About Us
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Lori Ellis-McKinney
Pen name- Raven
I am a small town girl with a big passion for life. Having grown up amongst much family tragedy and in poverty, I learned firsthand that life can be difficult and sometimes quite unfair.
Walking with this first hand experience of the trials of life at an early age I began to dream of working to help poor, disadvantaged and marginalized persons. Somehow I persevered with commitment, determination, and vision to graduate with distinction from St. Thomas University with a Degree in Social Work.
In the last 15 years I have worked as a helping professional in the government system in Child Welfare, Disabled Adults and Mental Health and Addictions. In addition to my full time work with the Provincial Government, I recently added the Wellness Centre, of which I am the sole owner and proprietor.
In my private life, I have practiced the principles of wellness for 20 years. Four years ago I began to practice meditation daily. Having a desire to bring this practice into my professional world, I sought out training in the field of stress reduction and meditation. I had the opportunity to train directly with Jon Kabat-Zinn at Omega Institute in New York for 7 days. This experience was life changing for me both professionally and personally. This was the catalyst for the opening of the Wellness Centre.
When I write this, in November 2009, I am just a few short weeks away from traveling to California to the world renowned Spirit Rock Meditation Centre. I will once again be training directly with Jon Kabat-Zinn and John Teasdale in a more extensive and all encompassing way. I am deeply humbled by this once in a life time opportunity. The training is only the second of its kind in North America, was by application only, and accepted only 85 people in the world. My application consisted of my personal story and this is the ground upon which my entire life is now built and will continue to grow. Authenticity will guide the way for the remainder of my days.
The loves of my life are my two children, my animals, Coco, Tiger, Cuddles and Spirit and my brother Greg- all beautiful gifts that give my life meaning and worth.
Barbara P. Wilkins, BSW MSW RSW
- Bachelor of Social Work, STU, Fredericton, NB
- Master of Social Work, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON
- Certificate in Gerontology, STU, Fredericton, NB
- Safety Function Action Workshop, level 100 and 200, Emergency Management Division of the Justice Institute of British Columbia
- EMDR, Basic Level
My professional career has for the most part been with Community Mental Health in Woodstock and Fredericton as a clinical social worker, supervisor and director. Most recently, I worked as a supervisor with Social Development, supervising social workers working with Children in Care and the Provincial Adoption program as well as supervisor with the Needs Assessment program.
I have had a part-time private practice for 17 years, working with individuals, couples and families, in collaboration with various Employee and Family Assistance Programs. I am a member of a National Psychosocial Emergency Response Team, P-SERT which has been ongoing since 2003 and was developed as a result of the crash of Swiss Air off the coast of NS in 1998. P-SERT is comprised of Mental Health Professionals across Canada who are trained for deployment in the event of a National disaster. During the Swiss Air recovery operation, I worked for several weeks on contract with Health Canada, providing support and debriefing services predominately with the Canadian Coast Guard.
I am a part time lecturer with the faculty of Social Work at STU, have been teaching since 2007. I have worked with students and faculty coordinating field placements and also as a faculty liaison for students in the field in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. [Read more]
Personally I enjoy cross country skiing in the winter and golfing in the summer. I have been a horse owner for many years and enjoy the solitude of working with my horse, riding, mucking out the barn or fencing the paddock. I have two adult children and two grandchildren, all of whom are very dear to my existence. I garden organically in the summer, compost all appropriate household waste and manure and stable waste to provide the rich soil to grow and nurture veggies and flowers which I share with family and friends.
I am excited to have been asked to join the professional team at the Wellness Centre in Woodstock. The Centre’s philosophy around holistic health aligns with my personal philosophy and professional practice. My experience includes working with individual, couples and families for short term counselling. As well I will be available to provide group session on self esteem issues, stress, work life balance, compassion fatigue, medication, conflict resolution, information sessions and so on. I will be available to provide day time appointments at the Centre beginning around the middle of January 2011. I am very much looking forward to working in collaboration with the competent team of professionals at the Wellness Centre. I enjoy the community atmosphere which exists in the Upper River Valley. Please contact the Centre to schedule an appointment.
Guided by the understanding that “we are all just human,” that we are equal, that we are one, I began my journey advocating for all persons to be provided the fundamental human right to equal access to health and healthcare.
In 2007 I graduated from St. Thomas University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Rights. In 2009 I graduated, Magna cum laude, from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Social Work. I am presently employed full time as a Social Worker and am currently training in Vini Yoga which will allow me to manifest my lifelong dream of helping people from a holistic practitioner model.
Serving me well are the years of community service and involvement in the Town of Woodstock, the town in which I was born and raised. I have learned the importance of physical awareness and fitness, community engagement and connection, and the principles of human service. These important values have become the cornerstone of my practice and the manner in which I serve people in my daily life and work.
Notable persons who inspire me and make me want to be more and do more are David Suzuki, Larry Brilliant, Romeo Dallaire and Stephen Lewis. They champion the things of the world that are little known or little valued but have significance. They have made it their life’s work to show the value of every living thing.
"This teacher (Erica) is spacious, accepting and accompanies – a total caring package"
Kathryn, Yoga Student
I am pleased to be working with Lori, assisting her with meditation groups, providing individual counselling and facilitating Yoga classes.
In my free time I like to paint, jog, read, snowboard and spend time with friends and family. I have a rich and wonderful loving life and am grateful for all opportunities I have been given at such a young age.
Erica Hull
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house
Every morning is a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Christine Bradley
Palliative Care Practitioner
Obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work from St. Thomas University in 1996, I have worked the last 15 years for the Department of Social Development in various roles. I have developed an awareness of the many needs, community resources and the challenges of navigating the systems. In recent years, I've had a growing interest in Palliative/End of Life work and have taken opportunities to further educate myself by reading and attending available training. I sought training with the Grief Recovery Institute as well as a Hospice organization and follow closely, the growing number of websites on Hospice and Palliative care in Canada. In my private life, I practice self care with meditation, exercise, deep breathing and music. I love to read, camp, kayak or other activities that allow me to be in nature, always looking to balance my need for connection with my desire for solitude/silence. I am humbled to have the opportunity to share in people's journeys and am always an eager learner of life. I make my home along the Saint John river with my family.
Most people will become caregivers - or need one - at some point in their lives. A caregiver is anyone who provides basic assistance and care for someone who is frail, elderly, disabled or ill and needs help. Caregivers perform a wide variety of tasks to assist someone in his/her daily life. Care may be required for months or years and may take an emotional, physical and financial toll on caregivers. Caregiving can be both a rewarding and challenging task. Taking care of yourself is important to prevent burnout. [Read more]
At the suggestion of a friend, I was introduced to Reiki by a treatment with a local Reiki practitioner.
As a result of enjoying more treatments and my increasing curiosity, I decided to pursue Reiki training and became a Reiki Master Practitioner in 2010.
A Reiki treatment is a pure, gentle transfer of healing energy through the practitioner to the client by touch using a series of hand positions on or over the client’s body. This natural energy transfer promotes the health and well- being of the entire body emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. This opening of our energy centres or chakras, gives way to a peaceful feeling of deep relaxation.
At Lori’s invitation, I have been providing Reiki treatments to clients at the Wellness Centre. It is an honour and very rewarding personally to be a part of the Holistic approach to healing within the comfort of the Wellness Centre.
The 5 Reiki Principles
Just for Today
I am letting go of worry
I am letting go of anger
I am counting my blessings
I will do my work honestly
I will show kindness and compassion to others
Mary Kennedy began taking lessons in Tai Chi in July of 1996 as a means to improve her focus and concentration, but she realized that there were many more advantages. Her overall health improved so much that she wanted to show others the benefits. After initial training, she began learning how to teach in 1998. She became a disciple of Grand Master Wu Kwong Yu in 2003 and in 2005, received International Certification and is Deputy Chief Instructor at Wu's Tai Chi Chuan Academy in Fredericton. In addition to beginner, intermediate, and weapons classes at the Academy, Kennedy offers private and semi private classes to students of all ages (6 years and up), with a number of classes geared specifically for those fifty-plus. She 'retired' in the fall of 2008 from her regular job to teach and practice Tai Chi Chuan full time. For more detailed information:
Website: www.wustyle.com/fredericton
Sarah Orser is a Registered Massage Therapist who has been practicing massage therapy in the Woodstock and Hartland area since March of 2006.
Sarah attended the Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage in Fredericton, NB where she earned a Diploma in the Professional Discipline of Massage Therapy with Honours. During her training there she also achieved a Certificate in Pre and Post Sports Massage.
Sarah is an active member with the Association of New Brunswick Massage Therapists. She maintains a current First Aid and CPR certification and updates her education annually with specialized courses and seminars pertaining to massage therapy.
During her training and work experience Sarah has worked with individuals from all walks of life. From infants and the elderly, varsity athletes and those with disabilities, and everyone in between, Sarah has worked with them all.
Examples include:
- UNB varsity swimming, volleyball, basketball and rugby athletes
- Fredericton Junior Speed Skaters
- Fredericton’s Walk for MS
- Stan Cassidy Center Annual Fundraiser
Sarah has also done extensive research with the University of New Brunswick’s Kinesiology department. Sarah and her team researched and tested the muscular and postural demands placed on Massage Therapists. The article is published in the June 2007 issue of the Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics.
Sarah’s future plans include furthering her education in both massage therapy and health care. Working with those of poor health and injury has influenced Sarah to further her career and pursue a Bachelor of Nursing Degree. Sarah believes that massage therapy will enhance nursing care as they both have very similar qualities. She plans to achieve this while continuing to stay active in her massage therapy practice.
Sarah invites you all to experience the benefits of massage therapy. Whether you are of good health, suffer from chronic pain, are an athlete or are expecting, massage therapy has been proven successful in both healing and maintaining a healthy mind and body.
Prices
½ Hour: $40.00
1 Hour: $75.00
1 ½ Hour: $110.00
Hours
By appointment
To Make an Appointment
Call: 324-0775
Email: sarahorser4@hotmail.com
Gift Certificates available
Direct Billing available
Yoga has been a part of my life for more than twenty years and I have been sharing and teaching this practice since 2005. My training has been in the Kripalu tradition and through Atlantic Yoga Teachers Training in Halifax. It continued through to 2010 when I completed their Advanced 500 hour program. In March of 2011 I began an Advanced 500 hour Study Program through Satori Yoga Teacher Training in Fredericton. My teachers have been a number of amazing women to whom I am forever grateful.
My practice and teaching bring me great joy and I am thankful for the opportunity to teach, to share, and to learn. I offer Kripalu and Yin classes, teaching at a pace that I hope any student can learn and benefit from. Yoga has the ability to increase flexibility, relieve the discomfort of arthritis and back issues, release chronic mental and physical tensions and strengthen muscles and bones. I offer a nurturing class, guiding students to practice within their own comfortable range of motion to feel a sense of ease and release. I hope my classes will help students find a more healthy, active and balanced lifestyle.
Many students agree that yoga is not about how it looks from the outside, but how it feels from the inside.