Mary's education and experience in the health care field has been a lifelong journey beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the College of St. Teresa and a Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota, followed by the Holistic Therapy and Health and Wellness Counseling certificate programs at the College of St. Catherine. Mary is now a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and a member of Healing Touch International. In addition to local practice, Mary assisted as a volunteer with Healing Touch International in southern India in 2004, in an effort to introduce the practice throughout the world.
Healing Touch is an energy based modality focused on balancing the energy system of the whole person, including body, mind and spirit. When the energy flow is aligned, the natural immune system of the body is given a boost so that the healing process can proceed. Because Healing Touch influences the whole person on all levels, it is appropriate for anyone and can take place in any setting. Healing Touch is a spiritual process and does not require or recommend a specific religious orientation or organized religious belief. One could view Healing Touch as a companion to traditional Western Medicine, not a substitute. Ideally, the two would walk side-by-side in the common mission of service to all people.