I discovered Healing Touch in 2007 through a class at the University of Michigan and managed a Healing Touch clinic in Ann Arbor for 2 years, then became certified in 2013.

I've been an RN for 28 years and work at Mott Children's Hopsital with the Congenital Heart Children as the Pre-Surgery Nurse Coordinator.   I just recently joined the Back and Pain Center at Burlington Buidling as part of the Michigan Medicine Non-Pharmacological Pain Management Program as their Certified Healing Touch Practitioner.

I'm also a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and incorporate what I've learned about energy and the body into my practice and use breathwork, meditation and yoga as part of my offerings to my patients as stand alone sessions or as part of their own self-care plan.  

Healing Touch started me on a life long journey of healing and self-awareness that has been rewarding for myself and sets an example for my 3 children to help others and to help themselves.   I have experienced many non-pharmacological stratagies for my own personal health and healing and can offer this knowledge to my patients who are seeking alternative methods for pain and anxiety management as well as overall health and wellness benefits. 

I'm forever grateful for discovering Healing Touch and the impact it has had on everyone it touches.

Kathleen Scacciaferro, R.N., M.S.A., Certified Healing Touch Practitioner/Instructor. She is an Adjunct Faculty of the Collegel of Nursing & Health Sciences at the University of Vermont where she teaches HT 1, 2, & 3, Energy Medicine, Meridians, and a Survey of CAM.  She also travels to teach in the community including HT 4. Kathleen is the School Nurse at Vergennes Union High School, Vergennes, Vermont, where she promotes a holistic health focus including HT.Kathleen traveled and studied Eastern Medicine in India, China and Outer Mongolia. She maintains an active Healing Touch practice in Bristol, Vermont..

“Marty” Margaret Downey, MS, Ph.D., RN, AHN-BC, CHTP/I has a spiritual, heart centered passion for holistic nursing, health and Healing Touch. A former critical care nurse and Emeritus Associate Professor/Adjunct faculty at Boise State University School of Nursing, she has taught nursing for 28 years, integrating Holistic Nursing & Complementary therapies. Marty is a certified Advanced-Holistic Nurse (AHN-BC), Certified Healing Touch Practitioner Instructor (CHTP/I). Teaching Holistic Nursing, stress management, guided imagery, with elements of Holistic Health Coaching. She is a nurse mentor at St. Luke’s Health System Research Fellowship Center for Nursing Excellence- supporting research on Healing Touch, guided imagery, aromatherapy and reflexology. And, faculty for the American Holistic Nurses' Association Integrative Healing Arts Program (AHNA-IHAP) certificate course in Holistic Nursing, She has a private Healing Touch practice and is deeply dedicated to Healing Touch service.

After the tragic loss of my son in January 2014, my passion for energy work was ignited. Through loss and grief, I have come out on the other side and experienced incredible personal and spiritual growth. I live in Greensboro, North Carolina and am a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner as well as Certified in Reiki and Foot Reflexology.  I am dedicated to my practice and believe with all my heart that doing this work is where I was always meant to be.

Laura is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. She enjoys her profession because it not only lets her be heart centered and authentic, but it allows space for her clients to be the same; this is a place where healing can truly begin.

Laura was born and raised in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) area and enjoys animals, nature and activities such as hiking, sailing, kayaking, art, various sports and laughing. She volunteers doing Healing Touch at Woodwinds Hospital and is a committee facilitator for a group called Woodbury THRIVES, a citizens initiative to improve the well-being of the people who live, work and play in the city of Woodbury, MN. 

Laura received her graduate education from the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing and Healing Touch Certification training through Healing Beyond Boarders.

My life experience includes baccalaureate degrees in both nursing and communication/family studies, masters degrees in nursing and communication/family counseling and a doctorate in psychology. I was certified as a healing touch practitioner in 2003 and continue to do 'the work' on a volunteer basis. Most of my nursing experience was in hospice and hospice home care, but have done med/surg, medical oncology, surgery, and nursing home supervision. I lived in Asia for 3 years teaching for the US Military through the U of Maryland and studied cultural death practices, as well as alternative forms of healing. I was a research associate professor for 10 years at the U of Arizona College of Medicine with a focus on sleep disorders and sleep health promotion, primarily for underserved Latinos. For the past 11 years, I was nursing faculty at Arizona State University, directing the Center for World Health. I retired in July of 2015 and am a Professor Emerita of Nursing and Southwest Borderlands Nursing scholar. Earlier this year (2016), after spending several years working with the Pan American Health Organization and submitting application, I received word that our college was designated as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre to Advance the Policy on Research for Health. I serve a Deputy Director. I continue to train diabetes health educators in Mexico regarding sleep disorders, chronic disease and sleep health promotion, and lecture on complementary, alternative and holistic approaches to healing with an emphasis on and demonstration of Healing Touch. I publish in professional sleep journals, and co-author the chapter on Evidence-Based Practice for Dossey and Keegan's 'Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice.' In my spare time, I am a rabid junior genealogist (starting in 1976), tracing a line on my dad's side back to Charlemagne. Namaste!

Find me on LinkedIn

Cynthia Backer, MAT, MIH, RN, passionate wellness educator and energy healer, has worked in healthcare and classrooms for 41 years. She currently works for PeaceHealth as a Nursing Professional Development Specialist with Home Health in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Cynthia speaks nationally, is a current author, and teaches a variety of classes that include wellness strategies and art. She has assisted numerous children and adults in improving their well-being and she makes it her goal to inspire more each day. Cynthia has been active with the American Holistic Nurses Association for 14 years, serving as the Oregon Chapter lead for two years and is a board member for the Portland Chapter of the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine. Her certifications include AHNCC holistic nurse/nurse coach (HWNC-BC), National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching coach (NBC-HWC) and Healing Touch Practitioner (CHTP). She is also a Reiki Master and an art quilter. 

Dr. Sue Peck is a holistic nurse practitioner.  Her bachelor’s nursing degree is from UW-Eau Claire, her Master’s degree is in nursing with a specialty in trauma nursing from Texas Woman’s University in Dallas, TX, and her Doctoral degree, from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is in nursing with a minor in gerontology. She’s practiced as a Holistic Nurse Practitioner since 1996.

Helping people manage chronic illness, pain, tension and anxiety are areas of special interest in her practice. Chronic illness is something the health care system struggles to manage. If we work with the person and how the illness impairs their life, we can find ways to increase meaning and quality of life for them. Using integrative therapies alongside traditional health care has tremendous benefits for the person. And whenever we can find the cause, rather than just treating symptoms, we are better able to improve life.

Treatment methods she specializes in, alongside traditional health care, include healing touch, functional medicine, ozone therapy, oral and IV nutrition, lifestyle management, guided imagery, and relaxation techniques. She has seen incredible things happen when we use integrative therapies alongside the traditional health care model! 

Annie is originally from a suburb of Chicago and graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor's degree in International Relations. After working in the healthcare field for 10 years, she received her Healing Touch training in Minnesoata and earned her certification as a Healing Touch Practitioner in 2011.

Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. Gentle touch assists in balancing one's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Healing Touch works with your energy field to support your natural ability to heal.

Clients remain clothed during the session, either lying on a massage table or sitting in a chair.

Annie has worked with people of all ages over the past 12 years, to assist in balancing their energy centers and enhance the flow of energy throughout their bodies. Many have experienced relief from pain or anxiety and felt a deep sense of relaxation during their session. She believes in the restorative power within each of us, and enjoys assisting individuals in their own healing journey.

Annie also has 13 years of experience working as a Program Facilitator on the In-patient Mental Health Units at the St. Cloud Hospital, leading groups for both adults and adolescents.

Her heart's desire is service to others, so that they may heal, feel at peace and experience joy in their lives.

For more information on Healing Touch, check out: Healingbeyondborders.org

My name is Michelle Russell, a private Holistic Health and Healing Touch Practitioner located in Duluth, MN.

My personal journey through a series of health challenges with no answers from conventional medicine led me to explore the world of integrative and alternative health care options. The answers and healing that I discovered as a result of my exploration, research, and most importantly application made a profound change in my health and well-being.

My personal life-changing experience inspired me to begin a career and a life dedicated to helping others live more healthfully.

I received my training and certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner from the Global College of Natural Medicine and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. In addition, I have completed the Healing Touch certification program through Healing Beyond Borders. This program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses’ Association. My EFT practitioner clinical certification is through EFT Universe. I am committed to my professional development with ongoing education and certification training.

I look forward to serving those on a quest for wellness by supporting their health care goals with holistic and integrative therapies.

Cynthia (Cyndi) Bertha,CHTP, BCTMB is a sole proprietor practitioner at Journey to Wellness in Wichita, Ks.  She became a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner in 2009.  She is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork since 2005.  Her community service includes teaching Infant Massage classes at the early Childhood Center in Maize, Ks and using her Healing Touch skills as a volunteer at Harry Hynes Hospice unit at St. Francis Hospital.  She is currently working on her certification to become a Level One Instructor of Healing Touch.  

She is married to Rick, with five sons, 7 grandchildren and 2 fur babies.  Together they are active in Bikers Against Child Abuse and St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church.

Jane is a Cancer Survivor with nursing experience in oncology, behavioral health and pain management. She specializes in helping clients reduce reliance on post-op narcotic medication, and is honored to assist patients navigating challenging cancer treatment.

Sessions are offered in private residences, nursing homes and hospitals.  Experienced with hospice and end-of-life transitional support for both clients and their families.

Cost-saving packages and military discounts offered.