NYWIFT Talks Health and Wellness During COVID-19

Welcome to NYWIFT Talks, a new weekly series to bring updated news and vital information about the impact of COVID-19 on the media and entertainment industry. Industry professionals will be in conversation discussing what you need to know about theatrical releases, digital advances, virtual tools, festival opportunities, production updates and more. 

This edition of NYWIFT Talks is free for all to attend.

In this NYWIFT Talks, join Dr. Christine Cyriacks, Allison Chawla, and Liza Bertini to discuss the health effects that COVID-19 has taken on us and solutions to mindfully clear your mind and soul.

This conversation will be moderated by NYWIFT Board Member Maria Miles.

Panelists
Liza Bertini is a personal development coach and yoga and mindfulness educator who has been helping people live more healthy, mindful, and meaningful lives for the past 17 years. After owning a yoga business in New Jersey for 15 years, Liza is now the Director of Kripalu Programming at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, the largest yoga retreat center in North America, where she oversees the programming and faculty for Kripalu R&R Retreats, Kripalu Programming, RISE, and Groups. As a coach and teacher, Liza’s focus is on empowering people to achieve their goals while focusing on wellbeing, whole-being, and service. Learn more about Liza’s work at www.lizabertini.com.

Dr. Christine Cyriacks brings 19 years of experience to her private practice: Christine Cyriacks Acupuncture. She graduated cum laude from Montclair State University and continued academically to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, where she graduated in 2001 with a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. As Dr. Cyriacks was establishing her private practice she also taught at a Chinese Medical and massage school in New York City. Most recently, Dr. Cyriacks contributed to an article, The Importance of Will when Confronted with a Life-Changing Diagnosis for the on-line magazine Lifetime Daily; as well as interviewed on the subject of Chinese Medicine on All Business Media. She has given a number of lectures on the benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine, most recently at the Menla Spa. Dr. Cyriacks studied under Medicine Woman Tiffany Carole as part of the Master Healer Program and practices Acupoint Aromatherapy – the use of aromatherapy oils on acupuncture points. Dr. Cyriacks is a Reiki Level II practitioner, trained in sound therapy using tuning forks and Tibetan singing bowls, and is also trained in trigger point acupuncture, an extremely effective needling technique for pain syndromes. In her time away from healing, she enjoys spending time with her two beautiful children and her three canine rescues. When she carves out time for herself she enjoys yoga, ballroom dancing, and running. She is also currently studying Praying Mantis Tai Chi Chuan with a 9th generation disciple.

Born an intuitive and perceptive child, Allison Chawla knew early on that her path and destiny were both to provide insight and support for others. With this ability to act as a vessel for ethereal wisdom and energy; Allison set out on a journey for two decades, to cultivate a practice that can support a wide spectrum of patients, clients and individuals alike. As a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Spiritual counselor and certified life coach, Allison maintains private practices in both Manhattan and Rhinebeck, New York, offering telephone and video sessions for those out of the state or country. She holds a clinical master’s degree in Social Work and Psychotherapy from Fordham University Lincoln Center, and a Life Coaching Certification from The Life Purpose Institute in San Diego. Before obtaining clinical degrees, Allison mastered certifications in Reiki Energy healing, meditation, and meridian tapping for anxiety between the years 2000 to 2003. She also holds certifications in applied Neuropsychology and Neuroscience for treating anxiety, worry and panic, and continues to study in all areas for continued growth and knowledge. Allison Chawla works with individuals, couples and groups. She provides a safe environment for clients to express anything they may be dealing with and devotes time to each person in order to build and alliance and trust. Her approach is change-focused and centered around healing, but always practical, empathetic and light-hearted. She cultivates a plan that is created to be unique and specific to each person with their feedback and concerns always in mind. AllisonChawlapsychotherapy.com 

Maria C. Miles is the founding partner of an entertainment law firm with offices in New York. Maria’s practice focuses on all areas of entertainment law including, film (narrative and documentary), music, publishing, fashion and new media. Prior to starting her own practice, Maria was general counsel for a multimedia start-up where she oversaw a diverse range of matters including webisode production, technology licensing, trademarks and copyrights. Maria has worked with award-winning producers, directors, writers, actors, television hosts, multi-platinum recording artists, and corporations in the fashion and sports industries related to their entertainment matters. Maria is an Adjunct Professor at The Feirstein Graduate School for Cinema.