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Natural Awakenings Philly Jan 26 Behind the Scenes

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Welcome to this Behind-the-Scenes look at those in the community that help people on their journey to mind-body-soul balance.

BEHIND THE SCENES showcase

BEHIND THE SCENES

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Since opening her firm in 2013 as a solo practitioner, it has grown exponentially to seven attorneys and 18 staff members. Riley credits this steady expansion not to aggressive marketing, but to the heart-centered culture she has created. Before hiring anyone, she looks for one quality above all … kindness. “We enter people’s lives at the worst possible time,” she says. “Clients need more than legal advice—they need to feel seen and supported. When they call our office, I want them to feel comfort, not fear.” To reinforce this ethos, every team member receives training in emotional intelligence, compassionate communication and trauma-sensitive client care. This ensures they can meet each person exactly where they are—emotionally, mentally and practically.

JENNIFER J. RILEY JENNIFER J. RILEY LAW FIRM

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ooted in legal excellence and genuine compassion, The Law Office of Jennifer J. Riley has become a standout practice—establishing Riley as one of the most respected family law attorneys in the region. With two offices in Pennsylvania, one in North Carolina and a new location to open soon in Arizona, her rapidly expanding practice reflects not only exceptional legal skill, but also a philosophy grounded in wellness, empathy and authentic human connection. Her holistic values began shaping her life long before she entered the courtroom. “My family operated a Native American art store and wellness community,” she explains. “We grew up surrounded by spiritual teachings and traditions. That foundation influences everything I do. It keeps me centered and deeply connected to the people I serve.” As a divorce and family law attorney, Riley often meets individuals at their most vulnerable. The emotional toll is immense, yet she stays balanced by nurturing her own well-being through acupuncture, massage and mindfulness practices. “I can’t pour from an empty cup,” she says. “When I stay aligned, I can truly be present for my clients.”

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Riley has also pursued advanced mediation training, embracing a movement toward resolution methods that reduce conflict rather than fuel it. “There is a new trend in family law,” she explains. “We’re finding ways to navigate disputes without being scary or scarring. Healing matters. How families transition matters.” The firm also offers free public webinars on topics from co-parenting to financial planning during divorce, giving families valuable guidance before, during or after they need formal representation. For her, the practice of law is more than a career—it is a sacred service. “It’s an honor to walk with someone through a moment that can feel as devastating as a death,” she shares. “Sometimes it’s even harder. But when we help clients move from fear to empowerment, something beautiful happens. They begin to rebuild.” In a field often marked by conflict, Jennifer J. Riley brings compassion, clarity and holistic wisdom—proving that even during life’s hardest transitions, healing is always possible. Locations: at Office Court at Blue Bell, 585 Skippack Pike, Ste. 200 in Blue Bell and the Valley Forge Office Center, 656 Swedesford Rd., Ste. 360 in Wayne. For more information, call 215-283-5080 or visit www.JJRLawFirm.com.

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ike Smith is not a typical mind-body practitioner. After building a high-profile career in the pharmaceutical industry, he began exploring the deeper forces that drive human behavior—forces he now believes hold the real keys to lasting change. This quest led him into subconscious training methods such as hypnotherapy techniques, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), emotional intelligence and behavioral science—an integrative toolkit that completely reshaped his understanding of change and human potential. “About 95 percent of our beliefs come from the subconscious,” Smith explains. “It’s the part of the mind that runs the show. It’s where both pleasure and protection live.” Smith points to the relentless pace of modern life—social media noise, constant comparison, digital overload and the pressure to be “on” at all times. “We’ve lost our boundaries,” he says. “And when boundaries collapse, stress takes over. It spills into everything—sleep, health, confidence, habits, even how we show up at work or in relationships.” According to Smith, this collective rise in stress and anxiety is not a personal failing—it’s a subconscious survival mechanism stuck in overdrive. While many people associate subconscious work primarily with hypnotherapy, he uses a broader set of hypnotherapy-informed techniques alongside NLP, emotional regulation training and behavioral insight. Many people come to him feeling overwhelmed and trapped in cycles of anxiety, sleep difficulties, cravings, overthinking or self-doubt. These are issues that often feel “bigger than them,” as though the mind is pulling the strings no matter how hard they try to push back. Smith understands this dynamic well. “When you try to make change using willpower alone, you’re fighting against the part of your mind that thinks it’s protecting you,” he says. “But when you retrain the subconscious, everything becomes easier. You stop battling yourself.” This philosophy is at the heart of the Mike Smith Method, a structured, accessible and affordable system designed to help people shift the automatic reactions driving their daily lives. Blending hypnotherapy-based techniques, NLP, emotional intelligence and behavioral insight, Smith helps clients in guided sessions uncover where unhelpful patterns began, and more importantly, teaches them how to replace those patterns with healthier, more supportive ones.

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MIKE SMITH THE MIKE SMITH METHOD The method underpins a broad suite of programs supporting calm, sleep, cravings, chronic pain, digestive wellness, healthy living, major life transitions and professional performance— giving individuals and professionals a structured pathway to sustainable change. Clients often report transformative shifts … deeper calm, better sleep, steadier habits and a renewed sense of confidence. For some, the change shows up in their personal lives—feeling less triggered, more grounded and more hopeful. For others, it strengthens communication, clarity and performance in professional settings. Even organizations turn to Smith’s approach to build resilience and cohesion within their teams. Ultimately, Smith believes transformation should feel natural, not forced. “When the subconscious feels safe and supported,” he says, “People finally get to experience who they really are— capable, balanced, and fully aligned.” Through his integrative method, he is helping clients across all backgrounds move from stress-driven living to purposeful, empowered well-being—one subconscious shift at a time. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.MikeSmithMethod.com.

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D R . D E A N N A N E L S O N , P h . D . ACTIVESR

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ith a storied career grounded in decades of discovery— Dr. Deanna Nelson, Ph.D., researcher and founder of ActiveSr—stands at the intersection of scientific rigor, compassionate innovation and heart-centered care. “Whenever I see a challenge, I feel a personal drive to dig into the data to try and understand what’s really happening and create an effective, science-backed answer,” Nelson says. “That’s just how I’m made, it’s part of my DNA,” she says, chuckling. And, that’s how the impressive line of ActiveSr supplements have become a cornerstone in a holistic approach to supporting immunity, bone health, mobility and overall vitality. From noticing morning stiffness and everyday joint discomfort beginning to ease to moving through the day with more energy and a renewed sense of well-being, many clients report that ActiveSr supplements have made transformative differences in their sense of comfort and their ability to lead a more active and engaged lifestyle. Nelson’s determination to finding better ways to healthy aging is rooted in her mother’s late-life struggle with brittle bones. “My mother was prescribed bisphosphonates, which is often the first choice for osteoporosis treatment,” Nelson explains. “The side effects of those drugs caused jaw-bone issues resulting in my mother losing her teeth as well a spontaneous break in her thigh bone.” This devastating experience sparked in Nelson a deep reevaluation of conventional bone-health protocols and inspired

years of research into safer, more effective approaches found in ActiveSr supplements. “I began to realize that so much of what we were being told about bone health simply wasn’t supported by the science,” she says. In addition to taking higher quality supplements, Nelson recommends the importance of weight-bearing exercises and adopting a healthy lifestyle along with good nutrition. “Our supplements lay the foundation which enable individuals to be proactive in embracing their own wellness goals.” Today, she is putting the finishing touches on a ground-breaking supplement line set to launch this year—carefully crafted to support the health and vitality of pregnant women and new moms. “There is never a more important time for a woman to nourish her body and protect her well-being,” Nelson explains. “These formulations were developed with the unique needs of motherhood in mind, offering gentle, science-backed support during one of life’s most life-changing seasons.” For consultations, Dr. Nelson is available via email at DNelson@ ActiveSenior.com. For more information, visit www.activesr.com.

L A V E R N E M . P R I C E LIFE MOTION PERSEVERANCE

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or LaVerne M. Price, healing isn’t just a passion—it’s a way of life. As a Reiki Master, mindset coach and founder of Life Motion Perseverance, she guides individuals—particularly women in midlife—through profound transformations of body, mind and spirit.

LaVerne doesn’t just run a healing practice … she runs a movement built on resilience, faith and the quiet power of self-belief. “Perseverance isn’t about pushing harder,” she says. “It’s about staying soft enough to bend with life, yet strong enough to rise again.” Life Motion Perseverance blends ancient practices like reiki with modern coaching principles to create what LaVerne calls “a holistic recalibration.” Her clients are worldwide and range from burned-out professionals to trauma survivors, all drawn by her grounded yet mystical approach. “Healing isn’t an escape from reality,” she explains. “It’s a way of reclaiming it.” While she has an accomplished full-time career facilitating trauma-informed workshops for incorporating strategies and 36

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principles into organizations such as schools and social service agencies, her true calling lies in helping women rediscover themselves. “There’s something sacred about midlife,” LaVerne says. “It’s when many women finally pause long enough to ask, ‘Who am I now?’ That’s where the magic begins.” Through Life Motion Perseverance, LaVerne offers both in-person and virtual reiki healing sessions, along with personalized wellness and mindset coaching. Her sessions focus on helping clients find clarity, balance, and empowerment. “The most rewarding moments,” she notes, “are when I see that spark of realization in someone’s eyes—their ‘aha’ moment—when they realize the power to heal has always been within them.” Her upcoming 12-month virtual workshop, Essence of Beauty, will deepen that mission. The program is designed to help women in midlife embrace their evolving beauty, resilience and inner strength. Today, as a Reiki Master integrating trauma-informed and somatic healing, LaVerne continues to embody her mantra—life, motion and perseverance—helping others find harmony within their own journeys. For more information or to register for the workshop, email LaVerneP@LifeMotionPerseverance.com or visit www.LifeMotionPerseverance.com or Instagram: @cadence1632.

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J A N E T S T R A I G H TA R R O W BE THE MEDICINE

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or more than six decades, Shaman, Master Healer and Teacher Janet StraightArrow has dedicated her life to walking—and sharing—the sacred path of true healing. Her calling began early, shaped by her father’s passing and a startling message about her own future. “I chose life and healing,” Janet says. “A decision made in the soul reshapes everything.” That moment sparked a lifelong quest to understand the deeper truths of health, energy and our spiritual nature. From a young age, she felt connected to high energy, past lives and the unseen worlds. Guided by that inner wisdom, she immersed herself in formal study—beginning with groundbreaking mind-body teachings and expanding into consciousness, intuition, self-healing and holistic nutrition. Over the years, she trained with more than 130 teachers and masters from across the globe. The result is her signature body of work, Be the Medicine, a blend of ancient traditions, energy medicine, shamanism and timeless universal wisdom. “Every person holds the innate power to create complete healing in their life,” StraightArrow says. “And each individual arrives with a unique inner landscape.” Her approach is warm, grounded, and deeply attentive. She listens not just to what clients say, but how they speak about themselves—their inner tone, beliefs and patterns. “How we speak to ourselves reveals what’s possible—and what’s blocking the path,” she explains. Each session with her is custom-crafted, personal and transformative. She reads the layers

GENEVIEVE BROOMES LIFEVANTAGE

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enevieve Broomes has spent more than two decades helping people heal. As a speech therapist, pediatric registered nurse and holistic life coach, she has seen firsthand how many individuals quietly struggle in unhealthy states. Her dynamic yet gentle presence has made her a trusted rehabilitation provider for over 20 years—but more recently, she has expanded her mission. For the past three and a half years, she has been a passionate LifeVantage distributor, guiding clients toward science-supported solutions designed to nurture cellular wellness and healthy aging. “I believe the body is always trying to move toward healing,” Broomes shares. “Sometimes we just need the right tools to help the cells wake back up and do what they were created to do.” She was drawn to LifeVantage because of its focus on activation—supporting the body’s natural pathways for resilience and repair. “When I learned about oxidative stress and how it impacts everything from energy to vitality, I knew this was something people deserved to understand,” she says. “Helping someone feel hope again is the greatest gift.” For Broomes, empowering wellness is more than a profession— it’s a calling. “I want people to know they’re not powerless,” she adds. “Your body remembers how to be healthy. I’m just here to help you reconnect with that truth.” Call 215-906-5027 or visit www.Wilsong.LifeVantage.com.

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of mind, body and spirit with clarity and compassion, helping clients uncover root causes and experience real, lasting change. Along with private sessions, StraightArrow offers remote and in-person classes, gatherings and advanced spiritual trainings. Her work has changed thousands of lives—and this year, she will bring her teachings to the world-renowned Himalayan Institute. For more information or to connect with her directly, call 973-647-2500 or visit www.BeTheMedicine.com.

DORI MILLER

SIX FISHES HEALING ARTS

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n the sacred space where creativity and spirit merge, Dori Miller brings a special kind of healing through her amazing gifts as a Certified Acutonics Sound Therapy Practitioner. A renowned artist known for her evocative oil paintings, she is also a highly sought-after healer, bringing physical, spiritual and emotional peace to her clients. Like acupuncture without needles, Acutonics is a gentle, yet powerful sound therapy which activates the body’s energy through the celestial vibrations of planetary tuning forks, chimes and Tibetan bowls. For those yearning for a stronger connection to the cosmic currents guiding us, Miller is offering a rare opportunity—a 10 percent discount to take part in the upcoming, year-long Celestial Immersion beginning on the 2026 Spring Equinox. “Our theme is The Year of Repair because we’ve all been through it— individually and collectively,” she reflects. “The healing time is now.” In addition, she offers one-time, private, 60-minute sessions crafted from the client’s horoscope, as well as sessions on the Fibonacci Sequence, Unwinding Trauma and In the Field. Location: Six Fishes Healing Arts, 750 S. 15th St., Philadelphia. For more information or to register, call 215-772-0770, email Dori@DoriMillerStudios.com or visit www.DoriMillerStudios.com/celestial-immersion. January 2026

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