The mission of the NCGR-Professional Astrologers' Alliance is to serve as a trade association to promote the common interests of astrologers and to improve the status of the profession of astrology primarily through the implementation of a certification program, the promotion of high ethical standards in the practice of astrology, as well as any other matters relevant to the professional astrologer.
MADALYN HILLIS-DINEEN, current elected Chair, began her association with NCGR in 1979 as an officer of the Northern New Jersey chapter. In 1986, she expanded her involvement to a national level when she became editor of the NCGR memberletter, a position she held until 1994.
From 1990-1994, Madalyn also served as NCGR's Executive Secretary and, as such, maintained its national headquarters, was involved in conference planning, public relations and created the first NCGR Directory of Professional Services. She comes to her current position after having served as NCGR Clerk. Madalyn has also served on NCGR's Publications and Education Committees. Winner of the 1995 UAC Regulus Award for Community Service, Madalyn was elected to two terms on the AFAN Steering Commitee.
Luiza’s interest in astrology started in 1971 while pursuing BA in Psychology and encountering the teachings of Carl Jung. Her path to C.A. NCGR-PAA as been a twisted one that included an MBA in International Business and the exploration of different careers. Finally in 2001 she was able to devote her full time attention to the pursuit of astrological studies and practice. Nowadays, Luiza lives in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where she has developed a local clientele while maintaining her international clients thanks to technology and occasional trips to London and to her country of origin, Portugal. Her approach to the astrological consultation still draws on Jungian concepts.
Luiza is an instructor at the International Academy of Astrology, an online school, and enjoys speaking to non professional audiences introducing astrological perspectives in mundane affairs. In her spare time she has created an astrogarden in her backyard where she tends to medicinal herbs and vegetables.
Through her work at NCGR-PAA she hopes to contribute to development of other professional astrologers and the expansion of astrological knowledge.
Warren Kinsman -Treasurer
After graduating from Syracuse University with a B.A. in Liberal Arts, Warren Kinsman spent two years in Turkey as a Peace Corps Volunteer, teaching English as a Foreign Language to Turkish junior and senior high school students. The Peace Corps offered him a job upon completion of his volunteer service, and he came to Washington, DC where over the years he worked as a high school teacher, consultant, astrologer and director of an after school enhancement program for inner city youth. In 2004 he retired and in 2005 moved to San José, Costa Rica.
John Marchesella has been an astrologer since 1976. He is fully certified by NCGR-PAA, has a full-time clientele in New York City and practices in Los Angeles on a regular basis too. He has held a number of positions on the Board of the New York chapter of NCGR, including President, Editor and Member-at-Large.
Since 1992, he has been Education Chairman for the chapter, where his duties include coordinating an annual conference and assembling a year-round education program with the New York Faculty.
A professional astrologer, author and teacher, Gloria’s work encompasses a wide range of experience. Her client practice is her primary focus, and she has presented lectures and workshops for astrology groups worldwide. She’s written, edited or contributed to 29 astrological books, annuals and anthologies, has authored many columns for magazines, newspapers, journals and online sources. Additionally, she has conceptualized and written the text for four astrological computer report software programs. Her feature column “Astrology News” has appeared in The Mountain Astrologer Magazine since 1997.
In service to the field of astrology, Gloria is a member of the PAA Board, and has also served on the NCGR Board. Additionally, she serves on the Advisory Boards of NCGR, Kepler College, The Avalon School of Astrology, and AFAN. She was Vice President of the UAC Board from 1999-2001, and was on the team of Coordinators for UAC ’95, ’98 and ‘02.
President of Astro Economics, Inc. (www.astroeconomics.com) publishes Astro Economics Stock Market Newsletter and The Right Time, author How To Choose Stocks That Will Outperform the Market, conducts financial workshops*, lectures internationally and sponsors The World Conference of Astro Economics. Masters Degree in counseling. Personal Consultation clients include CEOs, traders and small business owners. Company Profiles provide a complete package of the company's outlook as well as strengths and weaknesses.
*Pick The Winning Stocks, How to Start a Stock Club, Money-making Trends for the Year Ahead, etc.
Joseph Polise- Education Outreach Director
Joseph Polise has been a student in astrology for 20 years and an astrological teacher and consultant for over 10. He began his study of astrology while completing his B.A.degree in philosophy /classical studies at Northern Illinois University and became formally involved with NCGR (Chicago Chapter) soon after graduation in 1990.
In the mid-90s he was elected Vice –President and Program Director of NCGR Chicago and also started to work through the NCGR educational curriculum and testing program, earning the NCGR Level IV consulting certification (1998). During this time he was a consulting astrologer and teacher at the oldest metaphysical shop in Chicago, while also gaining valuable experience as a college English instructor and community organizer.
Joan Kellogg, MA, MA, LCPC, founder of the Healing Center, LLC holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology/ Thanatology and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. She is a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Transpersonal Therapist.
She was the first graduate intern for the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois and chaired the committee that developed the “Grief to Hope” community bereavement program, which she then managed for two years.
Shirley Soffer is a counseling astrologer with an active practice in New York City, where she is also on the teaching faculty of the NYC Chapter of NCGR. She has written, lectured, and conducted workshops on a variety of astrological topics and is the author of The Astrology Sourcebook: A Guide to the Symbolic Language of the Stars. In her work, Shirley draws from the teachings of Carl G. Jung by integrating psychology, mythology, and dreams with astrology's rich symbolism. To enhance these skills, Shirley participated for five years in the Jung Center's Professional Training Seminars, a series of courses of study geared to those in the helping professions.
Luiza’s interest in astrology started in 1971 while pursuing BA in Psychology and encountering the teachings of Carl Jung. Her path to C.A. NCGR-PAA as been a twisted one that included an MBA in International Business and the exploration of different careers. Finally in 2001 she was able to devote her full time attention to the pursuit of astrological studies and practice. Nowadays, Luiza lives in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where she has developed a local clientele while maintaining her international clients thanks to technology and occasional trips to London and to her country of origin, Portugal. Her approach to the astrological consultation still draws on Jungian concepts.
John Marchesella has been an astrologer since 1976. He is fully certified by NCGR-PAA, has a full-time clientele in New York City and practices in Los Angeles on a regular basis too. He has held a number of positions on the Board of the New York chapter of NCGR, including President, Editor and Member-at-Large.
A professional astrologer, author and teacher, Gloria’s work encompasses a wide range of experience. Her client practice is her primary focus, and she has presented lectures and workshops for astrology groups worldwide. She’s written, edited or contributed to 29 astrological books, annuals and anthologies, has authored many columns for magazines, newspapers, journals and online sources. Additionally, she has conceptualized and written the text for four astrological computer report software programs. Her feature column “Astrology News” has appeared in The Mountain Astrologer Magazine since 1997.
Joseph Polise has been a student in astrology for 20 years and an astrological teacher and consultant for over 10. He began his study of astrology while completing his B.A.degree in philosophy /classical studies at Northern Illinois University and became formally involved with NCGR (Chicago Chapter) soon after graduation in 1990.
Joan Kellogg, MA, MA, LCPC, founder of the Healing Center, LLC holds a Master’s Degree in Gerontology/ Thanatology and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. She is a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Transpersonal Therapist.