I am honored to be a member, investor, and senior partner at the Wellness Universe. As a psychotherapist, expressive arts grief, trauma, and pain practitioner and educator, I bring more than fifty years of experience in the field of health and wellness. 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, working with generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, TBI, coma, neuropathy, paraplegia, domestic or sexual violence and assault, autism, memory loss, suicidal ideation, chronic pain, aging, ADHD, speech disorders, stroke, hearing loss, blindness, depression, and more.

I am humbled and grateful for a life journey rich with 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 award-winning, best-selling author. My years of charitable and hands-on volunteer efforts include working with the Special Olympics and the Very Special Arts Festival. Seeing the joy of children and families lifted my heart.

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 up from their beds to gainfully serve in the community. My life has been filled with miraculous moments as I witness people heal through their determination and targeted plans to embrace joy and wellness. At the root of this is faith and love.

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

The Wellness Universe motto is that “happy, healthy, and healed humans lead to peace globally,” and my life’s work is in 100% alignment with that mission and purpose. I am eternally grateful to have found the Wellness Universe. It is a great honor to partner with dedicated wellness experts who 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