Reviews & Testimonials
Reviews
WOW! After four days now, I just keep saying WOW!
Sharon Stathis is one class act and a master teacher. Her passion, dedication to Ayurvedic Reflexology shined through as this workshop went at a good clip. She emphasises practical applications, so there were numerous in depth practice sessions and hands on work
The theory of this ancient practice is “wide and deep.” Indeed, she could only cover the basics of something that has been practised for over 4,000 years. Nevertheless, we all walked away feeling like we had a solid concept of the practice and theory.
As for me, my reflexology practice will never be the same and I anticipate that I will be significantly improving and assisting people with their healing needs. Impressive!
For those of you who could not make it, Sharon is planning to the back around for us in 2010. Please send me an e-mail at vonranker@comcast.net if you would like to be notified of her next US tour. Right now, she is teaching in over 17 countries with more and more demand from her services!
Thanks to everyone who attended and added their sweet energies to this amazing class.
by Mary VonRanker
“Sole Inspiration” (Washington Reflexology Association)
Vol 11, issue 3, p13 May 31 – June 1, 2008
Just a quick note to say that I just finished the Ayurvedic reflexology workshop and I’d like to let folks know that there’s a terrific advantage to learning the different ways of doing reflexology. This workshop was not only very informative but very wonderful.
Sharon and Richard were a great team and had great notebooks of what and how they were teaching, along with a DVD (which I purchased and would be glad to show at a meeting or our next get-together).
Many of the techniques were some I had adapted on my own or from taking other classes, but the idea of Ayurvedic Reflexology evolved in to a lot more energy work, which I feel will be very helpful to my clients, especially those with depression.
It was a terrific class.
by Mary Ellen Rutter
“Sole Inspiration” (Washington Reflexology Association)
Vol 11, issue 3, p13 May 31 – June 1, 2008
Testimonials (by country)
AUSTRALIA
“Probably the most clear, concise and professional course I have attended.” Helen Hymas, Langwarrin, Australia
“This course is wonderfully different. Marma points and kasa bowl work are exciting and new, and kinder on the hands.” Lisa Alford, Brisbane, Australia
“One of the most enjoyable courses I’ve ever attended. Loved it, Thank you.” Lynda Taylor, Sydney, Australia
“Perfect for the beginner - no overload - presenter extremely organised and clear.” Anne Clark, Perth, Australia
“Excellent, very clear, thorough and easy to follow.” Cecile Horsfall, Adelaide, South Australia
“A superb course with great content. Sharon is our articulate, patient and exceptional with a passionate love of this subject.” Bridget Noble, SMART 1, Brisbane, Australia 2008“
As a massage therapist, it is easy to incorporate all, or even part of the technique into my work.” Lemise Kassim, SMART 2, Brisbane, Australia 2008
“Lovely presenter, lovely material, lovely course. I feel very confident and they are -- so there says it all. Buy only objective was to learn some reflexology -- great leaves surpassed. I've learnt a whole new aspect to enhance my spiritual progress. Sharon, I give you affirmation that you will got it just right. I'm sure they love to your courses all over the world and you were worth waiting for.” Lemise Kassim, SMART 1, Brisbane, Australia 2008
“ Sharon's openness with information and support made the course extremely enjoyable.” Sue Whitting, SMART 1, Brisbane, Australia 2008
“ I enjoyed such a direct and easy to follow approach to a very complex subject.” Susan Mot, SMART 1, Brisbane, Australia 2008
CANADA
“Sharon is an exceptional facilitator, extremely organized, great teacher, kept the flow going. Really! The best facilitation I’ve ever seen. Thank you.” Rebecca Thacker, SMART 1 Vancouver, 2008
“The video cam demonstrations were extremely helpful so that everyone could see equally. Nameste.” Shannon Dooling, SMART 1 Vancouver, 2008
“The most clear and enjoyable course I have ever attended”. Viera Achbergerova SMART 1 Vancouver, 2008
“Very useful booklet and PowerPoint presentation. I enjoyed the extra pictures and knowledge from Sharon’s slides. Very clear and demonstrated very well. I enjoyed having Sharon checking the placement and technique.” Kathy Johnston SMART 1 Vancouver, 2008
“I found the ‘live’ presentation extremely useful, and it was easy to follow even in a large group”. Jane Huff, SMART 1 Vancouver, 2008
“I felt that the contents were above and beyond what I had expected- wonderful!. I really enjoyed the live examples that were given and felt it was easy to follow and learn from - very hands-on. I took away so much from this course. I am very appreciative of these new techniques of healing. You are a wonderful teacher, thank you so much for sharing.” Melissa Nagy, SMART 1 Vancouver, 2008
“Sharon, I appreciated your clarity and commitment to giving an excellent seminar.” Marianne McLauchlin, SMART 1 Vancouver, 2008
DENMARK
Sharon you are so good at what you are doing. You get your message through loud and clear. It’s all done in a professional and also a warm and personal way. This coures was very good I lolved every minute of it. Annette Schou, Copenhagen, Denmark
It was particularly helpful that the different procedures were repeated several times. This has been different from other courses I have attended, so even though you are the one receiving treatment, you still have a chance to follow. Bettina A, Copenhagen, Denmark
Very clear and easy to uynderstand, helpful – a wonrserful trainer – course was perfect. Bettina Christensen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sharon is a very nice, giving and lovely person. Mette, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nice teaching energy. Jeanet, Copenhagen, Denmark
I liked the live video demonstation - it is very easy to follow. Sharon was easy to understand despite my poor knowledge of English. Best about the course was that the practical instructions were completed and each time the instructions were thorough. Kirsten, Copenhagen, Denmark
Fantastically inspiring – I wish I had known about this earlier. Marianne Groth, Copenhagen, Denmark
Very exciting and interesting - a new and exciting way of treating. Both sharon and Dick were extremely professional. Sharon fills the room with her positive energy. Elsebeth, Copenhagen, Denmark
This is the best teacher I have ever experienced with a great human knowledge and under standing. I am very happy to have met such a person. Gitte Thordsen, Vijle, Denmark
But the feeling in my body after a treatment was a special experience. I am looking forward to using AR. Helle, Vijle, Denmark
Very easy to understand the englinsh and the teacher was helpful giving a lot of attention - Well prepared and professional as a teacher. Annette Phnvig, Vijle, Denmark
Sharon was fantastic. My great fear was that I would not be able to understand the language, but it was easy to undersand. Thank you for a lovely course – very inspiring. Brigitte, Vijle, Denmark
ENGLAND
“Thank-you so much for such a brilliant course. I feel it will provide the missing link I've been searching for in creating my own therapeutic approach to clients and embracing polarity therapy and foot and hand reflexology.” Helen Harris, London, UK
“I have never enjoyed a course as much as I have this one. Everything was perfect. Sharon is such and empowering facilitator”. C Shelford, South Stoke. 2007
“I wish your treatment could be bottled, as it is the best form of reflexology. I wish more reflexologists learnt and practiced this form of reflexology so that treatments could be exchanged and not just given”. Pamela Harben, London. 2007
“You are doing worthwhile excellent work. Thank you for being so pleasant and helpful”. Elaine Mekeresz, Milton Keynes. 2007
“…it was a fabulous weekend and received a wonderful knowledge and memory to work with”. Chris Coddington, Falmouth. 2007
“a real shot in the arm – good one – for me and I look forward to where it leads me. Many many thanks”. Barbara Scrivener, Youlgrave. 2007
“…it’s so simple to me. I think that everyone should try it”. Azza Saleh, SMART 1 London. 2007
“only that all teachers should be as caring and enthusiastic ….. your skills and drive are fantastic”. Susan Woodbridge, London. 2007
“excellent 2 days … something for everyone whether you are an experiences reflexologist or just have an interest”. Chris Armstrong, SMART 1 London. 2007
“your voice is so soothing, the presentation was very professional, clear,, easy to understand and interesting”. Pamela Harben, SMART 2 London. 2007
“I feel priveledged to have been present and taken part in the distillation of such an enormous amount of research, travel and knowledge”. Angela Way, SMART 2 London. 2007
“I really appreciate the depth of knowledge that underlies the teaching – this kind of teaching sends us on and open ended journey”. Florence Germain, SMART 2 London. 2007
FINLAND
“Very clear. You told not only what to do, but also why, which is very important. An amazing four days, that gave me so much I don’t have the word for it. Thank you both.” Paula Kasurinen, SMART 1 & 2 Tampere, 2008
“It was nice that there was so much practical work. Kasa Bowl was a wonderful - new things to learn. It is wonderful to know that my patients will get something new and so relaxing and so healing.” Elina Tervo, SMART 1 & 2 Tampere, 2008
“These workshops have helped to make me more brave, and have strengthened my own experiences.” Meena Niemi, SMART 1 & 2 Tampere, 2008
“I got lots of new tools and that is excellent.” Natalia Karpina, SMART 2 Tampere, 2008
“It was very easy to understand and there was always help when I wanted it.” Marina Koshelainen, SMART 1 Tampere, 2007
“Very clear, things were explained thoroughly - lovely energetic teaching.” Tiia Mellin, SMART 1 Tampere, 2007
“Presentation was very clear and understandable, and the teacher was more than helpful. She was fantastic.” Katri Maria Symon, SMART 1 Tampere, 2007
“I enjoyed the whole course, and the warm atmosphere feeling was there all the time.” Meena Niemi, SMART 1 Tampere, 2007
“Warm, lovely spirit. Teaching was very good but still gentle.” Leile Karjalainen, SMART 1 Tampere, 2007
ICELAND
“…very interesting, I want to know more about this therapy and Ayurveda in general – great course – thank you!”. Anna Adalstendst, Iceland. 2007
“Sharon, you are a unique (one of a kind) person, a forerunner in this field – Thank you. So fantastic to learn how you can blend together Ayurvedic and reflexology.” Thsorbjörg Ingvadóttir, Iceland. 2007
“…very interesting course which have awakened my interest to learn mor in AR and I hope you come back to Iceland – look forward to it.” Ásta M. Agnarsdóttir, Iceland. 2007
IRELAND
“An excellent course. Thanks for the personal energy and thoughtfulness”. Aileen O’Connor, Ballinacurre, Limerick, Ireland
NEW ZEALAND
“Fantastic – the best training I’ve had in post-grad education”. Claire Sparks, New Zealand
“Sharon is absolutely fabulous as a presenter”. Yvonne Dallow, Christchurch, New Zealand
“The presenter was very professional, clear and thoughtful and to the point ….. loved the fact that my hands will now be safer”. Pauline Leighton, Waimate, New Zealand
“I find the treatment routine extremely satisfying both in giving and receiving. I particularly enjoyed Sharon’s sensitivity and humility”. Saga Gibbs, Christchurch, New Zealand
NORTHERN IRELAND
“I feel that I will be able to practice now – I had to stop due to arthritis, but this method is fantastic”. Mary Catherine Hawkes, SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“Ayurvedic Reflexology is simplistic, insightful, energising, easy on the physical body for the practitioner”. Kate Higgins, SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“wonderful knowledgable presenter who gave information and direction for practical work clearly and concisely and at speed which allowed lots of time for the practice of theory”. Frances McAllister, SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“…very enjoyable course, overall a new dimension in reflexology”. Catherine Lynch, SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“…so precise. Beautiful direction. Sharon’s presentation and attention to detail. Very worthwhile course”. Betty Cunningham, SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“Great presenter. Very helpful and informative….everything in an easy to follow maner”. Elaine Curry, SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“I was extremely happy with the workshop and I felt everyone enjoyed, benefited from it in many ways …… What I particularly liked was the: warmth, passion of the instructor, helpful ,humerous husband, seriously - gentle approach, re-focusing mind - intent- purpose - all elements of practical work.” “Having a video link the demo purposes was the first and I feel was extremely beneficial and thoughtful to ensure that everyone could see the prac demonstration. Walters, a passion of the instructor, helpful, humourous husband, seriously gentle approach, refocusing mind – intent – purpose – all elements of practical work. I was extremely happy with the workshop and I felt everyone enjoyed, benefited from it in many ways.” Sharon Johnston, SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“The facilitator and has a lovely manner and easy to listen to. The presentations were excellent”. Caroline Teague SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“Sharon you have an excellent presentation style.” Gillian Kennedy, SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“Sharon is a beautiful person. She has a lovely presence. One of the best tutors I have ever seen.” Phil Murray SMART 1 Balleymoney, 2007
“Presentations were clear and very well delivered. The presenter was excellent.” Bree Gonsalves, SMART 2 Ballymoney, 2008
“The presenter was very professional - so versed in all in her knowledge of Ayurveda and Marma Therapy for the hand. I will recommend this to others.” Frances McAllister, SMART 2 Ballymoney, 2008
“I only wish all reflexologists could experience these wonderful techniques!” Ivy O’Rawe, SMART 2 Ballymoney, 2008
“I enjoyed Sharon’s enthusiasm and knowledge – a very gifted lady. This has built my confidence. I have enjoyed the whole experience. Happy days!” Pauline Freeman, SMART 2 Ballymoney, 2008
“I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this course - hurry back to us and thank you both! Love and thoughts.” Marie Hawkes, SMART 2 Ballymoney, 2008
“The presenter was very passionate about the subject and communicated well.” Donna King, SMART 2 Ballymoney, 2008
NORWAY
“The presentations were clear and very easy to understand. It may me feel that I learned a lot in these two days. Excellent!” “Sharon has a very soothing voice”. Evelyn Haukaas, Bergen. 2007
“It was clear and easy to understand. You was very helpful, and I have learned very much”. Irene Johnsen, Bergen. 2007
“It was easy to understand. I like that we did every step together in the workshop”. Lisbet Grindheim, Bergen. 2007
“The presentations were easy to understand and the presenter was a lovely person. She had lots of patience and was calm and helpful.” Tone Byrkjeland, Bergen 2007
SCOTLAND
“The presenter is highly professional and generous with her teaching”. Florence Germain, Dundee Scotland, SMART 1 Ireland. 2006
“Very inspiring and passionate to tutor. Her knowledge about Ayurvedic work and energy work makes me want to find out more. This course has given me a new lease of life in terms of personal development, and looking after myself as well as others. It will really change the way I work. Brilliant – thank you!” Georgia McCulloch, SMART 1 Elgin, 2008
“The DVD is the best comprehensive training aid I have ever seen.” Lisa Moar, SMART 1 Elgin, 2008
“This course has helped me to think out of the box in regard to reflexology, and has given me more confidence to take a very different approach.” Sarah Gilbertson, SMART 1 Elgin, 2008
“I was particularly delighted with the manual and your ability to identify and summarise such a vast subject in a useful and meaningful way.” Shelagh Boughton, SMART 1 Elgin, 2008
“Brilliant - Sharon's enthusiasm was infectious and teaching method was easy to understand.” Sandy Combe, SMART 1 Elgin, 2008
“I had a wonderful inspiring two days and look forward to using these techniques with my clients.” Deborah Bethune, SMART 1 Elgin, 2008
“I would recommend this workshop to my colleagues and friends. I have to change my way of doing reflexology to the Ayurveda way.” Margaret Nicol, SMART 1 Elgin, 2008
SOUTH AFRICA
“It is important to consider various religious groups attending the course. I was impressed with the religious tolerance and preferences and I thank you immensely for that.” Nasser Abdullah, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“Sharon and Richard’s approach was caring and helpful, professional, soothing, encouraging and entertaining. I couldn’t improve on it. Stunning course. Thank you, thank you!” Heather Hamilton, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“I enjoyed the number of hours available for practice. This reinforced all the notes. The course was wonderful, presented with wonderful humour and ease. It was just too short, but a tremendous insight was given and I left wishing to look further.” Elizabeth Miszka, SMART 1 Durban, 2008
"I completed the Ayurvedic Reflex training last year in Durban, South Africa and a number of my clients switched immediately to this treatment and refuse any other! I really find it impacts at a level way beyond or deeper than the physical and is often times difficult to even put into words the benefits or responses that can be anticipated. It has become such a special part of what I am able to offer others from my practice.” Alexis Grewan, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008“
Easy to understand and the presenter was so helpful.” Patrica Nogxina, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“All was fascinating and fabulous. Thank you so much for such an awesome time and a very insightful, fun filled weekend.” Antoinette Iglauer, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“This was an amazing workshop. It was so interactive and informative. Thank you!” Maia Jeran, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“Most of all – you have helped me to finally moved out of “therapeutic training” and get back to wellness and energy - also to go back to study my love of Ayurveda!” Gayl Hansen, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“I enjoyed the practical participation. This was a wonderful introduction to a new method to add to my repertoire.” Elise J Van Vuuren, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“This is a very helpful and wonderful course.” Jyoti Govind, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“The treatment at the end left me very calm, peaceful and highly energised. My stressful life has not allowed me to feel like this in a long, long time. Any kind of healing occurs only when one is relaxed.” Madhvi Pragjee, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“This course was informative and precise and to the point. I was very happy with the course. It was just like coming back home.” Umavathee Naidoo, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“Both days were great and the practical work was awesome.” Rhamba Hira, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“The manual is very in-depth and easy to read. I enjoyed the PowerPoint presentation. Brilliant!” Ruth Hull, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“I am grateful for your kindness and patience, Sharon. Just continue with your excellent work!” Kasthurie Gounden, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“I am grateful to have met you (Sharon) in my journey. I would love to meet you again. You are a great teacher.” Pamela M Naidoo, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
“I would love to see you both again in Durban. I would be most interested to learn about SMART 2.” Nancy Pillay, SMART 1 Durban, South Africa, 2008
SWEDEN
“I recommend the SMART 1 to eveyone who are interested in Ayurvedic Reflexology”. Maria-Conchita Holberg, Stockholm. 2007
“I will continue to use Ayurvedic Reflexology – thank you!!”. Madileine Berglind, Stockholm. 2007
USA
“I liked the rhythm of the day…routine will be easily incorporated into my regular reflexology….Notes were clear and professional”. Bonnie Mowery-Oldham, Greensboro, NC, USA, 2007
“Sharon was great and made the class very interesting. Definitely has a gift for teaching”. Shirley Ratchford, Greensboro, NC, USA, 2007
“Class was extremely interesting – packed with information…presentation was very professional and effective….Sharon’s open-minded, accepting direction made us all feel validated”. David Henry, Greensboro, NC, USA, 2007
“The “dance” of Ayurvedic Reflexology is exquisite. I am eager to offer it to my clients & friends…. Thoroughly enjoyed this workshop …. I leave feeling inspired”. Karen Ball, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“Great content and explanation of all information. Looking forward to SMART 2”. Shirley Cowen, Miami, Florida, USA, 2007
“Clear, easy to understand … Extremely organized and professionally done”. Milka Premrl, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“I found the therapy quite powerful and much easier on my hands than standard reflexology”. Helise Dubnick, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“Everything was great, the instructor, the content, the presentation ….Thank you so much”. JoAnn Odell, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“The delivery was clear …. Sharon made the material that is dense & foreign, streamlined. It is a new approach that I look forward to incorporating. It is clear that Sharon and Richard have a great love for this work. It is a pleasure to learn from people who take pleasure in teaching”. Tanya Maycock, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“Materials were well presented & organized. Nice use of the camera for demonstrations. Thank you for sharing your wisdom & experiences in such a loving and sincere manner”. Sue Wilson, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“…easy to follow for a beginner in reflexology…. I found Sharon very spiritual and positive”. Sharon Gerstmann, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“The contents were informative, interesting, and makes me want to learn more”. Deborah L Bologna, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“Very easy to understand & completely clear. Richard and Sharon were both extremely helpful”. Delores Lynn, Miami, Florida, USA 2007
“Love the multimedia aspects – carefully planned and beautifully executed – kept it interesting”. Michelle Milder, California, USA
“I will never forget the feeling of being swept into another state of euphoria and rest when Ayurvedic Reflexology was applied. Thank you for teaching me to feel and to heal.” Dot DeCesare Methuen, MA, USA
“The powerpoint presentations were extremely helpful. To be able to see it on a big screen was marvelous”. Ildika Laszlo, Pasadena, California, USA
“Very indepth and user friendly. Can use information right away”. Colleen Campbell, Vancouver, WA, USA
“This class was the most professional and well researched and prepared of any continuing education class that I have taken – easily on the level of the Upledger presentations”. Hallie Persinger, Vancouver, WA, USA
“Presentations were excellent.....Thank you for clarity, organization, skill...Excellent outstanding”. Kate Melvin, Arlington, MA, USA
“Thank you so much for a beautiful, thoughtful, edifying and useful class - very freeing for my personal reflexology work experience”. Angel Amulis, Los Angeles, California, USA
“I found the weekend so exceeded my expectations. Sharon has such a wonderful presence – a fabulous energy and was obviously born to be a teacher – looking forward to future workshops”. Barbara Nelligan, Warwick NY, USA
“I am so pleased with the level of education and the beautiful presentation. I thank Sharon very very much”. Nancy Rupp, E. Patchogue, NY, USA
“Sharon is polished and practiced with an obvious wealth of knowledge on the subject”. Diane April, Tarrytown, NY, USA
“Sharon was great and made the class very interesting…..has a gift for teaching”. Indian Trail, NC, USA, November 2007
“The routine that I learned will be easily incorporated into my regular reflexology session….notes were clear and professional”. Lincolnville, Maine, USA, November 2007
“Sharon puts things that I have learned, and things that I feel in sessions about myself, in perspective - another great tool for my toolbox.” Lydia Bassetti, Atlanta GA, SMART 1, 2008
“It was very clear and the presenter was very knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoyed every moment of it. It was a very pleasant experience. Thank you!” Rossana Turner, Atlanta GA, SMART 1, 2008
“Instructor was very knowledgeable and explained everything well.” Ruth Rowell, Atlanta GA, SMART 1, 2008
WALES
“Wonderful course, fixed up my enthusiasm – eager to learn more, Fabulous teacher whose own passion for the method shines through”. Jenny Evans, Swansea. 2007