Donald Leathers, ND.

Dr. Donald Leathers was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had an interest in physical health, well being, and sports since the age of twelve. At eighteen years old he started studying martial arts and at twenty three years old he entered into formal study. He started by studying Issynrhu karate (three years), then Hapkido where he obtained his first black belt (five years), then Taiqi, Baqua, Shing-I, and Qigong for four years.

In 1986 Don left his career as a mining engineer and went back to school to study naturopathic medicine at National College of naturopathic medicine in Portland, Oregon. During his time at College he continued his study of the internal arts. He spent five years studying Aikido with the Ki Society, started studying Qigong with Dr. Lilly Siou, and later met Master Ron Lew.

Don spent four years studying with Dr. Lilly Siou learning qigong from the Tai Shuan Monastery system of Qigong in China and hands on healing Qigong. He has spent 16 years studying with Master Ron Lew learning a Tibetan form of Qigong, later formulated into the TiAiki system by Master Lew, Steve Frison and Don Leathers.

After graduating from naturopathic college, Don settled into practicing naturopathic medicine and teaching Qigong, Taiqi, and martial arts. In continuing his studies, he obtained a second degree black belt in Hapkido and a fifth degree black sash in the TiAiki system of internal arts.

In 1998 Don met Teacher Li Jun Feng and started to study the Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong form of Qigong. After three years of practice he became involved with the International Sheng Zhen Society by becoming a certified teacher and assisting in setting up an international teacher's training program.

Don has been practicing medicine for fourteen years and teaching for 20 years. He presently resides in Moab, Utah and has co-founded the Phoenix Rising Center with his wife, Catherine Shank. The Phoenix Rising Center offers health and healing services as well as classes in Taiqi, Qigong, martial arts, and teacher training.

Catherine Shank

Catherine Shank was born and raised in Buffalo New York. Her life reflects a weaving of her love of nature, cultural diversity, and her commitment to live simply and inspire others in that process. She graduated from Wittenberg University in 1979 with a Bachelors Degree in Cultural Geography. During this time, she participated in several cultural exchange programs in Latin America. In 1986 she received her Masters of Intercultural Management from the School for International Training in Vermont. She spent 7 seasons as a Ranger with the National Park Service and was also a Advisor and Trainer with women and for students with disabilities in Utah for 5 years.

In 1995 in New Mexico she received her National license in Massage Therapy and Jin Shin Do Acupressure. She met her teachers Dr. Don Leathers and Grand Master Ron Lew and began training in the TiAiki system of Tibetan Internal Arts, which include Taiqi, Qigong, and Kung fu. She also began studying the gifted art of Ortho-Bionomy and is now an Advanced Practitioner and in the Instructor Training program.

For the past 10 years she has delightfully practiced Bodywork in Moab, Utah while growing her own oasis in the desert. In 1998 she Co-Founded Phoenix Rising Center with her husband Dr. Don Leathers. In 2003 she completed her first degree black sash in the TiAiki system. She also trains with Master Li Jun Feng and has also studied with Dr.Lui Dong, Kim Ivy, and Madame Lui He. Over the past 20 years, she has participated in Native American and Shamanic ritual. Her guides and teachers embrace many different Tribal heritages and she brings this diversity and earth centered consciousness into her classes and workshops. She currently teaches Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation in the local community.