Biography: Elizabeth is the owner of Topp Coaching & Consulting, a company that designs customized coaching and training to organizations committed to employee heath and happiness. Elizabeth has a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology and Masters Degrees in Counseling Psychology and Holistic Human Development, specializing in integrated Mind/Body approaches to wellness and accessing human potential. Elizabeth has studied meditation for twelve years, along with various mind/body disciplines including yoga, tai chi, pilates, Authentic Movement, Mind/Body Centering, and aikido. Additional training in Creative Expression and massage therapy inform her work as well. Her coaching and teaching practice supports individuals at all levels of experience and abilities, and includes exercises that address the Mind, Body, and Soul for total wellness. Her office is in Santa Monica, California.

Website: www.elizabethtopp.com.

Contact: Elizabeth can be reached by e-mail at elizabeth@elizabethtopp.com for additional information about this pre-conference session.


Title: Get In2:Yoga

Date: Thursday, April 23rd

Length: 3 hours (9:00-12:00pm)

Location: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne - 6633 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park

Cost: None

Description: Yoga is much more than physical exercise, it is considered a way of life, and incorporates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual practices that move us toward a state of harmony and well-being. In this pre-conference workshop we will set the stage for the weekend as we relax our bodies and quiet our minds through the ancient Yogic practices of breathing, stretching, holding postures (or asanas), and meditation.

Yoga offers us the opportunity to reflect on new ways of seeing and understanding; specifically we get to see the connection between our mind & body. The body, our physical presence and visible behavior, is a reflection of the mind, the source of our attitudes and thought patterns. In this yoga session, we will all meet in one physical space, but move to our own physical and psychological edges of flexibility and resistance. Mindfully we will bring awareness to these edges and learn how to “be in” and “breathe through” these places in order to discover new sources of strength, endurance, and flexibility.

All levels are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing and come with an attitude of curiosity and play. Please check with your doctor if you have any physical or health issues, and bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Target Audience: Anyone who would like to stretch, breathe, relax, and learn about yoga and the mind/body connection. This will be a gentle yoga class, however it will also be tailored to those people who attend. Come with an attitude of curiosity and exploration.

Organizational Issues: Stress, Stress-Management, Employee Health, & Better Thinking (calm & focused mind).

Objectives: You will learn about the foundations of Yoga and begin to make the connection between your physical body and your mental body, or your thinking.

Handouts: Available for download after the Forum