Sara Kendall, LCSW-R

A Hudson Valley native, I have been practicing social work in the fields of addiction and mental health (and let’s be real, there is immense overlap between the two) for 20 years. My full-time gig is working at a rural community mental health clinic in the Catskill Mountains. I have spent time with people from all walks of life and everyone has a story to tell. Being present for others and helping people integrate their experiences so they can live fuller lives has always been a passion for me. When I’m out in the wild, I enjoy spending time at home with my two adventurous young sons and my two cranky cats.

Kara Marie Dean-Assael, DSW

As a social worker since 1997, I am passionate about developing and disseminating programs and practices to help families, children, and adults. I co-founded a 501c3 in 2012, called Fareground, a food justice organization focusing on food security in The Hudson Valley, NY. Holistic in my approach, I believe in working with people where they are to honor integrity, collaboration, generosity, and compassion. I am also trained in shamanic reiki and focus on compassionate listening to life, pain, and joy beneath the surface.

Kris Firth, LCSW

I am an LCSW working in private practice. I have worked in hospice, healthcare, and community mental health for 15 years. My mission is to help others develop greater compassion for themselves and others. My practice is eclectic and grounded in using the power of imagery and narrative to better understand ourselves and the world.

Shomari Gallagher

Shomari is a New York State licensed Holistic Psychotherapist with 15 years experience working with adults and children in NYC. Shomari’s approach is person-centered, relational and trauma-informed. Shomari is also a Level II certified Reiki Practitioner, Somatic Healing Coach and Tarot aficionado. Shomari believes that her work is about helping people tune into their own innate wisdom and healing abilities to promote the self-love and esteem needed to experience lasting change. Shomari is a big fan of Jungian theory and the writing of James Baldwin, Rumi, Octavia Butler and Bell Hooks and refers to them and others in her work with clients.

A native of Western Massachusetts, Shomari feels very welcome in her new home in the Hudson Valley, where she lives with her two children and occasional foster animals.

www.shomarigallagher.com

Rebeca Incer LMT

Rebeca’s journey into the world of holistic health and wellness is both inspiring and deeply rooted in her upbringing. As an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist, she was introduced to meditation and Vedic philosophies at a young age with her father’s guidance. This early exposure set the stage for her profound connection with Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems.

Driven by her desire to take responsibility for her family’s health and well-being, Rebeca decided to delve into Ayurvedic Studies after becoming a mother. In 2014, she successfully completed her training as an Ayurvedic Practitioner, marking the beginning of her official journey into the realm of Ayurveda. Since then, she has been a dedicated Professional member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association.

Rebeca’s commitment to Ayurveda has taken her to the southern regions of India multiple times, where she immersed herself in the rich and diverse teachings of this ancient system of medicine. Her specialization includes Panchakarma, a profound detoxification and rejuvenation process; Marma Therapy, which focuses on vital energy points in the body; Herbal preparations to support healing; and Pregnancy care, catering to the unique needs of expectant mothers. In addition to her practice in Ayurveda, Rebeca is also a CranioSacral Therapist which allows her to combine her knowledge to offer holistic support to her clients.

Ayurveda, often described as the “Science of Life,” is deeply ingrained in the belief that all aspects of life are intricately interconnected. It provides guidance on achieving balance through various means, including lifestyle, dietary choices, mental well-being, herbal remedies, and therapeutic treatments. Rebeca is particularly passionate about the preventative aspects of Ayurveda, and she finds immense joy in assisting others on their journey to optimal well-being, ultimately enabling them to enjoy life to the fullest.

www.prakrutihealing.com

Sue Epstein, somatic Experiencing Touch practitioner

I am a somatic experiencing touch therapist and multidisciplinary healer. http://drsuesomatics.com

My knowledge of the body’s expression of emotional, spiritual and physical issues greatly informs my approach in Somatic Experiencing sessions.

I was a licensed chiropractor (of Traditional and Non-force techniques) for 38 years with certifications in many other healing approaches- physical and psychological. I continue learning for those who come to me as well as for myself.

I have practiced many styles of meditation for 40 years. Most importantly, I practice somatic awareness for myself daily and I am consistently in awe of the value of this work.

http://drsuesomatics.com/

Rita Vanacore

I have owned and worked in my business in Uptown Kingston for over 46 years while studying my alternative practices on the side. Now, I am retired and want to help as many as possible with my accumulated skills.

Www.relaxationandmore.org

Elizabeth Murichi, MSW, CST

Elizabeth practices an integrative approach to Cranio-Sacral Therapy where she combines shamanic medicine and her somatic training in sound and movement. She is also a Rebirther, a form of breathwork that uses a circular connected breath pattern to support transformation, release, and connection. She has spent more than 20 years studying and exploring various holistic healing modalities, esoteric and shamanic practices, Eastern philosophies, qigong, meditation, health kinesiology, angel therapy (IET), sound, plant medicine, trauma informed therapy, and many more.

She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Hunter College, and a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. She studied shamanic Cranio-Sacral Therapy with Dr. Ron Wish at the Great River Cranio-Sacral Therapy Institute. She was born and raised in Lima, Peru and moved to the states when she was 8 years old. She enjoys home cooked meals, singing, spending time with family and her dogs. She loves her work and supporting others on their path of self-discovery and connection to themselves.