Gaia Institute and Wellness Center

P.O. Box 1447, Pueblo, CO 81002 (719)545-8440





Our Organization
Our Financial Standing
Our Mission Statement
Who We Serve
Our Programs and Services
Gaia - Defined
Gaia Hours
Ongoing Events
New Events
Upcoming Enents
Some of Gaia Practitioners and consultants
Available Services
The 'WE FIT' Support Group
Paws-itively Empowered Assistance Dog Training Program





Our Organization


Gaia Institute, Inc. is a private not-for-profit corporation.

Its organization structure consists of:
All of the organization's activities are closely supervised and
monitored by the Executive Director. All of the members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Advisory Board are highly-skilled and experienced in Health Care, Education and non-profit operations. Many of them are disabled and/or minority individuals: People who "have been there".

Gaia Institute relies heavily on its group of dedicated volunteers and financial supports.


 Our Financial Standing

All of our services and products are modestly, reasonably a competitively priced. Many of our services are eligible for direct insurance billing. Additional licensure applications, which will allow us to bill for a broader scope of services, are in process or pending.

Private Pay individuals are billed at reasonable rates.

For individuals demonstrating a financial need, payment options, which include sliding-scale and bartering, may be available. No one is ever denied services due to an inability to pay. As a result, monetary and in-kind donations are greatly appreciated. Membership and sponsorships are highly encouraged.

Donations and grants are essential to offset costs of our communities outreach programs and our health, wellness and medical research and services.

Our 501(C)(3) tax exempt status is pending.



 Our Mission Statement

Gaia Institute, and its affiliate Wellness Center, is dedicated in it endeavors to enhance, protect and preserve health, well-being and harmony of and for individuals, communities and the environment by providing the highest caliber of care, services and products.

In order to create, support and enhance the nurturing environment necessary to maximize the optimum healing and growth experience, Gaia Institute integrates Modern Western Medicine, Science, Technology and Educational delivery systems with traditional global healing and teaching techniques and practices. This approach allows Gaia Institute to recognize and honor diversity while maintaining integrity and respect for all.



 Who We Serve

As a non-discriminating organization, we make every reasonable attempt to serve all segments of society. We have programs designed to meet most every health and wellness need or interest. We also "custom design" health, wellness, and lifestyle enhancement programs.



 Our Programs and Services

We offer many health, wellness and therapeutic Modalities. Focusing on educationally-based, self-directed care, our specialties are:

With an exclusively multi-modality approach, our programs and services are light years ahead of, and centuries behind, the health care model as it is known today. Many of our programs are recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Simple, effective, symbolic, holistic, inexpensive and designed to enhance the quality of your life.



 Gaia

In Greek Mythology, Gaia was the Goddess of the earth and Mother of the Titans.

She represented health and well-being. She was called upon whenever there was a need for any healing and nurturing. She was summoned for support during times of growth and change. She fostered unity.

In modern science, Gaia, or the Gaia Theory, is still just as powerful in its symbology and its definition.

The Gaia Theory proposes that the earth, and all of its inhabitants, should be regarded as a living organism. It further suggests that the biosphere influences earth processes in order to sustain an advanced life form and controls the homeostasis of "the" organism.

 Gaia Hours

111 West Evans in Pueblo
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday
Other times by appointment


 Ongoing Events

T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Thursday 6:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am

Chi Kung
Thursday 6:30 pm
Saturday 10:oo am
Tuesday 11:00 am

T'ai Chi Tigers - Children's Program
Saturday 11:00 am

"We Fit" - Support/Networking Group for the Working Disabled
2nd and 4th Tuesday 6:30 pm

Drumming Circle
1st and 3rd Saturday 6:30 pm

Dream/Symbol/Metaphor - Discussion and Study Group
1st and 3rd Tuesday 6:30 pm


 New Events

Expressive Art Classes

Come and learn to harness your creativity! Expressive art classes aren't like regular art classes. We don't focus on how well you think you can draw, but rather on the process of creating and how what you've created relates to your life!

Enroll early, as class size is limited. Pre-registration is required 1 week
prior to the beginning of each class.


Dream/Symbol/Metaphor Group

Dreams, symbols, metaphors and their usefulness will be a few of the areas of discussion and study in Gaia Institutes Wellness Center's new Mind Expansion and Self-Mastery program. This is a guided study and discussion group. Other topics will include: evoking your innate creativity and wisdom, how to clarify your goals, how dreams can be vivid guides into the mysteries of our beings. Participants are encouraged to bring writing materials. Art supplies will be provided as needed. The meetings are help the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Gaia. The cost is $5.00 per session. Call Gaia to register and for more information.


 Upcoming Events

JUNE
June 30
Self-Reflexology
6-9pm Adults


JULY
July 20-22
Art Camp
10am-12pm Age 5-7
1-4 pm Age 8-11


 Some of Gaia Practitioners/Consultants

Catherine Hof-Gingras, MA, SSS/CLP
Reiki Master
Aromatherapist
Speech Pathologist
Special Education Analyst/Teacher

Patricia Patrick, RRT
Reflexologist
Reiki Practitioner
Chi Kung Practitioner
T'ai Chi Ch'uan/Chi Kung Instructor
Grant writer

Tamara Herl, M.S., A.T.R.-BC
Art Therapist
Grant Writer
Author
Reiki Practitioner

Pat Montez, MA
Support Group Facilitator
Guidance Counselor

Dave Rose, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Case Manager
Grant Writer
Consultant

Judith Hanson, CMT
Message Therapist
Spiritual Counselor

Penny Greenwell, MA
Parenting Instructor
Counseling

Carolyn Kelly, PhD
Herbalist
Ordained Minister
Psychotherapist
Instructor
Grand Master-Subtle Energy Medicine
Integrated Medical Specialist
Human Development Counselor

Eric Young, D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic and Licensed Acupuncturist

Bob Graham, D.C.
Doctor of Chiropractic


 Available Services

Physical
Accupressure
Chiropractic
Dietary/Nutrition Consultation
Herbal Consultations
Subtle Energy Medicine
Homeopathic Consultation
Herbal Treatments
Hot/Cold Therapies
Massage Therapy
Myofacial Release
Neurological Examinations
Neuromuscular Therapy

Clinical Services
Orthopedic Examinations
Physical Examinations
Physical Therapy
Polarity Therapy
Pre/Post Natal Consultations
Reflexology
Reiki
Scoliosis Screening
Shiatsu
Speech Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy

Mental Health
Anxiety Release
Aromatherapy
Art Therapy & Expressive Art
Dream & Symbol Analysis
Guided imagery
Hypnotherapy
Psychological Examination
Psychotherapy
Spiritual Counseling
Stress Reduction Therapy
Special Behavior Modification
Learning Enhancement Programs

Educational Programs
"Holistic Approaches to Health"
Instruction in self-help techniques for Pain Control and more!!

Support Group Sponsorship
"We-Fit" for the Working Disabled

Fitness Programs
Low-impact Exercise
Martial Arts Instruction
Nutritional Counseling
Strength Training
Rehabilitation Training
"Tai Chi"

Assistance to the Disabled
Assistance Dog Training
Service Dogs
Hearing Dogs
Seizure Alert Dogs
Companion Dogs
House Calls



 The "WE FIT" Support Group

Support group for disabled people who are working or want to work

Gaia Institute is proud to present "WE FIT". This new program is facilitated primarily by Patricia A. Montez, M.A., L.P.C., psychotherapist, under the supervision of Dr.'s David Rose, Ph.D. and Carolyn Kelly, Ph.D., Executive Director of Gaia Institute.

Benefits

A Place where you can come for support, new ideas and a fresh outlook on life.

Winning every time facing it together means "WE FIT".

The group will cover the topics that can help group members cope with difficulties we each face when we want to work or are working.

Together we will:
  • Pick topics of discussion
  • Share ideas, hopes and dreams
  • Decide how often the group will meet
  • Pick guest speakers
  • Choose short and long term goals
  • Plan outings
  • Pot lucks
  • Share referrals and information from other organizations
  • Support each other in our quest to succeed


Goal

The primary goal of our program is to provide support for people with disabilities in reaching fo r a higher quality of life by joining the wor k force despite individual limi tations.

Opportunity

The group will also have the opportunity to become familiar with other services available at Gaia Institute which promote holistic health.

Newsletter

We would also like to provide a newsletter in which all group members are invited to submit short stories and poems that inspire and/or motivate each of us to do our best and to have a positi ve attitude.

Grou p

This group will fo cus on t he group memb er's abilities, and personal goals. It will assist particip ants in reaching their own indivi dual potential.

Challenge

Challenging each member t o strive to accept the t hings we cannot change, the coura ge to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Struggles

Together the group will enhance each person's life as we face life's struggles. Here 'WE FIT'.

Mission

  • To provide a support group for disabled people who are working or would like to work.
  • To empower each group member to strive toward success in their individual quest toward independence and a full life.
  • To motivate enthusiasm that encourages people to reach their potential.
  • To improve opportunities for achieving and maintaining a healthy, balanced life style and economic self-sufficiency.
Core Belief

"I can make the changes I desire in my life."

The program shares the skills that are necessary to put a plan or a goal into action. The skills include, but are not limited to: the ability to negotiate; persuade; and, most critically, assert ourselves. Assertiveness is telling other people what you think, how you feel and what you need while understanding their point of view. This can be critical for group members w ho have been through struggles and rejection, and/or lived their lives with the "don't talk, don't feel and don't think" rules.

Sponsors

J & D Business Services 719-542-6407



 Paws-itively Empowered Assistance Dog Training Program

The primary goal of this program is to assist individuals with disabilities to become more independent and self-sufficient.

The secondary goals are:

  • To prepare each Team for certification as an Assistance Dog Team.
  • To provide continuing education and support to program graduates.
  • To provide accurate and sound information to program participants, and the general public, regarding:
    1. The rights and responsibilities of Assistance Dog Teams.
    2. The general public's rights and responsibilities concerning Assistance Dog Teams.
    3. Canine behavior, training, and care.
    4. Responsible dog/pet ownership and care.
These goals are met by:

  • Teaching and assisting individuals with disabilities to train their own Assistance Dogs.
  • Teaching and assisting the client with techniques which enhance and secure solid, life-long bonding between client and his/her dog.
  • Providing presentations and demonstrations for the public.
  • Providing individual and private consultation and mediation services.
  • Continued involvement in Public Awareness campaigns.
Fundamentally, there are four categories, or classifications, of Assistance Dogs. Many Assistance Dogs function in dual or multiple working classes.

  1. Service Dogs - Assist individuals with mobility's and motor sensory problems.

  2. Hearing Dogs - Assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to various sounds, or absence of sounds, in their environments.

  3. Seizure Alert Dogs - Assist individuals with seizure disorders by alerting them that they are going to have a seizure and, then, by assisting the human partners before, during, and after the seizure.

  4. Companion Dogs - Assist individuals with mental illness, including depression; and individuals with developmental disabilities by providing prompts, alert signals and companionship.
Gaia Institute also offers training and certification for Therapy Dog Teams and Basic Obedience training for family dogs. Both of these programs lead toward the Canine Good Citizenship certification.

Gaia Institute's Assistance Dog Training Program is intensive and comprehensive. Training times will vary for each team. However, most teams will be in training for at least forty-two weeks. There are four levels of training that each team must complete.
Level I
Introduction, Theory, Health Care and Maintenance, Canine Psychology, Canine Anatomy, Technique, Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) Testing.

Level II
Canine Good Citizenship test (re-entry). Review of Level I, Intermediate Obedience. Beginning Specialized Training, Canine First Aid, Public Access Testing.

Level III
Public Access Testing and CGT Testing (re-entry), Review of Levels I, II. Advanced Obedience, Specialized Training.

Level IV
Public Access Testing (re-entry), Review of Levels I, II, III. Advanced Specialized Training, and Certification Testing.

Testing and recertification are required every two years.

Certificates of Completion are awarded, Through Gaia Institute, upon each Teams successful completion of the program, its requirements, and all requires testing.

The importance, seriousness, significance and rewards of the program cannot be over emphasized.

Many "disabled" individuals' lives have actually been greatly enriched by "teaming up" with Assistance Dogs. Many individuals' lives have actually been saved by their canine companions. Many dogs have been saved from euthanasia as a result of being adopted to become Assistance Dogs.

Gaia Institute's unique programs are designed to meet many of the health and wellness needs and interests that exist today.

By providing education and numerous supportive sevices, Gaia Institute focuses on prevention, early intervention, prehabilitation, and rehabilitation to meet the ultimate goal of "Enhancing the quality of life for everyone."

We invite you to join us in these exciting endeavors. Thank you for your interest and support.

Email us at: [email protected]!

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