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The Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor (FIAA) brings world-renowned directors to a student-focused international training program. Regardless of your career background, the program prepares you to work with clients both online and in person. Students can create rewarding careers teaching movements that have helped millions around the world.

Graduates are eligible to apply for certification from the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America. After becoming a Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionerCM, you can create your own practice with a flexible work schedule. Or, you can attend to immerse yourself in the method and improve your own well-being. We welcome all types of applicants and look forward to creating a community with you.
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World-Renowned Directors

Flexible Courses

In-Person Retreats

Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor

Our Program

There is a growing need for Feldenkrais® practitioners in diverse fields such as health care, performing arts, graceful aging and wellness programs, sports training, behavior modification, and psychology. The Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor seeks to fill this need by training the next generation of practitioners.

We offer a hybrid program that blends flexible online courses with in-person training retreats in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan. During training retreats, students receive hands-on instruction from our dedicated staff.

After 2 years, students may apply to the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America (FGNA) for temporary authorization to teach Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) classes while enrolled in the training program. They can also join FGNA and be listed in a directory where clients can easily find them. The full program takes about 3 and a half years to complete.

The FGNA certification guidelines state that training must be completed within 7 years. Graduates must apply to the FGNA for certification, and renew certification annually, in order to practice. Professional practice may be subject to additional federal, state or local government requirements. Neither Awareness Through Movement® lessons nor Functional Integration® sessions may be offered professionally before graduation from an accredited training program. Interim authorization as a Trainee Awareness Through Movement teacher is a student teaching position.
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Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor

Training Schedule


Online Instruction


Students receive both online and in-person training. Online classes are live and generally held on the weekends so working students can attend.

Each online class is recorded for students who cannot attend at the scheduled time. Students must complete a short assignment if they miss a live session.


In-Person Training Retreats


In-person training retreats are 2-3 weeks long and held twice a year at the beginning and end of the summer. Private lessons are available one day before the in-person training retreat for an extra fee. If you’re interested in private lessons, please let us know in your application.

The first day of in-person training starts at 4:00 pm and ends at 9:30 pm (ET). Otherwise, classes are held 12:00 pm - 6:30 pm (ET) with a 90-minute lunch break for students’ private table lessons. The last day of training is held from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm (ET). Luggage storage is available if needed.

Students have one Thursday off during the first training retreat and two Thursdays off during the second retreat. Extra lessons can be scheduled with individual practitioners during days off.

Program Dates


Visit the relevant cohort's homepage for detailed schedule information.
Ann Arbor 1 Homepage 

Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor

Our Instructors


Our instructors are committed to providing an enriching, high-quality learning environment.
They are experts in the Feldenkrais Method® and train students worldwide.

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David is one of Moshe Feldenkrais’ original students and studied with him for over 10 years in the US, Europe, and Israel. He is the co-founder of The Feldenkrais Institute of New York and the primary publisher of Dr. Feldenkrais’ English language materials, the Feldenkrais Resources. David graduated with honors from the University of California Berkeley and co-authored Relaxercise (HarperCollins), as well as many other popular Feldenkrais teaching materials. He is a pillar of the Feldenkrais community, having served as the President of The Feldenkrais Guild®, directed many Feldenkrais Training Programs. He has over 50 years of experience as an internationally-renowned teacher, and he is dedicated to passing on his training with Dr. Feldenkrais to his students.
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Deborah is known for her clarity and depth of clinical experience gained from over 30 years of teaching in private practice, schools, hospitals and clinics. Before the pandemic, she co-owned the Feldenkrais Center for Movement and Awareness in San Francisco, California. The center closed after 33 years due to Covid-19 limitations. She is now working online teaching Awareness Through Movement classes, and intensive Feldenkrais learning courses for Pelvic Health, Chronic Pain, Self-touch for ‘touch hunger’, Feldenkrais Fundamentals and Mind Mapping. Her experience as a Feldenkrais Trainer includes work in over 35 programs in the US, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Germany, and Colombia. She brings the skills and knowledge from intensive study and practice in the field of somatics, from her education as a physical therapist and ongoing practice and study of Tai Chi Ch’uan, Qigong, yoga, sensory awareness, meditation, and dance. She holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is adjunct faculty at Saybrook University, teaching Movement Modalities for Wellness.

She describes her practice philosophy:
“Feldenkrais Method® allows me to creatively work with all kinds of people of all ages, even in situations where it seems hopeless. Engaging people in a pleasant process of learning about themselves to improve the quality of their life. The improvement can be in any area of thinking, moving, sensing and feeling. My work nourishes me as well as my students.”
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Laura has been a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner since graduating from the Evanston Illinois training program directed by one of Moshe Feldenkrais’ first students , Gaby Yaron, in 1994. She has worked in many training programs serving as continuity practitioner and mentor. Laura received her Assistant Trainer Certification in 2008 and served in that capacity in Chicago, Houston, and currently in Shanghai. With a varied private practice in Kenosha Wisconsin and surrounding areas, she enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities.
In addition to Feldenkrais, Laura has studied Cranial Sacral Therapy, Ericksonian Hypnosis, holds licensure in Muscular Reeducation and Exercise Rehabilitation and is an apprentice in the Certification Program of Pedorthics.
Laura has served the Feldenkrais community as Vice President of the Feldenkrais Guild of North America, member of the Training accreditation board, and conference coordinator for national conferences. She has been the key presenter at Midwest Conferences offering Advanced training and mentoring of Feldenkrais Practitioners nationwide.
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Peggi Honig has 18 years of experience practicing therapeutic Mind Bodywork and specializes in The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic movement reeducation. She has a wealth of experience in surgery recovery, sports injuries, repetitive motion injuries, developmental brain injuries, neurological issues, treating emotional concerns, and palliative care. She has worked with David Zemach-Bersin for 15 years and is trained in several healing modalities that inform her practice. Her specialties include Integrative massage, such as Swedish, Sport, Medical, Deep Tissue (DT), CranioSacral (CST), Lymph Drainage (LDT), Positional Release (PRT), and Prenatal. She is a Certified Guild Practitioner in Pregnant Pauses ®, a registered, certified Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner of NeuroLinguistic Programming (MPNLP). Her work treating sciatic pain has been published nationally and internationally by MPA Media & AMTA.
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Raz Ori is from Israel and graduated from the Tel-Aviv Feldenkrais Professional Training Program in 2001. After graduating, he trained with one of Dr. Feldenkrais’ first students, Yochanan Rywerant, for two years. Since 2008, Raz has worked in close collaboration and co-taught with David Zemach-Bersin. He gained vast clinical experience working for 15 years at Clalit Integrative Medicine, part of Israel’s largest public health provider. He also worked at the Sheba Medical Center where he treated disabled war veterans suffering from chronic pain, phantom limb pain, PTSD, and head injuries.
Currently, Raz runs The Ramat-Aviv Feldenkrais Center where he treats a diverse population of all ages and backgrounds, including special needs children. Raz has mentored and conducted advanced training for Feldenkrais Practitioners for many years, exploring the different techniques and many applications of the Feldenkrais Method® in-depth. He is known for his ability to convey the richness and depth of the Feldenkrais Method in an intelligible, stimulating way while sharing his true passion for the human ability to overcome difficulties.
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Carol Kress is a highly experienced Feldenkrais Practitioner for close to 30 years, and Trainer who brings to her teaching ​a desire for excellence and a wish to communicate the essence of the Feldenkrais Method®. ​In her​ private practice​ she works with both adults and children with a variety of difficulties, including chronic pain and neurological problems, as well as performing artists​. Her work is informed by a long-time involvement in equestrian arts, yoga, a passion for Argentine Tango, and her practice of the martial art of Aikido for which she holds a 4th degree black belt. Carol first began to study the Feldenkrais Method in 1985, she finished her Feldenkrais ​Professional ​Training Program in 1993. ​Carol​ ​teaches in programs worldwide. She facilitated the publication of Volume One of an in-depth biography of Dr. Feldenkrais, written by her late husband, Trainer, Mark Reese. Work on Volume Two is in process. Carol lives in Marin County, California.
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Osa is dedicated to life- long learning, and personal growth and development. She began her career as a physical therapist and went on to get her Masters’ degree in Educational Gerontology and Educational Administration at University of Michigan. She finished her academic training at the University in Ann Arbor getting her Doctorate in Gerontology in the dual program with Wayne State University to include the Certificate in Gerontology. Osa completed her training in the Feldenkrais Method® for Somatic Education in the Amherst Training with Moshe Feldenkrais. She trained with Ruthy Alon and completed the Bones for Life® teacher courses. She has taught Introductory workshops to the Feldenkrais Method in over 40 states in the USA, Canada, Scandinavia, Portugal, Brazil and Australia. Osa has worked as an Assistant Trainer with Trainers including Yochonan Rywerant, Ruthy Alon, and Gaby Yaron. She has published numerous books and articles on the unique needs of the geriatric patient population and how Feldenkrais can be a useful tool.
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Born in Israel, living in Spain, Ohad has been a certified Feldenkrais practitioner since 1998, with a very extensive experience working with people with neurological problems, children with special needs, and performers working at a high level. As an assistant Feldenkrais trainer, Ohad has worked in several training courses and accompanied certified practitioners on their way. Ohad holds a masters of arts in philosophy of science. He also investigates and teaches the dynamics of the human voice. An avid collaborator with professionals from other fields. Ohad is a long-time practitioner of different martial arts, and the father of three children in an alternative education system. OhadNachmani.com
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Allison Green is the founder of the Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor. She has a degree in Occupational Therapy and trained directly with David Zemack-Bersin for 9 years. She specializes in treating high levels of recalcitrant chronic pain and has used the Feldenkrais Method® to treat chronic pain for over 30 years. She was a chronic pain educator at the University of Michigan’s Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Department, where she also researched Central Pain Augmentation. Having studied the Feldenkrais Method in-depth with instructors from all over the world, Allison is passionate about teaching. Currently, she has a busy private practice and dedicates herself to mentoring local practitioners. She has worked for many years to bring a Feldenkrais training program to Ann Arbor.

Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor

Location

The Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor, Michigan


3075 Baker Road
Dexter, MI 48130
feldenkraisaa@gmail.com
www.feldenkraisaa.com


The institute is in a brand new building located in downtown Dexter, a beautiful suburb of Ann Arbor.
The building was designed to foster a community environment that allows for individualized learning. It was structured specifically for Feldenkrais Method® training and has high-quality audio and video systems. At the institute, students can enjoy many of the comforts of home, such as kitchenettes with fridges, teapots, dishes, dishwashers, and microwaves.

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Dexter & Ann Arbor


Within blocks of the institute, students can access Dexter’s parks, restaurants, bars, and shops. FIAA is also one block from the scenic Border to Border trail that connects Dexter to Ann Arbor and other cities. This nonmotorized 35-mile trail has peaceful views of trees and the Huron River.

Neighboring Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and offers a vibrant student community. Though it has a population of 120,000 people, Ann Arbor has the performing arts activities and dining options of a much larger city. In Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, FIAA students can explore the university’s free museums, enjoy farmer’s markets, attend art classes, take kayak trips, or go shopping downtown.

Travel Information

Dexter is a 30-minute drive (25 miles) from the Wayne County International airport (DTW), a hub for Delta Airlines with many direct domestic and international flights. There are many transit options from the airport to Dexter:

Accent Transportation Services
Provides private sedan service
Phone: 1-734-678-8090
Email for reservations: Accent@atsride.com
Private ride $119.00
24 hour pick up available with a reservation

Ann Arbor Airport Shuttle
Provides door to door shuttle service
Phone: 1-734-812-1173
Private ride $49 each way, Groups of 5 booked together $60
24 hour pick up available with a reservation


Local cabs (available onsite at the baggage claim level of the airport):

Ann Arbor Taxi LLC
1-734-477-9970

Premier Taxi and Limo Service
1-734-780-9122

Uber and Lyft both service DTW airport from the main ticketing level outside the airport Westin Hotel.

There are plenty of options for places to stay in and around the Dexter area:

The FIAA helps organize a limited amount of housing during the first year of the training. If you would like help finding accommodations, please let us know in your application and ask to be added to the housing email list. There is a 5% tuition discount for those traveling from out of state. Please contact feldenkraisaa@gmail.com with questions.

Airbnb, VRBO, and short-term rentals:
Both VRBO and Airbnb have a wide range of rental options within blocks of Dexter’s center, from private rooms to lakefront houses. Portage lake, Baseline Lake, Strawberry Lake, Silver Lake, and North Lake are within a short drive of the center. Sharing a house with classmates is a great way to practice skills and techniques during your free time.

Holiday Inn Express Ann Arbor West (5 miles):
This is the closest hotel to FIAA. It has 1-2 bedroom suites and all rooms have a fridge. It’s a 15-minute walk to a large grocery store and may offer transit options.

Wyndham Hotel (11 miles):
A small chain hotel just off the expressway in Ann Arbor.

Weber’s Boutique Hotel (11 miles):
A local upscale hotel with a fine dining restaurant, a bar, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, recreation room, and room service.

Hampton Inn and suites (11 miles):
A larger chain hotel just off the expressway in Ann Arbor.

Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor

Application Process

Welcome to the Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor program application!

The FIAA is fully accredited by the Feldenkrais Guild® of North America. We look forward to training students interested in personal growth and in-depth study. We welcome all applicants, regardless of age, gender, race, physical ability, and sexual orientation.

To make sure we provide an excellent student experience, enrollment is limited. We recommend applying early. Paying the tuition deposit guarantees your spot in the program.

Step One: Fill Out the Application Form


Apply using the link below.
Online Application

Step Two: Submit Your Application Processing Fee


Pay the $100 dollar application fee using one of the methods in the Payments section.

Please note that the application fee will be refunded in full if you are not accepted into the program. Accepted student application fees are non-refundable.
Make A Payment

Step Three: Await Confirmation and Admission Decision


Check your email and make sure you receive confirmation that your application was received. Once you are accepted, you will receive an email with further instructions.

Step Four: Submit Your Tuition Deposit


Once accepted, pay the non-refundable $1500 deposit. This deposit is credited towards your first tuition payment.
Make A Payment

Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor

Tuition Information

Investment


Students pay $2700 twice a year for 40 hours of instruction. The program offers a total of 160 hours of instruction and 12 Functional Integration lessons provided by training staff. Students can take advantage of bonus material to deepen their training or make up missed days at no additional cost.

Discounts


There is a 5% tuition discount for students traveling from out of state. Please contact feldenkraisaa@gmail.com to apply for this discount. Students who opt to pay all four years of tuition in full receive a 10% discount.

Tuition Due Dates


Visit the relevant cohort's homepage for the tuition schedule.
Ann Arbor 1 Homepage 

Late Payments


If your payment is late, a fee may be charged to restore your status in the program. Your tuition payments must be current in order to attend training.

Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor

Payments

Use any of the methods below to submit payment for the application fee or tuition. Venmo, Zelle, or check are our preferred payment methods.

Pay with Check


All checks are payable to the Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor. Please write “tuition” or “application fee” in the memo line. Send checks to:

Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor
3075 Baker Road
Dexter, Michigan 48130
USA

Pay with Zelle


Send payments to feldenkraisaa@gmail.com
Click on the image below to visit the Zelle website for instuctions.

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Pay with Venmo


Username: @feldenkraisaa

  • Mobile: scan the QR code to open the Venmo app
  • Web Browser: click anywhere on the QR code to open the link

Please write “tuition” or “application fee” and your full name in the payment message.

If prompted, enter "5120" as the last four digits of the phone number.

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Pay with PayPal


Select your payment amount and then choose one of the PayPal options below.

Useful Pages

The Feldenkrais Guild® feldenkrais.com About Ann Arbor Ann Arbor 1 Program Homepage FI Scheduling System

© Feldenkrais Institute of Ann Arbor, All Rights Reserved.


The FIAA training program has the responsibility to comply with state and local laws for post-secondary or vocational training. FGNA program accreditation does not indicate whether a training program is in compliance with local and state laws. FIAA has applied for vocational program licensure with the State of Michigan and licensure is pending.

Developed by Kari Green