Inner Light Retreat

Elena Filenova is the director and co-founder of Inner Light Retreat Center. Elena is also our staff nutritional consultant, certified by Global College of Natural Medicine in Santa Cruz, California. Elena has an extensive scientific background including a BA in Chemistry from Moscow State University and an MS from Florida State University, with a specialization in Biochemistry. For the last five years she has conducted cancer research projects at Florida Atlantic University and the University of California in San Francisco. 

During the summer of 2006 Elena started working at Sacred Space Retreat Center in San Francisco where she immersed herself in an intensive study of the raw food lifestyle, detoxification techniques and nutritional analysis. This experience shifted her focus from allopathic medicine to the holistic preventative approach to health. Please call Elena at 415-690-0356 or e-mail efilenova@hotmail.com  to schedule a nutritional consultation.

James O'Connell, D.C. -  is our staff chiropractor. James practiced for five years in London before opening his office in San Francisco eight years ago. James graduated from the University of Santa Barbara with a B.S. in English Literature before earning his chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College West. For the past five years James has been teaching anatomy at the San Francisco School of Massage. James specializes in Three Point Therapy - localized deep tissue massage. He treats chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as chronic headache and other conditions. Chiropractic adjustments stimulate the nervous system, focusing on the nerves connected to internal organs, thus assisting in the detoxification process. James is an avid surfer and rides the waves of the Pacific Ocean every chance he gets.

To schedule an appointment with James call him at 415-921-2325 or visit his website at  http://accesschiro.chiroweb.com.

Alena Reznikova is co-founder of the Inner Light Retreat Center. She has an established practice in Saratoga Springs - a beautiful town in upstate New York renowned for its history of mineral water cures and healing. Elena offers colon hydrotherapy and lymphatic drainage to her clients, as well as coaching in holistic detoxification and healthy lifestyle changes. Alena has studied colon hydrotherapy at the Prime Pacific Institute in Vancouver, Canada and started her practice in 2006. She is a native of Ukraine and her background is in languages and education. Alena brings her versatility and sense of humor as well as her passion for teaching and knowledge into her everyday practice. Alena participates in the preparation and organization of our retreats.

If you live in or plan to visit upstate NY and would like to schedule a session with Alena please refer to her website -  http://www.saratogacleanse.com.

Monika Haas, a native of Bavaria, offers her services as our Aromatherapist.  After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988, she became involved with Original Swiss Aromatics (OSA), where she is now co-owner and director. OSA was among the very first companies to import genuine and authentic essential oils to the United States.  Monika is also the managing director of Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy (PIA), the oldest US-based educational enterprise in aromatherapy. PIA is internationally acclaimed and has been the leading force in integrating scientific and holistic aspects to essential oil therapy. In her capacity with PIA Monika has organized seven international aromatherapy conferences during the past decade. She teaches aromatherapy in the US and Europe and leads annual tours to the aromatic sites of the South of France for essential oil enthusiasts. In 2004  she published the book Quick Reference Guide for 114 Important Essential Oils . To read more about Original Swiss Aromatics and Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy go to these sites - OSA  and  PIA.