Leora Gaster has been teaching mindbody studies internationally for over five decades. She co-founded MBS Academy (Mind Body Studies) with her mother, Mia Segal, in order to keep and develop the complete works and origins of the work of Dr. Feldenkrais, which is a synthesis of its many applications and the connections of the brain, behavior, and philosophy of life.

At MBS Academy they have trained generations of practitioners and trainers at all levels for multiple professional and personal applications, from medicine to athletics. Leora coded the work, and published manuals and Core Principles of MBS, including a program for school children, and a teaching manual of awareness through movement lessons. She's also produced online programs, videos, and audio recordings, making the work accessible to people of all ages, levels, and needs.

Leora has a degree in human biology from Stanford University, with a focus on the interconnection of brain and behavior, and is an advisory board member of USC’s Peermental Health Initiative.  She is also an NLP trainer and holds a black belt in Judo, by Kodokan, Tokyo. 

Tom Rankin is an assistant trainer for MBS Academy (Mind Body Studies).  He has been mentored by Leora Gaster and Mia Segal for more than 10 years.  Tom has been a certified strength and conditioning specialist for more than 20 years, and has been a part of Stanford University's Health Improvement Program for more than 10 years.  Tom has a private practice with the South Bay Network of Somatic Education (S3NSE) in Cupertino, CA.