Grace Sanchez

Biography

I began studying Tai Chi and Qigong with Nam Hoa Temple Internal Arts Master Jim Scott-Behrends in 2000 in my hometown of Scotts Valley, Ca. I fell in love with this style of Tai Chi/Qi Gong because it integrated movement and mindfulness into one practice. I directly experienced improved strength, balance and a sense of well being because of my tai chi practice. I am certified to teach Nam Hoa Longevity Tree Qigong Form and Nam Hoa Yang Application Form.

In November of 2011 I had the opportunity to study with Dr. Paul Lam who developed the internationally recognized Tai Chi for Health Programs. I have studied with Master Trainers Robin Malby, Marty Kidder, Hei Takarabe, Bill Pickett, Becky Rahe and Hong Yang. I am a certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor in the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Form Part 1 and Part 2. I have taken the master class for Yang 24 Forms and Sun 73 Forms with Dr. Lam.

I have studied Tai Chi Philosophy, Peng Zu Qigong and in depth study of the Yang 24 Forms with Hong Yang.

I am currently studying 24 Postures Therapeutic Qigong with Bill and Linda Pickett. I was also introduced to Shibashi Qigong with Bill Pickett and received more instruction from Becky Rahe.

I have been a Tai Chi/Qigong instructor at Dominican Hospital’s Personal Enrichment Program since July 2011. I taught Tai Chi and Qi Gong at Mid-County Senior Center from September 2007-December 2016.

I live in Santa Cruz County, California. I am grateful to my husband, Tom Bush and our two grown sons David and Matt for their enduring love and support. I am retired from my job as a pediatric occupational therapist after working at Dominican Hospital for 18 years and Stanford University Hospital prior to that. As an OT I worked with adults in rehabilitation and acute care in my early career and later specialized in NICU OT. My hobbies are studying and practicing Tai Chi and Qi Gong, mindfulness practice, reading, bird watching, and photography.

I am available for consultation for corporate wellness events.

To contact me by phone call 831-227-7073, or email me at bloominglotuschi@baymoon.com

Grace Sanchez’s Schedule

FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE INSTRUCTOR AS WELL AS OTHER CLASS PARTICIPANTS PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS ONLY IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 VACCINATION AND RECOMMENDED BOOSTERS UNLESS MEDICALLY CONTRAINDICATED. CURRENTLY AS OF JANUARY 2024 IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS AND STAFF WEAR A MASK FOR INDOOR CLASSES DUE TO AN INCREASE IN CASES LOCALLY.

TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES YOU CAN SIGN UP ONLINE, IN PERSON OR BY CALLING THE OFFICE (831) 457-7099.

DOMINICAN PEP WELLNESS CENTER
21340 East Cliff Drive (at the corner of 14th and East Cliff Dr.)
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

https://www.dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/dominican/classes-and-events/exercise-and-fitness

MONDAY CLASSES

QIGONG AND GUIDED RELAXATION PRACTICES (standing or seated)

Class time is 1 hour
Class fee: Pricing is set by PEP Program and will change in January 2024
This class will be held outdoors in the back garden, check the weather, dress in layers as the temperature can fluctuate. If it rains we will have class indoors or if the weather or other events bar outside participation.
Material fee: 0, instructor will email handouts

We will explore Qigong practices from the Tai Chi for Health Program, Nam Hoa Internal Arts, 24 Postures Therapeutic Qigong, and Five Elements practices. Instructor will also incorporate guided relaxation practices for decreasing stress, increasing relaxation and improving mental focus. All students are welcome. Students requiring assistive devices can use them as needed or participate in seated practice. No experience necessary. This class will be held outdoors in the back garden unless the weather is inclement, class will move to an indoor setting if it is raining or too cold/hot. All students and staff encouraged to mask indoors.

Monday 1/8/24-2/26/24 10:30-11:30 6 sessions/$84 no class 1/15/24 and 2/19/24
Monday 3/11/24-4/22/24 10:30-11:30 6 sessions/$84 no class 4/1/24
Monday 4/29/24-5/20/24 10:30-11:30 4 sessions/56

BEGINNING TAI CHI/QIGONG

Class is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Class fee: Pricing is set by PEP Program and will change in January 2024
This class will be held outdoors in the back garden, check the weather, dress in layers as the temperature can fluctuate. If it rains we will have class indoors or if the weather or other events bar outside participation.
Materials fee: 0

Instruction includes Qigong Energy breathing exercises, Tai Chi for Arthritis Joint Warm Ups, Concentration Practice, and instruction in the movements 1-6 of the Tai Chi For Arthritis Form. The core movements of the Tai Chi for Arthritis form will be taught over 2-3 consecutive class series. Most students find benefit in repeating the course to integrate the movements into daily practice or to benefit from the support of group practice. Students should be able to walk without assistive devices to participate in this class. Beginners are warmly welcomed, no experience necessary.

Monday 1/8/24-2/26/24 11:45-1:00 6 sessions/$99 no class 1/15/24 and 2/19/24 This class is fully enrolled
Monday 3/11/24-4/22/24 11:45-1:00 6 sessions/$99 no class 4/1/24
Monday 4/29/24-5/20/24 11:45-1:00 4 sessions/$66

TUESDAY

INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI/QIGONG and transitioning into ADVANCED TAI CHI AND QIGONG
Class is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Class fee: Pricing is set by PEP Program and will change in January 2024
Materials fee: 0

Instruction includes Qigong Energy breathing exercises, Tai Chi for Arthritis Joint Warm Ups, Concentration Practice, and instruction in the movements 7-12 of the Tai Chi For Arthritis Form. The extension movements of the Tai Chi for Arthritis form will be taught over 2-3 consecutive class series.If students are comfortable we may move into exploring the Part 2 Tai Chi Arthritis Form. Most students find benefit in repeating the course to integrate the movements into daily practice or to benefit from the support of group practice. Students should be able to walk without assistive devices to participate in this class. It is helpful to have taken the Beginning Tai Chi/Qigong class.

Tuesday 1/9/24-2/27/24 9:30-10:45 8 sessions/$132
Tuesday 3/12/24-4/30/24 9:30-10:45 6 sessions/$99 no class 4/2/24
Tuesday 5/7/24-6/25/24 9:30-10:45 6 sessions/$99 no class 6/4/24, 6/11/24

TAI CHI/QIGONG: SUN 73
Class time is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Class Fee: Pricing is set by PEP Program and will change in January 2024
This class is being held outdoors in the back garden. Bring layers for fluctuations in temperature. We will meet indoors if it is raining or necessary for some other reason.

Tuesday 1/9/24-2/27/24 11:00-12:30 8 sessions/$132
Tuesday 3/12/24-4/30/24 11:00-12:30 6 sessions/$99 no class 4/2/24
Tuesday 5/7/24-6/25/24 11:00-12:30 6 sessions/$99 no class 6/4/24, 6/11/24

Students should have taken the Tai Chi/Qi Gong Beginning-Advanced Classes for Tai Chi Arthritis Part One and Two, and the Yang Form to attend this class. This class includes Qi Gong Warm-ups, Concentration Practice, and instruction in the Sun 73 Form. TCA 1 & 2 and Yang Form will be part of the warm up practice for experienced students to maintain knowledge of these forms. The Sun 73 Form will take a minimum of 18 months to learn.

If you have any questions about Grace’s classes or teaching schedule feel free to call or text her at 831-227-7073. Class fees are based on number of hours of classroom time and is set by PEP Wellness Center Administration.