Celeste has been in the science, health and wellness field over twenty-five years. She began as a research chemist with a concentration in genetics and nutritional biochemistry. After working in the medical field, she saw the need to follow a path of proactive wellness and prevention. After receiving her Masters in Health Education, she ventured into the mind/body world receiving training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Yoga. Shortly after, she received the 2003 Wellness in the Workplace Award for a large health system in the state of Virginia. In 2004, Celeste joined SAS Institute, Inc. and continues to be passionate in her position overseeing Wellness and Fitness. She believes curiosity and collaboration bring insight and new ideas which bring out the best in everyone from team members to those who are making healthy lifestyle changes. Believing that the body knows how to heal if given the proper tools, Celeste earned certifications in Aromatherapy and Essential Oils, Classical Chinese Medicine and Homeopathic & Naturopathic Medicine. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathy degree in 2020. Celeste is a published author and practices what she preaches and teaches. She is a nationally recognized Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) and has advanced certificates in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, Genetics and Genomics. She is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) with the National Yoga Alliance, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Instructor, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC) and Certified Yoga Therapist (CYT).
Our world has changed tremendously over the last seventy plus years with more toxins in our environment that I care to speak about. When I sat down to write this article, I was perplexed in where to begin. There are so many environmentally unfriendly exposures that many of us may
As I sit and write this blog, the rain is coming down. The rain absorbs into the plants and Earth and supplies its liquid goodness to the aquifers in the ground promoting life above. Earth is a water planet and our bodies are 70% water. We started our beginnings in
The skin is the largest organ in the body. Although many might not think of it as an organ, it accounts for ~15 percent of our body weight and it protects us. We may consider just the outer layer since that's what we see, but there are two main layers
I’ve dabbled in the energy meridian system for fifteen years. I’ve personally experienced acupuncture for much of those with great success. While I’ve learned about prana or qi/chi (energy) in yoga and have created class sequences to open those channels, it wasn’t until the last few years that I started
Sleep is the ultimate way to recover and it now has well-deserved research showing its importance to health and longevity. Discover 16 tips that will assist you in getting quality sleep. 1. Recognize the Importance of Sleep - We all know how we feel when we are sleep deprived. The consequences
Being in nature helps my body, mind and spirit. How about you? I also have felt the difference in my stress levels as I sink my feet into the sand at the beach and just smell the salt air. Is it vacation that does this or is it Earthing? Earthing
We’re all familiar with Plato and his quotes so I’d like to share one – For the part can never be well unless the whole is well. The body, mind and spirit are intertwined like a rope. They all work together to provide strength and flexibility. In this case… optimal
Our dog, Tucker Barktholomew, has this internal clock. Every night at 8pm, he gets up and walks over to my husband and whimpers. It’s his time to go outside in the yard to say farewell to the day and prep for bedtime. He and his sister, Bella Bixby, come in
As we move into the Thanksgiving holiday and celebrate #givingTuesday, it’s a perfect time to reflect on thankfulness. The attitude of gratitude is enriching and has been shown to have many benefits. I use this approach often as I teach a variety of wellness classes. Although I practice what I
Have you noticed the commercials about medication for bone loss? Maybe I’m noticing more as I am in my 50s. Many don’t think a great deal about bone loss until something breaks! I know this was the case with a relative. After breaking her leg, she learned she had osteoporosis.
Our modern world is full of daily environmental pollutants. We can control much of these by choosing to eat "clean" food and water, free from pesticides and harmful substances. We can also use healthy products on our body and I appreciate the Environmental Working Group for making this task and others easy to
Have you ever experienced that “gut feeling” ….you know the one that’s trying to tell you something and you don’t know why? I remember having a feeling I couldn’t quite explain fifteen years ago. There was a job opportunity in Canada. As a way to entice moving there, I was provided
Lengthens the spine and opens hips while strengthening core Half Lord of the Fishes (Sanskrit: Ardha Matsyendrasana) Sit on the floor with your legs lengthened (Staff pose). Place your feet on the floor with knees bent and pointed towards ceiling/sky. Slide your right foot under your left leg to the
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day is Thursday, Nov. 16. On this day, five years ago, my mother-in-law was undergoing treatment for this disease that was discovered just six weeks prior. The whites of her eyes turning yellow was the first sign that something was wrong. After working in a neonatal intensive
Opens the chest, neck and spine while engaging the glutes, quadriceps and hips. Bridge (Sanskrit: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) Lie on your back. Bend your knees and have feet on floor/mat. Knees and feet are hip distance and arms along the sides of the body with palms down. Back heels up
Stretches ankles, legs, hips, hamstrings, shoulders and spine; opens chest, engages and strengthens abdominals, spine and back Triangle (Sanskrit: Trikonasana) Begin in Mountain with feet hip distance. Step left foot back with front heel to back arch alignment. Root the back edge of your left foot into the ground/floor/mat. Torso
There is one thing that is consistent during this time of year – planning Breast Cancer Awareness events at SAS and throughout the community. I have a deep passion due to the family history, genetics and simply wanting to help others. I’m also a strong believer in research, education and
Stretches torso and arm & strengthens ankles, knees, legs, abdomen, buttocks and spine; Cultivates balance, opens chest and shoulders Balancing Half Moon (Sanskrit: Ardha Chandrasana)
As the summer season begins to become part of the past and we return to a “normal” schedule, I’m reminded that there is still something celebratory as we slowly make our way into the autumn season. It’s yoga! September is National Yoga Month. It is a national health observance designated
Provides strengthening for arms, back and core while lengthening spine Side Plank Pose (Sanskrit: Vasisthasana) From Plank, place right hand on mat under face. Shift to outside edge of your right foot. Your options for this pose are numerous. Top hand can be on waist or lifted towards sky. You can
Lengthens inner thigh and side waist. Engages core and lengthens spine while opening chest, arms and shoulders. Gate Pose (Sanskrit: Parighasana) Begin on mat kneeling with toes curled under and torso lengthened with crown reaching tall. Extend your right leg out to the right and press your entire foot into
Is this menopause? Maybe you've noticed some changes. Perhaps it’s the occasional hot flushed feeling that erupts like a volcano or maybe it's the irregular periods when you’ve always been like clockwork. Although menopause is often thought of as a singular event, it isn’t unless you are undergoing chemotherapy that
Opens chest, inner thighs while strengthening back, core and thighs. Goddess Pose (Sanskrit: Utkata Konasana) Begin in Mountain at the front of your mat. Step your left foot back as if you were moving into High Lunge. Turn your entire body to the left turning toes out to corners of
Stretches shoulders, hamstrings and calves while strengthening arms, core and back; Calms the mind! Dolphin Pose (Sanskrit: Ardha Pincha Mayurasana) Start on hands and knees with toes curled under – wrists under shoulders and hips over knees. Core is engaged and drawing in towards spine. Shoulder blades are sliding down
Strengthens quads/glutes/core & lengthens/rotates spine to provide more breathing room Chair (Sanskrit: Utkatasana) With feet together, stand in Mountain (Tadasana). Engage Uddiyana Bandha (drawing the navel in towards spine) to support the back/core. Palms at heart center, take hips back as if you’re sitting in an imaginary chair (or ottoman
Strengthens arms, wrists, core, spine and thighs. Opens chest and shoulders while improving posture. Upward-Facing Dog Pose (Sanskrit: Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) Begin lying down on mat (face down). Legs are lengthened behind with inner thighs spiraling so all ten toes and top of feet are planted in mat. Place palms
The morning sunrises have been exceptionally beautiful this winter. Vibrant colors of fiery pinks and orange give way to bright blue skies and white fluffy clouds. There is something magical about being connected to nature, especially in the early morning before life has awoken. It takes me back to my
Strengthens arms, shoulders, back, core and quadriceps Four-Limbed Staff Pose (Sanskrit: Chaturanga Dandasana) Start on hands and knees and then move into Plank. Wrists are under shoulders and you’re engaging quadriceps and pressing through heels as if you’re stepping on the floor. Core is engaged and drawing in towards spine.
Strengthens arms, core and quadriceps; opens shoulders and chest while lengthening hamstrings (great pose for the entire body) Downward Facing Dog Pose (Sanskrit: Adho Mukha Svanasana) Come onto floor on hands and knees. Place knees directly below hips and hands slightly forward of shoulders. Spread palms, middle fingers parallel
As the New Year has woven its way into our landscape, I think of the days that have vanished into the horizon. I’m reminded of how quickly the seasons pass and how synonymous they are with resolutions. We begin by planting seeds in the cool, moist soil. We tend our
