As parents, we have always been interested in optimal healthy approaches to raising children. Along with our professional training, we have explored the work of many great visionaries of our time in the realm of education. John Holt, father of the homeschool movement, John Taylor Gatto, brilliant commentator on public education, democratic education and homeschooling, and Daniel Greenberg, founder of Sudbury Valley School have all been inspiring articulators of optimal environments for young people in today's world. In 1991, we joined with five other parents to found Greenwood Sudbury School in Hampton, CT so that our daughter, for whom homeschooling was not a match as it had been for our son, could enjoy the wonderful benefits of a Sudbury education. These interests led us to the work of Dawna Markova and her model called Personal Thinking Patterns.

Personal Thinking Patterns (PTP) further evolves the concept of learning styles based upon sensory patterns. Markova delineates six patterns using the various combinations of the visual, auditory and kinesthetic senses with the beta, alpha and theta brain-wave states. The result is a fascinating framework through which to observe how someone relates in their world, in a learning situation, in a conversation, in orienting to a new environment, etc. This model goes a long way in building understanding and therefore tolerance of another's differences, and opens up new strategies for resolving challenging issues such learning to read, speaking in public, or relationship impasses.

During the late '80s and '90s Brian's interests bridged into the "soul work" of the Men's Movement. An early presenter and participant in the Connecticut Men's Gathering (COMEGA), he was inspired by the work of Robert Bly, James Hillman, Michael Meade, and Robert Moore. He also served on the Board of Directors of the "Boys to Men" mentoring project.

Our explorations into the realm of Tantra bring us full circle with Holly's interest in sexuality and sex therapy back in the mid '70s. As a member of the Women's Health Collective at the University of Connecticut Women's Center, Holly gained enormous experience working with women in the areas of reproductive health and sexuality. Extensive study into the work of William Masters and Virginia Johnson led to the work of Betty Dodson and Lonnie Garfield Barbach, all of whom inspired Holly's work with pre-orgasmic women. More recently, the work of David Schnarch and Ruth Morehouse has confirmed the growing readiness of our culture to take the next step beyond the Sexual Revolution of the '60s, which brought sexuality out of the closet. The time is ripe for our culture to embrace sexuality as the powerful doorway it is to deeper intimacy than most of us have yet to imagine, with the potential for profound spiritual transformation. It is truly a joy to complete this circle. The mystery of sexuality that in the past was fraught with confusion and frustration has now transformed into a mystery of excitement and wonder!

Currently, we are students of Margot Anand, international teacher of Skydancing Tantra, whose phenomenal books, The Art of Sexual Ecstasy and The Art of Everyday Ecstasy are major contributions to the Tantric literature accessible to western students. In addition, Steve and Lokita Carter, Skydancing Tantra teachers of Margot's lineage have provided us with enormous inspiration and learning. We feel such appreciation for all of our teachers through the years who have supported our eternally expanding wonder and joy in life.