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Susan A. Matthews, M.S. has been practicing and teaching Taijiquan, Qigong, and Spirituality for 27 years. During that time, her internal martial arts training is enhanced by over 20 years of study and research in the biomedical sciences, including Neuroscience, Anatomy, Physiology, Neuroendocrinology, and Neurochemistry.  

Susan is currently received graduate degrees from the Department of Cell and Neurobiology at The University of Southern California and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Research was in dopamine neuron electrophysiology for stem cell replacement therapy in Parkinson's Disease. In her work within the Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, she focused on neural circuitry in the developing spinal cord and is developing a computer model for the circuitry involved in synchronized movement. She also studied the processes of regeneration after stroke. These efforts refined her techniques using Tai Chi for neurorehabilitation. Ms. Matthews earned her Master's degree in Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has also earned baccalaureate degrees in both Molecular Biology and Anthropology/Archeology. Her Masters thesis in pineal gland neuroendocrinology, melatonin biochemistry, and circadian rhythms was conducted in the laboratory of internationally acclaimed researcher Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D. 

Master Teacher of Chinese Internal Martial Arts, Founder, Shanti School of Taijiquan, Internal Martial Arts Research Institute in the Four Corners area of Colorado, since 1990. She specializes in Neurorehabilitation, Tai Chi and Women's Health, Biomechanics, and Chronic Pain. Susan has taught tai chi and qigong in special programs for Seniors for decades. She presents seminars nationally, specializing in high performance biomechanics (Spiral Anatomy™) and synchronized movement training for Tai Chi, equestrian riding, mountain biking and skiing. She presents specialized seminars and classes in Tai Chi for women’s health, seniors, arthritis, chronic diseases (MS, fibromyalgia) and chronic pain. Served as a developer of community programs for senior health and fitness for Mercy Medical Center and San Juan Basin Health Department in Durango, Colorado and now is involved in similar programs for Montezuma County, Colorado.

Susan is currently producing Brain Workshop™ seminars focusing on neurorehabilitation after stroke, Parkinson’s, and with aging and frailty (balance, bone strength, circulation, stress reduction). Current evidence resulting from brain imaging studies and other research in the neurosciences is presented in conjunction with the biomechanical principles, strength, and meditation techniques of internal martial arts.

Member by invitation of the American Tai Chi Association  Advisory Board on Tai Chi and Consumer Health Information since April 2003.

Elected by a 12-country federation to serve as United States Vice President for The Worldwide Association for Chinese Internal Martial Arts (WACIMA, Shanghai). She has been awarded Master-level teaching certification under the auspices of this international association during China Camp 2004 and 2007, Shanghai, in 21-day intensive, instructor-level training programs. Susan is responsible for international communications for these events.

Susan has also been awarded Go Dan, 5th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor, 2007, in the TAI System of Martial Arts. TAI Martial Arts Association, White Oak Institute, Asheville, N.C., U.S.

Over the last fifteen years Susan has developed and taught professionals her own Orthopedic Integration Therapy for chronic pain based on Taiji principles of natural movement. Susan has produced instructional videos including "Blood Circulation and Energy Gathering Qigong," "Brain Workshop," "Eight Pieces of Brocade" and presents seminars nationally on integrated biomechanics and Tai Chi and women’s health. She studies Chen Taiji & Lan Shou with Master George Xu (San Francisco), Xing-Yi with Qian Zhao Hong (Shanghai), and Yang Style with Wang Zhi Xiang (Shanghai); Homeopathy, Tibetan Medical Qigong and  Tibetan Taijiquan with Robin Murphy, N.D.; and with Wu Taiji Grand Master Wang Hao Da (Shanghai) 1997-2001. She is currently certified in the Mi Zong School of Medical Qigong and in the 12 Movement Sun Style Tai Chi for Arthritis Program. Additional training and Certification in various manual therapies including Shiatsu, Tuina Massage, Craniosacral Therapy and Structural Integration, and Heart of Spirit Intuitive Healing.

Susan's students benefit greatly from a rare integration of Western scientific and Oriental energetics. She credits her strong Taijiquan training with her masters and grand masters, along with a deep knowledge and application of human anatomy and neuroscience, for her ability to so effectively enable her students and clients to improve their own health and longevity.

Susan has owned and operate d Serai Communication Arts for nearly 20 years as a graphic artist and designer. Her experience in cartography, desktop publishing, book publishing, catalog marketing, web design and marketing, and more recent expansion into video editing and production is helping her promote the benefits of Taijiquan and Qigong.

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