Qualifications

All the teachers at Embrace The Moon are certified and expertly trained in the methods they teach. Our three year program is unique to many in that it includes a wide knowledge base, strong skills development and a long apprenticeship. Teachers receive training  in Anatomy, Kinesiology, Chinese Medicine, and Taoism along with rigorous form practice and correction, and extensive comprehension in form modification for special health needs. Our teachers are sought after and teach in a variety of settings. Those that teach at Embrace The Moon are chosen by Kimberly Ivy personally because they have the experience, skill and heart to steward their students through the breadth and depth of the practice experience.  Take their classes. Learn, laugh and enjoy!

"The Way fills the entire world." -Nei-yeh

Joyce Broderson came to the internal arts a bit later in life (though you would never know it!) She now shares her joy of practice with the joy of being a grandma – twice! Over the past 27 years of ongoing training, Joyce has become expertly skilled in Taijiquan, the Hands of the 18 Luohan and several forms of Qigong. Mrs. Broderson’s main interest is, however, not in form per se but in the internal quiet and strength these arts develop. Joyce is respected throughout the school for her capacity to stay present and in the moment during each class and for her ability to communicate this challenging aspect of the practices to others. Embrace The Moon is lucky to have Joyce as its senior instructor, sharing her gracious intuitive skill in sensing and working with internal energy. In addition to her classes, she also hosts workshops on Mastering the Art of Slowness. All levels of skill benefit. Kim awarded Joyce the title of "Laoshi" or senior instructor in 2010. Read A Conversation with Joyce.

“No matter how tiny your hotel room might be,
it will be large enough for standing meditation.”

Andrew has been a student at Embrace the Moon for 27 years, participating at a very fundamental level with the evolution of the school from the beginning, in all of its incarnations. He was the first teacher after Kim to become certified in Soaring Crane, Chinese Essence and Turtle Longevity Qigong. In addition, he is certified to teach Thousand Hands Buddha, and Jade Body Qigong.  Andrew has also studied Muscle Tendon Changing, Hun Yun Gong, Meridian Longevity Qigong, and the 18 Hands of the Luohan.  On the Tai Chi side, he has studied Yang Tai Chi for many year and recently started learning Chen. He welcomes the challenges that come with being a beginner. Andrew’s career as a producer of live events, conferences, and touring exhibitions keep him traveling, and his love of the outdoors frequently calls him there, but you may see him in class or covering a Qigong class for one of his fellow teachers. 

“One of my guiding principles is to be of service,
this I have tried to take into all of my work and personal interactions.”

Doug began studying Eastern philosophy and mind/body practices in his early teens. The Buddhist sutras, the I Ching, Yoga, and Meditation were his early teachers and his curiosity about the energetic nature of our body/mind drew him to study Herbology, Iridology, Reflexology and the Touch for Health system of Kinesiology. In the 1980’s Doug became particularly drawn to Yogananda, becoming a disciple, and practicing the Self-Realization techniques for many years. Doug came to Embrace the Moon in 2007 after a serious illness, looking to Qigong and Taijiquan to help restore his health and strength. Doug is certified in Chen Taijiquan, Hands of the 18 Luohan, Muscle Tendon Changing and the Eight Treasures. You will enjoy not only his ability to demonstrate the forms well but also his innovative capacity to explain the core basics in a fun and accessible way. And don’t let that broad smile fool you! You will know you had a workout! When he is not on the floor he is managing website portals, riding horses with his wife Patty and enjoying time with his large and loving family. 

“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize” - Thich Nhat Hanh

Laura Quandt spent the first part of her career in corporate customer training in the Chicago area. As her life unfolded she found herself increasingly called away from the office and into the human body & mind. She earned a black belt in Uechi Ryu Karate, a AAS Degree in Fitness Specialist/Personal Training program and was certified by the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) as a Health/Fitness Specialist. Laura became a student of Taijiquan and Qigong in 2005 when she was in constant back pain and had very low energy during a particularly dreary Seattle fall and winter. She found Taijiquan and Qigong both useful and inspiring and has been a consistent and dedicated student of these arts since. In all her classes Laura integrates her comprehensive knowledge of physical biomechanics, energetic flows and mental focus with her spirited and lively communication style. Since becoming an “empty nester” in 2015, Laura has begun fulfilling wishes on her bucket list, starting with traveling to sunny destinations and visiting friends and family, piano lessons and self-teaching ukulele.

"Let go or be dragged." - Unknown

Scooter has been a member of Team Moon for ten years. From the beginning Scott has had what it takes to perceive and coordinate the inside body/mind with the outside expression. His diligent daily practice and intention to work on a deep level with Taijiquan and Qigong has accelerated his progress through the curriculum. With a wealth of intuitive and creative methods for imparting information with skill and humor, beginners love Scooter accessible way of conveying unfamiliar concepts and movements. Scott (aka Scooter) is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and when not working in video design and production or practicing Taijiquan, he can be found at his spinning wheel plying alpaca, wool and silk. 

In addition to helping beginners along their way and substitute teaching the advanced classes at the main school, Scooter has taught seated Taijiquan and Ba Duan Jin Qigong (the 8 Treasures Qigong) at Brookdale Senior Living in Queen Anne, and taught a beginner Chen Taijiquan series through Bloodworks Northwest. Scott is also the lead creative consultant and production manager for Embrace The Moon’s video training series.

"I am not throwing away my shot." - Hamilton, the musical

Karri was drawn to Qigong practice after taking just half a seminar on the Luohan Gong in 2004. Karri loves the way Qigong allows one to develop a deep sense of listening to the body and enhances the ability to fine tune movement using the mind, breath and proper alignment. She is a regular student and frequent substitute teacher at Embrace the Moon. Karri is also Chief Instructor at Quantum Martial Arts where she teaches both the Quantum style and Qigong. When not teaching or training, Karri can be found caring for her 3 dogs and two cats, crocheting, or riding her motorcycle. 

Karri regularly  teaches  Qigong virtually. Hybrid classes (in person and zoom) are available. Check the schedule or email Karri.