Small Group Learning
I am amazed to see what my students learn so quickly! The results are incredible. Very small class size (eight students maximum) makes a huge difference. Students acquire more skill in less time with less effort when the group is small. Every question gets asked and answered. Each student gets one-on-one guidance right when it’s needed.
Efficiently Organized Material
I teach students how to do what I do. I have made a conscious decision to not replicate my own training. I am well-trained, but I believe my own training could have been more efficient and better organized. I teach people where to put their hands (assessment skills), what to do when they get there (treatment skills) and when to quit (signs of release) first. Then we plug all of that into the anatomy, physiology, pathology, psycho-social and other details. The order in which the material is presented and the foundation upon which it builds really matters.
The Midwifery Model of Care Perspective
I have spent decades blending my bodywork and midwifery knowledge and skills into a unique practice. I teach general, infant and perinatal CST from the midwifery model of care perspective.
A Collaborative Learning Environment
My students come from diverse professional backgrounds and a variety of disciplines. The discussions we have about our work and the populations we serve provide a rich learning experience. My classes are really exciting for me because I learn so much from my students.
Our Location
Classes are held in a beautiful historic building at NW 13th and Hoyt in the heart of Portland’s popular Pearl District. The Pearl is considered to be the safest neighborhood in Portland. Many of the buildings (like ours) were warehouses a hundred years ago. The charming repurposed buildings are now joined by sleek modern buildings in a vibrant, upscale neighborhood of residences, hotels, parks, retail shops, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries and a variety of businesses (including a top rated yoga studio in our building).
My students love stepping out at lunchtime and choosing from sushi, burgers, Mexican food, juice bars, pizza, Whole Foods and way too many other dining options to list.
When people register for classes (or any time you request it) we provide a hotel list that includes walking-distance accommodations. Of course, there are also many Airbnb options nearby.
First Thursday is a Pearl District event held in the evening on the first Thursday of the month from June – October. It’s right outside our door and super fun. The art galleries in the neighborhood hold openings. Some serve refreshments. Art and craft vendors sell their wares in booths set up on NW 13th Ave. Retail businesses stay open and host public events. There is so much to enjoy including free live music and dancing in the street — if you’re so inclined.
Fun Portland Facts: Portland is home to 110 record stores, 188 microbreweries and 301 tattoo studios.
BIPOC Scholarship Program
I recognize that historical systems of oppression have denied access to vital maternity care and support to certain individuals. This has caused worse outcomes for those birthing parents and their babies.
I believe that one way to foster change is to invest in those who are best positioned to provide the culturally-relevant services (in this case, therapeutic bodywork during the perinatal period and infancy) to those whose lives are unfairly jeopardized due to past and present inequities.
In this spirit, I will make full scholarships available each year to applicants who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color).
Scholarships are granted to those who demonstrate the ability to address racial and social justice in their work as CST practitioners. Scholarships cover the workshop fees only. They do not cover books, materials, lodging, meals, or transportation, which must be covered by the participant. These are not work-study scholarships. The scholarship is a gift from Carol Gray for the benefit of your community.
– Carol Gray