Affiliated Staff

Alan Thal, MD

Dr. Alan Thal graduated, with honors, from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1964. He served his internship at Albert Einstein School of Medicine in 1965, and returned to Seattle and the University of Washington where he was Chief Resident in Pediatrics. After his 2 yr stint in the Army as a Medical Officer, he spent the next 25 years at a large HMO (Kaiser-Permanente) in the Bay Area, where he was a clinical instructor at the University of California Medical School in Pediatrics, and a consulting pediatric cardiologist at the Walnut Creek Kaiser Permanente Medical Facility.

For the past 12 years he has focused his energy on complementary and alternative healing modalities. His interests include detoxification strategies, natural approaches to cardiovascular disease, hormonal balancing (men and women), nutritional counseling, neurotransmitter balancing, Parkinson and other neurological problems (including senility states), cancer prevention and a comprehensive risk analysis to discover the origin of potential problems and to develop a comprehensive life plan to lead to a high quality long, healthy life. For further information you can visit his website, www.drthal.com.

Alvita Soleil, O.M.D., Lac. NCCAOM

Raised in the mountainous region of Chamonix, France, Alvita left her native homeland more than 37 years ago, traveling the world before settling in the United States. For more than 30 years Oriental Medicine and various forms of healing have been her dedication and her passion. She studied various methods of massage, acupressure, jin shin do, bio-energetic medicine for a few years before she received her acupuncture degree from the American College of Traditional Medicine in 1982 and graduated doctor of Oriental medicine from the Institute of Oriental Medicine in China in 1988.

Dr Alvita Soleil operated a successful holistic clinic in Mill Valley, California where her unique approach to health and wellness was so sought after that readers of Focus Magazine voted her one of the best area's experts in the field. As a medical intuitive she offers a compassionate approach to many health challenges. Her integrated approach to treatment is based on the fundamental recognition that each individual is a unique symphonic balance of physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual components. For this reason she combines many healing modalities including Traditional Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, Herbology, Spiritual Healing and Counseling, Bio-Energetic Medicine, Live Blood Cell Analysis Darkfield Microscopy, Homeopathy, Diet and Nutrition, NAET (allergy elimination technique), Emotional/ Psychological Repatterning, Lymphatic drainage, and European Naturopathy. The emphasis is on prevention, detoxification, strengthening the body, awakening the mind and empowering the spirit.

Dr. Soleil moved to Hawaii in 2002 where she founded the Kohala Health and Wellness Center. Her favorite quote on healing: "Healing is not merely the relief of physical or mental pain. Healing is the change that naturally occurs when we make the time to nurture and care for ourselves".

Joel Levey, Ph.D and Michelle Levey

Dr. Joel & Michelle Levey have devoted their lives to the exploration of extraordinary human potential and have been blessed to work and study closely with many of the most respected mind scientists and revered contemplative teachers of our times. They are founders of The International Center for Corporate Culture and Organizational Health at InnerWork Technologies, Inc., www.WisdomAtWork.com a Seattle-based firm dedicated to developing and renewing organizational cultures and communities in which extra-ordinary levels of wisdom, inspired leadership, cooperation, synergy, mind-fitness, collective intelligence, and change resilience can thrive. They are also founders of the International Center for Contemplative Inquiry and the Kohala Sanctuary, a retreat center on the Big Island of Hawaii hosting gatherings in the Aloha Spirit www.KohalaSanctuary.com.

The Leveys work with organizations and communities around the globe to inspire people to deepen the wisdom, wonder, compassion, resilience, mind-fitness, and creativity they bring to life, work, and relationships amidst the myriad changes, challenges, and opportunities of these turbulent and rapidly shifting times. Their work spans many disciplines and the following notes offer a glimpse of their experience:

* Nobel Laureate the Dalai Lama, an advisor and supporter on a number of the Leveys' projects, encouraged them in their work saying in a letter to them: "You are presently engaged in work that has great prospects for bringing the Dharma (the inner sciences and technologies of human development and transformation) to a very wide section of people who may not under ordinary circumstances come into contact with these teachings. I am very pleased about the work that you are doing and send you blessings and prayers for your success."

Raylene Kawaiae'a

Raylene Ha`alelea Kawaiae`a a long time teacher of Hawaiian way of life, has been a kumu (teacher) hula for over 30 years. She teaches hula and Hawaiian culture as a way of life to people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Her lineage has brought her an understanding of the traditions of her heritage. A practitioner and haku (master) of Ho`oponopono, a spiritual practice to restore and maintain good relationships between the Divine, humankind and nature, she comes forth to assist and to be of service to those in need of her skills. Raylene combines her gentle nature with a deep connection to the land and the Spirit of Hawaii to offer deep insight into the mysteries of life.

Virginia Davis, RN

Virginia Davis, RN loves to share her life long passion for joyful movement and health. Virginia's goal for her student/clients is that once a student understands the human energy system as dynamic and evolving they will tap into their innate wisdom body and create their own program for joyful movement and longevity.

Virginia has a bachelor of science in nursing, is certified by the yoga alliance through Kripalu, certified as a master Pilates trainer through physical mind institute of New York, a massage therapist and eclectic body worker.

She enjoys teaching about the biomechanics of the joints, muscles, bones, connective tissue, spine and organs, learning how to lubricate the joints, stack the bones in natural alignment, develop balance of strength and flexibility, and massage the organs is part of all of her sessions. Virginia draws on yoga, Pilates, Qigong, dance and nature for her inspiration.

Ron Lemire, LMT

Ron Lemire has been a practitioner of the healing arts for 32 years. His skillful means as a bodyworker comes from years of hands on clinical experience in the study of osteoarthritis and related structural disorders. Ron is also a certified Homeopath and Herbalist, and makes his own herbal remedies. With the above modalities and the use of Medical Astrology, a holistic view is perceived. Ron has traveled extensively with John Denver throughout the 80's, and has worked with such notables as Burl Ives, Goldie Hawn, Buckminster Fuller, and the Indiana Pacers. Additionally Ron has worked with a variety of athletes and professions that he serves as trainer and therapist.

Chrissi Lemire, RN

Chris Lemire has been actively involved in Holistic Health and Spiritual Awareness for 36 years. She has cared for the homeless, children and the elderly, the mentally ill, those with learning disabilities, and the chronically and acutely ill of all ages. She has an extensive background as a Holistic Nurse RN, a Special Education Teacher, and a private Holistic Health practicitioner. She also holds degrees in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Herbology, Homeopathy, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage, Ashtanga Yoga, and Integral Psychology.

Chris has cared for the dying and bed ridden patients extensively in home health care and has a gentle and nurturing approach as an unconditional lover of all people.

Vikki Catellacci MA, LMFT

Vikki Catellacci MA, LMFT has lived and practiced clinical work with children and families in Hawaii for the past 27 years. Vikki's focus has been in the area of bereavement. For the past three years in association with Hospice of Hilo Hawaii, she has led bereavement camps for children.