Register for session starting Feb. 27
Register for session starting March 26

View the VIDEO INTRO TO OUR COURSES
or check out our other COURSE LISTINGS

Leslie Cerier

For over twenty years, Leslie Cerier, “The Organic Gourmet,” has been teaching culinary nutrition and hands-on vegetarian cooking for health and vitality. She is the author of several cookbooks and articles focusing on eating local, seasonal, organic foods that are not just good for you, but also pleasurable, delicious, and good for the planet.

In this Open Center Online Learning class, Leslie walks and talks you through the steps involved in making spring rolls, egg rolls, and nori rice rolls. She demonstrates that no matter what size the kitchen, anyone who wants to cook with a conscience can make healthy food that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.

Using organic (and easily accessible) ingredients, she brings an enthusiasm and down to earth approach to cooking that will appeal to any cook, no matter what their skill level.

This class is divided up into over two dozen videos that illustrate the processes involved in creating the three Asian dishes. Replay and review of the ins and outs of Leslie’s cooking tips are always just a play button away.

NOTE: Students must have access to a computer with a web browser for this ONLINE ONLY course, and may need to download free software to use some course features. Password-protected access to the course website is permitted only during the dates that this course is being held; PASSWORDS WILL BE ISSUED THE NIGHT BEFORE THE COURSE BEGINS; and user accounts will be deleted once the course is over. Audio-visual materials on the website are not downloaded but streamed through the web browser. Open Center Online Learning courses give students access to teachers and other students through several interactive tools on the course websites.

Please view our F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) for more detailed information about Open Center Online Learning courses.

AN ONLINE COURSE
February 27 - March 18, 2012 (3 weeks)
12OLAHN101
$99 (No Member Discount)

OR register for the later session this spring:

March 26 - April 15, 2012 (3 weeks)
12OLBHN101
$99 (No Member Discount)

For over twenty years, Leslie Cerier, “The Organic Gourmet,” has been teaching culinary nutrition and hands-on vegetarian cooking for health and vitality, as well as writing cookbooks and articles focusing on eating local, seasonal, organic foods that are not just good for you, but also pleasurable, delicious and good for the planet. Leslie Cerier is the author of five cookbooks: Gluten-Free Recipes for the Conscious Cook; Going Wild in the Kitchen; The Quick and Easy Organic Gourmet; co-author of Sea Vegetable Celebration; and editor of Taste Life! Organic Recipes.Leslie is also a gourmet personal chef/caterer specializing in whole foods and organic cuisine. Her specialty in grains has led to her being much sought after by health professionals and private clients to help them translate challenging dietary allergy issues into culinary success and meal satisfaction. Find out more about Leslie’s workshops and catering business at her site, Leslie Cerier, The Organic Gourmet.

View the VIDEO INTRO TO OUR COURSES
or check out our other COURSE LISTINGS

Drew DiVittorio

“The information Drew provides is invaluable to anyone aware of the connection between diet and sustained health, along with the happiness that brings. Every sentence he utters is a piece of practical advice that you can begin to implement immediately to change your life dramatically for the better.” —M.B.

Chinese medicine is one of the world’s great biological systems of understanding, with an unbroken tradition going back thousands of years. Chinese herbal medicine, along with the other components of Chinese medicine, is based on the concepts of yin and yang. It aims to understand and treat the many ways in which the fundamental balance and harmony between the yin and yang may be undermined and the ways in which a person's qi, or vitality, may be depleted or blocked. Clinical strategies are based upon diagnosis of patterns of signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance.

In this four-week online course, Drew DiVittorio will walk you through basic processes of diagnosis and remedy that anyone with access to a grocery store will find both inspiring and instantly accessible. The strategies learned in this class can help to bring your body into harmony, creating less potential for discomfort and disease and more opportunities for health.

NOTE: Students must have access to a computer with a web browser for this ONLINE ONLY course, and may need to download free software to use some course features. Password-protected access to the course website is permitted only during the dates that this course is being held; PASSWORDS WILL BE ISSUED THE NIGHT BEFORE THE COURSE BEGINS; and user accounts will be deleted once the course is over. Audio-visual materials on the website are not downloaded but streamed through the web browser. Open Center Online Learning courses give students access to teachers and other students through several interactive tools on the course websites.

Please view our F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) for more detailed information about Open Center Online Learning courses.

AN ONLINE COURSE
February 20-March 18, 2012 (4 weeks)
12OLAHH101
$135 No Member Discount

Led by Peeka Trenkle, AHG, DSH, with Drew DiVittorio, Dipl (NCCAOM), and David Winston

Herbal medicine has been in use for thousands of years, each culture having its own unique system based on the herbs of its bio-region. In the last hundred years, we have steadily moved away from our ability to use herbs in a daily way for nourishment and healing, and have all but lost the ability to use herbs medicinally for treatment of acute illness. We no longer cultivate physic gardens in which families used to grow their own medicine or keep recipe books of remedies that healed illnesses in our communities. Foraging of wild plants for food has also largely been lost as a skill. Industrialization has led to a fear of nature, and several generations have now grown up believing that natural and herbal remedies are quaint but impotent and that pharmaceutical drugs are the only effective treatment for illness. All the work of healing has been delegated to the “experts,” both mainstream and alternative.

This course will give you a comprehensive overview of Western herbs for medicinal and nutritional uses, and our guest speakers will broaden the scope by presenting in-depth information from other various cultures. We will cover each of the body’s systems, the anatomy and physiology of each system and its functioning. You will learn about herbs for tonification, herbal treatment programs for illnesses relating to each system and how to prevent illness, promote vitality and maintain balance in the body through the use of herbs.

We will also cover the history of Western herbalism and how we got to where we are now, and the legal considerations of being an herbalist. In addition, we’ll discuss the use of herbs in an ecological context so that we can wisely choose the most effective herb and not be using endangered or threatened species.

The herbal materia medica in this course primarily focuses on herbs from the northeast United States, including a few from other regions of North America, in order to foster a bio-regional understanding: Our region can, in fact, produce all the plants necessary for our healing.

Note: A certificate of completion will be given upon completion of course requirements.

Note: There will be a $30 materials fee for course manual, payable to the instructor at the first session.

Free Introductory class on Monday, March 5, 7:45pm.

COURSE SCHEDULE
Monday sessions (all led by PeekaTrenkle) will be from 7:45–9:45pm.
Saturday & Sunday workshops will be
from 10am–5:30pm. The field trip will
be from 11am–4:30pm.

A Brief History of Western Herbalism
Monday, March 19

Preparations & Dosages
Monday, March 26

The Digestive System and Liver
Monday, April 2

The Respiratory System
Monday, April 9

The Nervous System and Brain
Monday, April 16

Basic Chinese Diagnostic Techniques
with Drew DiVittorio
An introduction to Chinese diagnostic techniques including pulse taking, tongue and complexion examinations, and reading
symptoms and signs.
Saturday, April 21

The Endocrine System
Monday, April 23

Herbal Pharmacy: Making Herbal Products
A one-day hands-on workshop with Peeka Trenkle in making extracts, salves, balms, poultices, etc. There will be an $8 materials fee.
Sunday, April 29

The Circulatory System: Blood and Lymph
Monday, April 30

The Skin
Monday, May 7

Women’s Reproductive System
Monday, May 14

Herbal Energetics
David Winston will discuss simple techniques for matching herbal qualities with the energetics of an individual’s symptoms, using concepts from Chinese and Cherokee medical systems.
Sunday, May 20

Men’s Reproductive System
Monday, May 21

Seasonal Healing: Herbal Therapeutics and the Cycle of the Year
Monday, June 4

Field Trip with Peeka Trenkle
We will identify, taste and study herbs and wild foods at Stephen and Robin Larsen’s Stone Mountain Farm in the mid-Hudson Valley.
Sunday, June 10

Musculo-Skeletal System
Monday, June 11

Urinary Tract and Kidneys
Monday, June 18

Herbal Treatment and Management of Chronic Illnesses: Eastern and Western Approaches
A one-day workshop with Drew DiVittorio.
Sunday, June 24

Materia Medica/Herbal Medicine Chest
Monday, June 25

Case Taking Skills I
Monday, July 2

Case Taking Skills II
Monday, July 9

REGISTRATION AND FEES
A 4-MONTH TRAINING
March 19–July 9, 2012
Full Payment: 12WHG25LA
$1,300 (No Member Discount)

Payment Plan: 12WHG25LB
$1,450 (No Member Discount)

A non-refundable deposit of $400 is due upon registration. Three further payments of $350 are due April 23, May 21 & June 18.  To register for the payment plan call 212-219-2527.

Automatic credit card payments only.
For CEUs click here

Led by Peeka Trenkle, AHG, DSH, with Drew DiVittorio, Dipl (NCCAOM), and David Winston

Herbal medicine has been in use for thousands of years, each culture having its own unique system based on the herbs of its bio-region. In the last hundred years, we have steadily moved away from our ability to use herbs in a daily way for nourishment and healing, and have all but lost the ability to use herbs medicinally for treatment of acute illness. We no longer cultivate physic gardens in which families used to grow their own medicine or keep recipe books of remedies that healed illnesses in our communities. Foraging of wild plants for food has also largely been lost as a skill. Industrialization has led to a fear of nature, and several generations have now grown up believing that natural and herbal remedies are quaint but impotent and that pharmaceutical drugs are the only effective treatment for illness. All the work of healing has been delegated to the “experts,” both mainstream and alternative.

This course will give you a comprehensive overview of Western herbs for medicinal and nutritional uses, and our guest speakers will broaden the scope by presenting in-depth information from other various cultures. We will cover each of the body’s systems, the anatomy and physiology of each system and its functioning. You will learn about herbs for tonification, herbal treatment programs for illnesses relating to each system and how to prevent illness, promote vitality and maintain balance in the body through the use of herbs.

We will also cover the history of Western herbalism and how we got to where we are now, and the legal considerations of being an herbalist. In addition, we’ll discuss the use of herbs in an ecological context so that we can wisely choose the most effective herb and not be using endangered or threatened species.

The herbal materia medica in this course primarily focuses on herbs from the northeast United States, including a few from other regions of North America, in order to foster a bio-regional understanding: Our region can, in fact, produce all the plants necessary for our healing.

Note: A certificate of completion will be given upon completion of course requirements.

Note: There will be a $30 materials fee for course manual, payable to the instructor at the first session.

Free Introductory class on Monday, March 5, 7:45pm.

COURSE SCHEDULE
Monday sessions (all led by PeekaTrenkle) will be from 7:45–9:45pm.
Saturday & Sunday workshops will be
from 10am–5:30pm. The field trip will
be from 11am–4:30pm.

A Brief History of Western Herbalism
Monday, March 19

Preparations & Dosages
Monday, March 26

The Digestive System and Liver
Monday, April 2

The Respiratory System
Monday, April 9

The Nervous System and Brain
Monday, April 16

Basic Chinese Diagnostic Techniques
with Drew DiVittorio
An introduction to Chinese diagnostic techniques including pulse taking, tongue and complexion examinations, and reading symptoms and signs.
Saturday, April 21

The Endocrine System
Monday, April 23

Herbal Pharmacy: Making Herbal Products
A one-day hands-on workshop with Peeka Trenkle in making extracts, salves, balms, poultices, etc. There will be an $8 materials fee.
Sunday, April 29

The Circulatory System: Blood and Lymph
Monday, April 30

The Skin
Monday, May 7

Women’s Reproductive System
Monday, May 14

Herbal Energetics
David Winston will discuss simple techniques for matching herbal qualities with the energetics of an individual’s symptoms, using concepts from Chinese and Cherokee medical systems.
Sunday, May 20

Men’s Reproductive System
Monday, May 21

Seasonal Healing: Herbal Therapeutics and the Cycle of the Year
Monday, June 4

Field Trip with Peeka Trenkle
We will identify, taste and study herbs and wild foods at Stephen and Robin Larsen’s Stone Mountain Farm in the mid-Hudson Valley.
Sunday, June 10

Musculo-Skeletal System
Monday, June 11

Urinary Tract and Kidneys
Monday, June 18

Herbal Treatment and Management of Chronic Illnesses: Eastern and Western Approaches
A one-day workshop with Drew DiVittorio.
Sunday, June 24

Materia Medica/Herbal Medicine Chest
Monday, June 25

Case Taking Skills I
Monday, July 2

Case Taking Skills II
Monday, July 9

REGISTRATION AND FEES
A 4-MONTH TRAINING
March 19–July 9, 2012
[reg_button:12WHG25LA]

Full Payment: 12WHG25LA
$1,300 (No Member Discount)

Payment Plan: 12WHG25LB
$1,450 (No Member Discount)

A non-refundable deposit of $400 is due upon registration. Three further payments of $350 are due April 23, May 21 & June 18.  To register for the payment plan call 212-219-2527.

Automatic credit card payments only.
For CEUs click here

Free Introductory class on Monday, March 5, 7:45pm.

Andrea Beaman, HHC, AADP

Many people already know that eating locally grown foods is a better choice for the environment, but it can also enhance immunity, increase energy, and longevity. According to many time-honored, ancient healing traditions such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, eating foods grown outside of one’s region can have negative health impacts, contributing to weaker digestive systems, adrenal fatigue, compromised immunity, etc. In this class we will explore which foods are best for us in our region and why, and learn where to purchase the best local, seasonally grown foods. Learn to prepare for each season, and fortify and prevent seasonal conditions such as colds in the winter, with specific foods. The class will include tasting and cooking demonstrations of three recipes (two savory, one sweet).

Note: A materials fee of $15 will be paid directly to the instructor.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(2 sessions) Thursdays, March 22 & 29, 8–10pm
12WHH06T
Members: $60 / Nonmembers: $70
[reg_button:12WHH06T]

You are registering for a FREE INTRO on Tuesday, April 3, at 8pm. To sign up for the weekly course, see Ayurvedic Approaches to Self-Healing.

Michael Ferranti, PA

In this class, we will discover time-tested methods from India’s ancient Ayurvedic medical wisdom to help us maintain optimal health and radiance. Topics covered include: Ayurveda’s history and its fundamental concepts, including the “Five Element” theory and the doshas (constitutional types); diet and nutrition (including how to: maintain strong digestion, adjust our diet according to our personal type and seasonal conditions, understand foods’ effects on our body/mind, and use specific foods, herbs and spices to help address ailments caused by doshic imbalances); how to recognize signs of toxicity and imbalances and correct them with practices such as dinacharya, abyanga (self body massage) and enemas; and skin care and beauty (including how diet, elimination and lymphatic drainage all affect our skin and the aging process, and dietary and herbal recommendations based on our dosha for maintaining glowing skin).

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Tuesdays, April 10–May 8, 8–10pm
12WHN18T
Members: $185 / Nonmembers: $200

Michael Ferranti, PA

In this class, we will discover time-tested methods from India’s ancient Ayurvedic medical wisdom to help us maintain optimal health and radiance. Topics covered include: Ayurveda’s history and its fundamental concepts, including the “Five Element” theory and the doshas (constitutional types); diet and nutrition (including how to: maintain strong digestion, adjust our diet according to our personal type and seasonal conditions, understand foods’ effects on our body/mind, and use specific foods, herbs and spices to help address ailments caused by doshic imbalances); how to recognize signs of toxicity and imbalances and correct them with practices such as dinacharya, abyanga (self body massage) and enemas; and skin care and beauty (including how diet, elimination and lymphatic drainage all affect our skin and the aging process, and dietary and herbal recommendations based on our dosha for maintaining glowing skin).

Free introductory class on Tuesday, April 3, at 8pm.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(5 sessions) Tuesdays, April 10–May 8, 8–10pm
12WHN18T
Members: $185 / Nonmembers: $200
[reg_button:12WHN18T]

This class is part of a series of 3 classes that can be taken individually or as a whole.  To register for the complete series click here.

Robin Rose Bennett

Pain Alleviation with Herbs
In our final evening we cover how to help ourselves and others with acute or chronic pain (from headaches, arthritis, injuries, etc.) using (internally and/or topically) such herbs as St. Johnswort, ginger, sweet blue violet, wintergreen, black birch, lavender, yarrow,
and comfrey.
Thursday, March 22, 8–10pm
12WHN12TC
$30
[reg_button:12WHN12TC]

This class is part of a series of 3 classes that can be taken individually or as a whole.  To register for the complete series click here.

Robin Rose Bennett

Modulating the Nervous System with Herbs
Tonight we look at specific internal and external applications of: nourishing and tonic herbs; stimulating and sedating herbs (e.g. linden, motherwort, chamomile, roses, skullcap, etc.); and how to use herbs to help address stress, anxiety, panic, depression, shock, and grief.
Thursday, March 15, 8–10pm
12WHN12TB
$30
[reg_button:12WHN12TB]

This class is part of a series of 3 classes that can be taken individually or as a whole.  To register for the complete series click here.

Robin Rose Bennett

Maintaining a Healthy Nervous System with Herbs and Foods
We’ll learn about adaptogens such as holy basil, alteratives such as red clover and nourishing tonics such as oat straw; and learn how to choose between using herbs as tinctures or teas, infusions, syrups, baths, and/or capsules.
Thursday, March 8, 8–10pm
12WHN12TA
$30
[reg_button:12WHN12TA]