Meet Your Guides
Practitioners
Miki Bryant, LPC-S, NCC, ACHT, Owner
Miki is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LPC-S) certified in Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy as an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist (ACHT) through The Wellness Institute in Issaquah, WA, where she is currently a student in the Personal Transformation Leadership Training Program and Subtle Energy courses. She has completed Level 1 training in Integral Breath Therapy through Integration Concepts, and is a Reiki Master.
Miki guides her clients through experiential processes to recognize and change the negative thought patterns and limiting self-beliefs often found at the root of their emotional, mental, and physical difficulties. She works with clients individually, and she offers experiential classes that incorporate psychotherapy, hypnosis, breath, life force energy and spirit as therapeutic tools. Miki believes that integrating care of the mind, body, and soul is vital in achieving and maintaining optimal health, so she collaborates with medical and holistic practitioners to assist clients with accessing resources to care for all aspects of their well-being.
Miki is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LPC-S) certified in Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy as an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist (ACHT) through The Wellness Institute in Issaquah, WA, where she is currently a student in the Personal Transformation Leadership Training Program and Subtle Energy courses. She has completed Level 1 training in Integral Breath Therapy through Integration Concepts, and is a Reiki Master.
Miki guides her clients through experiential processes to recognize and change the negative thought patterns and limiting self-beliefs often found at the root of their emotional, mental, and physical difficulties. She works with clients individually, and she offers experiential classes that incorporate psychotherapy, hypnosis, breath, life force energy and spirit as therapeutic tools. Miki believes that integrating care of the mind, body, and soul is vital in achieving and maintaining optimal health, so she collaborates with medical and holistic practitioners to assist clients with accessing resources to care for all aspects of their well-being.
Anakaren Garza, MA, LPC, NCC
Utilizing an integrative approach, Anakaren structures therapy to fit her client’s needs and preferences. She hopes to walk alongside her clients through their struggles while providing therapeutic and structured support. She recognizes that everyone has a unique story and that a person’s experiences shape their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By providing a non-judgmental and accepting environment to all people, Anakaren assists her clients in developing the tools and skills they need to feel empowered and to grow.
Anakaren earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Human Services, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health, from the University of Colorado. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has experience working with people struggling through many different issues and has unique experience working as an adoption caseworker and can provide counseling and support to anyone in the adoption triad. Additionally, Anakaren can provide counseling services in Spanish.
Utilizing an integrative approach, Anakaren structures therapy to fit her client’s needs and preferences. She hopes to walk alongside her clients through their struggles while providing therapeutic and structured support. She recognizes that everyone has a unique story and that a person’s experiences shape their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By providing a non-judgmental and accepting environment to all people, Anakaren assists her clients in developing the tools and skills they need to feel empowered and to grow.
Anakaren earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Human Services, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health, from the University of Colorado. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has experience working with people struggling through many different issues and has unique experience working as an adoption caseworker and can provide counseling and support to anyone in the adoption triad. Additionally, Anakaren can provide counseling services in Spanish.
Dana Tate Bailey, M.ed., ICST, Earth Medicine Practitioner, LMT #519
Dana is an LGBTQ+ affirming, pre-licensed counselor and integrative CranioSacral therapist from Tupelo, MS. She blends evidence-based theory with Earth Medicine principles to create space for her clients to work with sensitive and often painful life material, cultivate embodiment practices, and restore lost power, so they can live their best lives. She specializes in nervous system dysfunction (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression), vagus nerve resilience, psychospiritual issues, and recovery from religious maltreatment.
Dana also offers CranioSacral therapy sessions and training, Reiki sessions and training, and Earth Medicine workshops.
Dana is an LGBTQ+ affirming, pre-licensed counselor and integrative CranioSacral therapist from Tupelo, MS. She blends evidence-based theory with Earth Medicine principles to create space for her clients to work with sensitive and often painful life material, cultivate embodiment practices, and restore lost power, so they can live their best lives. She specializes in nervous system dysfunction (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression), vagus nerve resilience, psychospiritual issues, and recovery from religious maltreatment.
Dana also offers CranioSacral therapy sessions and training, Reiki sessions and training, and Earth Medicine workshops.
Hilary Booker, Ph.D., Earth-Based Restoration Coach
Hilary helps people find balance, health and wholeness by re-claiming their relationships with their bodies, the Earth and the cosmic cycles that influence us all. She has an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England, an M.Phil in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin and a Certificate in Mediation from Mediation Northern Ireland. She started practicing Earth-based healing from the womb and has 20 years of national and international experience in grassroots social justice and environmental work, intuitive and creative practice, holistic health & plant-based nutrition, food system sustainability, community service, inter-faith dialogue and faith-based organizations, governmental collaborations, mediation & counseling people in crisis.
Working with her can be especially helpful for people who seek resolutions to identity crises, conflicts, major life transitions and who are trying to figure out how to accept the many realities of who they are. She loves warm humid days, the Moon, cooking, bright colors, every form of art and performance, liberation theories, watching people and plants grow, the Ocean and anything with EXTRA flavor.
Hilary is no longer physically present at the Studio since she has moved. To book a session with her, click here.
Hilary helps people find balance, health and wholeness by re-claiming their relationships with their bodies, the Earth and the cosmic cycles that influence us all. She has an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England, an M.Phil in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin and a Certificate in Mediation from Mediation Northern Ireland. She started practicing Earth-based healing from the womb and has 20 years of national and international experience in grassroots social justice and environmental work, intuitive and creative practice, holistic health & plant-based nutrition, food system sustainability, community service, inter-faith dialogue and faith-based organizations, governmental collaborations, mediation & counseling people in crisis.
Working with her can be especially helpful for people who seek resolutions to identity crises, conflicts, major life transitions and who are trying to figure out how to accept the many realities of who they are. She loves warm humid days, the Moon, cooking, bright colors, every form of art and performance, liberation theories, watching people and plants grow, the Ocean and anything with EXTRA flavor.
Hilary is no longer physically present at the Studio since she has moved. To book a session with her, click here.
Massage Therapist
Shana Wedel, LMT 2588
Shana received her education in Sedona, AZ under the instruction of seasoned veterans in massage. She has an introduction to an array of massage modalities including Connective tissue, polarity, swedish, cranial sacral, and shiatsu. She is passionate about holding space where people can listen to their own bodies.
Shana approaches well-being holistically, and believes keeping mind, body, and spirit healthy is a dance. She seeks connection in nature and loves to learn and grow with people, and is dedicated to continuing to find health for herself and touching others on that journey. She also enjoys writing and helping to care for her place in the country near West Point, MS. She is a dedicated wife and a mother to 4 beautiful children and enjoys being an active part of their development.
Shana received her education in Sedona, AZ under the instruction of seasoned veterans in massage. She has an introduction to an array of massage modalities including Connective tissue, polarity, swedish, cranial sacral, and shiatsu. She is passionate about holding space where people can listen to their own bodies.
Shana approaches well-being holistically, and believes keeping mind, body, and spirit healthy is a dance. She seeks connection in nature and loves to learn and grow with people, and is dedicated to continuing to find health for herself and touching others on that journey. She also enjoys writing and helping to care for her place in the country near West Point, MS. She is a dedicated wife and a mother to 4 beautiful children and enjoys being an active part of their development.
Office
Melissa (Lisa) Hanna: Office Coordinator & Energy Path Guide
Melissa Hanna, Lisa to her friends, is a writer, energy worker/healer and pre-certified life coach. She grew up on the East Coast, spending time from Maryland to Florida then Alabama and Tennessee before being drawn to Starkville. It is her desire to not only be the “Mama Bear” as the office coordinator here at Soulflower Healing Arts Studio but to find a home for her special brand of healing work.
With a great love of healing rituals and a desire to help people in the various phases of relationships - from beginning to end - Lisa hopes to help nurture and guide others to healthy, well balanced relationships with themselves and others. As well as level 3 Usui Reiki Master specializing in chakra balancing, Lisa is interested in the healing properties of stones and crystals, essential oils, hz frequencies and meditation/mindfulness. Outside of that Lisa is also a yarn artist, music and book lover and mother to three biological daughters, several “adopted” children (as a Free Mom Hugs Mama Bear with the LGBTQ community) and her fur babies.
Melissa Hanna, Lisa to her friends, is a writer, energy worker/healer and pre-certified life coach. She grew up on the East Coast, spending time from Maryland to Florida then Alabama and Tennessee before being drawn to Starkville. It is her desire to not only be the “Mama Bear” as the office coordinator here at Soulflower Healing Arts Studio but to find a home for her special brand of healing work.
With a great love of healing rituals and a desire to help people in the various phases of relationships - from beginning to end - Lisa hopes to help nurture and guide others to healthy, well balanced relationships with themselves and others. As well as level 3 Usui Reiki Master specializing in chakra balancing, Lisa is interested in the healing properties of stones and crystals, essential oils, hz frequencies and meditation/mindfulness. Outside of that Lisa is also a yarn artist, music and book lover and mother to three biological daughters, several “adopted” children (as a Free Mom Hugs Mama Bear with the LGBTQ community) and her fur babies.
Caitlin Perry: Insurance & Billing
Caitlin is the middle child of four. She grew up in Louisville, MS. She is married to Carmen and they have two beautiful children Essie and Mateo. She loves paperwork and is excited about being the new office boss. In her spare time Caitlin enjoys gardening and wrangling her chickens. She is looking forward to getting to know everyone in the community!
Caitlin is the middle child of four. She grew up in Louisville, MS. She is married to Carmen and they have two beautiful children Essie and Mateo. She loves paperwork and is excited about being the new office boss. In her spare time Caitlin enjoys gardening and wrangling her chickens. She is looking forward to getting to know everyone in the community!
Christine Little: Events Coordinator, Social Media Manager
Christine grew up in Starkville, graduated from Mississippi State University with a BA in General Liberals, and then spent three years in New York City working in newborn care as a postpartum doula. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Health Promotion from Mississippi State University and is passionate about menstruation awareness and advocacy.
Christine grew up in Starkville, graduated from Mississippi State University with a BA in General Liberals, and then spent three years in New York City working in newborn care as a postpartum doula. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Health Promotion from Mississippi State University and is passionate about menstruation awareness and advocacy.
Sarah Ashley: Social Media Intern
Sarah grew up in Hazlehurst, MS until she decided to make Starkville her new temporary home. She is currently a senior at Mississippi State University pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with minors in Marketing and Management, and she will be graduating in the spring of 2020. She has work experience as a social media manager and also through writing online content such as articles and blog posts. Ultimately her passion lies in creative expression through poetry and leading by example to help others along their path of spirituality & self-discovery.
Sarah grew up in Hazlehurst, MS until she decided to make Starkville her new temporary home. She is currently a senior at Mississippi State University pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with minors in Marketing and Management, and she will be graduating in the spring of 2020. She has work experience as a social media manager and also through writing online content such as articles and blog posts. Ultimately her passion lies in creative expression through poetry and leading by example to help others along their path of spirituality & self-discovery.
Instructors
Karly Lyons: Reiki, Chakras, Meditation, Crystal Healing
After spending her summer in India, Karly came to Starkville recently to follow a life-long dream of pursuing her Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, where she will also be teaching for the Department of Geosciences this school year as a Teaching Assistant.
Karly was looking for a place around Starkville to meet like-minded people and found Soulflower. Over the years, the science behind rocks, crystals, meditation, fossils, and energy has fascinated her, but more recently, she has been intrigued by the metaphysical side of science as well. Karly will be offering some new workshops at Soulflower very soon (Reiki, crystal healing, essential oils, animal guides, meditation, chakras...etc.), so stay tuned!
After spending her summer in India, Karly came to Starkville recently to follow a life-long dream of pursuing her Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, where she will also be teaching for the Department of Geosciences this school year as a Teaching Assistant.
Karly was looking for a place around Starkville to meet like-minded people and found Soulflower. Over the years, the science behind rocks, crystals, meditation, fossils, and energy has fascinated her, but more recently, she has been intrigued by the metaphysical side of science as well. Karly will be offering some new workshops at Soulflower very soon (Reiki, crystal healing, essential oils, animal guides, meditation, chakras...etc.), so stay tuned!
Mandi Sanders: Red Tent
Mandi is a community herbalist with a focus on family care and women's health. She has studied plant medicines from various perspectives and teachers over the last 11 years and finds herself consistently in awe of this powerful medicine. She is passionate about holistic, conscious living and also serves in her community as a post-partum doula, children's yoga teacher, and facilitates Rites of Passage ceremonies.
Mandi is a community herbalist with a focus on family care and women's health. She has studied plant medicines from various perspectives and teachers over the last 11 years and finds herself consistently in awe of this powerful medicine. She is passionate about holistic, conscious living and also serves in her community as a post-partum doula, children's yoga teacher, and facilitates Rites of Passage ceremonies.
Ali Pinion: Red Tent; Meditation
Ali Pinion is a bee guardian/beekeeper who studies the healing nature of the sacred bee. She utilizes products from her treatment free bee hives to make candles, salves, balms, herbal honey, tinctures, and more. Ali teaches sexual and reproductive health with an emphasis on sacred sexuality. She has a master’s degree in Health Promotion where she worked on designing community based health education programs and access to healthy local foods. Ali loves to make wild fermented foods and beverages, and enjoys teaching others how to make their own ferments at home. Ali is also Red Tent facilitator and loves holding space for ritual and ceremony.
Ali Pinion is a bee guardian/beekeeper who studies the healing nature of the sacred bee. She utilizes products from her treatment free bee hives to make candles, salves, balms, herbal honey, tinctures, and more. Ali teaches sexual and reproductive health with an emphasis on sacred sexuality. She has a master’s degree in Health Promotion where she worked on designing community based health education programs and access to healthy local foods. Ali loves to make wild fermented foods and beverages, and enjoys teaching others how to make their own ferments at home. Ali is also Red Tent facilitator and loves holding space for ritual and ceremony.
Melissa Duncan: Writing Instructor
Melissa grew up in Columbus, MS, and graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in English. She has a passion for people and for understanding the way that individuals best communicate. Melissa currently freelances as a content writer and content management specialist for multiple businesses. Writing is a creative outlet that can be crucial for many people to express their joy, pain, and odd thoughts. Seeing as Melissa is a classic overthinker, writing allows her a place to pour out everything that is running circles in her head.
Melissa grew up in Columbus, MS, and graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minor in English. She has a passion for people and for understanding the way that individuals best communicate. Melissa currently freelances as a content writer and content management specialist for multiple businesses. Writing is a creative outlet that can be crucial for many people to express their joy, pain, and odd thoughts. Seeing as Melissa is a classic overthinker, writing allows her a place to pour out everything that is running circles in her head.
Richard Bryant: Heart-Centered Hypnosis
Richard believes that “A man must go on a quest to discover the sacred fire in the sanctuary of his own belly, to ignite the flame in his heart, to fuel the blaze in the hearth, to rekindle his ardor for the earth.” Richard studies visions of manhood that go beyond the façade. He is on a journey to discover what lies ahead when men discover for themselves who they truly are. Richard practices mindfulness and meditation accessible to people from any or no spiritual traditions.
He holds a Master’s degree in education, and is currently completing certification requirements for Heart-Centered Hypnosis through The Wellness Institute in Issaquah, WA where he is continuing his studies in the use of hypnosis to address life challenges. Richard loves brewing beer, fermenting, charcuterie, and teaching others how to brew and make their own foods and beverages.
Richard believes that “A man must go on a quest to discover the sacred fire in the sanctuary of his own belly, to ignite the flame in his heart, to fuel the blaze in the hearth, to rekindle his ardor for the earth.” Richard studies visions of manhood that go beyond the façade. He is on a journey to discover what lies ahead when men discover for themselves who they truly are. Richard practices mindfulness and meditation accessible to people from any or no spiritual traditions.
He holds a Master’s degree in education, and is currently completing certification requirements for Heart-Centered Hypnosis through The Wellness Institute in Issaquah, WA where he is continuing his studies in the use of hypnosis to address life challenges. Richard loves brewing beer, fermenting, charcuterie, and teaching others how to brew and make their own foods and beverages.
Tawnya Blalock, CPC, ELI-MP: Life After Loss
Tawnyna is a certified life coach specializing in transitions through loss and life changes. In her own journey, Tawnya has lost both parents, and her mother-in-law. Also, when she was only 40 years old, her husband of 18 years died very quickly following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Her twin sons were barely 15 years of age at the time of their father’s death.
She pushed her own grieving process aside to help her children through theirs, despite knowing how that can complicate grief, after her years of work in hospice, teaching and training Bereavement support. It took several years for her to find the time, energy, and help to process that painful loss. She was a widow for over 10 years when she happily met and married her second husband, five years ago. Tawnya accepts new clients though her own business at Lifehouse Coaching and facilitates a private Facebook group for people going through their own loss journey. She is excited about joining with Soulflower Healing Arts Studio to bring a twice-monthly support group to this area. All who are going through any type of loss are welcome, and encouraged, to come and share their story in a safe, supportive, place.
Tawnyna is a certified life coach specializing in transitions through loss and life changes. In her own journey, Tawnya has lost both parents, and her mother-in-law. Also, when she was only 40 years old, her husband of 18 years died very quickly following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Her twin sons were barely 15 years of age at the time of their father’s death.
She pushed her own grieving process aside to help her children through theirs, despite knowing how that can complicate grief, after her years of work in hospice, teaching and training Bereavement support. It took several years for her to find the time, energy, and help to process that painful loss. She was a widow for over 10 years when she happily met and married her second husband, five years ago. Tawnya accepts new clients though her own business at Lifehouse Coaching and facilitates a private Facebook group for people going through their own loss journey. She is excited about joining with Soulflower Healing Arts Studio to bring a twice-monthly support group to this area. All who are going through any type of loss are welcome, and encouraged, to come and share their story in a safe, supportive, place.
Hunter Smith: Artist in Residence
In an increasingly intangible and impersonal world, the handmade challenges us to think, feel, and connect. It is the subtle variations and human irregularities of such objects that intrigue and attract. In truth, I feel that beauty is sometimes more a product of what is “imperfect” than what is “perfect.” My interest in clay is rooted in my love of tactility and the hope that I might better understand perfect imperfection.
I particularly enjoy making functional work because these pieces are meant to be handled and interacted with - having the potential to become an intimate part of someone’s day to day life. It is my belief that a well made cup or bowl can transform something as seemingly mundane as a simple meal or coffee break into something more ritual and meaningful.
In an increasingly intangible and impersonal world, the handmade challenges us to think, feel, and connect. It is the subtle variations and human irregularities of such objects that intrigue and attract. In truth, I feel that beauty is sometimes more a product of what is “imperfect” than what is “perfect.” My interest in clay is rooted in my love of tactility and the hope that I might better understand perfect imperfection.
I particularly enjoy making functional work because these pieces are meant to be handled and interacted with - having the potential to become an intimate part of someone’s day to day life. It is my belief that a well made cup or bowl can transform something as seemingly mundane as a simple meal or coffee break into something more ritual and meaningful.
Jennie Privett: Meditation; Ionic Foot Baths; Reiki
Jennie and her family relocated to Starkville 4 years ago. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 14 years and is an ordained minister through Universal Life Church (ULC). Jennie is also a level two Reiki practitioner, leads a relaxing meditation at the Studio on the first Tuesday of every month, and offers various workshops such as soap making and other personal/spiritual crafts. Currently, Jennie is leading classes on the topic of Caring for Caregivers and is hosting a Caregiver Support Group on the third Thursday of each month (starting in Feb. 2020). In addition, Jennie also offers Ionic Foot Baths and mini Reiki sessions.
Jennie and her family relocated to Starkville 4 years ago. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 14 years and is an ordained minister through Universal Life Church (ULC). Jennie is also a level two Reiki practitioner, leads a relaxing meditation at the Studio on the first Tuesday of every month, and offers various workshops such as soap making and other personal/spiritual crafts. Currently, Jennie is leading classes on the topic of Caring for Caregivers and is hosting a Caregiver Support Group on the third Thursday of each month (starting in Feb. 2020). In addition, Jennie also offers Ionic Foot Baths and mini Reiki sessions.
