History - Mendocino is a natural center for healing. For generations, people have come to Mendocino for its breathtaking natural beauty, organic food and wine…and ultimately the powerful energy and resources for wellness that energize people to renew their lives.

We came to Mendocino to do innkeeping, looking on it as a family business which could provide a living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. But we got more than we expected. The land changed us: we realized that we could live more gently. Loving animals, we quit eating them. We adopted sustainable practices for landscaping and in areas that had been neglected, we created edible, organic gardens; and we adopted other vocations. Joan commuted to Sonoma State to become first a Montessori instructor and later a board certified art therapist. Jeff became involved in energy work – earth and human – and later was ordained a minister. In the meantime, we sought to create a context for visitors to experience what we experienced here as well as offer wellness services.

We began health supporting therapeutic massage and yoga in 1991. In 1996, Jack Schwarz founder of the human potential movement in the United States brought Aletheia Institute to the Inn. Jack was a healer, philosopher, naturopath, and educator who sought the integration of body, brain/mind and spirit. Jack was an exceptional human being who passed-on in 2000. Since then we have continued to seek to provide residents and our guests a central base for all things oriented to wellness. Now we are working with the best minds and talent in medical, alternative and spiritual healing in Mendocino to expand this vision.

Mendocino Center for Well Being is the working name for this group of local practitioners of life enhancing programs: tai chi, Chinese herbal medicine, breath work, art exploration, acupuncture, yoga, energy medicine, massage, and much more. These practitioners do not necessarily practice here. For example, Cathy Van Camp offers Watsu (aquatic) massage five miles from the Inn.

Mendocino Center for Well Being Practitioners
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Taijiquan, Kundalini, Yoga, Nature and Art Experiences

Jessica Rose - Certified in Chinese acupuncture and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, understands that acupuncture protects and nourishes – that it is a technique for cultivating health and wellbeing. Acupuncture is often used to address specific health issues, but its greatest strength is the state of wellness it provides – one that radiates outwards and cannot be easily lost.

Ken Rose - practices Chinese therapeutic massage and teaches Tai Ji Quan – Tai Chi. He is a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and is an herbalist. Ken also practices Tui Na, Chinese therapeutic bodywork, which, through gentle and subtle manipulations, helps one to adapt to myriad forces. He has written several books on Chinese medicine and the history of Qi. Ken provides experiences in Taijiquan. He understands that the Chinese sought glowing health that is stable and secure: a radiating health. In Taiji, or Tai Chi, Ken helps you understand the movement of qi (chi) in an around the body.

Siri Gian Singh Khalsa Ph.D. – teaches Kundalini Yoga, meditation and tantra and is an acupressure therapist in both Sacramento and Mendocino. He provides a variety of classes and experiences in both cities. At the Inn he is best known for his 4:00 – 6:30 AM yoga-kundalini classes.

Ryane Snow Ph.D. Naturalist. Certified in acupressure and Chinese herbal medicine. Acupressure emphasizes both the treatment and prevention of illness by treating the whole person. Ryane a chemist, teacher and mycologist has worked with Andrew Weil. He originally came to Mendocino to teach high school and to experience the mycological wonders of this area. Today he provides seminars on the collection, preparation and preservation of fungi, seaweeds, and other foraged plants. Ryane is available for 2 hour explorations of the cullinary wonders of Mendocino forests, meadows and the coast.

Joan Stanford MA-ATR - provides individually tailored playshops using expressive techniques including collage, writing, and artmaking. The purpose is to explore creativity - through purposeful action and accident! Playshops are valuable experience for grammar school students, seniors and any person wanting to discover creativity. Joan will helps encourages her students to silence their inner critic and reconnect to their own wisdom. Play has long been valued as a creative force.

Jeff Stanford Rev., MA - trained as an anthropologist focusing on religion and culture doing field work in the 1970’s human potential movement. He learned that the changes sought by those in the movement must come from a new relationship with life, beginning in the kitchen where decisions affect the practitioner and the planet. Jeff is a dowser working with energy, which led him to a vegan lifestyle.

Dana Ecelberger MA - is a master organic gardener specializing in sustainable agriculture. She provides garden tours, seminars on sustainable practice and speaks to our relationship with nature. Dana provides classes in everything from composting to propagation throughout the year.

Catherine McMillan - Yoga instructor. Catherine has instructed yoga at the Inn for more than five years. She received her teaching certification from the Yoga Research and Education Center and is a second-generation yogini. She also specializes in yoga for children and seniors and is available for private sessions.

Dee Brater MA - Introduced the idea of "in-room" massage to us in 1990, making The Stanford Inn one of the first inns in the country to offer therapeutic massage. Specializing in an esoteric Thai massage, Dee uses her entire body to provide what her clients call a truly "healing experience." Dee is deeply experienced in a variety of techniques and manages Spa in the Forest. Each year, she spends several months with her teachers to deepen her knowledge of the body and healing.