18 minute read
TRIBE TLC
Healthy Living Network Cultivates Community, Not Competition
by Michelle Bense
We talk quite a bit about community here in the pages of Natural Awakenings, but Fairfield’s healthy living community has been in the nurturing hands of Beth Leas since 1997. A practitioner of Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, integrated energy therapy, meditation and more, Leas began what started as a small group of local holistic Beth Leas practitioners because she believed that they could better serve the community together. Today, that group is known as Tribe TLC.
In the words of Leas, Tribe TLC, or the TLC Community, is “a vibrant and growing community of holistic practitioners and wellness entrepreneurs who provide healthy living resources for the community”. Currently about 120 members strong, Tribe TLC is about support, collaboration and connection between healthy living professionals in the Fairfield area and beyond.
The idea for TLC started while Leas was doing her energy healing work out of a spare bedroom. A self-proclaimed introvert, she was comfortable working this way, but it was not the best way to grow a business. “My clients had life challenging illnesses, and I was often referring to other practitioners,” explains Leas. “I was thinking, it would be nice to have everything under one roof.”
Leas opened the TLC Center in 1997, which held her private practice as well as workshops from members—chiropractors, naturopaths, holistic professionals and more. This continued into 2017, when the Center celebrated its 20th birthday in Norwalk. The next week, the landlord sold the building. “It was the best thing that ever happened to the TLC community,” Leas laughs. “I knew I could either recreate TLC Center in a new space or take the cue from the universe and hit pause—see what else was in store.” She moved her private practice elsewhere, and started hosting monthly networking gatherings out in the community—in a Norwalk restaurant and various members’ offices in Fairfield County.
“It was kind of like when you put a goldfish into a bigger container, and the goldfish grows miraculously to fill that space,” Leas says of the group’s shift. Tribe TLC began growing much faster, with more members, events and opportunities.
She replicated the Fairfield County group next in Westchester County, New York. This spring, TLC also expanded to New Haven County. Being able to connect virtually has helped the growth and connections in ways Leas did not expect. “Before COVID, I wouldn’t have considered the pivot to online networking. But it works really well. There are things I like better about online networking,” she says. The groups now use a hybrid model, with a standing monthly networking event online. This helps members participate even when it’s harder to meet in person, but keeps the face-to-face connections very much alive.
This warm and friendly community is more than just networking. The group focuses not on competition, but collaboration. Leas says that Tribe TLC has members of all kinds, covering many vastly different areas of work, but all with an understanding of a holistic point of view. The group includes energy healers, massage therapists, psychotherapists, coaches, hypnotists—but also financial advisors, attorneys and more.
Many members share the same modality or profession, but rather than working to
Collaboration is encouraged over competition Networking made fun TLC Members host events at their offices. This one is at Sticks and Stones Farm in Newtown.
A warm and friendly group
get ahead of the local competition, these business owners and practitioners are joining forces to better serve people. Whether co-hosting workshops and events, referring patients to other practitioners or teaching one another new skills, the support from other members is invaluable.
Members of Tribe TLC enjoy numerous benefits from being part of this growing family. The benefits include: monthly networking breakfasts, both in-person and online; monthly community events; opportunity to co-host a networking event; opportunity to present a workshop and/ or service; listing in membership directory on TLC’s website (over 6,000 monthly visitors); promotion of services, products or special events each month to the TLC email list of over 4,800 people; posting of events and specials to Tribe TLC’s Facebook page; twice yearly member Barter Bonanza; and discounted monthly advertising with Natural Awakenings.
Those thinking of becoming TLC members have many opportunities to “dip their toes in” by attending local in-person and online events or simply calling Leas to chat. Her warm and inviting demeanor makes
it easy to join this special tribe of like-minded individuals. While Leas wears many hats, from her own private practice to working with others to grow their practices, she loves every role she fills. “I love what I do. It’s a blessing to be able to help people. I realized Monthly Networking Breakfast in Norwalk that I could help a lot more people have a bigger effect in this world if I supported practitioners. I can only do so many hands-on sessions, but if I can support practitioners in their businesses, they can have a bigger impact,” says Leas. “The richness of life and of being a healing professional is the connections you make. I’m all about building relationships.” What’s next for Tribe TLC? “I see more chapters around,” says Beth, but she doesn’t want to get too ahead of herself. “I like to be in the mystery of it all, let it all unfold. I feel like we’re on the cusp of something big collectively. Practitioners and entrepreneurs are being called to step forward and serve the world in a bigger way. I’m feeling like I’m getting ready to support people in having the courage to step forward in a meaningful way.” For more information and the TLC directory, visit 203tlc.com. Connect with Beth Leas at 203-856-9566 or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. See ad, page 2. Michelle Bense is a writer and editor for Natural Awakenings magazines. Connect at EditorMichelleBense@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: The Fairfield edition of Natural Awakenings was born at a TLC networking breakfast in 2004, by three women who had just met one another.
Upcoming Events from Tribe TLC
TLC Monthly Networking Breakfast in Norwalk October 5, 8:30-10am
Holistic/integrative practitioners, wellness entrepreneurs and businesses offering services to healthy living professionals are invited to join the monthly TLC Networking Breakfast in Fairfield County—always held the first Tuesday of the month. This relaxed group of professionals offers a supportive community, networking events, promotional opportunities and fun. Come the first time as Beth’s guest.
TLC Monthly Online Networking Morning October 11, 8:30-10am, via Zoom
Held the second Monday of the month online. Join a morning filled with great conversation, connection and collaboration. To receive logon information, please RSVP.
TLC Fall Festival! Spooky Storytelling and S’More Fire Fun October 29, 6-9pm at Sticks and Stones Farm, Newtown
This super fun evening will feature spooky stories and a community campfire with s’mores. Come for some of the fun activities or stay until the fiery end. Everyone is welcome at this family-friendly event. Listen to spooky stories—bone chilling, hair raising, skin tingling tales about things that go bump in the night. To share a spooky story, contact Beth ASAP to get in on the fun and get the details. If able, bring a chair and an instrument for around the campfire. $10 donation per person, to nonprofit Love Has A Home Here.
For more information and to RSVP to these events, call/text Beth at 203-856-9566 or email TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. Find more events at 203tlc.com. See ad, page 2.
The following spotlights feature some of Trribe TLC’s members and explain more of who they are and what they offer as holistic practitioners. Give them a call; they are all truly lovely people that are ready to help you on your path. To find a full directory of Tribe TLC members visit 203tlc.com. To learn more about TLC check out their ad on page 2.
AtlasproPT
Erika Deutschlander PT+ Physical Therapy at The Sportsplex 85 Mill Plain Rd, Fairfield 475-228-1800 AtlasproPT@gmail.com • AtlasproPT.com
Business summary and services offered:
Discover the Swiss-made AtlasPROfilax treatment; an all-natural method for pain relief, better posture, and increased wellness. In just one treatment. AtlasPROfilax addresses the root causes of chronic pain, daily discomfort and poor posture. The method uses a patented tool to deliver a controlled vibrational treatment to the suboccipital muscles of the neck to activate, exhaust and then reset these muscles. When these important muscles are reset, they allow the atlas—the first cervical vertebra—to shift into its optimal position without cracking or adjusting. Studies show a connection between the suboccipital fascia and cervical dura matter to pain syndromes, sensorimotor function, postural control and balance. Correcting the position of the atlas will relieve, and often eliminate, a wide variety of issues, such as migraines, vertigo, numbness/ tingling, neck and back pain, shoulder pain, decreased range of motion in the neck, jaw pain (TMJ), postural issues and so much more.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
I am one of 10 practitioners in the U.S. trained and certified to perform AtlasPROfilax. I have been a Physical Therapist for over 25 years, and I am so grateful to be able to treat people with this non-invasive, safe and holistic treatment.
What should someone expect from working with you?
Your visit to my office will begin with a thorough intake of your function and symptoms, followed by an assessment of alignment, flexibility and other tests, and then the treatment itself. Afterward, you will receive some restorative massage and stretching, and instruction in exercises that will facilitate the healing.
To become a TLC member, email TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. To learn more about TLC member incentives and discounts in Natural Awakenings or to be added to our distribution list, call 203-885-4674 or email Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com.
Brain Balance Center
Dr. Mark Goldenberg 15 Cross St, Norwalk 203-847-3000 Norwalk@BrainBalanceCenters.com BrainBalanceNorwalk.com
Business summary and services offered:
We help kids aged pre-K to 12th grade who struggle behaviorally, socially, academically and who lack focus and attention. Brain Balance is a non-medical personalized program offered in-center or at-home. The program is designed to strengthen and improve brain connectivity so your child can find success in the classroom and unleash their untapped potential.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
At Brain Balance we incorporate proven methods from cognition, childhood development and nutritional fields and combine them into a whole-child, drugfree approach. Your customized program includes measureable data on your child’s progress toward your goals. We partner with schools to ensure success.
What should someone expect from working with you?
You will get the personalized attention and hope-filled support you deserve with a program that’s designed to fit your needs and goals. Our support extends for one year even after you’ve completed the program.
Gail Christie Online or In-person in Stamford • 203-979-0918 JoyfulLivingReiki.com • GailChristie.Reiki@gmail.com
Business summary and services offered:
As a Holy Fire III Usui and Karuna Reiki Master, I help people balance their energy and bring balance to their lives with Holy Fire healing sessions, Reiki-infused meditations and Reiki certification classes of all levels.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
My lifelong spiritual journey started with a commitment to helping people heal and led me to Holy Fire Reiki. The refinement and high vibration of Holy Fire energy, and my ability to provide it without an agenda, are what set my practice apart from others. Holy Fire Reiki provides a deep sense of security, relaxation and renewal to those who receive it.
What should someone expect from working with you?
I provide a compassionate, welcoming, nurturing space for my clients, which helps them become receptive to healing on all levels. They often remark on increased inner peace and renewed focus, as well as relief from physical or emotional pain. My Holy Fire training classes are profoundly healing experiences. They also offer a clear path for spiritual development to those who choose to follow it.
Stillpoint Healing Therapies
Sheila LaSella 1885 Post Rd, Fairfield • 203-927-4055 StillpointHealingCT@gmail.com • StillpointHealing.abmp.com
Business summary and services offered:
I offer energy healing, massage therapy, card readings and guided meditation. I decided to become an Energy Healer and Massage Therapist simply because I wanted to spend my time helping people heal. That is, to help others realize that suffering, anxiety, pain and stress can be managed. The body, mind and spirit hold incredible healing abilities and can be brought into a state of balance, health, peace and well-being. Massage therapy, bodywork and energy healing are a few of the many avenues to return to this place of harmony. My goal is to give you support on your path of wellness, whether it’s relieving muscular pain and tension or healing emotional and spiritual issues that block your health and happiness.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
I bring a strong background of meditation to all my work, which helps me connect with clients in a deep way. I’ve been meditating for over 20 years, and spent two years living in a Buddhist monastery. I’ve completed month-long group retreats, silent retreats and solitary retreats, while studying with amazing teachers, including working very closely with Pema Chodron.
What should someone expect from working with you?
I help you let go of fear, trauma, anxiety, depression and stress and connect with your inner healer, joy, truth, power and wisdom in a gentle way.
Business summary and services offered: DARIEN’S LUXURIOUSSALTC DARIEN’SLUXURIOUS SALT CAVE
We have a rich lineup of therapies, classes Salt therapy session sessons that can help and special events to help you de-stress, alleviate stress, respiatoryconditions ,respiratory conditions detox and improve overall health. Enjoy salt & skin ailments for adltsandchildren foradults and children sessions in the main cave or private room YOGA*STRET YOGA * STRETCH MASSAGE * MEDITATION for individual massage and more where you VERENTAL can breathe in the healing medical grade salt ien.com air. Our popular salt room Date Night comes with Prosecco and small bites. Or rent the whole cave for a larger group of friends or couples massage that can be tailored.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
Celebrating our fourth anniversary this October, our enchanting salt cave and salt room is a soothing space carved out of pure Himalayan salt. You’ll enjoy an oasis of peace, calm and serenity. The warm and inviting staff, headed by our wonderful manager, Ginny, will make sure of your comfort while in our facility. Our services supplement the health benefits with the wide range of choices.
What should someone expect from working with you?
Hear it from our guests! “Beautiful, calming, peaceful...I love everything about this place, including the amazing customer service. The massages in the salt room are absolutely wonderful, as are the yoga classes and the regular sessions; just sitting doing ‘nothing’ in that peaceful environment does wonders.” “What a relief from the madness of the day! The salt cave is beautiful and clean.” “…I highly recommend this experience for anyone who is looking to relax and recharge.” 555 Post Road * Darien* 555PostRoad*Darien * 203-658-7667 * info@saltcaveofdarien.com 7667*info@saltcaveofdarien.com
. COFFEE TIME * C CAVE RENTAL www.saltcave
Thea Litsios Coaching
Thea Litsios Working Virtually • 203-693-1493 Thea@TheaLitsios.com • TheaLitsios.com
Business summary and services offered:
I am a Transformational Life Coach, Certified Hypnotist and Teacher of Active Dreaming. I work with individuals who are ready to reinvent themselves. They are feeling restless because they have an intuitive, inner urge for a life that is lived on a deeper level. I help them decipher the messages in their intuitive hunches and dreams to enable them to find the path to their true self, living in alignment with their life’s purpose. I assist them in creating a life with more meaning, fulfillment and authenticity.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
As a Teacher of Active Dreaming for over 10 years, I have the ability to help my clients tap into their own intuition through their dreams and other methods of discerning the messages that your deeper self is sending you.
What should someone expect from working with you?
Working with me as your life coach, you can expect to: be listened to deeply; be guided to see where your limiting beliefs might be holding you back and use the tools of coaching to uncover and overcome those limiting beliefs; have an unwavering supporter of your dreams and an unflinching ally who will always be honest and point you in the direction of your highest aspirations.
Tiny Forest, LLC
Ella Calcote 331 Forest Rd, Milford 203-446-6404 TinyForestCT@gmail.com TinyForestCT.com
Business summary and services offered:
Tiny Forest has been described as a sanctuary for women. That is partly because of the serene and beautiful space surrounded by trees and gardens but mostly because of the welcoming community women find here. Services are predominantly in the healing arts such as yoga, meditation and body health. However, there is a huge variety of events and classes for creativity and fun such as jewelry making, campouts, art and cooking classes, movie nights, book clubs and film reviews. There are also events to include partners and family—just about anything you could think of.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
Tiny Forest is unique in that it is entirely flexible and can accommodate the needs of women’s groups and events. Because the venue is small, it allows for an intimate setting where women have an opportunity to connect to others and develop meaningful relationships.
What should someone expect from working with you?
We have space to rent to small groups—up to 30 indoors as well as outdoor space. These spaces are perfect for small, intimate weddings and celebrations. This community grows organically; we come with gifts to share as well as needs to fill and it is all honored and welcomed here.
Alexia Clonda Stamford and Online • 607-319-9161 MindBreathingEdge@gmail.com ThetaHealing.com/alexiaclonda
Business summary and services offered:
I am a Mind, Body, Emotion, Spiritual and Breathing Coach. A former squash champion, elite athlete squash player, I had life threatening chronic asthma since my teens and throughout my professional sports career. Even though extremely fit, I have never been healthy and experienced many health issues; this has changed profoundly. When I learnt how to breathe correctly, my life changed forever. Because of this, I became a Breathing Coach utilizing the Buteyko Breathing Method since 1997. I have been a ThetaHealing Practitioner since 2010 and teacher since 2012 and have helped and witnessed many people clear limiting beliefs and issues.
ThetaHealing is a powerful technique and process identifying and allowing release of beliefs, emotions, triggers and issues holding you back or keeping you stuck. ThetaHealing facilitates going into a Theta brainwave state, the state of direct access to your subconscious, where the rewiring and reprogramming of new beliefs and emotions takes place. The Buteyko Breathing Method is breathing retraining or reprogramming with simple and effective exercises. This technique teaches you how to do this, quickly and easily, normalizing your breathing for your body’s needs.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
I work on every level of your being, mind, body, spirit, emotions and breathing, so you can take in the breath of life and truly grow to be the best version of you.
What should someone expect from working with you?
Getting to the bottom of beliefs and where they come from, clearing and resolving them and reprogramming for your greatest good and results that last. Katie Augustyn 7 Reimer Rd, Westport 203-820-3800 TransformationCenterCT@gmail.com TransformationCenterCT.com
Business summary and services offered:
Transformation Center CT was created to champion your true potential and help you create a life you love, one of meaning and purpose. Services offered include 1:1 coaching and Shamanic healing sessions, group classes, workshops, Yoga Nidra and special events such as Sound Baths. Starting Saturday, October 9 and the second Saturday afternoon of each month, we will offer Spiritual Connection & Evolution, a new in-person group class.
What sets your work apart from others in your profession?
I have training and experience in several modalities that I use to help my clients heal, evolve and transform their lives. Each client receives a personalized session based on their individual needs, starting with where they are now.
What should someone expect from working with you?
I have a passion for empowering people to be the best they can be. We are all connected and are here to help each other thrive. You will be nurtured and honored, and you will release energy and patterns that don’t serve you, replacing limiting erroneous beliefs with empowering accurate beliefs. You will experience greater self-awareness, have less fear and achieve clarity on what you need to have the life you want.
Individual, Couples, Group & Spiritual Counseling
• Hypnotherapy
WOLF SPIRIT • Drumming • Energy Work • Traditional & Alternative Modalities All Ages Welcome
