Being a member, investor, and senior partner at the Wellness Universe is a great honor. I have nearly fifty years of experience in health and wellness as a psychotherapist, expressive arts grief, trauma, pain practitioner, and educator. My experience as a licensed therapist, certified coach, and credentialed teacher with a master of science degree makes me a valuable resource and passionate wellness advocate. Over the years, I’ve worked with generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, TBI, coma, neuropathy, paraplegia, domestic violence, sexual assault, autism, memory loss, chronic pain, aging, ADHD, speech disorders, stroke, hearing loss, blindness, depression, and more.

I am grateful for valuable experiences as an expressive arts therapist, music therapist, activity therapist, art therapy practitioner, special education teacher, adult education teacher, workshop presenter, ordained minister, cleric counselor, and best-selling author. My charitable and hands-on volunteer years include working with the Special Olympics and the Very Special Arts Festival. Seeing the joy of children and families lifts my heart.

Joy is at the center of my life purpose. My favorite part of each day is helping others manage grief, trauma, and pain in private or group sessions, watching them face, embrace, and replace pain, blame, and shame with joy. I have witnessed a paraplegic adult lift his arms and move his fingers to feed himself, an autistic boy communicate for the first time, a parolee transform his life from pity to purpose, and senior citizens rise from their beds to gainfully serve in the community. My life has been filled with miraculous moments as I witness people healing through their determination and targeted plan to embrace joy and wellness. At the root of this is faith and love.

I am an advocate for those who need special assistance. As a dedicated and enthusiastic senior partner with chronic challenges affecting mobility, hearing, vision, and chronic pain, I bring unique perspectives and valuable life experiences to the Wellness Universe. I know American Sign Language and am a voice for people who don’t fit the mold of orthodox medical treatment.  I help those who cannot attend, view, understand, and receive health services and those who struggle to communicate their needs effectively.

 I am eternally grateful to have found the Wellness Universe. The Wellness Universe motto is that “happy, healthy, and healed humans lead to peace globally,” and my life work is in 100% alignment with that mission and purpose. It is an honor to partner with dedicated wellness experts to provide valuable resources, outstanding education, and joyful, life-changing transformation. I am fully committed to this lifelong service.

HONORS AND AFFILIATIONS
•Kappa Delta Pi Member, Honors Society in Education
•American Music Therapy Association, Professional Member
•American Art Therapy Association, Professional Member
•American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Professional Member
•North American Drama Therapy Association, Professional Member
•International Expressive Art Therapy Association, Professional Member
•Music Teachers National Association, Member, and Credentialed Teacher
•Illinois State University, Dean’s List; BS in Music Therapy, MS in Special Education
•Certified Grief and Trauma Coach (CCF)
•Certified Expressive Arts Specialist and Coach (CCF)
•Certified Art Therapy Practitioner (CATP)
•Credentialed Adult Continuing Education Teacher in Music, Art, and Writing (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing)
•Credentialed Teacher K-12, Special Education (Illinois State Board of Education)
•Licensed and Registered Music Therapist (RMT)
•Certified Sound Therapist (CST)
•Certified Master Level Energetic Practitioner and Master Teacher (MEP and CMET)
•Publisher, Owner, HeartShine Productions, LLC
•Ordained Minister