Join The Festival Two Days Of Total Wellness

Calling All Health And Wellness Practitioners And Providers! 

Join Us For An Exciting Community Event Designed To Bring Together The Best In The Industry.

Schedule Of Events:

Open To The Public: Attendance Is Free, Full Day Of Programming, 40+ Wellness Vendors
Parking Available At Litchfield Community Field, Overflow Parking Across The Street. Suitable For All Ages. All Programming Under Tent A.

8.45 - 9.30am - Fitness Class: Sunrise Bootcamp
Start Your Day Strong With Our Post-Sunrise Afterglow Boot Camp!
Join Us Just After First Light For A Fun, Full-Body Workout Designed To Sharpen Your Focus And Boost Your Mood. Through Calisthenics And Natural Body Resistance, We'll Wake Up Your Body And Energize Your Mind. Whether You're A Seasoned Fitness Enthusiast Or Simply Looking To Shake Off Sleep And Move, This All-Levels Session Is For You!

For Nearly A Decade, Julie Nevers Has Been A Vibrant Force In The Wellness Community Of Litchfield County, Leading Group Classes And Inspiring Others To Live Healthier, More Active Lives. She Is An Afaa Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Afaa Certified Personal Trainer, And Nasm Certified Nutrition Coach—Credentials That Reflect Both Her Expertise And Commitment To Holistic Wellness.

Julie Currently Teaches Weekly Group Fitness Classes At Litchfield Hills Fitness And Offers In-Home Concierge Sessions Tailored To Clients With A Wide Range Of Fitness And Health Goals. Known For Her Nurturing And Empowering Approach, Julie Excels At Creating Personalized Wellness Plans That Help Her Clients Thrive—Physically, Mentally, And Emotionally.

Her Passion For Health And Movement Began In High School, Where She Was A Dedicated Athlete And Discovered A Lifelong Love For Running. Today, She Enjoys Weightlifting, Spending Time In Nature, Walking With Her Dogs And Three Children, And Modeling A Healthy Lifestyle. Through Her Work And Way Of Life, Julie Encourages Others To Honor Their Bodies And Keep Moving—Even In An Increasingly Sedentary World.

Julie Nevers
Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach

9.45 - 10.15am - Yoga Class: All Levels Yoga
Flow Into Your Day With Purpose And Presence.
This All-Levels, Energizing Yoga Class Is Designed To Awaken The Body And Empower The Spirit. You'll Be Guided Through A Dynamic Sequence That Builds Mind-Body Connection And Grounded Energy To Carry You Through The Day Ahead. Perfect For Seasoned Practitioners And Beginners Alike—Everyone Is Welcome On The Mat.

Note: Please Bring A Yoga Mat Or Blanket For This Practice.

Nina Embiricos Is A Seasoned Yoga Instructor And The Founder Of Riga Yoga, A Charming Studio Nestled In The Village Of Salisbury, At The Foot Of Mount Riga State Park In Litchfield County.

Born And Raised In Paris, France, Nina Brings A Global Perspective To Her Teaching. She Is Certified By The Original Yogaworks Studio In Santa Monica, The Prenatal Yoga Center In New York City, And L'institut De Gasquet In Paris. She Has Also Studied With Renowned Yoga Pioneer Nevine Michaan And Is Certified By The Katonah Yoga Center. Nina's Goal Is To Offer A Practice That Supports Well-Being And Longevity. Her Classes Draw Inspiration From Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar, And Katonah Yoga. She Enjoys Working With Both Beginners And Experienced Practitioners, And Riga Yoga Offers A Wide Variety Of Specialty Classes, Workshops, And Community Events.

Nina Embiricos
Riga Yoga, Salisbury

10.30 - 11.15am - Summer Self Care: Herbal First Aid

Don't Miss This Hands-On Workshop!
Learn How To Build Your Own Summer-Ready First Aid Kit Using Herbal And Natural Remedies. Discover How To Navigate Common Health Situations From A Holistic Perspective—And Leave With The Peace Of Mind That You're Prepared For Whatever Summer Sends Your Way!

Alison Birks, Ms, Ahg, Cns Is A Certified Clinical Herbalist With The American Herbalists Guild, A Certified Nutrition Specialist, And A Holistic Health Coach And Wellness Provider. Her Journey As An Herbalist Began At The Age Of 13, When She Felt A Deep Calling To Work With Plants For Healing—A Passion That Has Shaped Her Extensive And Multifaceted Career.

Alison's Professional Path Includes Roles As An Herbalist, Educator, Gardener, Wild Foods Enthusiast, And Co-Owner Of An Herbal Apothecary. She Holds A Master's Degree In Nutrition From The University Of Bridgeport And Has Studied Botany And Ecology At The College Of The Atlantic. She Is Certified In Therapeutic Herbalism Through David Winston's School For Herbal Studies, And Has Completed Programs In Chinese Herbalism At The Connecticut School Of Herbal Studies, As Well As Aromatherapy Training At The Pacific Institute Of Aromatherapy.

Passionate About Growing, Wild-Harvesting, And Crafting Her Own Herbal Medicines, Alison Now Works Remotely With Clients To Support Their Holistic Health Goals. She Offers A Wide Range Of Services To Clients In Litchfield County, Ct, And Beyond, And Serves On The Teaching Faculty Of The Nationally Recognized Herbal Academy.

Alison Birks

11:15 - 12:00pm - Tai Chi Class: Mindfulness & Movement

Align Your Day With Calm Intention And Mindful Movement.
This Gentle Tai Chi Class Invites You To Slow Down, Center Yourself, And Connect With The Rhythm Of Nature Through A Graceful Sequence Of Flowing Postures And Breathwork. Rooted In Ancient Chinese Tradition, Tai Chi Promotes Balance, Flexibility, And Inner Peace—Making It The Perfect Way To Ground Your Energy Before An Afternoon Of Festival Magic.

With Over 30 Years Of Martial Arts Experience, Ethan Has Practiced A Wide Range Of Styles, Including Tai Chi, Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun, And Hung Gar. His Teaching Spans All Ages—From Children As Young As Four To Seniors Over 80.

Through Martial Arts, Ethan Has Mentored At-Risk Youth (Ages 9–16), Helping Them Cultivate Inner Awareness, Mental Clarity, And Discipline. He Also Works With Older Adults To Improve Balance, Coordination, And Body Awareness.

Ethan Holds A Certificate In Mindful Mentorship From Cloud Sangha, Where He Studied Under Renowned Teachers Tara Brach And Jack Kornfield. His Spiritual Path Is Informed By Zen, Taoism, Non-Dual Philosophy, Christian Mysticism, And Stoic Philosophy. Ethan's Mission Is To Foster Self-Awareness, Compassion, And Loving-Kindness—And To Bring These Practices Into Settings Such As Hospitals, Hospice Care, Senior Centers, Prisons, And Public Schools.

For Nine Years, Ethan Managed And Eventually Became The Owner Of Discount Health Foods In North Miami Beach, Florida—A Beloved Community Establishment Of Over 40 Years. There, He Provided Herbs, Supplements, And Vegetarian Groceries, While Also Leading Classes And Private Consultations Focused On Holistic Wellness.

Ethan Williams
Instructor, Charym Yoga

12.00 - 1.00pm - Yappy Hour & Music
Get Ready For Yappy Hour At The Festival—Adorable Aussie Poo Puppies Will Be Stopping By, Eager To Play, Cuddle, And Soak Up All Your Love And Attention! 

1.00 - 1.45pm - Dance: Experiential Movement
Reconnect With Your Body Through Intuitive Movement And Expressive Dance. This Session Invites You To Explore The Freedom Of Moving Without Rules—Just Rhythm, Breath, And Sensation. You'll Be Gently Guided Through A Movement Practice That Opens Space For Joy, Creativity, And Connection. No Experience Necessary—Just A Willingness To Move, Feel, And Be Fully Present.

Victoria Mazzarelli Received Her Ballet Training At The Nutmeg Conservatory For The Arts And, At Just 17, Was Awarded The Only Gold Medal At The New York International Ballet Competition. Following This Achievement, She Was Invited To Join The Basel Ballet In Switzerland, Where She Was Quickly Promoted To Principal Dancer.

Victoria Went On To Perform With The Frankfurt Ballet Under The Direction Of William Forsythe, As Well As With The Zurich Ballet And A Return Engagement With The Basel Ballet.

In 2003, She Returned To The Nutmeg Conservatory For The Arts As Associate Artistic Director, Where She Continues To Teach, Coach, And Choreograph For The Next Generation Of Dancers.

In Addition To Her Work With Nutmeg, Victoria Serves As A Guest Teacher For Momix And Has Been Part Of Charym Yoga In Litchfield Since Its Founding, Where She Offers Her Popular Ballet Flow Class—A Unique Blend Of Dance And Yoga.

Victoria Mazzarelli
Charym Yoga / Nutmeg

2.00 - 2.30pm - Yoga Class: Laughter Yoga
When Was The Last Time You Basked In The Radiant Healing Energy Of Your Own Laughter? Just 20 Minutes Of Laughter Practice Can Reduce Stress And Boost Happiness Hormones In The Body! It Oxygenates, Breaks Up Physical Stagnation, Resets Your Outlook, And Deepens Your Connection To Your Soul. Tap Into The Easy Joy Of Your Inner Child With Playful Exercises Designed To Stimulate Genuine Laughter. The Session Concludes With A Grounding Taoist Inner Smile Exercise To Anchor The Experience.

This Joyful Practice Is Open To All Ages And Levels!

Allegra Morosani Is A Laughter Yoga Teacher And Reiki Master Teacher. Her Training Spans Years Of Learning And Teaching In India And Thailand, Followed By Extensive Practice While Living As A Householder, Mother, And Wife In England And On Her Family's Farm In Litchfield, @Laurelridgefarm.

Allegra Is Cofounder Of Pureland Reiki And Founder Of The Pashmina Brand @Samadhi.Woven. She Is Also An Avid Gardener And Homeschool Mom.

She Offers Laughter Yoga Sessions And Courses, As Well As Reiki Courses By Appointment.

Allerga Morosani

2.45 - 3.30pm - Summer Radiance: Ayurveda & Skincare 101 
Glowing Skin Starts From Within.
Join Us For A Nourishing, Integrative Workshop That Blends The Ancient Wisdom Of Ayurveda With Simple, Seasonal Skincare Rituals Designed To Help You Thrive In The Summer Sun. Learn How To Support Your Body And Overall Vitality Through Diet, Daily Routines, And Natural Remedies That Balance Heat And Inflammation. Discover Cooling Foods, Herbs, And Oils To Promote Clarity And Radiance, Along With Diy Skincare Tips You Can Easily Incorporate Into Your Routine.

Jessica Ashoka Grant Is An Eryt-500 Yoga Instructor With Two Decades Of Teaching Experience, Specializing In Ayurvedic And Trauma-Informed Practices. She Earned Headvanced Yoga Certification In Barcelona, Spain, With Lakshmi Rising And Dr. Liz Lindh. Jessica Brings Nationally Recognized Leadership In Mental Health And Integrative Wellness As A Licensed Psychotherapist, Ayurvedic Practitioner, And Community Herbalist. She Served In A Director Role At Yale University's School Of Medicine For Ten Years Before Transitioning To Full-Time Private Practice And Consultation. With Over 20 Years Of Clinical Experience, Jessica Has Developed Deep Expertise In Ptsd Treatment, Neuroscience, And Evidence-Based Practice As An Educator, Researcher, And Provider.

She Is Passionate About Integrating Indigenous Wisdom, Ecomedicine, Eastern Philosophy, Somatic Sciences, And Plant Psychology As Powerful Healing Modalities. Jessica Is The Founder Of Prima Wellness, A Healing Space In Litchfield, Ct, And Spends Significant Time In The Blue Ridge Mountains Of North Carolina Supporting The Cultivation Of Endangered Field And Forest Botanicals.

Nicky Of Nkyv Rituals In Litchfield Is A Nationally Renowned Expert In The Beauty Industry, Licensed Esthetician, And Hairstylist. She Travels Between Los Angeles, Nyc, And Connecticut To Serve Her Clients And Is Known For Her Nurturing, Energetically Nourishing Approach.

Educated At Bumble And Bumble University, Nicky Became An Educator For Les Beaux Vous Salon In Connecticut. Inspired By The Creative Energy Of Los Angeles, She Relocated There To Build Her Experience, Working On Film Sets And Red Carpets Before Finding A Home At A Multinational Hair Loss Consultancy And Salon In Beverly Hills.

Nicky Is Passionate About Developing Personalized Treatments For Skin, Hair, And Mind. Her Studio, Nkyv, Is Located In The Historic Old Jailhouse In Litchfield, Overlooking The Beautiful Town Green.

Jessica Ashoka Grant & Nicole Neto

3.45 - 4.30pm - Pilates Class: Mat Pilates, All Levels
Strengthen, Lengthen, And Align In This Alfresco Pilates Practice!

This Harmonizing Outdoor Pilates Class Focuses On Coordinated Movement, Core Stability, And Full-Body Toning Through Breath-Led Sequences Designed To Leave You Feeling Grounded, Invigorated, And Revitalized. This Class Is Open To All Ages And Levels Of Experience.

Note: It Is Recommended That Participants Bring A Mat Or Blanket For This Practice.

Annie Kaplon Is A Master Pilates Instructor With Over 29 Years Of Experience Teaching Mind-Body Movement Through Pilates. Trained By Michelle Larsson, The Foremost Pupil Of Eve Gentry, Through The Core Dynamics Program, Annie Carries The Legacy Of Pilates Instruction Passed Down From Joseph And Clara Pilates In The 1930s–1950s. To Elevate The Quality And Safety Of Pilates Practices And Preserve The Original Intent And Integrity Of Joe And Clara's Work, Annie Served As The Founding Secretary Of The Pilates Method Alliance In 2000, The Only National Certifying Board For Pilates Instructors In The U.S.

Annie Is Also An Integrative Health Nurse And The Lerner Holistic And Integrative Nurse Fellowship Coordinator For The Lerner Health Promotion-Integrative Health Department At Nyu Langone Hospital. With Over 33 Years Of Nursing Experience, She Has A Background In Cardiac Icu Nursing, Heart Transplant Coordination, And Artificial Heart Support.

She Holds A Master's Degree In Mindfulness Studies From Lesley University And Is A Board-Certified Integrative Health Coach From Duke University. Annie Teaches Mindfulness, Guided Imagery, Meditation, Wellness, And Self-Care Practices. She Is A Reiki Level 2 Practitioner Currently Pursuing Reiki Master Training.

Currently, Annie Focuses On Managing Midlife Changes During Menopause Through A Holistic, Multimodal Curriculum She Developed To Support Women During This Transition.

Annie Kaplon
Litchfield Pilates & Integrated Health

4.45 - 5.30pm - Gentle Movement & Sound Ceremony
End The Festival With Healing And Restoration.

Sound Healing And Relaxation Practices Have Provided Some Of My Deepest Meditations. Our Bodies, Made Mostly Of Water, Are Profoundly Affected By The Vibrations From Sound Healing Instruments. Often, We Simply Need Rest—And When Our Bodies Rest, They Heal.

This Session Features Gentle Movement Accompanied By Singing Bowls And Percussion Instruments Like Rain Sticks, Bells, And Chimes. Paired With Guided Meditations And Breathwork, These Elements Create A Soothing Soundscape For You To Fully Relax Into.

All Ages Are Welcome.

Note: It Is Recommended That Participants Bring A Mat Or Blanket, As Well As Any Other Comfort Items Such As A Pillow To Enhance The Experience. 

Grace Magnusson Is An Experienced Yoga Instructor, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, And Reiki Master. She Earned Her Yoga Teacher Certification From The Kripalu School Of Yoga In 2016, Followed By Her 500-Hour Ytt Credential. Grace's Classes Feature Creative Sequences And Intentional Breathwork To Cultivate Self-Compassion And Deepen Understanding Of The Body's Subtle Energies. Passionate About Energy Work And Deep Relaxation, She Often Incorporates Sound Healing To Create A Supportive Space Where Students Can Rest And Rejuvenate. Over The Past Five Years, Grace Has Taught Yoga And Offered Sound Healing To Teens Recovering From Mental Health Challenges. She Is Also Dedicated To Somatic Work With Women, Supporting Healing Through Individual And Group Sessions.

Drawing From Various Lineages, Ari Kanamori Blends Iyengar Alignment Principles With Fluid, Dynamic Vinyasa Sequences And Movement Explorations. His Classes Focus Odeepening Awareness To Unlock The Body's Innate Wisdom. Ari Completed His 200-Hour Training Through The Nosara Yoga Institute Under Don And Amba Stapleton And His 300-Hour Training With Yogaworks Los Angeles, Mentored By Gigi Snyder. He Also Completed 100 Hours Of Study With Maty Ezraty, A Student Of Pattabhi Jois And Geeta Iyengar. Beyond Yoga, Ari Is Passionate About Health And Fitness, Offering Personal Training And Energy Healing Through Modalities Such As Reiki.

Grace Magnussen & Ari Kanamori
Kula Collective / Gem Yoga & Healing