Melissa Fabreo- Montelongo

Program Director and Founder

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers or They/Them/Theirs

Registered Yoga Therapist 200 hours, International Yoga Alliance, 2022

Certified Adult Mental Health First Aider, National Council  for Mental Wellbeing USA (2022)

Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (2019)

Certified Food and SPirit Practitioner, Dr Deanna Minich (2018)

Holistic Nutrition Consultant Certification, Bauman College (2016)

National Association of Nutrition Professionals, Professional Member (2016)

Melissa, is a founder of Banyan Tree Women's Collective. She is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition and a Food & Spirit practitioner based in Menlo Park, Ca. Melissa utilizes a range of wellness modalities to assist her clients with reclaiming and improving their health, vitality, and well-being. Melissa was reared by parents who struggled with mental-health issues and addiction. Growing up on a small farm in North Texas, she learned at an early age, from her grandfather, to respect the land, especially by growing your own food. Her family was poor, and education was not a central priority.  Abuse was rampant  throughout the family, and, after her grandfather died, the land wasn’t farmed and her parents both drifted into drug abuse. Growing up in poverty, she learned how limited the options for nutrition and wellness support usually are in marginalized communities. 

Jaimee Mack

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Marketing and Content Specialist

BA Dance, (2008)

MFA Web Design and New Media, (2012)

Jaimee is the Marketing and Content Specialist for Banyan Tree Women's Collective. Her background consists of 20 years of dance training and 8 years of dance instruction including studio, at the high school level and in fitness. She is a self taught photographer specializing in portraits, lifestyle/brand, events, and macro photography. She has built both a successful photography business and dance fitness program from the ground up. Her passion is to empower women to learn how to dance to support their physical, emotional and cognitive health. Everyone should have the opportunity to feel the benefits of dance no matter their age, abilities or socioeconomic status.

Jaimee has a BA in Dance from California State University Long Beach and a MFA in Web Design and New Media from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Both degrees have equally supported her at various points of her journey as an entrepreneur and freelancer.

Chantal Boyer

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Associate Program Director

Bauman College Certified: Holistic Nutritionist (2015)

California College of Ayurveda Certified: Ayurvedic Health Counselor (2021)

California College of Ayurveda Certified: Yoga Nidra Facilitator (2021)

Contact

chantal.e.boyer@gmail.com

@bonjourbellieayurveda

Chantal is an Ayurvedic educator who resides and practices on unceded Ohlone land, modern-day Oakland, CA. She is a lifelong student and driven to share knowledge to remind people of their inherent wisdom through online and in-person interactive workshops and one on one Ayurvedic consultations (virtual), with support from her line of Ayurvedic herbs and spices. As a Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant she blends science-based facts with ancient traditions in easy to understand language. She’s an advocate for finding balance with local and whole foods in today’s modernized food system. Her mission is to empower people to make conscious choices to feel happy, vibrant, and alive. Chantal will meet you exactly where you’re at on your journey. She offers free 30 minute Discovery Calls (https://www.bonjourbellie.com/contact) Connect with her on her website: www.bonjourbellie.com Instagram: @BonjourBellieAyurveda, or Facebook: www.facebook.com/BonjourBellie

Tuesday Bacich

Marketing / Practitioner

 
 

Jessup University Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Concentration in Project Management (2018)

 
 

FIDM AA, Visual Communications (2011)

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Meditation Teacher Training Certified (2022)

Emotional Freedom Technique - EFT Tapping Certifeid LV 1 & 2 (2020)

Sacred Sound Healing Certified LV 1 (2020)

Reiki Energy Healing Certified LV 1 & 2 (2019)

Tuesday is an intuitive, creative, healing guide and community leader who uses her forged life experience and activated divine-given gifts to help others in their journeys toward self-healing. With 10+ years of digital marketing and design expertise, she also offers various services including handmade ritual tools, community workshops, intuitive coaching, sound healing, and EFT tapping. 

She has a unique ability to energetically pull for others what they cannot see themselves which provides a great open space for connection. It’s this rare ability that encouraged her to launch Tuesday Says, a brand that encapsulates the beauty of the collective, her interest in empowering others, and expressing her intuitive insights. It’s this birthing that has allowed Tuesday to help countless souls reconnect with their confidence and inner personal power. 

Tuesday holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is a proud, mother of three beautiful children. When she’s not exploring the spaces of spiritual healing, she’s helping entrepreneurs develop their marketing and branding strategies.

Mukta Gadkari

Practitioner

Certified in Mindful Eating, The Center for Mindful Eating (2023)

Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (2019)

Holistic Nutrition Consultant Certification, Bauman College (2018)

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Mukta is a California-based Board Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, coach & chronic stress educator. She started Mukta’s Nutrition Kitchen as a resource for busy women to get healthy & feel good every day. Mukta focuses primarily on stress-management, digestive issues, gut-health and blood-sugar regulation; and guides her clients towards meaningful dietary and lifestyle changes using a holistic approach. She offers 1:1 and group coaching, menu planning, home pantry makeovers, workshops and more - in-person and virtually. Mukta studied at Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition & Culinary Arts and is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition with the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board. For more information, go to: www.muxcooks.com.

Dana Murphy

Instructor

Elementum completed April 2024, The Sound Healers Academy completed August of 2021

Dana is a TSHA Certified Sound Practicioner specializing in crystal singing bowls. Dana has also studied at the California Institute of Integral Studies and is a graduate of the Elementum Coaching Institute.

Dana’s teachings have a focus on self-empowerment and carry a powerful combination of techniques adapted from ancient and contemporary schools of spirituality, east-west psychology and philosophy.


Khalilah Ramirez

Instructor

300 RYT Yoga Training Downtown Yoga Shala, 2015

CPR Certification YMCA, 2022

Khalilah is an artist, author and educator in San Jose, CA. Her original performance art form, "The Dance Of Peace" was created for the express purpose of creating harmony, joy and wellbeing for everyone involved. Since 2015, Khalilah has taught the Dance Of Peace tenets at schools, events, corporations and organizations on an ongoing basis. The three main tenets are: The Magic of Music to uplift our Spirits. The Medicine of Movement to heal our bodies. The Power of Play to bring joy, fullness and connection to our lives.

Khalilah is the author of two books on the subject of peace and community (now available on Amazon.

 She also offers weekly classes and monthly workshops for people of all ages through her company, The Dance of Peace, LLC. Khalilah has over a decade of experience teaching Yoga, multiple dance disciplines and a myriad of techniques to foster peace, health and community.

Belicia Tang

Instructor

EkaShri Schools of Yoga: 200H teaching certification (10/2/222)

Equinox Mat Pilates Certification (8/14/23)

LaBlast Fitness (5/4/19)

Belicia Tang is a multi-hyphenate movement and performing artist. She began her sports career as a competitive rhythmic gymnast from age 5 to 15. At age 17, she discovered Latin Ballroom dancing and fell in love with the art form, and has been competing and performing on the DanceSport circuit for the past 9 years. Beyond performing, she enjoys teaching private dance lessons and specializes in choreographing first dances for wedding couples. She has also choreographed large-scale circus arts and musical theater productions. 

In 2018, she discovered commercial heels dance while a college student at UCLA, and appreciated the confidence and feminine empowerment this dance style imparts to its participants. She started her own heels dance club in college called Bruin Burlesque, and is excited to bring heels dance with a contemporary flare to Couture Movement. 


Joanne Sato

Instructor

San Francisco State University, Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology (Emphasis in Human Movement Studies) (2007)

ACE Fitness (American Council on Exercise), Certified Group Fitness Instructor (2013 to present)

ACE Fitness (American Council on Exercise), Certified Personal Trainer (2021 to present)

Zumba Fitness, Zumba Level 1 Instructor (2009)

U-Jam  Fitness, U-Jam Fitness Instructor (2013)

POP Pilates, Instructor (2016)

Certified BollyX Instructor (2015)

PIIT28®, PIIT28® Official Trainer (2019)

HealthFitness, HealthFitness Movement Specialist (2023)

Contact

keoana64@gmail.com

Facebook: joannesatodanceandfitness

@joannesatodanceandfitness

Joanne has been teaching Group Exercise and Dance Classes for over 10 years. After receiving her B.S. Degrees in Kinesiology & Business Management in 2007, she has continued her career as a Fitness Professional while also pursuing Personal Training, Group Exercise Instruction and Staff Management. It is the perfect blend of her degrees while also keeping her love of dance and fitness alive.

A lover of all movement, Joanne started dancing at a young age and even started choreographing her own routines at the age of nine. Joanne had a very active childhood and also participated in activities such as: swimming, karate, track and field, musicals, and her favorite, dance, where she learned a little bit of everything: jazz, hip hop, ballet, latin dance, hula, Tahitian, and modern dance to name a few. ​

Currently, she is certified to teach Zumba, World of Dance U-Jam Fitness, Bolly-X, POP Pilates, PIIT28, and Balletone, while also teaching other classes such as kickboxing, cycling, yoga, barre and more.

A mom of two girls, she wants her girls and everyone to know that they should feel confident in their bodies and to let go of any inhibitions when it comes to dancing. It should be fun and freeing and she wants everyone to experience the happiness and joy dance has brought into my life!

Saori Miyazaki

Instructor

<Licensing>

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), California Board of Behavioral Science (BBS)

<2015>


<Schools>

· San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA.

   Bachelor of Arts in Photography 

   <Graduated in 1993>

 · New College of California, San Francisco, CA.

   Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology, MFT Licensing Track

   <Graduated in 2007>

 

· Todo Institute, Monkton, Vermont.

 Japanese Psychotherapy Certification Course                            

 <Certified in  2007>

  

· John F. Kennedy University, Pleasant Hill, CA.

    Expressive Arts Therapy Certification Program

   <Certified in  2010>

Saori is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who, for the past eight years has been working with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationships and life transitions at her private practice in San Francisco. Her approach involves helping clients clarify their values and life goals while promoting wellness and mindful living. 

When Saori participated in the Banyan Tree Women’s Collective’s wellness event, she fell in love with the mission of supporting women, especially those with barriers to accessing comprehensive wellness services. Saori seized the opportunity to join the Banyan Tree Women’s Collective with the goal of sharing her holistic methods for enhancing mental health and promoting mindful living.

Prior to establishing her private practice, Saori accumulated 16 years of valuable experience in the non-profit counseling sector. During this time, she worked with diverse populations of adolescents and adults at risk, including people of color and LGBTQ clients. Saori demonstrated a strong commitment to ethical, client-centered practices. She used her assessment and clinical skills to enhance the therapeutic experience for her clients across various demographics.

Saori earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology in 2007. Because of her cultural background, Saori also studied Japanese clinical modalities such as Morita Therapy and Naikan self-reflection to offer alternatives to conventional Western therapy. She is one of the few Morita therapists and Naikan practitioners in the United States who have trained directly under specialists in Japan, ensuring the authenticity of her practice. Because of this knowledge, she receives inquiries from people worldwide who seek her guidance. 

Saori enjoys giving interactive lectures with school students, consulting professionals on Naikan and Morita Therapy concepts, and volunteering at various non-profit organizations in her spare time. Aside from her work, she loves traveling, photographing, hiking, boogie boarding, and spending time with family, friends, and her cat. She has been living in the Bay Area for over thirty years and feels privileged to have access to the beautiful ocean, hills and colorful cultures.

Krystle Shield

Instructor

Yoga Blue Fitness, RYS 200 Hatha Yoga Teacher (January 2021)

Traditional Yoga, Yogi Training (December 2021)

Contact

kryskrystle@yahoo.com

IG: @radiant_rising_krys

Krystle is a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Instructor. She has been practicing yoga for over twenty years and earned her teaching certificate in 2021. Krystle’s teaching style is slower paced  to connect deeper with the breath and really feel what’s happening inside the body. She encourages others to try slowing down in this fast paced world. 

Krystle recommitted to herself and health in 2017 after struggling with dis-ease most of her life. She found healing through holistic health, music, joyous body movement, sunshine, staying hydrated, proper nutrition, journaling and community. 


Patty Liu, M.S.

Practitioner

Berkeley Herbal Center, Certified  Clinical Herbalist (2018)

University of California, Berkeley, Master of Science, Molecular & Biochemical Nutrition (2011)

International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching, Certified Trauma Recovery Coach (2023)

Attuned Living, Reiki Master Practitioner (2022)

Contact

Contact

Website: https://www.iampattyliu.com/

Email: holisticbeautycommunity@gmail.com


Patty Liu, MS is a certificated Clinical Herbalist, Trauma Recovery Coach, Reiki master, and founder of Free Flow Botanicals, a holistic skincare brand. She helps conscious women deepen their heart / mind connection through skincare products, personalized coaching, classes, and Reiki energy clearing.

Patty takes a holistic approach with her clients and works through a compassionate, trauma informed lens. Through a collaborative partnership of guidance and reflection, her clients are able to feel safe, seen, heard, and understood. She guides her client to reclaim their whole, authentic selves while gaining the confidence, skills, and inspiration to create the life of their dreams!

Patty has worked as a Healthcare Innovation researcher & consultant, holds a Master's degree in Molecular & Biochemical Nutrition, and has published multiple research papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Since researching chronic diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes and metastatic cancer, she has devoted her life to unlocking the potential of plant-based medicine to support one's health, happiness, and well-being.

In 2018, Patty completed a three year Clinical Herbalism training program in Berkeley, CA, and was the first graduate to receive an honors distinction. She is also certified as a Trauma Recovery Coach and working towards her certification in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies.

Patty has taught herbalism and holistic health classes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and has been creating plant-based skincare products since 2012. Her self-care practices include meditation, fitness, cooking, traveling, dancing, and taking part in skincare & self-love rituals.

To learn more about Patty and her offerings, visit: https://www.iampattyliu.com/

Itzel Berrio Hayward

Practitioner

Contact

Certified Reiki Master Teacher

Website: www.attunedliving.com

Email: itzel@attunedliving.com

Itzel Berrio Hayward is a healing practitioner, a radical self-love coach, a mindful communication trainer, and a fierce and compassionate advocate for love. After serving as a public policy lawyer for 13 years, she left her legal career and founded Attuned Living, a mindfulness and wellness organization working at the intersection of love and social justice. Her unique work is based on the inherent wisdom of energy, the philosophical teachings of yoga, and the practice of mindfulness. She is a Yoga teacher trainer and Reiki master teacher.

Jessica Neideffer

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Instructor

Lineage of Hawayo Takata, Reiki Master (2016)

Women’s Conservancy Bali, Sound Healing Facilitator (2012)

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Contact

AgadaEnergyHealing.com

@agadaenergyhealing

Jessica became aware that there was more to her than just a physical body at a very young age. She experienced many health issues during childhood and almost died when she was fifteen from complications of Crohn’s dis-ease. After many years of doctors treating the symptoms with western medicine, she knew there had to be another way of being healed and healthy. After a profound experience at the age of 31, she realized there was a different way and that she was meant to support herself and others in healing on a deeper level.

Since this moment in 2007, Jessica began studying and practicing energy work and sound healing. She became more conscious of what her body was asking for and began working with Naturopaths, Nutritionists, and other Mentors to assist her in the healing process. Through her own research and life experience, she found that a combination of diet, exercise, and emotional healing practices was the key.

Brooke Wilson

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Practitioner

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Contact

Web: summerthymewellness.com

Email: @summerthymewellness


Brooke Wilson is a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Natural Chef. She founded Summer Thyme Wellness to provide nutrition and cooking coaching to adults, teens, and children. A true believer that food supports the healing of our body, mind, and soul, she hopes to make nutrition and cooking accessible, joyful, and healing. The ingredient she never wants to live without is basil and her favorite kitchen item is her trusty cast iron skillet.

Divya Gupta

Practitioner

Bauman College, Board Certified Holistic Nutrition® (Candidate) (2020)

Restorative Wellness Solutions, Restorative Wellness Practitioner - Gut Health (2023)

Contact

divyaguptanc@gmail.com

https://divyagupta.net

Divya, is a Holistic Nutrition Consultant and educator. She helps people cope with autoimmune conditions,high cholesterol, obesity and other health issues by leveraging the power of nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. She works in tech but her passion for health & wellness and to positively impact people’s lives, led her down the path of wellness advocacy.

Rhea Light

Practitioner

Sonya Sophia School of Healing Arts and Breathwave International, Advanced EFT Practitioner and Breathwave Teacher (2014 and 2013)

Rhea Light is a certified Advanced EFT and Breathwave Trainer with a focus on pattern integration. She received certifications with Sonya Sophia’s School of Living Arts and has been working with Robin Clements’ Breathwave method for almost a decade.

Martina Pezzino

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Practitioner

Bauman College, Certified Nutrition Consultant (2019)

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Contact

balancedbeginningsnutrition@gmail.com

www.balancedbeginningsnutrition.com

Instagram: @balancedbeginningsnutrition


Martina Pezzino, Certified Nutrition Consultant, works with women to heal their hormones, optimize fertility, and thrive through pregnancy and postpartum. After experiencing her own fertility struggle, Martina saw firsthand the power of whole foods and a healing lifestyle. Her mission is to help all women reclaim their vitality and see their womanhood + motherhood for the superpower that it is. Martina does this with a personalized, balanced approach through nutrition coaching, her website and blog, social media, and her health membership, Vital Women. Martina lives in Kansas City with her wife and daughter. Connect with Martina follow along @balancedbeginningsnutrition


Dr. Alyssa Herrera-Set

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Practitioner

University California, San Francisco, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2010)

Educated by Polestar Pilates, Certified by national Pilates Certification Program, Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (2012)

American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities, Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (2016)

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Contact

Web: OntheMovePhysio.com

Email: alyssa@onthemovephysio.com

IG: @onthemovephysio

Dr. Alyssa Herrera-Set is a board certified sports physical therapist, pilates teacher, and the owner of On the Move Physical Therapy in Belmont, CA.  In addition to her clinical work she enjoys teaching.  She is an adjunct professor at Notre Dame de Namur University where she teaches Multicultural Issues in Healthcare and a lecturer at UCSF.  She is also the co-founder of gymSAFE, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of gymnasts by reducing injuries, providing educational events, and leadership opportunities for athletes. Dr. Herrera-Set focused her undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley on education and ethnic studies.  She received her DPT through UCSF/SFSU.  She earned a Sports Physiotherapy diploma from the International Olympic Committee and her Pilates education through Polestar.  Her movement philosophy is influenced by her lifelong participation in dance and gymnastics.


Carmen Carrasco - Arevalo

Instructor

Cal State University of East Bay, Kinesiology with emphasis in Athletic Training (2014)

National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer (2022)

Athletics and Fitness Association of America, Certified Group Exercise Instructor (2023)

The AB LAB, Ab Foundations (2023)

Circuit Training AFAA, Group Resistance Training (2023)

Contact

Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor

 2sambapassion@gmail.com

Carmen has been teaching Group Exercises and Dance Classes for over 15 years. After receiving her B.S. Degree in Kinesiology with Emphasis on Athletic Training, she advanced her career in Personal Training. It’s the perfect career path for someone who LOVES body movement.

Her love for movement has led her to study different dance disciplines such as: Tahitian, Hula, Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Haitian, Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and her current love … SAMBA! With Samba, she has competed and won the title as “Queen of Carnaval” for San Francisco in 2010 and for Santa Barbara in 2013. 

Since then she has been teaching classes at different studios, schools, and private companies.