Natural Awakenings South Jersey: Behind the Scenes 2025 Special Section

BEHIND THE SCENES

showcase

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

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January 2025

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n the realm of holistic healing, few stories are as compelling as that of Cathy Gabrielsen. Her journey from life-threatening illness to spiritual awakening and professional success is a testament to resilience, passion and an unwavering commitment to helping others. As the founder of The Gabrielsen Healing Center, Cathleen has turned personal trials into a thriving practice dedicated to guiding individuals toward true health, happiness, and balance.

Gabrielsen’s path was forever altered following a near-death experience caused by a severe battle with sepsis. This moment, which she describes as a profound spiritual awakening, clarified her life’s mission. “I knew I had to learn to heal myself emotionally, spiritually, and physically so I could use the gifts of healing I received,” she recalls. That mission became the foundation for The Gabrielsen Healing Center, a sanctuary for those seeking holistic and alternative approaches to health and well-being.

Years before founding her practice, Gabrielsen faced another transformative experience: a cancer diagnosis at the age of 32 while raising two young children. Determined to recover and prevent recurrence, she explored holistic health practices, including chakra healing, which became a cornerstone of her personal journey. “I realized I needed to learn how to heal myself when I couldn’t find the same support I had in prior years,” she explains. “That journey profoundly shaped who I am today.”

Gabrielsen’s passion lies in helping others find peace and balance in their lives.

“Seeing someone’s eyes light up after a healing session, witnessing their clarity and soul alignment—it’s not about pride but an honor,” she says. Her work integrates energy healing, chakra balancing and holistic education to address her clients’ unique needs.

Through The Gabrielsen Healing Center, Gabrielsen’s mission extends beyond individual sessions. She has authored a bestselling memoir, developed courses in energy healing and collaborated with industry leaders. Her vision for the future includes international retreats, community-building initiatives and expanding her offerings to educate and inspire others.

Gabrielsen’s journey was not without its obstacles. From battling physical illnesses such as cancer, Lyme disease and thyroid issues to overcoming anxiety, PTSD and the pressures of overextending herself, she has faced significant personal challenges. “I had to learn to prioritize self-care and embrace my worthiness as a healer,” she reflects. “Once I let go of fear and resistance, my business became an extension of my own healing journey.”

Gabrielsen believes that these experiences have deepened her empathy and strengthened her resolve to share her story. “Our challenges help shape us and allow us to connect with others in meaningful ways,” she says. “I’ve found that sharing my journey inspires others to embark on their own healing path.”

Gabrielsen envisions the practice as a hub for healing, education and community. Her plans include partnering with influential leaders, hosting retreats and developing advanced courses to empower others in their healing journeys. “I believe my work is just beginning, and there’s so much more to come,” she

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cathy GABRIELSEN says. Gabrielsen is committed to building a legacy that not only heals, but also uplifts and transforms lives.

For those seeking to build a business driven by passion, Gabrielsen offers heartfelt advice: “Trust. Trust yourself, trust the process, and trust your vision. Work from your heart, where energy flows abundantly and freely. And always remember—you are never alone. You are divinely guided.”

Through The Gabrielsen Healing Center, Gabrielsen has touched countless lives, demonstrating that even the greatest challenges can lead to profound transformation. Her work stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone seeking healing, balance and purpose.

The Gabrielsen Healing Center is located at 325 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. For more information or to make an appointment, email GabrielsenHealingCenter@gmail.com or visit www.CathyGabrielsen.com.

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t has been said our eyes are the lens through which we paint meaning.

And, for Amy Gillespie Dougherty, creator of Irigenics® Ancestral Eye Reading, this is a fundamental truth.

“Your eyes are the most sacred map of who you are,” says Amy, who first developed Irigenics® as a survival skill for at-risk youth, adoptees and individuals experiencing autism.

Irigenics® identifies unresolved and repeated patterns from ancestral experiences through the eyes and connects them to a person’s personality and life challenges. “For example, I read the eyes of the only woman who survived both Twin Tower bombings. I didn’t know it at that time, but be when I looked at her photos, the first thing I said was, ‘Wow! You’ve had some challenges with escape!’”

“We can see how people have unresolved patterns that keep showing up in their life such as issues with contracts, or getting trapped by a promise,” Amy says, adding, “If it’s weird, bizarre, unique, would-only-happen-to-you or happens to you over and over again, it’s ancestral and your eyes show us that blueprint.”

While this powerful tool can be life altering for anybody, Amy sees it as a game changer for many of today’s youth. “Often these ancestral images show us the many years and experiences it took to make an individual who they are today,” says Amy. “Because we can see both the generational good and the challenging, there’s an opportunity to learn why someone might be struggling with self-esteem issues or suicidal patterns. Imagine how impactful that information could be on a young person’s life. It could positively change their trajectory in immeasurable ways.”

Hardwired with a heart for kids and without ever having traveled abroad or spoken a foreign language, Amy took $150 and the idea that all children deserve the right to keep themselves and their siblings alive and moved to Africa. Over the six years spent in Mozambique, she launched a nonprofit which won the accolades of embassies and aid organizations worldwide and led her to be chosen as a finalist for the much-coveted annual CNN Heroes award.

Her amazing experience is captured in one of her bestselling books, a memoir, Six Years in Mozambique, published in 2014.

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GILLESPIE DOUGHERTY

The new year will bring the unveiling of a new, mobile software app which will allow even better access to the process.

“Your eyes hold the answers. By magnifying your ancestral treasure map, you can begin to finally live the life you were born to live.”

For more information about Amy’s work, go to www.Irigenics.com.

Amy is a widely sought-after speaker who has devoted the last three decades to creating powerfully transformative self-discovery, awareness and life-coaching programs.

Amy continues to offer online readings, travel around the globe to seminars and shows as well as educate others about Irigenics® Ancestral Eye Reading.

BEHIND THE SCENES

January 2025

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s Conner Romanowsky knows all “After I met and married my hustoo well, walking across the stage band, who is a disabled combat veteran, to perform at Carnegie Hall is no I had a front row seat to just how PTSD small task. It took years of dedication, (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders) can practice, preparation and pure grit to reach drastically impact an individual and their that pinnacle for this former composer, families,” Conner says. concert pianist and professional musician.

“We have to begin to understand that More importantly, once at center trauma isn’t just stored in our minds, but it stage, it takes a deep and radical willinglives in our bodies as well.” Somatic healing ness to be open—an intuitiveness for the helps individuals identify and acknowledge musician to connect to one’s audience each the bodily sensations that are connected and every time. with difficult feelings or traumatic events.

Today, Conner brings that very same “I have had much success with clients who grounded skillset and empathy to her have suffered mysterious medical conditions unique holistic and integrative approach to traditional doctors were not able to identify ROMANOWSKY, LCSW psychotherapy as the founder and operaand treat,” Conner says. tor of The Somatic Healing and Wellness “Most importantly, people want to feel a Center of New Jersey. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and sense of connection and that’s what I bring to each session”—a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of New beautiful rhythm of intention, focus, caring and healing.

Jersey, Conner combines traditional therapeutic techniques with body-centered and energy healing practices.

Located in Wall Township, find more information by calling Her extensive education and vast experience includes help609-759-1389, emailing Conner@SomaticHealingAndWellness.com ing those struggling with opiate and other addictions, along with or visiting www.SomaticHealingAndWellness.com. co-occurring issues, to work towards lifetime recovery.

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ou know the feeling. That whispered sense that you are not alone. That another is traveling down a similar path with you.

And, just knowing you are having a shared experience … a common moment … creates a deeper level of trust and intimacy.

Relationships of belonging.

Tanya D.’s traumatic childhood and abuse in adolescence did indeed lead her down a self-destructive journey of drinking which almost killed her. But, that crucible also gifted her with tremendous insight into what the energy of healing can look like.

Today, she uses that light to point the way to recovery on the path for others.

“Alcohol became my best friend,” Tanya says, explaining that 12-step programs helped, but their heavy emphasis on fellowship left her searching. “I began to realize I didn’t just crave fellowship … I also craved peace!”

Enter The Peace We Crave, Tanya’s practice where clients go on deeper dives into their inner self. A unique discovery trip where emotional stability, resilience and clarity are explored.

“It’s not just about abstaining from

addictive substances, but how we handle our lives and the every-day challenges we face,” Tanya says. “To remain present and maintain emotional balance is key. Emotional sobriety is the foundation for lasting wellness, personal freedom and finding the peace we crave.”

For more than a decade, she has shared her knowledge and experience and for the past five years as a certified meditation instructor (C.MI™), Usui/Holy Fire® III Karuna Reiki® Master, Sound Vibrational Reiki Healing Practitioner, Animal Reiki practitioner, Certified Holistic Spiritual Life Recovery Coach, SHE RECOVERS® Coach, and Yoga4Sobriety Teacher Ambassador / Teacher Liaison.

Becoming a healer has helped Tanya’s own recovery journey giving her unique perspectives in finding freedom in recovery and spiritual life transformation for herself and others.

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Learn more by going to www.ThePeaceWeCrave.com or by calling Tanya at 609-301-0662 or emailing TanyaD@ThePeaceWeCrave.com.

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ome believe the way in which we carry specifically designed to educate clients ourselves in the world is a powerful and improve posture and overall moveindicator of the way in which we live ment by addressing the pain caused by our lives … that it can reflect our deeper misaligned posture and musculature. spiritual truths.

The result: improved overall well-being.

Healing bodywork approaches provided At the very least, poor posture can include reflexology, craniosacral, reiki, cause a variety of health issues, everything therapeutic touch, healing touch and other from pain, fatigue and dizziness to migraines, energy-based treatments. weakness, poor breathing and poor coordiImportant brain-based movement nation. therapies like Integrated Neurosomatic A professional bodyworker for 22 Therapy, myofascial release, structural years, Luther L. Lockard, owner and operbalancing, BioMat therapy, tuning fork ator of Marlton-based Corporate Massage (sound) therapy, cupping bodywork and Therapies, brings over 2,000 hours of Gua Sha (Body Scraping) therapies are also professional training in medical and orthoLOCKARD available. pedic isometric strength and stretching and “You bring your posture everywhere. reflexology as well as energy-based healing It’s your message to the world,” Luther adds. “Good posture brings modalities to his clients. internal healing and leads to health and well-being and an external “Your posture is a running snapshot of accumulated mental, message of strength and confidence to everyone you meet.” emotional, physical, spiritual experiences from your evolution within the womb until the present ‘now’ time,” Lockard says.

Working alongside him as a team, Luther’s wife Huiling (Jayde) Location: within Apple Physical Therapy, 5000 Sagemore Dr., Lockard is a Reflexologist from China bringing a blending of Eastern Ste. 200, Marlton. For more information or to make an appointment, call 609-257-8595, email EnergyForAll@gmail.com or visit meets Western techniques for the benefit of their many clients.

The services offered at Corporate Massage Therapies are www.CorporateMassageTherapies.com.

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ura Physical Therapy & Wellness, in Voorhees, is a and founding Aura Physical Therapy & Wellness.

Patel offers a comprehensive, one-on-one treatment plan sanctuary for those seeking a holistic approach to tailored to each individual’s needs. Mindful of creating a calming healing. environment, her clinic is intentionally designed to not only aid in Dr. Kavita Patel takes a unique approach to physical therapy, blending traditional rehabilitation techniques with healing princi- physical recovery, but also promote relaxation and stress relief.

Additionally, she integrates elements of ples rooted in her South Asian heritage. “I her personal wellness practices, including grew up in a household where the wisdom yoga, sound healing and deep breathing of ancient Indian wellness practices and exercises, into her treatments, with plans Ayurvedic medicine shaped my worldto offer these services this year. view,” Patel shares. “While physical therapy is rooted in science and is incredibly Location: 805 Cooper Rd., Ste. 6, in effective in treating pain and injury, true Voorhees. For more information or to make healing involves more than just addressan appointment, call 856-352-5352 or ing a single body part—it’s about the whole visit www.AuraPTW.com. person.”

Over the past decade, Patel has trained in various clinical settings, held multiple roles and learned from esteemed mentors, honing her skills while treating a diverse range of patients. This extensive background, along with her dedication to DR this holistic philosophy, culminated in her PATEL earning a Doctorate in Physical Therapy

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n a world increasingly burdened by chronic illnesses and stress, The Regenerative Health and Wellness Center, in Voorhees, provides a welcome sanctuary for patients seeking long-term well-being.

By focusing on the root causes of health issues rather than simply treating symptoms, the center offers a proactive team approach using advanced therapies, holistic practices and cutting-edge science.

The team is led by Dr. Frank Tursi, Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center and Dr. Frank Pileggi, a Board-Certified Holistic Healthcare Practitioner and Corrective Muscle Therapist at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

“I implemented regenerative medicine techniques into my foot and ankle practice almost 20 years ago,” Dr. Tursi says. “At that time, regenerative treatment for sports medicine, injuries, and foot and ankle deformities was in its infancy. I personally experienced a great deal of skepticism from my colleagues as to whether these treatments would be effective, but found them to be game changing!”

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DR TURSI

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is just one of the safe and effective treatments the center utilizes when addressing various foot and ankle deformities. The plasma obtained from the patient’s blood is concentrated with healing factors. This innovative injection treatment is used for healing injured or diseased joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments as it creates essential blood flow, new blood vessels and decreases inflammation. The center has also introduced an emerging PRP treatment to stimulate hair growth and thickness on thinning scalps as well as cosmetically to rejuvenate facial skin.

Dr. Pileggi points to how critical a role the center’s many science-based diagnostics tools play. “The hair follicle intolerance test is a great tool to help find why a person may be dealing with chronic discomfort and pain,” he says. “The results help show that perhaps something they are eating, something in their environment, or something in their body is below normal, which may be adding to the joint stiffness, fatigue, and even slowing healing and recovery.”

Staying responsive to whatever is trending in patient injuries is important and both doctors are noticing an increase in pickleball participants. “We are seeing significant injuries ranging from sprains, strains, fractures and overuse syndromes,” Dr. Tursi adds. “The sport has become something that all age groups play, and play a lot,” Dr. Pileggi says.

Staying inspired and motivated is also critical. Dr. Pileggi says, “Many patients get so emotional after a session and it is so rewarding to see that happiness inside them come out again. It’s the greatest reward.”

Dr. Tursi agrees. “The level of appreciation and dedication I receive on a daily basis from my patients is a continual inspiration and humbling.

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DR PILEGGI

I have been in practice for over 30 years and practicing in a field that I love has been a lifetime blessing for me.”

The Regenerative Health & Wellness Center is located at 201 White Horse Rd., in Voorhees. For more information or to arrange for a consultation, call 856-783-3100, email RegenHealthWellness@gmail.com or visit www.RegenerativeHealthWellnessCenter.org.

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grip for holding weights during a squat e know the mind and body which insures proper postural alignment are deeply interconnectfor those unable to utilize standard grips. ed and communicate with His innovative and prolific vision has each other constantly. Understanding kept local welders busy customizing this foundational reality has inspired equipment and is the impetus for his Anthony Capozzoli, owner and operanew, personal line of gym equipment, tor of Smart Bodies Personal Training Best Form Ever, scheduled to launch Center, in Marlton, to develop a brandearly this year. new line of cutting-edge fitness and The area’s leading facility of its kind strength-training equipment.

CAPOZZOLI since 1996, Smart Bodies boasts rea“Most manufacturers of gym sonable and affordable fitness training equipment have a cookie-cutter, oneplans. “Our clients purchase blocks of size-fits-all mindset, so their equipment is produced for the general masses,” says Capozzoli, a certified sessions which can be used whenever they want. We also keep costs down by partner training with two people at one time,” trainer with more than three decades of experience.

“Each of us are created very differently. Plus, our bodies Capozzoli says. Personal and one-on-one training, and Zoom carry the accumulation of past injuries and health issues which online sessions, are also available as well as nutritional counseling, access to an extensive, fully equipped cardio room and can leave us with unique physical limitations,” he adds.

Along with crafting individual strategies to meet each of his stretching sessions. clients’ varied training needs, Capozzoli also re-designs equipment to accommodate their limitations. “For example, I’ve devel- Open seven days a week, Smart Bodies Personal Training Center is oped a four-wheeled skate for those attempting lunges who are located at 55 Rte. 70 E., Units 5, 6 & 7, in Marlton. For more informaunable to place pressure on parts of their feet due to injuries or tion, call 856-983-2625 or visit www.SmartBodiesFitness.com. conditions,” says Capozzoli. He has also designed a better hand

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We extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing local practitioners for sharing their expertise and dedication to holistic wellness. Their behind-the-scenes efforts are the foundation of a healthier, more balanced community. We encourage you to

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BEHIND THE SCENES

take the next step on your wellness journey by scheduling an appointment with these trusted professionals—your mind, body and spirit will thank you!

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