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Meet Our Dedicated Practitioners
Teri Adolfo, LAc, MTCM, MS
Ayurveda Consultations, Reflexology
& Oncology Massage
Teri holds a 4-year master’s degree in traditional Chinese medicine from the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NIAOM), and a Master of Science degree from University of California, Davis in community health and organizational development. She has studied in India and is a Certified Ayurveda Practitioner. Teri has an active practice and takes an East-West approach in all of her treatments, teachings and individual consultations. In her work with cancer patients, she incorporates Ayurvedic lymphatic drainage and reflexology of the feet, hands, ears and head. She also uses pranayama breath work, guided meditation and cranio-sacral therapy to support healing. In her Ayurveda consultations Teri also offers nutrition counseling and self-care education. Learn more: ayurvedasimple.com
Ken Blackwood
Support Group Facilitator / End of Life Doula
Ken Blackwood brings his deep experience supporting those in need to Cancer Support Sonoma, both as the facilitator of our caregivers support group and an end of life doula. He has led the St. Andrew Church Grief & Loss Ministry, where he is a Deacon, for the past five years and recently earned his certificate from IAPO, the International Association of Professional End-of-Life Doulas to enrich the support and guidance he provides to those at the end of life. Since 2015, Ken has sponsored several participants in a program of recovery for alcohol addiction and in 2021, he became certified in Conflict Management Resolution. Following a diagnosis of Leukemia, Ken became a client at Cancer Support Sonoma and brings both his personal and professional experience to those facing a diagnosis as well as those who are caring for and supporting a friend or loved one through cancer. While Ken's faith is deeply impactful to his own experience, he lends his support to those of all faiths, religions and those who are not religious at all.
Kelly Dillman, CMT
Oncology / Therapeutic Massage
& End of Life Doula
During her 30+ years as a massage therapist, Kelly has worked with people from all walks of life in her private practice, at world class spas and in the medical field. For the past 13+ years she has been on staff at St. Helena Hospital, supporting patient needs in the hospital's cancer center, staff and local clients through massage and guided meditation. Kelly studied oncology massage and has worked with many clients in various stages of cancer treatment and recovery. "I'm excited to join the team at Cancer Support Sonoma and to give to those in the local community," says Kelly. In addition to massage therapy, Kelly is an aromatherapist and end-of-life doula.
Carol Eldridge
End of Life Doula
Carol's career path has led her to working with older people. "They hold so many stories that are not often heard. I love learning from them." Carol has worked in a variety of settings: assisted living, dementia care and hospice, with a personal experience of sitting with her sister as she was dying. Carol has a BSW in Social Work and Gerontology and has served as the discharge planner for several rehabilitation hospitals; a hospice patient transition coordinator; as well as numerous homecare, retirement and other programs designed for seniors and others. According to Carole, "I knew becoming a Doula was true calling, It is an honor to be a loving presence for people who are nearing death.”
Marissa Fitrakis, RCST®, CMT
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy & Reiki
Marissa is a Registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and Reiki Master. She is also a licensed California Massage Therapist. Marissa’s own personal story and healing journey led her to pursue alternative energy work studies. Her intention is to assist those facing life’s challenges using her heart, knowledge and experience. Marissa has been studying energy work and metaphysics for over 17 years. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from SUNY College at New Paltz and spent much of her career working in corporate environments. To balance this, she felt it was important to follow her calling to be of service and began volunteering for various organizations including hospice and mentoring programs. After working as Program's Volunteer Manager at the Vintage House for four years, she is now interested in getting back to service. She is delighted to use her skills to benefit CSS clients. Learn more about Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.
Ann Hyland
End of Life Doula
Ann came to end-of-life doula work through a deep calling to create space for the conversations we often avoid—about death, dying, and grief. She believes these conversations are transformative, replacing fear with connection and isolation with understanding. As an INELDA-trained end-of-life doula, hospice volunteer, and Death Cafe facilitator, she's discovered she has a gift for holding authentic dialogue that honors both our shared fragility and our resilience. She brings compassion, presence, and even humor to help individuals and families navigate the end-of-life with more openness and less fear. Ann is honored to be a part of the Cancer Support Sonoma team and walk alongside those facing life's most profound transitions.
Alison Kelly, LAc
Acupuncture, Group Acupuncture
Alison is a caring and compassionate acupuncturist with a passion for incorporating food- as-medicine, aromatherapy and herbal medicine. She has over 20 years of experience studying herbalism, shiatsu and energy work. Alison completed her master’s training in traditional Chinese medicine in 2023 and holds a certification in Health Navigation from Sonoma State University. A resident of Sonoma Valley for 25 years, her practice is focused on supporting the community of Sonoma through acupuncture, herbal medicine and deep listening. She is excited to be a part of the team at Cancer Support Sonoma, offering a personalized and gentle approach to address imbalances with emotional wellbeing, digestion, sleep, pain and peripheral neuropathy. To learn more about her private practice, contact her at moonsongacupuncture@gmail.com.
Susan O'Toole
Certified Yoga Instructor / Oncology Yoga Specialist
Susan has been a practitioner of yoga for well over a decade. In the years following the passing of her son in 2014, her practice deepened. Yoga, mindfulness and meditation became a vital source of healing, provided a path forward and led her to become a caring and compassionate yoga instructor with a passion for connecting people and cultivating community. In 2022, Susan began working closely with a client diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. She was so in awe of the transformative effects, both physically and emotionally, that yoga and meditation had on her client that she was inspired to become an Oncology Yoga Specialist. This leg of her journey brought her to Cancer Support Sonoma in 2023 where she has been offering classes twice a week. More recently, Susan has expanded her practice to include Crystal Bowl Sound Baths, which offer a healing environment and an opportunity for clients to find a sense of rest and ease in the body, mind and heart. While Susan’s classes offer physical and emotional benefits, they also foster connection, are deeply rooted in community and are often filled with laughter.
Becky Parrinella, LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Becky’s role as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor is to help clients navigate life’s challenges. For the past 30 years, she has worked in mental health with various non-profits, including hospice, and in private practice. She has a special interest in working with military clients and their spouses, trauma, grief and loss and life changes. She is trained in EMDR, stress management and relaxation techniques, family therapy and gerontology. Becky's professional expertise is complemented by her personal experience. In response to a cancer diagnosis in 2011, support groups and retreats became key to her own healing, and Becky began focusing some of her professional time helping clients who were dealing with cancer. Becky is pleased to bring her professional and personal experience to the Cancer Support Sonoma community as a mental health counselor and our Support Group facilitator.
Danielle Schwaderer Kettler, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Danielle is a California licensed naturopathic doctor. She has been in private practice since 2010 and has been a provider with Cancer Support Sonoma since it's inception in early 2015, when she returned to her hometown of Sonoma Valley. Dr. Danielle is a graduate of National University of Natural Medicine where she earned a doctoral degree in naturopathic medicine and of San Diego State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Her role with Cancer Support Sonoma is to provide recommendations with nutrition, supplements and other naturopathic protocols to help minimize side effects of treatment and encourage vitality. Learn more about Dr. Danielle or her private practice at Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine: sonomaroots.com
Catharina Severson, LMFT
Psychotherapist
Catharina Severson, LMFT is a culturally sensitive, client-centered therapist with extensive experience in both clinical settings and private practice. Her work is grounded in compassion and informed by evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, EMDR, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Catharina works with those facing a range of challenges—including stress, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, and parenting concerns. And she brings deep insight and valuable experience serving the cancer community, including to her clients at Cancer Wellness at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa. Catharina found that work to be deeply meaningful and is grateful to now continue offering similar care as part of the dedicated team at Cancer Support Sonoma. Catharina shares that, “In my field, support is central to mental health. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but you don’t have to face things alone. If you're navigating overwhelming emotions or a difficult life moment, I’m here to help you explore your needs and take steps toward healing and balance. It would be a privilege to support you on your journey.
Regina Gregor, CMT
Practitioner
For over 36 years, Regina has been a trusted presence in the Sonoma Valley, dedicating her career to massage therapy and the healing power of touch. After years of private practice, she felt called to give back in a deeper way — joining Cancer Support Sonoma to offer comfort, dignity, and healing to those navigating one of life's most challenging journeys. Regina brings not just skilled hands, but a compassionate heart to everyone she works with, and is honored to serve this community she has come to call home.
All the practitioners at CSS were wonderful through my recovery, and they are helping me maintain afterwards.
Richard P.