Faculty Biographies

Barbara Ellen

Barbara Ellen, holistic counselor, is certified in specialized kinesiology and in various other informational and vibrational self discovery modalities. She has taught classes at SEVA in biofeedback energy imaging, flower essences, handwriting analysis, as well as organic gardening and hydroponics. She has a private counseling practice in Ulster County, N.Y. and teaches throughout the northeast.

Esther Tzoumas

She is a master gardener and finds great joy in planting and harvesting activities with an emphasis on herbs. Esther has traveled extensively and enjoys exploring the diversity of our beautiful world.

Jed Schwartz

Jed Schwartz began studying Jin Shin Jyutsu in 1981 with Mary Burmeister, who brought this art from Japan to the United States. He joined the faculty of Jin Shin Jyutsu, Inc, Scottsdale Arizona in 1995. Since then he has taught Jin Shin Jyutsu classes to thousands of students and practitioners throughout North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Jed maintains a full-time practice that he splits between New York City and Woodstock, NY where he lives with his wife Lois Slade. He gives a 5-day workshop and healing retreat at SEVA on Jin Shin Jyutsu in late June.

Renee Barchitta

Renée Barchitta, MPA, is an organic vegetable gardener in the Catskill Mountains, a vegetarian and gluten-free cook and baker, and a former whole-foods baker selling to local estab-lishments like Good Cheap Food in Delhi. As an educator, Renée created public information and education campaignsand programs, developed curriculum and PSA’s, designed booklets and pamphlets and was an editor and photographer for a large organization’s newsletter. She is also a member of Plant Pioneers, the Human-Plant Relations Movement.