Online Weekend Event
March 29-30, 2025
SHI’s 2nd Annual Women’s Health Online Conference
After an incredible response to last year’s event, we’re thrilled to bring back the Women’s Health Conference at SHI for its second year! As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re once again gathering a dynamic group of experts to share their wisdom on holistic health, self-care, and overall well-being. Women have long been the heart of health in the home, nurturing families and communities through their knowledge of nutrition, healing, and balance. In the macrobiotic community, their role is especially profound, as they guide households toward vitality through mindful eating, natural remedies, and a deep connection to the rhythms of nature. This year’s conference will honor and empower the women who shape the foundation of well-being for generations to come.
This year’s conference will build upon the success of our inaugural event, diving deeper into essential topics such as nutrition, lifestyle balance, stress and emotional well-being, personal care, and holistic practices designed to support women’s unique health needs. While our focus is on empowering women, we encourage everyone—women and men alike—to join us in gaining valuable insights and supporting the well-being of the incredible women in their lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of another transformative and inspiring experience!
Presenters: Bridget Krall, Deborah Wolk, Mary McCabe, Sheryl Manzella, Sophie H., Susan Waxman, and more . . .(full schedule BELOW!)
See What Attendees Loved About Last Year’s Event!
“The conference offered a great variety of sessions on cooking, yoga, breathwork, mindfulness, and aging. The presenters were engaging and passionate, creating a welcoming environment for meaningful connections. As a beginner, I found these connections especially valuable. . . ” – Rita
*SHI Macrobiotics is a 501(c)(3) and your generous donations are greatly appreciated to allow us to continue to provide high-quality, current, and wide-ranging topics of education to the macrobiotic community and beyond.
Presenters
Susan Waxman – Macrobiotic Counselor, Cooking Instructor & Chef
Susan Waxman has dedicated her life to understanding the energetic nature of foods, cooking styles, and creating dynamic, healthful meal plans. This has allowed her to merge teaching and macrobiotic cooking that provides healthy, tasteful options for many clients looking to improve their health and perspective on life. Her expertise with ingredient selection, kitchen and pantry design, menu planning, and meal preparation are the foundation of her unique international macrobiotic cuisine.
Bridget Krall – Salon Owner & Grief Support Advocate
As a salon owner for 25 years in April and with 45 years in the industry, I’ve worn many hats. I’ve walked with guests in our salon through it all—from first haircuts to proms, weddings, pregnancies, divorce, sickness of all kinds, and the death of loved ones. I’ve learned that I don’t just do their hair. Although I don’t have a degree in psychology, I have educated myself not just in the craft of all things hair but also in strengthening the mind, body, soul, and spirit. God has given me a passion to help others—using the struggles I’ve faced—to pay it forward.
I’ve done cooking classes with Susan and counseling with Denny when my husband was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, which he survived for 16 years. My most recent study was in a Pain to Purpose course. My heart’s desire is to help women navigate grief and to know that joy can be found in the midst of grief (yes, at the same time). I have also taught high school Sunday school for over 30 years.
Deborah Wolk – Yoga Therapist
Deborah Wolk, C-IAYT, has been teaching and working with students with back issues, scoliosis, and other injuries for over 17 years. Her yoga practice, working with her own scoliosis, informs the work she does to help others.
Deborah met Bobbie Fultz in 2000—her first Yoga & Scoliosis teacher. She later met Elise Browning Miller and was certified as a Yoga for Scoliosis Trainer through Elise’s training program in 2005. Her primary teacher is Genny Kapuler, whose class she assisted for 10 years, and she has also studied extensively with Kevin Gardiner in NYC (now in Budapest) and Donald Moyer in Berkeley, among others. In 2007, Deborah traveled to India to study with the Iyengar family and spent most afternoons observing the medical classes there. Also in 2007, she co-founded Yoga Union Center for Backcare & Scoliosis and co-directed it for eight years. In January 2015, Deborah founded Samamkaya Yoga Back Care & Scoliosis Collective. Samamkaya is a democratically run workers’ cooperative and is devoted exclusively to scoliosis, back care, teacher education in therapeutics, and adaptive yoga for students with disabilities and nervous system disorders.
Deborah’s teachings are based on the principles of Iyengar-style yoga and Body-Mind Centering (BMC) techniques. She is warm and funny, and her teachings are subtle yet explained at a level everyone can understand. Deborah teaches workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings on Back Care & Scoliosis in New York City, across the U.S., and around the world, and she has a thriving private practice. To learn more about Deborah, make an appointment for a private lesson, or see a schedule of classes, please visit www.dwolkyoga.com.
Mary McCabe – Whole Foods Plant-Based Chef & Instructor
Mary McCabe’s culinary journey spans almost 50 years, during which she has mastered the art of cooking healthy, vegetarian, and macrobiotic foods. Her professional chef and culinary instructor roles have taken her to various locations nationally and internationally. As the former chef-owner of two award-winning restaurants and a certified Macrobiotic Cooking expert from the M.A. Kushi Institute, Mary’s expertise is unparalleled. She has also served as the head chef at the Macrobiotic Center’s summer program in Kiental, Switzerland, and appeared as a guest chef on two PBS series in Philadelphia.
One of the most compelling aspects of Mary’s career is her role as a personal chef for Dr. Anthony Sattilaro, the author of Recalled by Life, during his recovery from cancer. This experience allowed her to refine her skills further and deepened her profound understanding of the healing power of food, which she now shares with her clients. Mary worked as co-owner and instructor with the long-time macrobiotic teacher and author Sensei N. Muramoto for Great Life Products and Asunaro Institute, providing education and the production of sea salt and fermented foods.
Originally from Philadelphia, Mary now resides in South Jersey near the sea, where she offers vegetarian/macrobiotic cooking classes and healthy, seasonal residential retreats. The tranquil and picturesque setting of these retreats provides the perfect backdrop for learning and relaxation, enhancing the overall experience for the participants.
Sheryl Manzella – Holistic Trainer
Sheryl Manzella is an experienced and versatile holistic practitioner with a passion for personal growth. Her holistic view of life is not new and her back-ground is diverse. In 1979 she began to study and practice Macrobiotics in a study house in Boston. This large new view of life led her to Philadelphia to the East West Foundation where she was known in the community as a cook, cooking teacher and private chef to Dr. Anthony Sattilaro, author of “Recalled by Life”.
Her Macrobiotic experiences included kitchen manager for seven Macrobiotic summer camps including the 1985 International Macrobiotic Conference in Bern Switzerland. In 1997 she was certified as an Ace personal trainer specializing in Yoga and Pilates. Sheryl enjoys working with clients individually and in small groups and has a strong sense of commitment and dedication to her students’ wellbeing. She assesses and meets their needs with her natural ability to blend Eastern and Western philosophies.
She strives for balance in her daily life and encourages and inspires her clients and students to do the same. Her goal as a trainer, teacher and mentor is to support others in achieving personal growth and awareness not only on the physical level but on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels as well. She considers herself to be a student, as well as a teacher, of abundant living or in other words…living a happy, healthy, hopeful and helpful life. Sheryl is also a seasoned ordained Minister, a trained dancer, and a former professional fashion model. How can participants stay in touch after the conference? (Please provide your website, profession
Sophie H. – Administrative Operator (Trusted Health Products)
Sophie has worked to strengthen Trusted Health Products for the past four years. Starting out as a seasonal production employee and working her way to the administrative position, she is involved in all parts of the company’s operation. In 2022, Sophie and a small team of dedicated employees relocated with Trusted Health Products from Lexington, KY, to Lewisville, TX—ambitiously broadening the company’s horizons. She is committed to the company’s success and believes wholeheartedly in the products they manufacture and sell.
Sophie is one of those “I love art” type girls, and in her free time, she challenges herself to be creative whenever possible. She enjoys coffee, film photography, poetry, art in its many expressions, baking, hiking, and yoga. She has two tuxedo cats, Sallie and Chicharrón, who are spoiled rotten. Sophie feels weird writing her bio in the third person, but it’s fun.
Schedule
📅 Saturday, March 29th
8:30 – 8:55 AM ET | Welcome & Introduction (SHI + Registrants)
9:00 – 9:25 AM ET | Awaken the Meridian Senses: Morning Stretches – Susan W.
9:30 – 11:00 AM ET | Creating Beauty Out of Ashes – Bridget K.
11:05 AM – 11:50 AM ET | Straight From Nature: Women’s Health & Trusted Health Products – Sophie H.
11:50 AM – 2:00 PM ET | Break Session
2:00 – 3:30 PM ET | Nourishing Our Femininity: It Begins with Good Digestion* – Susan W.
3:35 – 5:05 PM ET | Lecture/Cooking Class TBD
📅 Sunday, March 30th
8:40 – 9:25 AM ET | Women’s Yoga for Back Care – Deborah W. (Pre-recorded, airing live)
9:30 – 11:00 AM ET | Lecture TBD – Sheryl M.
11:05 AM – 12:35 PM ET | Lecture/Cooking Class TBD
12:35 – 2:00 PM ET | Break Session
2:00 – 3:30 PM ET | Stretch Your Meals – Healthy & Versatile Vegetarian Dinners* – Mary M.
3:40 – 5:00 PM ET | Women’s Health Panel (All Available Presenters + Registrants)
Class Details
Day 1 – Saturday, March 29, 2025
Welcome & Introductions (SHI)
Join us as the SHI staff kick off our Women’s Health Conference. Hear about what’s in store for the weekend and have an opportunity to connect with other individuals taking part in this amazing online event!
Creating Beauty Out of Ashes (Bridget Krall)
This class focuses on loss and grief and gives you the tools on how to rewrite your story. Through guided reflection, meaningful discussions, and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to navigate the complex emotions that come with loss, build resilience, and find a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you’re processing personal grief or supporting someone through their journey, this session offers valuable insights and strategies to help you move forward with clarity and strength.
Awaken The Meridians Senses: Morning Stretches (Susan Waxman)
Unlock your body’s natural energy flow with this revitalizing class on balance and stretching. Through mindful movement and targeted stretches, you’ll activate your meridians, improve flexibility, and restore harmony between mind and body. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in wellness practices, this session will leave you feeling refreshed, centered, and reconnected to your senses.
Straight From Nature: Women’s Health & Trusted Health Products (Sophie H.)
Women’s health is a diverse and complex topic that goes beyond the physical. Join us for a conversation about pampering ourselves with Trusted Health Products’ uniquely formulated essential and botanical oil blends. Let’s talk about our all-natural approach, how our products benefit women, and the integral role self-care, self-love, and self-esteem play in our overall health.
We’ll have a live demo of our skincare products, and we’re excited to partner with SHI Macrobiotics to give our attendees freebies! Plus, learn how you can join a collaborative effort to help Trusted Health Products develop our brand through a compensated focus group later this spring.
Nourishing Our Femininity: It Begins w/ Good Digestion (Susan Waxman)
True wellness starts from within—specifically, in the gut. This macrobiotic cooking class explores the power of gut-healing foods that restore balance, enhance digestion, and support overall vitality. Learn how to prepare nourishing meals that not only heal but also align the body with its natural rhythms, allowing your femininity to thrive. Whether you’re looking to improve digestion or deepen your connection to holistic health, this class will empower you with the knowledge and tools to create lasting well-being from the inside out.
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Day 2 – Sunday, March 30, 2025
Women’s Yoga for Back Care* (Deborah Wolk)
In this class, you’ll learn about the anatomy, physiology, and some basic principles of back issues, along with simple postures to help you start a home practice to improve back strength, stabilize your joints, relieve pain, and increase your range of motion. Movement is life!
*This class will be pre-recorded and will air LIVE at the conference.
Stretch Your Meals – Healthy & Versatile Vegetarian Dinners (Mary McCabe)
Are you looking to make the most of your vegetarian whole foods while keeping mealtime exciting and stress-free? Join us for this hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to stretch your ingredients for a week of delicious, nourishing meals without feeling repetitive.
We’ll explore meal-planning techniques, batch cooking, and smart ingredient pairings that transform staple whole grains, organic vegetables, and plant-based proteins into a variety of flavorful dishes. Whether you’re short on time or looking for creative ways to minimize waste, this class will help you build confidence in the kitchen while making healthy dinners a breeze.
From hearty grain bowls to comforting stews and fresh, vibrant salads, you’ll discover how to mix and match ingredients for effortless, nutritious meals every night of the week!
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How to prep and store key ingredients for quick, versatile meals
✔️ Simple techniques for transforming staples into different dishes
✔️ Time-saving hacks to make dinner stress-free
✔️ Flavor-boosting tips to keep vegetarian meals exciting
Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, this class will take the challenge out of weeknight cooking and leave you inspired to create wholesome, satisfying meals in no time!
Registration & Pricing
Early-Bird Registration Fees: (Ends March 21st):
$125 (Days 1 & 2)
Regular Registration Fees:
$150 (Days 1 & 2)
Special Discounts: (Ends March 21st):
Discounts are also available for seniors, health professionals, teachers, and the military.
$110 (Days 1 & 2)
How to Use Zoom
- A smartphone, desktop, laptop, or tablet is preferred for participation.
- A video camera, either built in to your device or a separate webcam – you can still listen to the webinar without one.
- A microphone, either built in to your device or in the webcam – you can still use the Zoom chat to ask questions.
- An internet connection that supports audio and video meetings.
- Installation of Zoom on your device for video – desktops and non-Chromebook laptops do not require installation.
Who Should Attend?
- Does holistic health resonate with you?
- Are you vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian?
- Are you new to macrobiotics, or a long-time veteran?
- Are you interested in transitioning to a plant-based, whole-foods diet?
- Or, are you simply looking to feel better, naturally, through diet and lifestyle?
If you answered “yes” to either question, this is the conference for you!
What’s Included?
- 2 full days of education based on holistic principles
- Q&A sessions during events
- Class handouts and recipes provided
- Bonus offerings for select classes
- Conference recordings available after event*
*Recordings will be available for one month after the event or from the time of purchase if bought after the live event.
