Healing Arts Center: Our Practitioners
The Healing Arts Center is dedicated to providing space and support for holistic healthcare treatments and services for our community. We will strive to offer valuable education and resources about holistic healthcare and wellness.
Mary Jo Ahern, LMP
Therapeutic and Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue and injury treatment, Craniosacral Therapy,Trigger Point Therapy, Reflexology, Lomi Lomi Massage
From my dance I bring a balanced and grounded touch to each session. Through my love of nature, I maintain a deep connection to spirit, health and healing. I treat the whole body, both intuitively and technically, creating a sacred space of nurturing and caring. Working quietly, I combine focused Deep Tissue Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Trigger Point therapy, and Foot Reflexology. For injuries or chronic pain, I use hot packs to aid in relaxation and demonstrate stretches and yoga poses to continue healing at home. My commitment to the healing process has enabled me to see the larger picture of health and wellness. Working together my clients develop a greater vitality, prevent injury and leave with a sense of well-being. I graduated from The Brian Utting School of Massage in 1990 and have been working at the Healing Arts Center ever since. My studies have been vast and varied and I tailor the session to the needs and changing rhythms of each client.
Holly C. Berman
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Massage
Holly moved to Orcas island in 2005 and joined the Healing Arts Center in 2008. She graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College’s Santa Fe, NM campus in 1998 with a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine. In addition, she graduated from both the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts and from the Florida School of Massage/Florida Institute of Natural Health in 1991. She has been practicing Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for 12 years and massage therapy for 10 years. Holly specializes in pain and stress relief, women’s health and facial rejuvenation.
Ché Blaine, MSW
STEPPINGSTONE COUNSELING
Personal, Relationship & Family Counseling; Conflict Mediation;Dreamwork; Spiritual/Shamanic Journeying
I chose Steppingstone Counseling as a metaphor for my work because I especially like the feeling it evokes. Getting through difficult “currents” in our lives is largely about “keeping our balance” as we take one step at a time to “get to the other side”. In my experience, deep healing is about balancing our hearts and minds; securing our footing as we find more freedom in living our lives.
When I meet with my clients, my hope is to help provide an atmosphere of safety, respect and trust. My focus is to encourage my clients’ exploration of their own personal resources for understanding, healing and happiness. The experiences I have had in being with people in deep grief guide me to trust in my clients’ profound wisdom. I provide child, individual, couple and family counseling/psychotherapy and also assist in resolving couple/family/ organizational disputes as a conflict mediator. Since 1980 I have provided counseling and have practiced at the Healing Arts Center since 1993. This professional work is offered on a sliding scale basis. I am licensed in Washington as an Independent Clinical Social Worker and have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I also offer hospice caregiving and elder-care as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Since 1985 I have had the honor of studying with traditional Northwest Coast Medicine People and have received training in Shamanic healing and journeying. My Shamanic work is offered on a donation basis. My intention is to join with my clients in their exploration of balancing their spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health.
Rick Doty
Structural Integration
Carol Jo Enge, LMP
Massage Therapy
Christopher Evans, LMP
Massage Therapy
I came to understand the profound power of massage while I volunteered as a receptionist for the Healing Arts Center in 2002. The following year I went on to study massage therapy at The Desert Institute of Healing Arts in Tucson, Arizona. I graduated with over 1,000 hours of study in anatomy, physiology, practical and clinical massage. Returning to Orcas, I joined the Healing Arts Center in 2004, the same year my twin daughters were born, thus changing my life forever. My massage is powerful, intuitive, deep and sensitive. Some of my clients have described my massage as “deep tissue energy work,” “swimming with dolphins,” and “shamanic sports massage.” I work in a very present manner and always intend for your highest good and highest healing to come from the massage.
Between 2007 and 2010, I trained in the Anat Baniel Method (ABM), based upon the work of Moshe Feldenkrais. I have studied 800 hours in this dynamic system of brain reorganization through movement. The movement is designed to reeducate the way one uses their body, in order to make the impossible possible, the possible effortless, and the effortless elegant. It works directly with the nervous system in reorganizing the brain and building new neuro-pathways. I offer group mat classes 2−4 times a week, as well as individual lessons. I have received additional certification to practice with children with special needs. The ABM has excellent results in working with a variety of developmental disabilities, in teaching body awareness and awareness through movement.
Helen Hale
Intuitive Counseling using Tarot
I began life as an intuitive as a child, but did not have my first teacher until I was seventeen. At that time I began to study in earnest and have ever since. My second teacher, an Indonesian shaman, appeared when I was 29 and I studied with him for 4 years. I met James Wanless in 1987 when he was introducing the Voyager Tarot Deck and learned from him to use the Deck as a focusing tool. To the session I bring many years of work and practice and my myriad of guides. The effort is to answer the questions brought to the table and to relate what the guides and the universe want to channel. I seek to give only guidance. We all are given free will and the right to exercise that gift at any time –– to change or accept the messages given.
Since 2007 I have been battling cancer and due to the many drugs and treatments that I have embraced, I have not had the clarity that I need to access and relate what the universe wants me to convey. After some success, I have discontinued all of the heavy drugs and treatments. Again I am achieving the clarity of before my battle. I am excited to once again be able to provide readings that I am comfortable relating. I look forward to seeing all of you again. In this confusing world, with so much happening, and coming so very fast; I hope I can give insight, encouragement, hope and answers. May we all look at the changes that are being thrust upon us with an open mind, heart, and spirit. I wish peace to us all.
Anita L. Holladay, LMP
Therapeutic, Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage; Hot Stone Massage; Reflexology; Energy Work (Polarity, Reiki); Acupressure
I have been practicing bodywork since graduating from the Heartwood Institute in California in 1981. My primary training there, in addition to basic Swedish massage, was in Polarity Therapy. Before coming to Orcas in 1992, I taught and practiced massage in Alaska and Seattle. I have training in Shiatsu, reflexology, hot stone massage, and have 1st Degree Reiki attunement. I also studied spiritual/shamanic healing practices from Northwest Coast native teachers for many years. I trained with Tracy Walton of Sloane-Kettering in Working with Clients with Cancer.
I began at the Healing Arts Center in 1995. I also worked for several years at the Rosario Resort Spa, and at Orcas Spa & Athletics. The unique approach I bring to my bodywork, I believe, is a body-mind-spirit orientation. While I am delighted to help clients free themselves of aches and pains, and can work quite deeply if so desired, I love to help them integrate physical changes with a renewed sense of emotional well-being, and to assist the process of spiritual transformation for those who are seeking deeper levels of growth in consciousness. The work can be done in silence or with carefully chosen music. I am comfortable working with all ages, with pregnant and postpartum women, and with people experiencing serious illness, grief/trauma, or life transitions, as well as injuries and ordinary stress-related tensions and imbalances. Please ask about insurance coverage; I will bill insurance providers for a limited number of cases.
What clients say:
I think that was the best massage I ever had––but I think that every time I see you!
––J.W., recovering from stroke
It felt like parts of me were being healed that were never addressed by the physical therapy
after the accident. ––S.C., pianist
I get it. You work on a lot of levels at once. ––S.A., massage therapist
Do I really have to get up now? I could stay on your table forever.
––R.D., administrator/farmer, cancer survivor
Jessica Haug, LMP
Sports injury, Deep tissue, Therapeutic and Swedish Massage; Pre- and Post-Natal Massage; Reflexology; Specific injury treatment––Acute and Chronic
I have been a Licensed Massage Practitioner for 10 years. I have always been interested in science, the human anatomy––its structures and functions––and what we can do to make us feel better. I was an athlete in college where my interest in injury increased from working in the training room on other athletes as well as my own injuries. I am a Certified Pilates Instructor and an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) with our local fire department here on Orcas Island.
My massage tends to focus on deep tissue, trigger point therapy with range of motion and specific injury treatment. I enjoy incorporating different modalities to suit each and every person who comes to see me. I was raised here on Orcas Island and feel very blessed to be here.
Deborah Martyn, LMP
Massage Therapy
Resident of Orcas since 1980, Deborah began her training in healing arts in 1987 with Reiki energy healing. Her specialty is Trager Psychophysical Integration. A mouthful to say, yes, but very lovely to experience. The Trager Approach involves educated stretching of the body’s tissues and encouraging opening, integration, and release through undulations, articulation, and an attitude of light, freeing, effortless movement. Trager works deeply and holistically with the mind-body––pain free.
Deborah is adept in Swedish massage and can accommodate a client’s desire for Lomi Lomi, deep tissue work, stone massage, pregnancy & chair massage, and injury treatment. She has also explored Jin Shin Jitsu energy work, craniosacral, nutrition, and participated in the whole course known as Avatar created by Harry Palmer. Deb is also a professional seamstress, knitting instructor, and a naturalist working for Eclipse Charters marine tours and with Elderhostel/ Exploritas groups. During Christmas time, locals seek out her homemade almond chocolate butter candy, a divine treat!
Deborah is a passionate explorer of all Nature, be it physical or metaphysical and loves to share the sacred joy of nurturing touch and healing intent. May you be happy and well.
Armando Nunes
Reiki
New Practitioner –– photo and more info is on its way.
Rena Patty
Non-Violent Communication (NVC)
New Practitioner –– photo and more info is on its way.
Erin Quies, LMP
Therapuetic Massage; Deep Tissue and Injury Treatment; Swedish, Relaxation, & Prenatal Massage; Reflexology; Energy work; Doula services
I studied pre-med and environmental sciences in college and have always been fascinated by the human body and health. In 2007 I graduated from the Brian Utting School of Massage, which is known to have one of the most comprehensive and thorough massage therapy programs in the country. I combine this in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology with a deep reverence for the emotional and spiritual aspects of each person I work with. I weave together specific, deep, technical skills with a nurturing and compassionate fluidity. I combine deep tissue massage, acupressure, breath awareness, guided relaxation, stretching, yoga postures and take-home exercises to provide a unique and holistic experience for my clients. I especially love to work with people who are experiencing chronic or acute discomfort, recovering from injuries or surgeries or those who are going through challenging times in their lives. I am a provider for several health insurance companies and I feel strongly about bringing therapeutic massage into the mainstream as a complement to allopathic medicine, physical therapy and chiropractic work. I am passionate about preventative and complementary healthcare and am dedicated to helping each of my clients find their own unique path to well-being.
I am also a Birth and Postpartum Doula and teach Doula trainings around the Northwest. I love supporting and empowering new mommas and families. I provide prenatal and labor support as well as postpartum services.
I moved to Orcas Island in 2004 and have fallen in love with our simple yet dynamic island community. When I am not doing bodywork, I love to spend time in nature, growing food in my garden, backpacking, practicing yoga, dancing, traveling and being with my family.
“Erin’s intuition is miraculous. Her ability to tune into your body’s needs and stresses, physically and energetically, is therapeutic in ways that no other massage therapist I have seen previously has come close to. To call what she does “massage’ is too limiting; it is simply and profoundly “healing”. She is a healer.” ––Ryan Strunk, social worker & psychologist, Seattle, WA.
“This woman effects a magical healing in her work. Her focus on every little piece of you is so intense and wonderful. Erin is a healer and continues to make my wrist feel better and better.” ––Kathy Collister, teacher, Eastsound, WA.
Christa Smith, LMP
Therapeutic, Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Sports Injury Massage; Prenatal Massage; Reflexology
I enjoy providing nurturing and caring massage to my family and community and have been doing so for over 10 years now. I love that I always have my hands with me and that wherever I go I am able to share my work. I have traveled to many remote places and have so enjoyed seeing the wonder on people’s faces as I give them a hand massage or neck massage. People light up whether it is a new friend or acquaintance, friends or family there is something that comes alive in people when they are able to experience a gentle and caring touch. I truly believe in the power of touch and the awareness that it brings to each person about their body, mind and spirit. I create a warm, nurturing and safe place for clients to focus on the health and healing of their whole selves, whether it is an injury that needs treatment, relaxation to release stress or grounding with your inner self.
My treatments involve both technical awareness of the muscles and a clear intuitive sense of how to help work with each individual person. My treatments include therapeutic and deep tissue massage, foot reflexology, Therapeutic Touch, and facilitated stretching. I also use heat packs to help facilitate the relaxation process and aid in the treatment of injuries. I enjoy using a blend of these and more modalities to address the specific needs of each client. Through my massage my hope and intention is to help people look inside themselves a little more, let go a little more and love a lot more. I look forward to working with you.
Ian Van Gelder, L.Ac.
Acupuncture
I have been studying and practicing Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for over thirty years. I completed my initial training in Sydney, Australia at the New South Wales College of Natural Therapies. After graduating in 1982, I traveled to China where I did an intensive intern training in Nanjing at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, while, at the same time, continuing my studies at the Nanjing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In 1985 I moved to Seattle, Washington. This move from Australia to Seattle seemed a natural fit, since I had grown up in the Pacific Northwest, just over the border in Vancouver, B.C. While I awaited the instigation of new acupuncture licensing regulations, I furthered my studies, primarily through the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Seattle.
I passed my Washington state license examination in 1987, and a few months later, in March 1988, I moved to Orcas. Within a few weeks, I had established practices in Eastsound, at the Healing Arts Center, and in Friday Harbor. I have continued to serve islanders in those locations ever since! My “style” of Acupuncture is somewhat eclectic, being influenced by my training in many of the diverse traditions and “schools” of Acupuncture, represented by some acclaimed teachers and practitioners of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. At the same time, I think I have managed to sharpen (bad pun!) my skills over the years by blending and incorporating the teachings I have received with my own clinical experience.
There is, however, another side to being in the healing arts,which may be equally important. And so I strive to create a caring and compassionate relationship with my patients, which can be a significant aid in their healing process.
Clinical Availability: Healing Arts Center, Eastsound –– Wednesdays and Fridays
Also available in Friday Harbor, WA
Dr. Carol Vincent-Hall, ND
Naturopathy
Dr. Carol R. Vincent-Hall, N.D. received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 1995. She has been in practice since 1997, and has been practicing on Orcas Island since 2002. Dr. Carol believes that healing has everything to do with trust. She holds that the true person in charge of your health is you, the patient. The doctor is teacher, advisor, and diagnostician. Healing is a team effort.
Dr. Carol’s practice consists of general medicine. The modes of treatment she offers include nutrition, botanical medicines, counseling, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found to be useful for supporting and maintaining health. She also offers visits which are exclusively cranio-sacral therapy, and has recently added Moor Mud Therapy Treatments.