Curriculum Oversight Committee

Carol McLellan has been providing holistic health education and therapy for over 25 years. She was the owner of Meridian Center for Wellness in Visalia, CA, where she practiced Advanced CranioSacral Therapy (CST), Advanced Visceral Manipulation, Mayan Abdominal Massage, Matrix Energetics and Intrinsic Awareness Modalities. Her training includes Diplomate Certification, CST (CranioSacral Therapy). She teaches internationally and domestically for the Upledger Institute International. Carol teaches CranioSacral Applications for Conception, Pregnancy and Birthing 1 and 2, CST for Pediatrics 1 and 2, CST for Sensory Integration, Clinical Applications, Clinical Apps for OB, Clinical Apps for Peds and Introductory courses. She also runs tutorials, teaching future instructors and presenters. Carol is an Upledger Institute International Examiner for CST Techniques Certification. She previously served as the CS1 Ombudsman and was invited by Dr. Upledger to develop the curriculum for CranioSacral Therapy for Conception, Pregnancy and Birth, of which she is Ombudsman. She is also co-ombudsman for CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics. She has helped facilitate the BioAquatic Discoveries for Pediatrics.

Prior to opening Meridian, she worked with an OB/GYN as a Doula, as well as a Doula Instructor and Childbirth educator. She also has taught for the American College of Nurse Midwives National Conference. While integrating her CranioSacral work, she was able to introduce and collect data in hospitals for her development of the OB curriculum. She is the co-founder of H.E.AL.(Holistic Empowerment Alliance), a non-profit organization which includes a foundation dedicated to enabling children, families and veterans to get the therapy they need regardless of financial constraints. H.E.AL. offers a monthly low-cost kids clinic at Meridian.

One of the powerful applications of CST lies in the area of releasing functional and debilitating emotional wounds. With that in mind, Carol was able to facilitate two intensives for Warrior Stress at NAS Lemoore. As a result of that experience, she created a clinic for Veterans.

When Carol opened Meridian in 2003, she was inspired by the philosophy of service to humanity through the work of CST and other transformative tools for self health care. This idea continues to drive all aspects of Carol's work. As a licensed Life Mastery Consultant and Coach for LifeSoulutions with Mary Morrissey, and a Life Success Coach with Bob Proctor, she adds this philosophy, along with the teaching of positive - constructive thought, with health care in workshops, offering tools to facilitate optimum health, helping children and adults to realize their unique potential.

Dutch Physical Therapist, German Health Practioner, Osteopath; Founder of Upledger Institute Germany, Barral Institute Germany and the German Osteopathic Corporation; teacher for several Levels in CranioSacral Thearpy, Visceral Manipulation and Neuromeningeal Manipulation; former Member of the European Upledger Board; Member of Honor of the German Upledger Association; former Researcher at the University of Kiel, Department of Orthodontics; author of numerous publications in the field of CranioMandibular Disorders, Osteopathy and CranioSacral Therapy; author of two books in CranioSacral Therapy self-help Techniques; working in own Private Practice in Buchholz i.d. Nordheide and Hittfeld (Germany).

 “I love to have to deal with the challenge of keeping the legacy and tradition high on one hand and bringing innovation forward on the other hand.”

My background is in Curriculum Management and Development in Education and Training. Funding was based on recruitment, retention and results. I needed the creativity of all the teaching departments to work alongside me to find ways of responding to changes demanded at a local and national level. The major task was the design and implementation of strategies to maximise student engagement and retention. These included the introduction of student-centered teaching methods, ‘distance learning’, and a clear expectation of excellent results. As this strategy became embedded the college was recognised as a center of excellence for students aged from 16-90 years. Broadening learning experiences, managing funding cuts creatively and improving accessibility resulted in a 30% increase in numbers. This process worked by recognizing and meeting the natural fears of change with sensitivity and taking time to review suggestions and ideas from the staff teams.

Then my life changed and instead of the disaster it seemed to be at first, I found Upledger CST and my new journey began. 

That journey led to my becoming a passionate practitioner and international teacher of CST, from CS1 through ADV1, plus all levels of Clinical Applications. Teaching in many parts of the world has given me the chance to work in different cultures and to develop relationships with enthusiastic sponsors. My role is as a supportive agent of change, working to encourage the formation of Study Groups, and introducing strategies for alumni to become qualified, and for some to embark on the Instructor track.

Enthusiastically engaged with the professional association for Upledger alumni in the UK for over 20 years in different roles, including Chairmanship, my focus is now on my teaching and practice whilst keeping a lively interest in professional standards and ethics in our changing world. My life experience has encouraged me to deepen my study of PTSD and the progression of Alzhiemer’s disease and other brain challenges.

Right now I look forward to working as part of the Curriculum Oversight Committee. It is a great opportunity to be in an active role of environmental scanning, including all current research into the key components of Upledger CST. The importance of creating ways through which the integration of relevant and helpful outcomes of research can be achieved alongside Dr Johns work cannot be understated. Dr John was certainly ahead of his time, and now looking ahead and being supported by his legacy, I have every confidence that the Upledger curriculum, already respected and understood as a unique modality with a strong foundation, will continue to be seen as a dynamic, responsive pathway for healthcare practitioners world-wide.

Kathy Woll has been a part of the Upledger team since 1987. After earning her B.S. from Michigan State University in 1986, she relocated to Florida and embarked on learning the continuing education industry for healthcare professionals. While becoming more intricately involved in day to day operations at Upledger, she earned her M.B.A. in 1996 from Florida Atlantic University. She continues to create and direct initiatives to further the credibility and accessibility of Upledger CranioSacral Therapy and related modalities.

Dawn Langnes Shear is the Chief Development Officer of Upledger Institute International (UII). She began with the institute in the early 1990's and has served in various capacities since then. She is directly responsible for the international development and expansion of Upledger CranioSacral Therapy. UII holds seminars in over 40 countries around the globe and has trained healthcare professionals in over 110 countries. Dawn also oversees the development of educational products to assist therapists in learning CranioSacral Therapy, as well as to help educate their clients and the general public.

Alex Jozefyk has been part of the Upledger team since 2000. He began working in the Upledger Clinic part time while attending high school. After earning his B.S. from the University of Florida in 2007, he continued his journey with the Institute throughout the years and as of 2014 holds the position of Chief Financial Officer. Alex has been an integral part of the leadership team and works closely with all departments to assist with company growth and financial stability. Alex is also part of the Upledger family, as he is the second cousin to John Matthew Upledger and great nephew to Dr. John E. Upledger.

Donna graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management. She met her future husband, John Matthew Upledger, while attending college. Since 1987, Donna has worked with all aspects of The Upledger Institute, from meeting planning and facilitating, to team building and product development.