Our experts include experienced integrative therapy providers, as well as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and veterinarians who believe in an integrative approach to health and healing. This site is built on their expertise.
Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD
Director of the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota
Mary Jo Kreitzer is the founder and director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality & Healing, where she teaches and conducts research on optimal healing environments and mindfulness
Linda Armstrong is a member of the faculty in Dietetic Technology and Health at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minn. She is a Registered Dietitian and has experience in acute
Marilyn Bach is a certified healing touch practitioner and mentor and has studied a variety of energy healing modalities throughout the past 15 years. Bach has lectured on energy-based healing
Cultural Competency Educator, Fairview Health Services
David recently retired after 29 years as a chaplain with the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. He continues to work as a cultural competency educator/consultant for Fairview's Office of
Linda Brady earned her master's degree in Nutrition at Lousiana State University and her PhD from Michigan State University. She then spent her post-doctoral years at Boston University Hospital in
Jenny Breen is a public health nutritionist, food educator and professional chef. She teaches cooking, nutrition, and mindful eating for the Center for Spirituality and Healing, The Healthy Foods Healthy
Director of Communications, Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing
Kit is communications director for the University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing. He has worked in educational communications, advertising, and marketing for nearly 20 years
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Judith is the associate dean for Academic Affairs for the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, found her way into dentistry while doing post-doctoral work in biochemistry. In addition to
Assistant Professor in the School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University
Beth Burgan followed up a career in art education and art therapy with a career in massage therapy; she has practiced full time since 1988. Burgan is certified by NCTMB
Graduate Faculty, Lead Faculty, Yoga and Tibetan Medicine Focus Area, Center for Spirituality and Healing
Ph.D. in nursing and philosophy/bioethics, University of Minnesota M.S. in nursing, University of Minnesota M.A. in philosophy/bioethics, University of Minnesota B.S. in nursing, University of Minnesota Dr. Cameron did postdoctoral
Pat Culliton serves as the director of Minneapolis-based Hennepin County Medical Center's Alternative Medicine Division, where she is also the director of Alternative Medicine for the National Institutes of Health
C.M. Cyprian is a scholar-practitioner who is particularly passionate about the healing & wellbeing of individuals, communities, institutions and systems. She has been recognized as one of “Tomorrow’s Leaders” in
Louise Delagran, MA, MEd, is a writer, researcher, instructional designer, and former editor and web producer of Taking Charge of Your Heath and Whole Systems Healing. Louise has a strong
Licensed Nutritionist, Abbot Northwestern's Institute for Health and Healing
Carolyn Denton is a licensed nutritionist who focuses on nutrition for general health, disease prevention, and as a complementary therapy for existing chronic and degenerative diseases. In addition to nutritional
Catherine is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ, a board-certified chaplain, spiritual director, energy healer, tapping (EFT) practitioner and certified in neuroplasticity training. Catherine is passionate about
Licensed Psychologist, University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital
Amy Esler is a psychologist in the Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Program at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital and an assistant professor in the Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience
Associate Professor, Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program; Research Director
Dr. Roni Evans has been an investigator of several randomized clinical trials funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration
Sharon Franquemont's life has been dedicated to intuition for more than 30 years. She is a coach, consultant, teacher, reader, and writer in the field. Her expertise includes teaching graduate
Dr. Archelle Georgiou is a recognized physician leader who combines her deep knowledge of clinical medicine with a breadth of experience in business and healthcare administration to pursue her passion
Pediatrician, University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital
Allison Golnik is a pediatrician at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital and assistant professor in the Pediatrics and Adolescent Health department at the University of Minnesota. She attended
Founder and Director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine
James S. Gordon is the Founder and Director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC and is a Clinical Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine
Faculty member of the Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota
In her private consulting practice, Gorman specializes in intuition, relationships, and authentic living. She also teaches the Enneagram, a personality inventory tool, to individuals and organizations. Board certified as a
Sarah is a faculty member of the School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University, teaching evidence-informed coursework for massage therapy students. She earned her Professional Certificate in Massage
Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Lynelle Graham, DVM, is an assistant clinical professor at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and Animal Chiropractic. Her interests include clinical
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Program Director of Complementary & Alternative Supportive Care, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Amala Guha, PhD, MPH, MA, is an assistant professor of medicine and the program director of Complementary & Alternative Supportive Care (CASC) at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Christopher Hafner, L.Ac., is a TCM practitioner and licensed acupuncturist in Minnesota with more than 30 years experience. He was formerly a faculty member and clinic supervisor at Northwestern Health
Associate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Nursing
Linda Halcón, PhD, MPH, RN, RATC, is an associate professor in the University of Minnesota's School of Nursing, where she is chair of the Integrative, Global & Public Health Co-operative
Alex Haley, JD, MBA, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota where he teaches, assists with research, and helps set strategy within the mindfulness program area. He has
Richard Hammerschlag, PhD, continues to conduct clinical research although he is recently retired from his position of Dean of Research at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, where coordinated collaborative
Patricia Hart, MD, is board certified in Internal Medicine & Nephrology. Her mid-career Bush Medical Fellowship catalyzed a profoundly deeper understanding of complementary healing, with an emphasis on meditation and
Kate Hathaway is a clinical health psychologist with thirty years of clinical experience in mind-body interactions, wellness and psychotherapy. She has taught at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center
Dean of the School of Massage Therapy, Northwestern Health Sciences University
Dale Healey, DC, is the dean of the School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Healey was trained as a chiropractor, but his career has focused on massage
Annie Heiderscheit, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, NMT, is a board certified music therapist with 18 years of clinical experience and degrees in music therapy, education, and counseling. She has completed advanced
Peng Her was introduced to qigong and meditation at age thirteen when he began learning martial arts. His uncles were his primary instructors, from whom he learned a combined system
Prior to his retirement, Don Houge was a licensed psychologist and a consultant certified in clinical hypnosis by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Dr. Houge was on the faculty
Amy R. Krentzman, MSW, PhD, will join the University of Minnesota School of Social Work in the Fall of 2013. She came to Minnesota after two consecutive postdoctoral research fellowships
Larry Kuusisto is the vice president of Education at LifeScience Alley, a major Midwest health industry trade association, and is the executive director of their non-profit research affiliate, Alley Institute
Manager and Assistant Professor, Nature-Based Therapeutic Services
Dr. Jean Larson began her work for the University of Minnesota in 1992, where she developed the Nature-Based Therapeutic Services (NBT) a partnership between the Bakken Center for Spirituality and
Program Director for the Health Coaching track, Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota
Board-certified in family medicine and holistic medicine, Karen Lawson, is teaching faculty at the Center for Spirituality and Healing, where she leads the integrative medical education efforts, teaches about Shamanism
Certified Nurse-Midwife, Hennepin County Medical Center
Kathryn Leggitt, RNC, MS, CNM, is a certified nurse-midwife at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn. She has additional experience in childbirth and adolescent sexuality education and is a
Professor in the School of Nursing, University of Minnesota
Barb Leonard, PhD, RN, PNP, is a professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota. Leonard has faculty appointments in the School of Public Health and the
Tashi Lhamo, DTMS, RN, Tibetan Medicine Practitioner, lives and works in Minnesota. She graduated from the Men-Tsee-Khang in Dharamsala. In 2002, she moved from Dharamsala to Minnesota. Since then, she
Rhonda V. Magee (M.A. Sociology, J.D.) is a Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco and an internationally-recognized thought and practice leader focused on integrating mindfulness into higher
Coordinator of Healing Arts Therapy Volunteer Program, Woodwinds Health Campus
Kate Maher is the coordinator of the healing arts therapy volunteer program at Woodwinds Health Campus, which delivers essential oils, energy-based healing, guided imagery, massage, healing music, and acupressure directly
Asavari Manvikar earned her Bachelors of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree in 1997, and Master’s in Kayachikitsa (Ayurveda medicine) in 2000 from the University of Pune, India. In 2001
Timothy McCall is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine, the medical editor of Yoga Journal, and the author of two books, Yoga as Medicine and Examining Your Doctor. He completed
Senior Lecturer at the Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota
Dennis McKenna has worked in the interdisciplinary fields of pharmacognosy, ethnopharmacology, and ethnobotany for more than 20 years. McKenna has conducted extensive ethnobotanical fieldwork in the Peruvian, Colombian, and Brazilian
LeeAnn Melin has worked in a variety of roles within higher education for the past 22 years. Her passion is in providing opportunities for undergraduate students to learn and develop
Pamela Miles is a Reiki master practicing since 1986 who has 30 years' experience in complementary and alternative medicine. Miles is a pioneer in the integration of Reiki into conventional
Informatics Director, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine Research Department
Ryan J. Milley, MAcOM, LAc, received his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM) Degree from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and is certified to teach Qigong and practice
Associate Professor in the College of Nursing, University of North Dakota
Donna L. Morris, an associate professor in the College of Nursing at the University of North Dakota, is a certified nurse-midwife, a board certified holistic nurse, a nationally certified reflexologist
Teaching Faculty, Center for Spirituality and Healing
Ph.D., Cultural Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA T.M.D (Doctor of Tibetan Medicine), Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical and Astro. College, Dharamsala, India M.A., Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA BA, Anthropology, University of
Terry Pearson has more than 30 years of clinical experience in healthcare, including working as a pharmacist. Pearson has completed the practicum professional internship in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Cari Johnson Pelava, BA, CI, AOBTA, Dipl. ABT, NCCAOM
President of CenterPoint
Cari Johnson Pelava has spent the past 25 years pursuing the art of body-mind-spirit integration. After earning a degree in exercise and dance physiology in 1983, she went on to
Dr. Potter is deeply committed to climate change education including co-founding Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, membership in the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, and membership on the
Dr. Snigdha Sagar (Snigdhasmritha Pusalavidyasagar) is originally from India, where she earned her MBBS (equivalent to MD) degree from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India in 1993. In 1994 she completed
Senior at the University of Minnesota, Web Producer of the Student Corner
Sylvia Rani, a senior at the University of Minnesota majoring in technical writing, is the writer and producer of the Student Corner of the Taking Charge of Your Health and
Paul Ratté, ND, a naturopathic doctor at the Natural Care Center at Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury, Minn., is an authority on functional medicine. Ratté earned his doctor of naturopathic
Professor, Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota
Joe Reichle is a professor in the Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences department at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Reichle has served as the co-principal investigator on a federally sponsored leadership training grant
Deborah Ringdahl is a Reiki master and has been practicing as a certified nurse-midwife and Reiki practitioner since 1982 and teaching in the Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Program at the
Associate Professor University of Minnesota Medical School and Department of Urologic Surgery
Joel Slaton is an associate professor, Department of Urologic Surgery and the University of Minnesota Medical School. In addition to his medical degree, Slaton has a master's degree in Urologic
Dr. Swenson is a cardiologist, with more than 15 years of experience in clinical cardiology. She has advanced training in Integrative Medicine, Spiritual Direction, subtle energy healing and a personal
Karen Teagarden has more than 14 years of experience as a reflexologist, teacher, and writer. As a nationally certified reflexologist, she assisted both Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Methodist Hospital and
Teaching Faculty
Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing
Susan is an advanced practice nurse with over 20 years diverse experience in clinical care, population health, and lifestyle and integrative health education. She currently works with both consumers and
Medical Director at the Women's Health Center, University of Minnesota
Carolyn Torkelson, MD, is medical director at the Women’s Health Center at the University of Minnesota, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, and faculty at
Sue Towey has been a faculty member with the Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota since its inception in 1995 and has created several courses for
Andrea Uptmor, MA, MFA, is a writer, editor, and one of the producers of the Taking Charge website. As a content developer at the Center for Spirituality & Healing at
Wes Vaught has studied bodywork throughout his life, starting with learning hands-on healing and sacred healing presence from his Native American grandmother. He began studying massage formally at age 14
Megan Voss, DNP, RN, is a nurse clinician, educator and program lead at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital in the area of integrative health and healing. She obtained
Sarah Weaver is an assistant professor in The School of Massage Therapy and a faculty clinician in massage therapy and acupuncture at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Weaver is certified in
As an Evidence-based Design Researcher, Terri focuses on the intersection of user experience and human interaction within the built environment. Beginning her career as a nurse, she combines her first-hand