About

The outdoors has been my sanctuary and school. While growing up, we lived on a farm in southwestern Pennsylvania with horses, sheep, cows, geese, a goat, dogs, and our cat. There, we had a large garden and cornfield each year, enjoying the abundant harvests we were gifted by the land. Through this experience, I learned the importance of feeding the body, mind, and soul to foster health. It has long been my passion to accompany others on their journey to embodying wholeness.

It was a privilege to care for people of various ages in the healthcare field as a physician assistant. Each person has taught me so much. I have accompanied people with cancer in the clinic and in the hospital, as well as worked in family medicine and internal medicine practices. A team I was part of focused on infection prevention. Another team I was on collaborated with various sectors of the community to promote health across the spectrum of life to prevent diabetes.

While working in healthcare, one of my colleagues and friends, Rachel, introduced me to energy work. This shifted my world! I wanted to learn more. I had the opportunity to participate in a pilot reiki program in a hospital in Boston for a year. I volunteered in the cardiology and cardiac surgery units offering reiki, which was an amazing experience. 

Another dear friend, Jet Schneider, whom I met in 2010, has helped me greatly on my spiritual path. In 2014, I joined a Centering Prayer group that she and Ellen Jankowski co-facilitated. Their sharing was soulful and instructive. The group was a Sacred Circle. In 2016, I began contemplative spiritual direction with Jet as a client of her Seedlings practice. Jet has greatly helped me understand so much about myself - the light and shadow aspects and the power of both. She has provided a sacred container for me to explore my depths and expand into my true self.

In 2016, I was honored to meet the incredible herbalist and photographer, Jennifer Tucker. She opened my eyes and world to another realm with the plants. She helped me to understand my past experiences in nature on a deeper level. I will be forever grateful for her friendship and mentorship. As did Jet, Jennifer helped guide me through a Dark Night of the Soul, to understand its significance and the opportunities it presented.

Karen Willenbring, MD, of On^Point Integrative Medicine, has inspired me and greatly helped me transition into the role I am in now. Over the years, I have participated in many wonderful programs she has offered, including a Healthcare Worker Wellness program she received grant funding to lead. Dr. Willenbring is a true pioneer, compassionate clinician, and soulful leader.

Barb Kurkas Lee, MSN, RN, CNM(Ret.), Registered Aromatherapist & Certified Archetypal Consultant has taught me much over the years through working with her one-on-one and in a small group she facilitated regarding archetypes and essential oils. She is a very gifted teacher and researcher and has a great sense of humor! Through my personal exploration and experiences with essential oils and archetypes, I have grown closer to the plants, to nature, and to myself. Barb used the framework Carolyn Myss outlines in her book, Sacred Contracts, and has studied Jungian Analysis and incorporated that into her work.

My friend, Gaby Winqvist, introduced me to shamanic reiki. Immediately, it called to my soul. I began having sessions with her, which were transformative. She is a very gifted person. Thus, I decided to become certified to practice and teach shamanic reiki to offer to others on their journeys.

I am deeply grateful to each person above and to many others for the skillful and compassionate guidance and companionship on my journey.

Education

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Marywood University

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Cornell University 

Certifications

Shamanic Reiki Master Practitioner

Shamanic Reiki Master Teacher

Evolving Shamanic Reiki (EV1), Master Teacher

Evolving Shamanic Reiki (EV2) – currently enrolled

Reiki Level I & II