May 19, 2005
Contact: Gus Ostrum
(856) 256-2306; ostrumg@ajj.com

PITMAN, NJ – On behalf of Jannetti Publications, Inc., Pediatric Nursing will present the journal’s 2005 Humanitarian Award to Zuleikha, a teacher in the healing art of movement, at the 21^st Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference in Philadelphia, PA. Zuleikha will receive her award Sunday, September 18, 2005, during a special awards luncheon.

Zuleikha is also hosting the conference’s opening plenary session on Friday, September 16. She will present “Healing Journeys of the Heart: A Movement Theater Piece of Story, Music, and Dance,” a performance weaving elements of nature, world lore and life.

Jannetti Publications, Inc., which is located in Pitman, NJ, publishes Pediatric Nursing journal. Past Humanitarian Award winners include Paul Newman, Rosalynn Carter, Marian Wright Edelman, and Mattie Stepanek.

Zuleikha brings an awareness of health and body through the joy of movement, rhythm and melody. Five years ago, she created the non-profit organization The Storydancer Project, an international artistic health resource program designed to help women and children suffering from the trauma of war, disease, poverty, and loss of family. Zuleikha aims to heal people’s minds and hearts after illness, as well as helping them restore a positive sense of self.

Growing up in a Western classical music family, Zuleikha became interested in the art of movement and studied with Anna Halprin, a pioneer of dance as healing and performance art. Zuleikha attended the Ali Akbar College of Music and Dance in San Raphael, CA, and lived in Bali, Japan and Afghanistan, studying in the classical Afghani music system with Ustad Hashim Chisti. During her time in Afghanistan, Zuleikha noticed the situation of women and health throughout the world, and this awareness influenced her creation of The Storydancer Project.

Zuleikha works with health care practitioners, children and adults recovering from cancer, adults suffering from mental illness and people with difficulties in their lives. Her sessions require no previous experience and she welcomes everyone. She now teaches and performs at conferences and schools all over the world, and her art and performance “Dances from Wild Gardens” has aired on PBS.

For additional information about the Pediatric Nursing 21st Annual Conference or to request a registration brochure, call (856) 256-2356 or write to: Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc.; East Holly Avenue, Box 56; Pitman, NJ 08071-0056.  For more information about Pediatric Nursing, visit www.pediatricnursing.net.

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