Jim Johnson, from Lakeshore Buddhist Sangha, facilitates formal meditation study and practice at ACEF.
Integrative Medicine Research Presented by ACEF Board Member at Major Conferences

Frank quantified the effects of a Mind-Body Medicine Epigenetic Technique (MET) on p53 tumor suppressor gene.
ACEF is lucky to have Francisco “Frank” Munoz, an expert in integrative medicine serve on its Board of Directors.
Mick Von Doxtater Joins Us as Thaichiwa Qigong Instructor

Mick sipping morning coffee deep in the heart of Bangkok before meeting Thai teacher at Wat Pho in 2012.
The three keys of Thaichiwa “Surfer Mick” practices and teaches are: Movement, Meals, and Massage to support healing.
Alex’s Focus: Sexuality Education for Cancer Survivors

Alexzandria Baker, Clinical Sexologist, MS, Ph.D(c).
Board Member
Alexzandria Baker, M.S., Ph.D(c).: Relationship & Intimacy Coach
http://holisticsexualwellness.com/
As a Certified Professional Sex Coach and Relationship & Intimacy Counselor, Alexzandria Baker specializes in holistic sexual wellness and sexuality education.
[Read more…]
Frank’s Focus: Mind-Body Medicine and p53 Gene Expression

Francisco Munoz, Principal Investigator “Coping with Cancer II.”
Board Member
Francisco Munoz, M.A., Ph.D(c).: Principal Investigator “Coping with Cancer II” (CwCII) Study
For the past eleven years, I have worked as a clinical hospital chaplain in both pediatric and adult settings. I began my training in 1997 at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) specializing in Trauma Pastoral Care. As a chaplain, I was integral to the Trauma Team as my role and counsel provided a therapeutic effect on both the patient and the medical team. I also worked with burn and oncology patients at BAMC.
I completed four units (1600 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at the Methodist Healthcare Systems in San Antonio, Texas by 1998. My CPE was followed by one more military practicum at the Brooke Army Medical center in Trauma Pastoral Care.
Kathy’s Focus: Enhance Healing, Comfort, and Education
Board Member
Kathy Blough, Psy.S: Sagepoint Institute For Integrative Health
Kathy Blough, Psy.S is a Psychotherapist, Certified Holistic Health Counselor and author of a mini-monograph titled “The Experience of Being Diagnosed with Cancer” published by MindBodyMed Press. Kathy has significant experience dealing with the emotional impact that being diagnosed with cancer can have on the patient or the family. Kathy has substantial training and experience in working with people suffering from all types of emotional or physical distress. She integrates psychotherapeutic approaches with energy psychology and mind-body medicine modalities to enhance healing on all levels, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Mark’s Focus: Attributing Recovery to Medical Professionals

Mark Blough, Psy.D, The Sagepoint Institute for Integrative Health
Board Member
Mark Blough, Psy.D: Sage Point Institute for Integrative Health
Mark Blough, Psy.D is an experienced psychologist/psychotherapist with 27 years experience. He treats clients burdened with a variety of issues in different setting such as Community Mental Health Systems, hospitals, lock-up facilities, and private practice. Dr. Blough was himself diagnosed with cancer and is a cancer survivor, he is now cancer free. He can and has assisted people who are at various stage of the cancer journey. Dr. Blough has about 45,000 hours of face-to-face individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy. You can reach Mark at SPIIH.com.
Dr. Blough is also a Vietnam Era Veteran and relishes working with veterans returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other hot spots, as well as the tattered, ole Vietnam Vets.
Wendy’s Focus: Need for Mind-Body Medicine Modalities

Wendy Borden: Executive Director-The Revive & Thrive Project
Board Member
Wendy Borden, M.S., M.S.: Executive Director The Revive and Thrive Project
http://www.reviveandthriveproject.org/
Wendy Borden has held a number of positions in health-related fields. She is committed to promoting good health through nutrition, fitness and positive leisure time choices. Prior to entering the field of nutrition, she received her M.S. in Recreation Administration and has shared the beneficial aspects of outdoor recreation through youth development programs.
Discovering the need for youth to develop healthy eating skills, she pursued a career in nutrition. Wendy is a graduate the Nutrition Education program at Bauman College and holds a M.S. in Holistic Nutrition from Hawthorn University. After learning about the Ceres Community Project, she made a commitment to bring the “Healing Meals for Healthy Communities” model to Grand Rapids. Wendy founded the Revive and Thrive Project which is modeled after and affiliated with the Ceres Community Project.
Sally’s Focus: Raise Awareness of Holistic Health Care

Sally Zarafonetis, CEO, SallyZara Public Relations
Board Member
Sally Zarafonetis: President & CEO SallyZara Public Relations
Sally Zarafonetis has extensive marketing, public relations and marketing research expertise and advises businesses and organizations on public relations, media relations, marketing and promotional development. Sally has a BA from the University of Michigan and an MS from Grand Valley State University in communications.
As President of SallyZara Public Relations since 2006, she has done work for for-profit and not-for-profit businesses in the Grand Rapids community and beyond including Experience Grand Rapids, the Frey Foundation, St. Cecilia Music Center, Grand Rapids Women’s Health, and Habitat for Humanity, among others. Her prior work experience in West Michigan includes working as the Marketing Director for Frederik Meijer Gardens and the United Way, as well as, a Marketing Research Specialist for Amway Global.
Zarafonetis has an interest in helping businesses that are focused on helping women through holistic training and teaching. Sally hopes to help contribute her marketing and public relations expertise on the ACEF board to bring more awareness to holistic health care resources for people who need special care and to the general population who could benefit from living a more holistic lifestyle.
Dawn Emrick: Music Therapy and Pediatric Cancer
Dawn Emrick Heads ACEF’s Music Therapy and Pediatric Cancer Program
Dawn Emrick, MT-BC, graduated from Michigan State University, with a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree after completing a 9-month internship with Detroit Public Schools. Upon earning board certification in 2003, she opened Lakeshore Music Therapy Services in Holland, Michigan.
Ms. Emrick primarily contracts with schools, providing music therapy to students in the special education setting. Much of her work is with students who are non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and may have severe autism, behavioral disorders, or multiple impairments. As part of an interdisciplinary team, she enjoys using music to aid students in identifying and communicating their personal preferences and true inner voice. Private services offered through Lakeshore Music Therapy include adapted instrument and dance instruction for children and adults with special needs. [Read more…]