When I am asked to describe my practice and how it came to be, the usual run through my mind-friends, personal experience, professional apathy. I know, however, that it is that and much more.

As a nurse, I have been trained to do it this way and  for this reason. Beginning one's own practice, especially in the volatile field of complementary care resembles nothing of this solid structure. The words of Rebecca Maddox, a successful and inspiring entrepreneur, come to mind as I put into seemingly inadequate words, my story. Rebecca succinctly states that success is driven by your uniqueness. Find what makes you unique, what someone may have kidded you about all your life, and use it. My unique abilities are creativity and candor. The second element of success is to love what you do and do what you love. I do. Lastly, every successful person has a believe-in-you person. I am fortunate to have several. My friend, Janis Cieply, Dr. Catherine Christopher, and my gorgeous daughters Jacquelyn and Stephanie.

They have all supported and guided my "there's got to be another way" search for medical treatment that didn't approach me or patients as parts connected just by happenstance. This process of personal and spiritual growth was, and continues to be, as painful as it is rewarding.
My first toe over the line experience in 1990 was chiropractic (Janis, isn't that just for people with bad backs?).  I had migratory arthritis with swollen, immobile joints difficult to walk on, a perforated bowel from Crohn's disease and my husband was dying. I was led, kicking and screaming, from there to homeopathy and life-saving aloe drink.

With a paltry understanding of energy medicine, I was next enthralled by Reiki and achieved a Second Degree in the Usui method. When I was asked to leave the supervisory position I had been in for six  years, I was devastated. My right arm became frozen. I would not move it. I dragged myself to a healer (OK, Janis!) and slowly began to unearth my buried heart. (Thank you, Catherine.)
In my new part-time position, I was introduced to such modalities as intravenous chelation therapy, acupuncture, massage, colonic irrigation and food antibody testing. I found I had severe allergies to eggs and yeast, which contributed to my ulcerated bowel and asthma. Since not eating foods which contain these, I have been symptom free!

I joined the American Holistic Nurses Association, thrilled to find an approach that considers a human being's interconnectedness with the Universe and teaches us and our patients control of our own bodies. I immediately sent for the holistic nursing text and had to share this wonderful news with my colleagues. I began facilitating AHNA Holistic Nursing courses and organizing networking meetings.

Having read in the text about reflexology as a therapeutic modality, I was fascinated and studied further. I use my new skills feverishly and squeal with delight when I hear Mom, my feet! I envision the day when teenagers que for a reflexology fix instead of deadly chemicals.

As my journey continues, I am constantly reminded that with each closing door, many new doors open. I am humbly grateful each day for all that I have.
 
 Namaste, Cathy

My Story