Corinne Russo Smith
Corinne Russo Smith, Founder and President of HopeStream Healing Arts Center, has always been passionate about personal growth and reaching their fullest potential in every aspect of their lives. Her journey began at the IM Healing Arts School in Manhattan where she progressed from student to teacher to Director. She concurrently enjoyed a 35-year career in finance in New York City and launched Imagine in 2006.
Corinne began her professional life as an elementary school teacher, moving to special education teacher, and then to remedial reading consultant in the Beacon, New York elementary schools. She also founded, owned, and operated The Gingerbread House, a private preschool center, and owned three retail businesses before moving into finance.
Corinne launched Imagine, her children's financial education program, in 2006 in the Beacon School District. She went on to offer the highly-applauded program in New York City schools, such as Manhattan College and School of the Future, and other public and private venues.
Founding HopeStream Healing Arts Center in 2000 has been, in her words, "life come full circle."
David Martin
David Martin is a 2005 graduate of the Healing Arts School in Manhattan, a four-year program of training in energy work and personal healing. He is the founder of Man's True Nature, a weekly discussion group for men, which he facilitates with James Lignori.
David discovered yoga 40 years ago in the Paramahansa Yogamanda tradition, and has found the practice a route to the balance of mind, body, and spirit. His personal philosophy of love for his fellow man and the belief in the connection of each of us to each other, infuses his interaction with every human being with kindness and caring.
James Lignori
James Lignori has many years of experience leading groups on men's spirituality and other men's issues. Together with David Martin, James facilitates Man's True Nature, a weekly discussion group for men.
James has over 13 years of training and experience in Zen-style meditation and was featured in Spirituality and Health magazine. He led meditation retreats in Garrison and Rhinebeck, NY and guided contemplative wilderness programs in the Catskill Mountains.