fuels Amy’s inspiration. Her greatest gift is seeing the growth of others through their practice. Amy is passionate about living a prosperous life using the tools of yoga, meditation, pranayama, journaling, painting, writing poetry and eating a plant based diet. Amy also loves learning about ancient healing ceremonies from various countries. Mindfully connected to each passing moment of the day Amy always remembers to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature and to smile at the sun. Amyleeflower has shared practices with more than 5,000+ people of all ages throughout the country. She looks forward to the opportunity of sharing her many gifts to all who want to enhance their quality of life and to offer this opportunity to their children.
Amy Lee Flower began exploring the practice of yoga and meditation at the age of 14. During her adolescent years, there was an awakening of her light within, cultivated from the continuous growth of absorbing yoga from within. After 10 years of practice, Amy became certified to teach yoga. In 2017 she founded Shanti Students, a leading organization teaching mindfulness skills, meditation and stress management throughout schools for staff, students and families. Known for her vibrant outlook on life, illuminating wisdom and a grateful heart Amy is continuously studying and learning, creating new workshops and classes to connect with both adults and children. Being present for her students is what fuels Amy’s inspiration. Her greatest gift is seeing the growth of others through their practice. Amy is passionate about living a prosperous life using the tools of yoga, meditation, pranayama, journaling, painting, writing poetry and eating a plant based diet. Amy also loves learning about ancient healing ceremonies from various countries. Mindfully connected to each passing moment of the day Amy always remembers to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature and to smile at the sun. Amyleeflower has shared practices with more than 5,000+ people of all ages throughout the country. She looks forward to the opportunity of sharing her many gifts to all who want to enhance their quality of life and to offer this opportunity to their children.
Holly Horner-Lovegrove
ART TEACHER, REIKI MASTER
She seeks to inspire students to re-connect with their inner artists. She is currently offering two Watercolor Workshops. The Chakra Watercolor Workshop introduces students to the colors associated with the Chakras while they explore the associated feelings through guided meditations and the creation of Watercolor Paintings. The Mandala Watercolor Drawing Workshop which engages artists in the creation of a personal Mandala for meditation purposes. Artists will look at a variety of cultural Mandalas and become inspired to create their own. When the pencil and ink Mandala drawing is complete, artists will paint them using watercolor pencils.
She seeks to inspire students to re-connect with their inner artists. She is currently offering two Watercolor Workshops. The Chakra Watercolor Workshop introduces students to the colors associated with the Chakras while they explore the associated feelings through guided meditations and the creation of Watercolor Paintings. The Mandala Watercolor Drawing Workshop which engages artists in the creation of a personal Mandala for meditation purposes. Artists will look at a variety of cultural Mandalas and become inspired to create their own. When the pencil and ink Mandala drawing is complete, artists will paint them using watercolor pencils.
Melissa Mace
ARTIST, HEALER
Melissa studied traditional photography at Rochester Institute of Technology which led her to live and work in NYC for several years working as an independent Photo-Illustrator for a variety of magazines.
A photo-retouching career currently allows her to live in the Hudson Valley and work remotely with commercial clients and individuals.
Her life long interests in nature, art, energy work, and metaphysics combine with her digital photography skills to create an on-going body of art entitled “Enfolded Nature: The Symmetry of Unbounded Time” (www.enfoldednature.com)
Melissa is trained in Reiki Level 2 and is a graduate of the Debra Silverman Astrology School.
Her greatest inspiration is connecting with nature and practicing all of her learned modalities (yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, EFT/Tapping, Energy Medicine, Kundalini yoga, Astrology and breath work) to keep in alignment with a balance of light and space within our inner reaches of outer space.
Melissa studied traditional photography at Rochester Institute of Technology which led her to live and work in NYC for several years working as an independent Photo-Illustrator for a variety of magazines.
A photo-retouching career currently allows her to live in the Hudson Valley and work remotely with commercial clients and individuals.
Her life long interests in nature, art, energy work, and metaphysics combine with her digital photography skills to create an on-going body of art entitled “Enfolded Nature: The Symmetry of Unbounded Time” (www.enfoldednature.com)
Melissa is trained in Reiki Level 2 and is a graduate of the Debra Silverman Astrology School.
Her greatest inspiration is connecting with nature and practicing all of her learned modalities (yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, EFT/Tapping, Energy Medicine, Kundalini yoga, Astrology and breath work) to keep in alignment with a balance of light and space within our inner reaches of outer space.