Team Shifu

While Master Sean leads all classes at North Country Tai Chi LLC, our talented group of advanced students  assist instruction on a volunteer basis. We know them collectively as "Team Shifu."

Their generosity of time and expertise help to make North Country Tai Chi LLC  a place where we really are "each other's practice"!   

Tom Lascell

Shifu Tom is a photographer, a paper & book artist and retired college administrator. With years of prior experience in Tai Chi, Tom joined North Country Tai Chi LLC on its first day in 2013. Tom assists Master Sean  in Tai Chi Basics, Intermediate, and Advanced techniques of Yang style Tai Chi. Besides Tai Chi, Tom is an avid traveler, fly fisher, and sea kayaker. 



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Miranda Barbur

Shifu Miranda joined North Country Tai Chi LLC in 2017 shortly after graduating from a nearby college. Miranda assists Master Sean in Tai Chi Basics, Intermediate, and Advanced techniques of Yang style Tai Chi. Miranda continues to perfect her sword form and looks forward to learning additional styles of Tai Chi in the future. When Miranda isn’t playing Tai Chi, you will find her reading, traveling, or spending time with her cats. 






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Allonah Ezro Christy

Shifu Allonah joined North Country Tai Chi in the fall of 2017 with no prior martial arts experience. Allonah is currently a graduate student at the University of Georgia, but when she's visiting home she can be found assisting Master Sean  in beginner, Sword, Intermediate and Advanced classes. She can play the "Gate of Life", 24, and 48 forms in Yang style, as well as the 42 Competition Sword Form. When she's not too busy with school, Allonah enjoys traveling, paddle-boarding, and relaxing at home with her cat Miley. 

Patti Hogle

Shifu Patti is a Community Health Educator for St. Lawrence County New York and is a specialist in conflict resolution and coaching among other talents. Patti joined North Country Tai Chi LLC in 2015 and assists Master Sean in Tai Chi Basics, Intermediate,  Sword and Advanced techniques of  Yang and "Old" Yang style Tai Chi. When not playing Tai Chi, Patti’s second passion is climbing mountains. She is aspiring to complete the Adirondack’s 46 High Peaks with Shifu Jen.  ​

Ray DeSilva

Ray joined North Country Tai Chi LLC in 2019 after  20 years of Tai Chi practice in the region.  Ray retired from New York State  Office for Mental Health and Office of Addiction Services and Support. For many years Ray   has led yoga, meditation, and beginner Tai Chi.  He was also a certified detox acupuncturist.  Ray assists Master Sean in teaching Tai Chi Basics, the "Gate of Life", 24 Form, and 42 Competition Sword. You will also find Ray playing the Yang 48 Form, 108 Old Style Yang and Sun Style. His other curiosities include home brewing, wine appreciation, and being a bit of a foodie.

Joela Whitesell

Shifu Joela began her Tai Chi journey back in Massachusetts in the early 1980's. After moving to St Lawrence County New York in 1988 her focus shifted to a decade + of interrupted  practice raising a family. In 2000 she returned to a regular Tai Chi practice and joined North Country Tai Chi in 2014. Joela assists Master Sean in teaching Tai Chi Basics, as well as, Intermediate and Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi including the 42 Competition Sword.  Joela is  a talented and caring piano teacher, helping adults and children enjoy music. She also enjoys spending time in nature biking, hiking, and gardening.​
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Jennifer McAvoy

Shifu Jen is the NOEP Coordinator at North Country Prenatal Perinatal Council and was the manager of local Farmer's Markets for many years. She joined North Country Tai Chi LLC in 2016. Jen assists Master Sean in Tai Chi Basics, Intermediate, Sword, and Advanced Tai Chi. Jen's personal practice is expanding into the Old Style 108 Form as well as the short and long forms of Sun Style. When Jen isn't playing Tai Chi, you can find her knitting, reading, or climbing mountains. Jen's current goal is to become an ADK  46er with her friend Shifu Patti. 

Yves Dupont

Yves joined North Country Tai Chi LLC in 2017. Yves retired from the IT industry  and is now a real estate investor / landlord.   He is a colorful personality, multi lingual, a fabulous chef, and talented artist. Yves assists Master Sean in Tai Chi Basics, Sword, and Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi. Yves is an avid cyclist, kayaker, and international traveler. He enjoys hikes, walking his dogs miles every day and visiting his children and grandchildren with his wife,  Mary Lou.





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Shifus in Training

Your inner teacher springs forth unexpectedly and spontaneously.  Never underestimate your own abilities and capacity for sharing what you know with others.  In the future, we may welcome you to this team of exceptionally  kind and talented individuals.