Teachers
Toni DeMoulin
taichitoni1@hotmail.com | 805-570-6194
Master Instructor Toni DeMoulin has been teaching Tai Chi since 1972. She is respected internationally for her skill as a teacher and as a practitioner. Her goal is to strengthen the school so it can continue to help our community well beyond her lifetime.
- Master-level teaching certificate
- Multiple international gold medal winner
- USA National Tai Chi Chuan Tournament Gold Medal winner
- Taught Chinese students and lived in Beijing by invitation from June 1, 2017- January 30, 2020, the only non Asian to ever teach Chinese people Tai Chi in China.
- Has taught in many U.S. cities, as well as Canada, Brazil, Norway, Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, China, Malaysia and Holland.
- Senior Student of Master Alex DaDe Dong since 2002
- Senior Student of Master Tung Kai Ying (Dong Ji Ying) from 1972-2002
Toni married into Santa Barbara in 1976 and has 5 children, 5 grandchildren.
“Toni has spent a lifetime mastering the power of Tai Chi. She is the rare teacher who has the patience to work with newbies and the experience to refresh and deepen the practice of people who have been doing Tai Chi for a long time. Highly recommended!”
— Carolyn J
“Toni DeMoulin is a remarkable teacher, not only because of her breadth and depth of knowledge, but her profound caring for the well being of all her students. She helps those with physical challenges to be able to learn and do tai chi with her wisdom, patience and kindness. A true master.”
— Jane J.
Suzy Robinson
Suzy Robinson, a Santa Barbara native and daughter of Master Instructor Toni DeMoulin, began studying Tai Chi in 1993 at the age of 14. Suzy has trained extensively in the Dong Family style under Toni DeMoulin, Master Alex Dong, and Master Tung Kai Ying. She is experienced in leading small group and private classes in slow-form, fast-form, and Qigong.
In addition to her Tai Chi foundation, Suzy brings an understanding of mind-body wellness developed through years of dedicated personal practice, intensive retreats, and self-study. She blends her passion for somatic awareness and meditation with Tai Chi fundamentals to create an accessible, welcoming space for students to explore energy and presence.
Suzy offers her 8-week beginner series free of charge. Beyond the first two months, students are invited to pay for classes on a sliding scale of $10-$30 per class. The beginner series is held at Rocky Nook Park at 9:00 AM on Saturdays. All are welcome; please contact Suzy for details at youngrobinson@mac.com.
Ellie Corigliano
Dr. Ellie Corigliano, PhD has been studying tai chi and qigong since August 2022, drawn by a deep curiosity in the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern medical science. What began as an exploration of soft movement and internal energy has evolved into a grounded, embodied practice she describes as Active Rest, extending the integration of movement, breath, and awareness into the realm of vital health.
Ellie is the founder of Arcanium Alchemy, The Inner Journey Sanctuary, where she teaches tai chi and qigong while guiding others in bridging scientific understanding with embodied, lived practices. She studies within the lineage of Grand Master Alex Dong with Master Instructor Toni DeMoulin, upholding a commitment to preserving the integrity of the art while making its depth accessible to modern practitioners.
She teaches tai chi in Ventura, California, and offers online qigong classes. Visit her website for more detailed information and even more her work at www.menoqigong.com
Ellie’s background includes training in classical ballet and ballroom dance, reflecting a lifelong appreciation for movement as both discipline and expression. She earned her PhD in biochemistry and enzymology and completed postdoctoral training, later contributing to blockbuster medicines and diagnostics in immuno-oncology revolutionizing the way we treat many cancers. As a former Pharma and Diagnostic Executive, she now brings together science, movement, and philosophy as a speaker, author, and teacher of integrative approaches to human vitality and transformation.