Autumn 2006 Vermont Reiki Association (VRA) newsletter
President’s report:
About three and half years ago we decided to form a professional Reiki organization with the goal of educating the community about Reiki and supporting Reiki practitioners in their healing work. Then we wondered, “How do we do that?” Our first idea was to each chip in money to rent space at two “Body, Mind, Spirit” events at which we could give sample Reiki sessions. We were quite disappointed when both events were cancelled at the last minute. We did get our money back but decided that it didn’t seem appropriate for us to be paying to give Reiki sessions. We reached out to the community to see where we might be welcomed. This led to Reiki experiential/educational clinics at the University of Vermont, Saint Michael’s College, Stowe Weekend of Hope for Cancer Survivors, Camp Knock Knock, and the Breast Cancer Conference at the Sheraton in Burlington. Some of our members continue to give regular Reiki sessions at Respite House and most recently we participated in the Women’s Health day at Fletcher Allen. At all of these events we have received significant positive feedback from the clients who receive the Reiki and from the organizers of the events. We have been welcomed back to all of these events.
We are making rapid progress towards educating the community about Reiki.
Recently, there was a panel discussion on Vermont Public Radio about complimentary healing methods. One of the panelists spoke of her success using Reiki on clients in hospital settings. The moderator was also familiar with Reiki. It is my belief that soon Reiki will be thought of as a mainstream treatment and welcomed in all healing settings. The reason for this is that it works.
My three year term as VRA president ends this November, ‘06. I have had an opportunity to meet many of the members of our Reiki community. It is truly a joy to know so many people dedicated to healing work. I look
forward to participating in VRA events for years to come. Chris Hanna
We have four members who have recently volunteered to take on VRA organizational roles. We also want to acknowledge our members who volunteered to give sessions at our spring clinics.
Vice President - Kelly McDermott-Burns from Stockbridge is our new vice-president and will take on the role of president after our autumn ‘06 annual meeting. Her biography follows in her own words.
“I first learned about Reiki at a healing circle in Maryland. A few years later my father passed on and I tried Reiki for comfort and healing. Of course, it worked.
I am certified to level 3 in Usui and Level 2 in Karuna. I began my studies in the Usui method with MaryBeth Lang. Lately, I have been studying with Trudi Denison learning Karuna Reiki. I am also studying Reiki for animals, the path I expect to be on the most. I recently had the amazing experience of helping Maizie the dog in her transition.
I've been a member of the VRA for a couple of years now and really enjoy doing the outreach work like Camp Knock Knock and the Weekend of Hope.
It's so rewarding to share Reiki in this way.
I have lived in Vermont since 2001. A native New Englander (MA) I was thrilled to come here after an extended stay in Maryland where I was a circuit board designer. I love Vermont! It is so conducive to peace and serenity! The perfect place to practice Reiki. In the winter I am an avid skier and in the summer I am often in my kayak or hiking. I LOVE to read!
My husband Jim and I are allowed to live with our cats, Murphy and Flynn.”
Secretary - Colleen Manning-Brito of Colchester Colleen moved to Vermont from Rhode Island three years ago. Two years ago she received her Reiki Master Certificate with Reiki teacher Sunflower Sutherland. She plans on continuing her studies and attain Reiki Teacher certification. She also wants to study Karuna Reiki. She plans on starting a part-time Reiki business and also studying massage therapy.
Outreach coordinator - Michael Brown of Vergennes Mike is creating a simple attractive and affordable informational product that we can hand out at clinics and also distribute through out Vermont.
He also proposed and sketched an initial design for VRA tea- shirts which will be available soon.
Mike owns Hillside Healing and Wellness in Vergennes and has been studying life force energy and its applications for approximately six years. Mike became interested in Metaphysics at an early age. He enjoys volunteering at the VRA clinics and is very passionate about helping others with Reiki.
Treasurer - Jen Brown, Vergennes. Jen is the office manager at American Land Title and is a graduate of Champlain College. She and VRA outreach coordinator Michael Brown are married. She participated in the VRA clinic at the 2006 Camp Knock Knock. Jen’s interests include cross-stitching, playing Texas Hold’em, reading and cake decorating.
Gerri Cobb is stepping down as treasurer. She contributed to the initial formation and design of the VRA’s membership format, the website logo, attended VRA clinics and been a strong supporter of the VRA’s work.
‘06 Spring Clinics report and special VRA offerings
Stowe Weekend of Hope for Cancer Survivors, May 6.
Over 1000 people attended this annual event whose purpose is to nurture and educate cancer survivors. We were honored to be among the many health care providers present. Kelly McDermott-Burns, Tanya Cimonetti, Susan Fortier, Chris Hanna, Donna Thomas, and Michael Brown gave Reiki to approximately 70 people many who have recently undergone chemo and radiation treatment. We have been invited to participate in the 2007 event.
Women’s Day at Fletcher Allen Health Care , May 13th, Burlington Colleen Manning-Brito and Donna Thomas coordinated our participation with Fletcher Allen Hospital. Tanya Cimonetti acted as the onsite coordinator.
Donna, Tanya, Dawn Heim, and Jean Potter gave approximately 70 mini- Reiki sessions. Conference attendees waited in line and received Reiki while sitting in chairs. The event was a great success.
Camp Knock Knock, June 3rd , North Hero
Named for a child who liked knock, knock jokes and passed away, this annual Camp is intended to provide support for children and their family members who have lost a loved one. Tanya Cimonetti, Jean Potter, Jean Salch, Donna Thomas, Mike and Jen Brown, and Kelley McDermott-Burns gave 30 minute Reiki sessions to 30 people and 1 dog. Sessions were given to family and Camp volunteers. This is our 2nd time giving Reiki sessions at Camp Knock, Knock and we hope to return next year.
Reiki at Respite house in Williston. For two years we have provided monthly (sometimes twice monthly) Reiki sessions at this comfortable home, operated by the Visiting Nurses’ Association, for people in their last weeks of life. VRA member Jean Potter coordinates scheduling Reiki sessions for the staff, volunteers, and residents. Along with Jean, Norman Sevigny has been a regular attendee at these clinics. Other members who gave Reiki sessions over the last two years included Resa Williamson, Bridget Kimsey, Chris Hanna, and Colleen Manning-Brito. Because these clinics are held on Friday’s it is difficult for many of our members to attend. Being able to provide healing energy in this end of life setting is humbling but very meaningful.
VRA Website and Practitioner Directory
VRA website coordinator and former vice-president, Sunflower Sutherland, despite moving out of Vermont continues to maintain and improve our website. Our site has a practitioner directory that lists members by County who have Reiki practices. More than half our members are listed on the site. The website also has membership forms, information about Reiki, VRA history and goals, and more. www.vermontreikiassociation.org
Upcoming events:
VRA Potluck meeting: Wed., Sept. 13 at Donna Thomas’ home, South Burlington. Potluck starts at 6:00 pm, meeting at 6:30ish. Come and enjoy the company of fellow Reiki practitioners. We will discuss the upcoming events listed below.
Breast Cancer Conference at Sheraton Inn, Burlington, Friday, Oct. 13, ‘06. This event provides seminars that educate and support Breast Cancer survivors. We gave Reiki sessions at last year’s event and received very positive feedback from the organizers who asked us to return this year.
2nd VRA Annual meeting, Montpelier Public Library, Sat., Oct. 28. This event is centrally located in the state and designed to “celebrate” our year’s activities, interact with our members, and the public. Our keynote speaker will be VRA member Trudi Denison. Her general topic will be using Reiki in hospitals. Trudi has practiced Reiki and other healing work for many years. She has been involved giving Reiki in the Dartmouth Hitchcock Hospital “complimentary / alternative” practitioner’s program.
For more info. on any VRA events please email info@vermontreikiassociation.org or call (802) 878-1711.
Chris Hanna, President
Kelley McDermott-Burns, Vice-President
Donna Thomas, Membership coordinator
Jean Potter, Respite House coordinator
Jen Brown, Treasurer
Colleen Manning-Brito, Secretary
Michael Brown, Outreach coordinator
Sylvia Lio, Regional member coordinator, Rutland County Trudi Denison, Regional member coordinator, Bethel to Montpelier Sunflower Sutherland, web site coordinator