Meet MichellE,

LMT & RAW FOOD CHEF

My Story

I've been a holistic health practitioner for over 30 years, with a thriving private practice that incorporates the three most important elements of a healthy life; mind, body, and food. It is my intention to help people learn about the benefits of having a personal meditation practice, teaching them the importance of receiving massages, and learning about the true value of the food we consume. With over three decades serving others in their health and wellness, I have truly found my calling.

After completing my Bachelor of Arts degree at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, I went on to graduate from the School of Natural Therapeutics with a certification in massage therapy in 1988. While working in my chosen field I began to seek additional education on alternative body therapies to further my knowledge in working with chronic injury related issues, the connection of food and health, relaxation/mindful techniques and energy work.

Hippocrates was once quoted, "Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food." This is my core belief too, a belief most significantly affirmed through the personal challenge of providing healthy and sustainable meals for my husband. Diagnosed with stage four throat cancer in 1997, he was put on a feeding tube for several months. During this time I intensified my energy to focus on preparing meals using organic, whole foods. This allowed all of my focus to be with food as the"healing fuel" that my husband needed. I was helping him give the body the nourishment it needed to heal itself, and to this day he remains cancer free.

This learned passion for food as medicine inspired me to become a raw food chef and instructor. From 2001 to 2012 I served as an adjunct faculty member of the Global College of Natural Medicine, and provide raw food demonstrations during some of their Open House events.

Healing through food is a wonderful adjunct to other body-mind therapies, creating a solid foundation to assist in maximizing your vitality, and living your best life!

When I'm not working with clients I'm in the kitchen developing new recipes, riding my bicycle to the lakefront, visiting with friends and family, checking out new restaurants, taking photographs, or sitting beneath my favorite tree with my husband in our backyard.

Education

Completed Transcendental Meditation Program, Milwaukee, WI, 1976

Mount Mary University - Bachelor of Arts, Milwaukee, WI, 1982

Graduate of the School of Natural Therapeutics , Milwaukee, WI, 1988

Neuro-Linguistic Training (NLT), Milwaukee Wisconsin 1986 -1988

Graduate of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy -2 year program, Chicago, IL, 1994

Graduate of Benjamin’s’ Institute of Advanced Studies in Therapeutic Bodywork Techniques - 2 year program, Chicago, IL, 1998

Graduate of International Culinary Arts Institute, Chicago, IL, 2006

Multiple workshops & conferences on healing foods, nutrition, and body work.

Employment

Holistic Body Worker, Private Practice - 1988 - present

Shiprock Institute, providing 1:1 holistic coaching to clients - 2001-2017

Adjunct Faculty Member, Global College of Natural Medicine and the Vancouver Island College of Natural Wellness. Provided Food Demonstrations - 2001 – 2012

Holistic Body Worker at Dr. Portnoys’ Chiropractic Clinic, Chicago - 1988-1999

Massage Therapist at 4 Seasons Hotel, Chicago - 1988-1990