Laurie Mulligan
312.339.9353

Maria Munoz
312.366.1751

Wilma Nachsin
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847.745.1428


 

Kara Nakfoor
312.497.2588

Blake Nemec
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312.912.3527


   

I offer one on one somatic coaching sessions. My work is body based. I create a relational and embodied container so people can access hidden dignity, safety, and belonging in the present moment; clients can then access that information outside of sessions. What does a relational and embodied container mean? Out of a fourteen year meditation practice, I prepare to be centered in my emotions and in my body before my sessions. From that balanced state, and with the somatic or body based methods I am trained in (Hakomi, Gestalt, Feldenkrais, Polyvagal Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Embodied Cognition Systems Theory, Somatic EMDR), I follow the lead of the client, and consensually offer exercises that help people observe experiences at the level of sensations.

I became an HIV/STI counselor/tester, and licensed Phlebotomist (through the AIDS Health Project and  Berkeley InnerCity Schools), in 2004, which was my entrance point into community and peer-based harm reduction health work at drop-in clinics such as the San Francisco Aids Health Project, and St. James Infirmary peer-based Clinic for sex workers. This experience turned into Coordinating the transgender and training departments at St. James Infirmary, which I did through 2008. While most of my health work has been providing direct care, I have also managed community clinic labs and acted as a liaison with the San Francisco DPH.

My path also centers art and literature. After completing my MFA, I moved to Chicago and returned to healthcare as a volunteer. I have since volunteered as a harm reduction counselor/tester for the After Hours transgender drop-in clinic and Broadway Youth Clinic at Howard Brown and volunteered as a Phlebotomist and Medical Interpreter the Chicago Community Health Clinic from 2019 - 2022.

In 2022, I became certified as a Somatics Coach through the Somatic School, based out of the UK. And that leads me to my present moment. My own non-linear life path in healthcare allows me to pull from a wide-range of experiences when sitting with others, when creating a space to be brave in. Thank you for reading.

Megan Niles Melson
773.972.1535

Cathy O'Connell
708.610.1907

Alice Obermiller
219.688.4787

H Ogilvie
630.533.1842

Michael Ohata
312.320.0285