Awakening The Warrior Within - Facilitators' Biographies

Transformative Arts Institute facilitators provide comprehensive tools for a powerful and permanent transformation.

*Ms. Dawn Callan* Founder, Head Instructor
"I believe we each have a unique destiny to fulfill; a message that we alone can deliver; a mission we are here to accomplish. My work is about supporting people to understand they have everything they need to make that journey, to live the life they want, to realize their dream and create the community that shares and supports that dream."	Dawn Callan's biography reads like a spellbinding, captivating novel. Her background is unconventional and eclectic, a unique intertwining of philosophy, spirituality and physical training. Through these disciplines, Dawn has honed her teachings, focused on practical life skills and personal empowerment. Ms. Callan has been a student of the human potential movement since 1970, studying Eastern, Western and Native American philosophies and traditions. Her associates include some of the most respected teachers in these realms. Her spiritual work is central to Ms. Callan's life and her teachings. Ms. Callan's physical training includes classical martial arts: Choai Lai Fut, Kung Fu and Karate, Kanpo Karate and Kobra Kaj Karate. Ms. Callan is certified in police control and restraint techniques, special weapons and the use of firearms having trained with military, para-military, police and street fighters. She owned and managed Aegis Protective Services, a high-risk security company in Los Angeles where she served as bodyguard for celebrities and high profile clients. Ms. Callan has authored three books, Awakening the Warrior Within (1999), The Hero's Code (2006), and How to Live the Rest of Your Life. She has lectured, taught seminars and been featured in media both nationally and internationally. Dawn is a mother, gardener and a vegetarian gourmet cook.
*Steve Milne* Head Trainer and Weapons Instructor
“I got my life out of this teaching. In helping to fascilitate the transformations that happen out of this work, just as the students learn and grow, so do I.”	Steve has trained with Patric Young, Dawn Callan and many master teachers in both empty hand and armed combat. His skilled understanding of the physical and psycho-spiritual balance of the work and his committment to service is his signature as a trainer. As head trainer for AWW workshops since 2002 he has greatly contributed to the development and evolution of the work.
*Joe Harrison* Combat Team Leader
“If what I do helps someone glimpse their own potential to take care of themselves and trust themselves, and that glimpse allows them to summon their Warrior when needed in life, whether that need is physical, emotional. mental or spiritual, then that makes all the difference in the world and for the world; and worth everything.”	Joe is a mixed Martial Artist and has been studying Martial Arts since he was seven years old - he's studied Karate, Kuk Sool Won, Seibukan Jujutsu, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jujitsu among other systems. He's been part of the Awakening the Warrior Within Combat Team since 2003 and his eclectic style and experience make him a perfect fit in the Warrior family as Combat Leader for Awakening the Warrior.
*Alejandro "Alex" Mora* Combat Instructor
"I am honored to be part of the 'Awakening the Warrior' team, because it gives me the opportunity to help people find the energy and strength that they need to empower themselves and to face their physical and emotional fears. This work helps me to grow as a human being by interacting with people in all kinds of life situations and makes me be more conscious of how I am managing my own life".	Alejandro Mora is Head Instructor and owner of the Salinas Tai Kwon Do Academy. He became part of the STA in 1997. Prior to that, Master Mora was an established tournament fighter, and was the 1995 Mexican National Champion; thereafter, he took 2nd place in 1996. Master Mora is married with a beautiful wife and he is now the proud father of a baby girl born in 2004 and a boy born in 2005. He earned the title "Maximum" Alex, on our trip to China in 2010 due to an extraordinary ability to 'take a hit and keep coming'. Alex is known locally for his compassionate and generous work with kids at risk.
*Casey Lake* Combat Instructor
“These workshops are about getting the most out of your life and transcending to new levels of awareness and personal power. Seeing each unique shift in our students keeps me going and looking forward to every workshop.”	Casey Lake is a student and teacher of multiple martial arts: Seibukan Jujutsu, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, and Enshin itto ryu Battojutsu. He also enjoys traditional MMA, Boxing, Aikido, and Ba Gua. He was uchideshi (inside student) for Kanhco- Julio Toribio for one year in 2008 and continues to teach, train, and study at the Monterey Budokan. He is a combat team member for Awakening the warrior and has assisted overseas in China and Taiwan.
*Patric Young* Combat and Training Consultant
"The combat experience is a high-energy process that pushes the participants to the absolute edge, not only of their physical, psychological and emotional endurance, but also of their concept of themselves. The process requires them to confront their fears and limitations; to overcome seemingly overwhelming tyrants, both internal and external and to reclaim the most fundamental aspect of themselves - freedom."	Patric is combat chief for the workshops, and has facilited Awakening the Warrior Within, Stalking the Shadow, and Meeting the Magician workshops since 1987. He is an instructor in Jeet Kune Do Concepts under Demi Barbito, and is certified to teach the Vunak Knife Fighting System. Patric trained at the Filipino Kali Academy in Harbor City, and wtih Terry Lettau and Robert Humphrey.
*Joel Morgan* Combat and Training Consultant
"My goal in each workshop is to help our students reach a new peak emotionally, mentally and spiritually as well as physically. We make the workshops as real as possible to create the space for our students to find the focus and control needed to bring out their warrior. The energy of the warrior is boundless."	Joel holds a black belt in Korean Tang Soo. He trained in street fighting and Tae Kwon Do in Chicago with Chong Lee. He has worked extensively in personal and public security. He has been with AWW since 1997.
*Chris Coppinger* Combat and Training Consultant
"The satisfaction that comes from helping others through this rite of passage is unmatched in any other realm of my understanding. It is a privilege to do this work."	Chris holds a black belt in Korean Tang Soo Do and trains in and teaches street fighting, kick boxing and weapons. He teaches Tang Soo Do in Santa Rosa, California, and competes at the international level. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University. He has been with AWW since 1997.
*Ms. Mari Frye* Associate, Self Defense Instructor
"When I see someone reclaim their warrior I see joy. I see freedom. I see them living their life to the fullest and a piece of me grows with them."	Mari has facilitated workshops and worked with Ms. Callan since 1991. She holds a black belt in Korean Tang Soo Do. Mari teaches martial arts in Santa Rosa California and competes on local and international levels. Mari is dedicated to helping individuals realize their strength and potential regardless of their fitness level.
*Mariah Heller* Associate, Self Defense Instructor
"Being able to gain the knowledge and perspective that these workshops offer is a true gift. Being able to pass this knowledge on to others and see the true awakening is an even greater gift. I hope to contribute as much as I can to my Warrior family"	Mariah has been a part of the Warrior team since 2005. She holds a Black Belt in Tang Spp Do and plans to pursue a career in the performing arts. Mariah hopes to pass her spirit and knowledge of technique on to willing students.
*Jason Costanza* Associate Instructor
	Jason brings to the Warrior team his extraordinary talent and his training in Seibukon Jujustsu and Aikido; as well as his incredible heart and true sense of service to a cause bigger than himself. He currently trains in Monterey, California with Kancho Julio Toribio, who was also one of the pioneers in women's self-defense and reality based self defense courses.
*Gretchen Kvistad* Administrative Chief of Staff
"Walking with someone on their path to true Warriorship is a privilege - people who experience Dawn's workshop will never be the same, and I am honored and humbled that I have an opportunity to help in whatever way I can."	Gretchen is a level II Reiki healer and works as a 1:1 aid in the classroom with children who have communication support needs. Gretchen embodies the meaning of being in service to a cause bigger than yourself and her contribution to the Warrior team is invaluable. Gretchen is Administrative Chief of Staff for the Warrior Team.
*Robert Humphrey* Founder
	The Maestro - January 17, 1955 to February 20 1998. In Memorium. We think of you every day.