The following inspiring and creative people provide Vision Spa Retreat with valuable feedback and suggestions in forwarding a new vision for spa.
Please enjoy meeting them and learning more about their contributions to spa, water and more.
The views expressed on this website and in the blog are not necessarily shared by or endorsed by the people profiled below.
Marion Schneider
Marion is the owner, with her husband Klaus Bohm, of KBS Medical Spa, Toskana Therme and Hotel an der Therme in Bad Sulza and the Toskana Therme in Bad Schandau, Germany. Websites.
Read more about Marion's spas and Sara Firman's first visit there here.
Areas of particular expertise:
health strategies, spa history, spa politics, spa management, European spas
British International Spa Association (Chair), ASTECC Spa Therapy Education (Advisory Board), Corporate Health Improvement Program (CHIP) at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine (Advisory Board)
More about Marion:
Marion says: Health and happiness come from within. My personal goal is the promotion of preventative and rehabilitative therapy to a key role in medicine and politics, as this is not only socially but also economically meaningful and necessary.
Sara writes: I've known Marion since 2001 when I visited Toskana Therme to take part in the 'Dreams and Rituals in Healing Waters' workshop with Dr JPDeVierville that she hosts there every summer. From the start the wonderful mix of genuine personal connection and astute professionalism that comes so naturally to Marion was apparent. Marion is both valued mentor and beloved friend.
Listen to Sara talking with Marion (27 Sept. 2009): Three Wishes and Four Guiding Stars for Spa
Barbara Helen Harmony
Barbara is the Cofounder and Coordinator of the National Water Center in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. As coordinator for the Water Committee of the Bioregional Movement and the Springs Committee of the Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Commission, she has participated in Water events worldwide.
Areas of particular expertise:
water in the environment, water as an agent for healing, preservation of springs and other water bodies
Arkansas Watershed Advisory Group 2004 Volunteer of the Year; Renew America Success Story Awards; Arkansas Women's Political Caucus Uppity Woman of the Year Award; Governor's Volunteer Excellence Award Water Center Success Story, Global Assembly of Women & Environment, 1993
More about Barbara:
Barbara says: I believe that my vision of the world has affected my experiences of life. I began to fulfill my dreams when I moved to the Ozarks. I chose a life of voluntary simplicity, working creatively on the global issues of world peace, ecology, clean water and deepening the quality of life for all people.
Sara writes: When I moved to Missouri my friend Alan Rayner at the University of Bath in England told me that nearby in Arkansas I would find the National Water Center. A visit with Barbara in watery Eureka Springs, confirmed my respect for all that she has done on behalf of this life-giving element. Outside her front door was a 'flowform' (special sculptured water feature).
See an article based on an interview with Barbara about spa culture posted here.
Jonathan Paul De Vierville Ph.D, L.C.S.W., L.P.C., T.R.M.T.
Jonathan is the Owner/Director at Alamo Plaza Spa at the historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas and also Professor of The Humanities, History and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Area of particular expertise:
history of spa cultures, civilizations and the new cosmology, natural health care systems (including hydrotherapy, balneology and “The Kur Course”)
Served as Board Member and Secretary of the International Spa Association (ISPA), and Board of Directors of The International Society of Medical Hydrology and Climatology; Board Member of Green Spa Network.
More about Jonathan:
Website
Jonathan says: When I began to look deeper into the lengthy traditions and legacy of spa cultures around the world, I became very fascinated to search and research the origins of classical spa cultures among in the ancient Dream Temples of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Crete, Greece, Rome, North Africa, India and the East. ... it dawned on me that my sweats, steams and vision quest with my Native American friends ten years earlier were similar ... Dreams and Healing Waters came together, naturally ....
Sara writes: 'The many references I make in my writing to the 'Dreams and Rituals in Healing Waters' workshop I attended with Jonathan seven years ago now, illustrate just how profound and inspiring an experience that was for me. The possibility of dreaming up a better future and one that includes a spa culture that celebrates water and it's healing and life-giving qualities encourages me to keep pursuing my own vision of spa retreat.
Read more about Jonathan's perspective on the spa world in this post.
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