About Us

Golden Spiral Foundation, Inc.

Golden Spiral Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to nurture a child -- balancing body, mind, and spirit. The well being of a child depends on his or her equilibrium. Therefore, activities focus on families in their entirety. Golden Spiral was initially created to re-establish children's equilibrium during, and subsequent to, serious illness. Initial programs offer in-hospital yoga classes. Future entities will focus on children and families, supporting them as they navigate through the complexities of our contemporary society.

Dr. Marshall Stone, Executive Director

Long ago, when Dr. Stone did his Pediatric Surgical training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, he had contemplated the idea of integrating Yoga as a part of the recovery program for his patients. Along with his intervention of surgery to cure their physical disease, Dr. Stone realized that the wellness of the children would be enhanced by an activity that promoted physical movement and attended to their emotional state. As the years went by, he became caught up with building a family and a Pediatric Surgical practice, and his dream slipped from the forefront of his goals. With his practice now established, Dr. Stone realized that the time was right to develop his vision of a yoga program for children who are inpatients in the hospital. When he participates in a “Golden Spiral Yoga” class or observes the children, most of whom he has operated on, performing the poses of animals or practicing the various styles of breathing, Dr. Stone observes the tranquility in their faces.

Ellen Stone, Co-Director

Ellen’s initial introduction to yoga was as a student at University of Michigan. The profound impact of the classes inspired her choice of thesis, “Yoga and Psychotherapy.” As Co-Founder of Golden Spiral Yoga, she was able to actualize her view of yoga, as an art of expression and empowerment, for children coping with the psychological ramifications of chronic hospitalizations. As Administrator for the non-profit, Ellen is instrumental in building and operating the foundations of the organization. Primary responsibilities include: input in the developmental content of the Yoga classes, public relations, marketing, and interpersonal dynamics. Ellen is also developing complementary Yoga dvds, books, music, etc. to facilitate the transition of the practice of Yoga, from the hospital to the child's home. Replicating the model in additional pediatric wards is a concurrent focus.

Frank Fiore, Treasurer

An integral part of Frank’s mission in helping clients meet their financial objectives is to provide a sense of comfort from the knowledge that they have done all they can to lift up and protect themselves and their family. The resulting sense of security is an essential variable in his personal style of his financial planning. Building this foundation of peace for his clients parallels the benefits Frank has personally achieved throughout his adult life from yoga related exercise and meditation. He wishes and wonders what might have been, if...he had been exposed to yoga practice, as a child. Frank believes that introducing the children in the hospital to the benefits and beauty of yoga, while they weather the storm of illness and recovery, will help to brighten the process. His hope is that Golden Spiral Yoga will spark a life long love for yoga in the children and a realization of the connection of mind, body, and spirit.

Nancy Nolen, Certified Yoga Instructor

Nancy Nolen is a Teacher for Golden Spiral Yoga. She received her Yoga Training Certification at The Yoga Center of Deerfield in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Nancy began teaching Yoga to kids in 1985. With her love of children Nancy composes classes that reflect the patients' needs. Along with bringing a playful aspect to the postures she adds a music element to the session. The children are intrigued watching her play the flute, drum and didgeridoo. With an artistic and musical sensibility Nancy offers the Pediatric Patients a wonderful calm and creative presence and environment.

*Past Instruction with children involved work at Fort Lauderdale Prep School teaching Yoga and Art. At University level, Nancy has lead Yoga for College Credit at Florida Atlantic University and Broward Community College.

Chrissy Vorpagel, Registered Yoga Teacher(RYT)
Registered Children’s Yoga School(RCYS)

Chrissy of Miss Chriss Yoga Bliss LLC is a Teacher for Golden Spiral Yoga.
She was certified as a 200 hr Registered Yoga Teacher by Transcend Yoga Teacher Training at Kula Yoga Shala in Jupiter. Additionally she received Children’s Yoga Teacher Training from Ms. Jaye for Registered Children’s Yoga School. Chrissy’s innate ability to connect with children is what drove her to share the Healing Art that is Yoga. Through breathing techniques called pranayama and creative meditation options, she is able to make Yoga fun and applicable to life situations of the child patients. With her Native American Music and games like Yogi Says, she creates not only a relaxing but safe environment. Kids feel comfortable talking to each other and sharing feelings about their day and their own knowledge as well as personal experience of Yoga.

Jane Miller, Child Life Specialist at St Mary's Medical Center

Jane Miller is a Certified Child Life Specialist and Child Life Manager for Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Jane has experience with all populations of the hospitalized child including pediatric trauma, ER, surgical and Oncology. She appreciates the value yoga as a healing and coping tool for the patients. As the hospital administrator for Golden Spiral Yoga, Jane coordinates with the nurses and parents to assess which patient will best benefit from the yoga program for a more rapid recovery.

Nicole Guererri, Child Life Specialist at Palms West Hospital

Nicole Guererri is the Child Life Specialist at the Children's Hospital at Palms West Hospital. Golden Spiral Yoga comes every Tuesday morning. We transform our playroom into a relaxing environment with the lights down mats on the floor and the music playing in the background. Not only our patients but family members also participate. Yoga has helped our patients get out of bed, move their bodies, and help our patients feel better. I am so proud to offer this program to our patients and families. We have patients from the picu, pediatric floor, our outpatient infusion room, and oncology unit all get to enjoy golden spiral yoga.