Tao Institute Inc. Instructors and Staff
Beth Henning, NCCAOM: Founder-director of Tao Institute Inc. and ShaZen® Acupressure trademarked programs including Yoga and Somatic Therapies®. Beth teaches many core classes. Her Acupressure Therapy specializations include; women and children's health, emotional balancing, teacher training and advanced clinical assessment. She is a certified Jin Shin Jyutsu® practitioner and self-help presenter, herbalist, martial artist, Reiki Master, Yoga instructor, and CPR certified. Beth has been in the alternative health field for over twenty-eight years and is a member of NCCAOM and ABMP. She is author of "Acupressure for Emotional Healing".
Zachary Steffes: is a SDSU graduate of Biology and a UC Davis graduate of Veterinary Medicine. He has experience working with various leaders in the field of Veterinary medicine, and has specialized in exotic and reptile medicine. Zachary has also worked as a professional diver and speaker at Sea World in San Diego, California and various organizations that help animals nationally. Zachary co-owns and oversees the Animal Acupressure and Massage Program, and consults on its content on a regular basis.
Ayriel Steffes: is a Health Graduate from St. Cloud State University. She is a certified Personal Trainer and certified in the 150 Hour Acupressure program. She has studied and practiced yoga for seven years and co-teaches various health and wellness classes at Tao Institute. Ayriel specializes in weight lifting, aerobic and floor exercises, nutrition and positive lifestyle habits. She is a part of the Emotional Balancing and Advanced programming at Tao Institute, Inc. and co-owns the ShaZen® Yogic Program. She acts as a consultant on class content on a regular basis in the wellness division.
Shari Mleczewski, AMT, B.A., M.Ed: Shari is a graduate from the University of Minnesota, with a B.A. in Spanish and a M.Ed in Second Languages and Cultures. She is currently working as a licensed teacher in English as a Second Language. Shari is in process of completing Tao Institute's certifications. She is core anatomy instructor and certified in ShaZen® Yoga with a special interest in teaching children and is a backup teacher in the 150 and 250 hour classes.
Bill Nelson: has a BA in psychology and a minor in criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University. He has served on the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center Board, speaks nationally on the topic of Sexual Assault prevention, has written a book entitled "The Weapon Within" and holds a 7th degree black belt in Soo Bahk Do Karate. Bill has also been a private investigator for twenty years. He teaches Soo Bahk Do classes during Tao Institute's self-development programs.
Pat Kleindl, ABT: has been a graphic artist for thirty years and a nurse's aid for three. Her interests are human services, elderly care and hospice. A graduate of Tao Institute's 250 hour program, she is also a Jin Shin Jyutsu® Practitioner, Acu Yoga Instructor, Reiki Therapist, clinic supervisor and contact person for supervised clinics. Pat is an acting Tao Institute school official and backup teacher in the 150 hour basic program and Reiki programs.
Katherine Weber, ABT, EMT: has been a freelance bookkeeper for twenty years. She is a graduate of Tao Institutes 150 Hour Acupressure Technician Program with a special interest in working with animal rehab and massage. Kathy serves on the Waite Park Fire Department full time, has been EMT and CPR certified for twelve years. She is acting school financial official.