Paula earned an MA in Health Administration, a BSN in Nursing, an MS in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is a certified Medical Qi Gong Therapist. As a Registered Nurse and Licensed Acupuncturist, Paula brings over 20 years of experience providing compassionate and quality care to her patients and has a lifelong passion for helping others through the healing arts. Her current practice encompasses the integration of both Eastern and Western healing modalities. During her years of practice, she was the clinical director and acupuncturist for a non-profit breast cancer agency with grants provided by Marin General Hospital and the County of Marin. She spends some of her free time volunteering as a Unity Prayer Chaplain, caring for her two dogs and riding one of her three horses.

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 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.

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'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 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.

At the heart of us exists a silent pulse of perfect rhythm. - Mary Ino Burmeister Welcome to Jin Shin Jyutsu®, (JSJ), The Creator’s Art through compassionate man. No matter what trials and tribulations life presents, this beautiful and gentle art was given to us to connect us with the precious love and light that lies within each one of us. JSJ is a form of acupressure, applied over clothing, helping to harmonize the energy flows in the body. It rejuvenates the organ function energies, releases mental, physical stress and also fatigue. It addresses the unwanted side effects while going through chemo therapy and radiation. Lymphatic massage - lymph, the river of life - in support of the immune system, moving unwanted water retention to be distributed and released. Therapeutic massage - relaxes, releases tension, and provides circulation. It has been my passion for healing self and others for over 30 years. It marks the tenth year at CSS. Self study through Hatha yoga, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and other spiritual practices, wonderful friends and family have given me the love and wisdom for a good life. Let me assist you on your journey and hold you in sacred space.

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 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.

Dawna Leigh has been mind-body curious since her mid 30’s when she began to explore alternative and complementary modalities for healing and self-knowledge, and yoga and meditation practices became her constant companions. Her life was joined with Jin Shin Jyutsu five years ago in a self help class at her senior center. “At the end of an hour and just holding each of my fingers, I felt complete harmony in my whole being. I had to know more!” So began Dawna’s journey of practice and study with the international faculty of Jin Shin Jyutsu Spirit Mind Body, which certified her to practice and teach self-help in 2023.

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.

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 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.