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SARAH KOTZAMANI
MOVEMENT EDUCATION AND MANUAL THERAPY
SF, EAST BAY, BERKELEY, CA

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SARAH KOTZAMANI 
MFA, CMT, RES-CPT*

Sarah Kotzamani and Alice
​I was born in Kansas City, Missouri.

​My amazing warm-hearted artist mother, Vika, was from Greece, and so when I was 15 my family moved to Greece.  I lived over 20 years in Greece, and I feel my connection deeply.


When I was young, I developed low back pain apprenticing in a production pottery in Greece. A little exercise series in a book I read immediately made the pain go away, and it consistently worked for me. That's how I discovered how powerful doing things for your body can be. I also discovered how much I like telling people about it, since anytime any friend or relation mentioned back pain I would have them down on the floor doing the exercise! 


​Well, my parents were artists so that's what I knew. I went to art school, and I loved it, and I most wholeheartedly loved learning about human anatomy.

Later I learned about Pilates, which reminded me a lot of those first back pain exercises. I jumped into studying then teaching Pilates, thrilled with how much it helped people feel better and understand their own bodies better.

My next step started with bouts of waking up multiple times every night with both hands numb. I got ahold of the book "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook," and found that working on my own scalene muscles cured the numbness in my hands. How powerful is that? I had to learn more! That's how I found the Hendrickson Method.

Studying with Katy Bowman about human alignment and biomechanics, and her exercise method to restore our natural alignment, has been what really ties everything together for me.

This work that I'm doing is so satisfying to me because it is about the power of healing yourself through understanding more about your body.

* 
Restorative Exercise Specialist, certified by Nutritious Movement™ 
                                               ~ • ~ • ~ • ~
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  • I've been engrossed in (and loving) teaching private and group Pilates classes since 2006, transitioning into Restorative (alignment) Exercise since 2013, and including private HM bodywork sessions since 2011.
  • I've been leading movement workshops and retreats in California and Greece since 2014.
You can ​Click Here if you'd like yet another take about who I am!

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EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, SOME ONGOING STUDIES:
​
2019   As always, further adventures with KB and NM!
            MovNat Level 1 Instructor Certification
2018   Certified in McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release
2017   Ongoing studies with Katy Bowman, M.S. 
​            Foot Mobilisation Therapies, ongoing study
            Original Strength Coach Level 1 Certification
2015   Certified by Nutritious Movement™ to teach Move Your DNA workshops
2014   HM® Advanced Therapist Certification,  Berkeley, CA
2013   Restorative Exercise Specialist Certified by Nutritious Movement™
2012   HM® Therapist Certification,  Berkeley, CA
            Healthy Foot Practitioner, certified by Restorative Exercise Institute
2011   Hendrickson Method® Practitioner Certification, Berkeley, CA
2009   Pilates Excel Certification, Rebecca Leone, Seattle, WA
2006   Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Certification,  Body Kinetics, Mill Valley, CA

            Pilates Method Alliance Certification
2001   MFA Spatial Arts, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
1997   BFA Ceramics, California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland, CA


Continuing studies and re-certifications with Katy Bowman and the Hendrickson Method Institute. TRE (Tension/Trauma Release Exercises), and lots of other ongoing explorations. 
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Some of the other teachers I've taken workshops with, and who have influenced the work I do:
  • Gil Hedley
  • Leslie Howard
  • Madeline Black
  • ​Nkem Ndefo
  • David Weinstock
  • Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle 
  • Mary Bond
  • Dr. Guy Voyer
  • Deane Juhan
  • Eric Franklin
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 "I was in a lot of pain from driving and playing tennis.  I thought I might have to give up both. However, Sarah helped me identify the source of the problem in my neck, generated through my shoulder and into my arm.  She gave me helpful exercises.  She performed body work that helped me feel the adjustments I should make in my posture, and she helped me stretch muscles that eased the pain.  Thank you, Sarah, for helping me return to tennis and allow me to have hope of a pain free arm."  - Richard D

“... I have been meaning to write a long thank you for such a long time! ... My prolapse symptoms are mostly gone, and I am able to walk comfortably for long times too. ... My plantar fasciitis is pretty much gone too, and I am able to walk around barefoot now .... I've been walking lots (averaging 5 miles a day, and do up to 10 miles on some days without any plantar fasciitis pain) ... I really really really just want to say a huge THANK YOU for your help. I feel so fortunate to have found you.” M.H.

" ... I've been working at the exercises you gave me. The rib thrusting change was a little miracle. My early morning back pain has been almost entirely gone since our session." Cathy D

" ... I went to a kayak rolling class yesterday with great success! By the end of the series of progressive exercises I was rolling my kayak unassisted, and I did 7 unassisted rolls! I know I have you to thank for the increased strength, kinetic awareness and flexibility that enabled me to finally achieve this skill. I of course need to practice a lot from now on but I just wanted to thank you and give credit where it is due!" – Denise B