The Sensory Awareness Foundation (SAF) is dedicated to carrying forward the legacy of Charlotte Selver’s work in Sensory Awareness — a practice that awakens presence, clarity, and responsiveness in daily life.
Our mission is twofold: to preserve the integrity of this life-affirming practice, and to expand its recognition as a credible, valuable approach to mindful living.
We bring this mission to life by supporting and fostering a range of activities and networks:
Support Leaders
Through the leader’s guild, promoting a comprehensive calendar and give visibility to their work in their own communities.
Share Teachings
Publishing resources, archiving Charlotte Selver’s legacy, and making the practice accessible worldwide.
Build Community
Creating spaces, online and in person, where people can experience the practice together.
Collaborate
Partnering with other organizations to expand the reach and credibility of Sensory Awareness.
The Foundation in Figures
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The Team
Staff
Lorna Salinas
Development Director
Board of Directors
Michael Atkinson
Michael took his Ph.D in Phenomenology and for decades has explored the psychology of perception and the construction of meaning, literary and lived, as a university professor and a Sensory Awareness leader. Michael began his study of Sensing in 1974, and was President of the Sensory Awareness Leaders’ Guild from 2014 to 2018. He is an ordained Buddhist Dharma Teacher, interested in the relation of Sensing to the deep seeing of contemplation, exploring how we are transformed as we meet life’s invitations more fully.
Sara Bragin
My journey to Sensory Awareness began the moment I was born and promised never to lose the gift of being fully alive. Life happened, living became life and four decades passed before I would meet Charlotte Selver. I wanted the vitality I saw in her. She was 91. I followed her everywhere. After she died, I joined a study group with Lee Lesser, which led to my becoming a leader. Committed to passing on the beauty of living aware, I work with writers, individuals and small groups. Ray Fowler insists that my memoir, The Living In Her Dying, is packed with sensing.
Ray Fowler
Ray studied the practice of Sensory Awareness with Charlotte Selver for thirty-two years. He has offered workshops for thirty years in a variety of venues including retreat centers and universities. Ray leads a week-long workshop every summer on Monhegan Island, Maine. You should go! A graduate of The Julliard School of Music, he is also the Music Director and Conductor of the Ohio Valley Orchestra.
Ephraim Williams
Ephraim was introduced to sensory awareness by Denise Gabriel in 2017 when he was 19 years old. After five years with the practice he began his journey to become a leader through the Selver Awareness Leadership Training Institute (S.A.L.T.I.). He now offers sensory awareness workshops both in person and via zoom. Ephraim’s commitment to sensing is linked with his commitment to God and community. This practice offers a connection to self that he believes can awaken you to the divine intention for your life- all we need to do is listen.
Misty Hannah
Misty feels Sensory Awareness as a living practice. She is the founder/director of Compassionate Accompaniment CIC, a not for profit helping individuals and communities create compassionate care practices through Sensory Awareness and somatic movement. She is a qualified, registered, insured Somatic Movement Educator and Qi Gong/Taiji practitioner. She holds a Masters Degree in Dance and Somatic Well Being from University of Central Lancashire and is a registered professional member of ISMETA. Misty is a Sensory Awareness Leader and an End of Life Companion with a focus on grief support.
Ayana Amoa
Eyal Yona Yamin
Megan Oots
Megan lives in Brooklyn, NY with her partner, Ryan, and their two dogs, Yogi and Lorna. She began practicing sensory awareness in 2009, and has remained deeply connected to the practice ever since. What began as a personal exploration has grown into a meaningful part of how she moves through the world.
In 2019, Megan pursued leadership certification, and in 2026, she joined the Sensory Awareness Foundation’s Board of Directors. She approaches her work with openness and care, creating space for others to explore their own experiences with curiosity and compassion. She offers both private and group sessions. To book a session or simply introduce yourself, please email.