The Balance Team

Dr. Doug Sawin

As a young, bright eyed psychology major on the University of Wisconsin campus in 1966, Doug Sawin would have been hard pressed to envision the career and life path that has unfolded for him during the past four decades.

Today, Life Skills Training Institute (LSTI) is providing lasting change and leadership beyond his wildest imagination or expectations... (Read More)

Dr. Sawin (pronounced “Saw-win”) uses a cross section of methods, pulling from his dual Ph.D.s in Personal Guidance and Human Development and his experience of university structures and corporate cultures, to transform people’s lives and business enterprises.
Dr. Sawin supports and coaches people on a one to one basis. He also works with small groups or with hundreds of people at a time via public and private workshops and speaking engagements. The core of the message and purpose behind LSTI is about guiding each person through discovering his or her inherent self. In any setting, Dr. Sawin’s work and the powerful results his clients experience are nothing less than extraordinary.


Professional Experience:

  • Guide-Trainer-Coach, Life Coach, Executive Coach, Career Coach, Life Skills Training Institute, Ladera Ranch, CA, 2002-present.
  • Personal Guide, The Wellness Network, Laguna Beach, CA, 1999-2002.
  • Psychotherapist and Director, The Healing Center, Laguna Beach, CA 1988-1999
  • Visiting Professor, University of California, Irvine, 1986-1988
  • Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Austin, 1975-1983
  • Visiting Professor, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1979-1980
  • Research Fellow, The Fels Research Institute for Human Development, Yellow Springs, OH, 1973-1975

Education and Training:

  • Postdoctoral training in Coaching methods and ethics, MentorCoach, 2002.
  • Postdoctoral Ph.D. training in Personal Guidance, University of Texas, Austin, 1982-85.
  • Ph. D. (1974), Human Development, University of Minnesota,1969-1973. (NIH Fellow)
  • B. S. (1969), Psychology, University of Wisconsin, 1966-69. (with Honors)

Awards and Honors:

  • Teaching Excellence Award, l983, PSI CHI, The National Honor Society in Psychology.
  • National Institutes of Health Pre-doctoral Research Fellowship,1969-1973.
  • Distinguished Scholastic Record, University of Wisconsin, l969.
  • NSF Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Psychology, l969.

Professional Affiliations:

  • International Coaching Federation
  • National Speakers Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • Psychologists Helping Psychologists


Estee Huff

Estee Huff is a trained and qualified Teacher of Tai Chi, a Chinese relaxation technique best described as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined.

The main principle behind Estee's approach to Tai Chi is to have the mind, body and senses function as a whole. Through the use of soft and slow movements, Estee is able to create a serene, meditative state important for coping with stress and other problems in daily life. And, through regular Tai Chi training with Estee, you will experience a greater sense of "balance", enduring health and wellness, a deeper awareness of oneself.

Estee has studied with a variety of Masters for over 30 years, received two black belts, and was a First Place winner in the 1997 Push Hands at the World - Kung Fu Tournament in Orlando, Florida.

For classes and events, please see our Events Page. For more information on how Tai Chi can help you, please contact Estee at:

Estee Huff
Email: estee.huff@gmail.com
Phone: 949.726.2663


Carrie Woodburn

As a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of a highly successful corporation, Carrie Woodburn received a life altering "wake-up call" which set her on a pathway toward her own healing and spiritual awakening. As a CEO, Mother, Wife and Healer, Carrie has learned to navigate "having it all" while practicing the fine art of "Self Care".

(Read More)


Nancy Linsley

As a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher, Nancy Linsley assists, inspires and empowers people on their path for personal growth, meaning and fun in a "One Hour Vacation" through the use of the Feldenkrais Method®. This practice uses an integrative method using movement as the tool to integrate mind and body. (Read More)