Abbott Northwestern Hospital

The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing inpatient care team

Return to:

The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing

The George Institute's staff includes specialists and therapists with extensive experience in integrative medicine and healing therapies. Our practitioners bring a balance of conventional and complementary/alternative experience and are certified or licensed in the therapies they provide. To learn more about the George Institute's In-Patient team of physicians, practitioners, therapists and clinicians, click on an area below:

Cardiovascular

Susan Arnold, RN, BA, CHTP, Integrative Medicine Nurse Clinician
Susan provides integrative therapies including acupressure, guided imagery, and massage/touch treatments for patients the hospital. She has been a nurse for 30 years with extensive experience in cardiology, mental health, pain management and preventive medicine. She earned a Diplomat in Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage from Northern School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1988 and is certified in basic and advanced acupressure from the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California. For 6 years, she taught the acupressure course for the Holistic Studies Department at the College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis. Susan is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner and has her Bachelor of Arts in Holistic Studies from Vermont College of Norwich University.

Wendy Farrar, BA, NCTMB, Integrative Medicine Practitioner
Wendy has worked in the field of holistic therapies for eleven years, in private practice and at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She has been providing integrative services to in-patients at ANW for four years, and has been an Integrative Medicine Practitioner in the Integrative Medicine Department for the last two years. In addition to training in Esalen massage, she has studied CranioSacral Therapy, Healing Touch, Guided Imagery, and is a certified T’ai Chi Chih instructor. Wendy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from the Minneapolis School of Massage and Bodywork as a Sports Massage Practitioner. She is a Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Practitioner (NCTMB).

Bobbee Bee Vang, L.Ac. M.OM. B.S., Acupuncturist
Bobbee Bee Vang is a graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He completed his undergraduate degree at North Carolina State University. He is currently a Licensed Acupuncturist by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practitioners. Vang’s practice focuses on pain management using traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Tui Na Body-work and herbs.

Jeremy E. Miller, LMT, NCTMB, BS, Massage Therapist
Jeremy received his initial Massage Therapy training from the renowned Baltimore School of Massage and his Bachelor of Science degree (Biology) from Shepherd College, completing both in 1997. An enthusiastic and passionate instructor, he has taught Anatomy, Professional Ethics, and massage technique classes for some of the most respected massage schools in the nation. Certified in Pre/Postnatal Massage, Nationally Certified for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, and a WV state Licensed Massage Therapist, Jeremy focuses his work using his anatomy knowledge and numerous assessment techniques to benefit those with chronic tension and pain, reduced mobility, fibromyalgia, TMJ disorder and others.

Medical surgery

Jayson King, RN, BS, NCTMB, ABT, Integrative Medicine Nurse Clinician
Jayson has Bachelor of Science degree in art education, is a registered nurse, has national certification in therapeutic massage and is also certified in shiatsu therapy. He has practiced holistic therapies for 11 years in many different settings including the twin cities marathon, elder communities, and private practice. He has taught shiatsu at Centerpoint Massage and Shiatsu school. He has also taught meditation and holistic therapies at community workshops, healing centers and high schools. He has additional training in meditation, Reiki, Healing Touch, Guided Imagery. He is active in local community wellness programs and is a working artist.

Pam Weiss, PhD, MPH, BSN, RN, L.Ac, Dipl.Ac Licensed Acupuncturist
Pam provides therapies including the array of modalities within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine including: acupuncture, acupressure, external QiGong healing, Tui Na (form of massage). She has been a TCM practitioner for 14 years. Pam is also certified in Esoteric Healing, Therapeutic Touch and Chinese Energetic Healing. In addition to her acupuncture practice, Pam has been a pubic health nurse for Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department and a nursing faculty member at a local college. Pam has an earned doctorate in Adult, Continuing and Community Education and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Her bachelor degree in nursing is from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing. Pam earned the certificate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Northern School of Chinese Medicine in 1992 and is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Pam has lectured extensively throughout Minnesota to professional and lay audiences and provides TCM care for patients in private practice.

Vicky Grossman, BS, NCTM, Integrative Medicine Practitioner
Vicky is a nationally certified massage therapist and member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). She graduated from the massage therapy program at Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, with an emphasis on Western style Swedish relaxation and trigger point massage. In addition, she is certified in Level 1 Reiki. Vicky continues to work part-time at a wellness center in the metro area specializing in hot stone massage. Vicky completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Minnesota State University – Mankato.

Neuro/Rehab

Mary Ellen Kinney, RN, BA, CHTP, Integrative Medicine Nurse Clinician
Mary Ellen provides healing touch, integrative guided imagery, healing coaching, aromatherapy, and relaxation techniques. She worked as an emergency room nurse early in her career, and has held a strong interest in integrative medicine for over 20 years. She started the Integrative Health and Healing Place in another metro hospital and conducted a published research study on the effects of therapeutic massage and healing touch on cancer patients. Mary Ellen holds a BA in holistic health studies and is certified in healing touch, integrative guided imagery, and aromatherapy.

Cynthia Miller
Cynthia Miller has been practicing Chinese Medicine since 1997. She holds a masters degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and is a graduate of the Minnesota Center for Shiatsu Studies. She is NCCAOM certified in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology and Asian Bodywork Therapy. Cynthia has been a registered nurse for more than 20 years and she has worked in a variety of settings including acute care, home infusion and clinical research. In addition to her work at Abbott, Cynthia maintains a private practice in South Minneapolis.

Jo Weiss, MA, NCTMB, CTC, Integrative Medicine Practitioner
Jo is a nationally certified massage therapist, Reiki Master and Certified Therapeutic Coach. She combines her therapeutic skills with her education as a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Certified Master Hypnotherapist. Prior to her position at Abott Northwestern, Jo has practiced complementary therapies at United Hospital and Woodwinds Alternative Care Center. Her formal education includes a Master of Arts Degree in Human Development from St. Mary’s University and a certificate for massage from Sister Rosiland Gefre’s School of Professional Massage. She has training in Neuromuscular Therapy, Healing Touch, Sports Massage, and Orthopedic therapies. She continued her training at the Meta Institute where she became certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis, Therapeutic Coaching and Reiki.

Oncology

Mimi Lindell, RN, BSN, OCN, HN-BC, CHTP, Integrative Medicine Nurse Clinician
Mimi received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. She worked as a staff nurse on the oncology unit at Abbott Northwestern Hospital for 14 years before joining the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing as an Integrative Medicine Nurse Clinician. She has maintained Certification in Oncology Nursing since 1991. Mimi has had a strong interest in holistic health for many years and completed the certificate program in Holistic Therapies at the College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis in 1999. She is a Certified Holistic Nurse and a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. Mimi has also received training in Reiki and Integrative Imagery, and has completed training as a facilitator for the HealthRhythms Group Empowerment Drumming program.

Christian M. Hanson, L.AC, M. OM, LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST
Christian holds a Masters degree in Oriental Medicine from the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University. He is board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM,) and is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Christian started his career after formal education as an archaeologist. Through his extensive studies of world cultures he developed a deep appreciation for traditional medical systems. His personal exposure and experiences with Chinese Medicine caused Christian to refocus and embark upon graduate level training in Oriental Medicine. Christian emphasizes patient education and the promotion of personal wellbeing and healthy lifestyle choices. He began as Abbott Northwestern's first Acupuncture intern and has transitioned into a member of the Integrative Medicine team with a focus in Oncology and Pediatrics.

Jan Boettcher, RN, NCTMB, Integrative Medicine Practitioner
Jan has worked as a nurse in a variety of settings for 14 years. She has worked in long-term care, chronic pain clinic, and a center specializing in children prenatally exposed to cocaine. In addition, she has worked in the area of holistic therapies for 8 years, specializing in massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Healing Touch, Esoteric Healing and Myofascial release. She graduated from Sister Rosalyn Gefre’s School of Professional Massage and Bodywork and is a Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Practitioner.

Tony Balluff, Reflexologist
Tony is American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) certified Reflexologist who has been working in the field for 15 years. He has been working at Abbott Northwestern Hospital for two years, primarily with patients in oncology and in Park House. Prior to his work at Abbott, he spent ten years as an instructor of reflexology at Sister Rosalyn Gefre’s School of Professional Massage and Bodywork.

Ortho/Spine

Debbie Smith, RN, BSN, HN-BC, CHTP, Integrative Medicine Nurse Clinician
Debbie graduated from Georgetown University with a BS in Nursing. She has worked as a staff nurse, an educator, in administration, as a consultant, and in private practice. Primary areas of experience include Orthopedics, Neuro/Neurosurg and Rehab, and include the integration of complementary therapies and holistic theory in acute care settings. Debbie is certified in Holistic Nursing, Healing Touch, and Interactive Guided Imagery. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Holistic Health Studies Program at the College of St. Catherine, and previously completed their Holistic Therapies Certification program. Debbie has additional training in aromatherapy, massage and acupressure. She also trained as a Master Gardener.

Jennifer Blair, L.Ac. Ma. O.M., Acupuncturist
Jennifer holds a Masters degree in Oriental Medicine from the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University. She is NCCAOM certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology, and holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition to her work at Abbott, Jennifer maintains a private practice and serves on the faculty at the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University. Jennifer is an active member of the Acupuncture and O.M. community in the Twin Cities and testified on behalf of Chinese Medicine at the White House Commission for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She is the current legislative Chair and past Vice President for the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association of Minnesota.

Judy Riggs
Judy Riggs has been practicing massage therapy since 1996. She is a licensed massage therapist and is nationally certified. In 1997, Judy began working at the River Falls Hospital doing both inpatient and outpatient care and in 2004 transferred to Abbott Northwestern as part of the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing.

Kimberly Donley, MT-BC, MS, Music Therapist
Kim has been a practicing Music Therapist for over 20 years in a variety of settings (medical, psychiatry, long-term care, etc.). Kim helped develop a comprehensive program at St. Luke's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio including the use of music therapy in surgery, labor and delivery, surgery recovery, ICU, and oncology. She is Board Certified and holds a Masters degree in Holistic Health Sciences. In addition, Kim is a national speaker about music therapy.

WomenCare

Kathryn “Kathy” Kerber, RN, HNC, CHTP, Integrative Medicine Nurse Clinician
Kathy has been a nurse in maternal child care for 30 years. She has worked with high risk mothers, babies, labor/delivery/postpartum women and practices family-centered care. She became certified as a Healing Touch practitioner in 2003. Kathy started at Abbott in 1978 as a nurse in obstetrics. She left in 1981 and returned in 2003 as a Healing Touch volunteer. Presently she is the nurse clinician for WomenCare. She views her work as a miracle, caring for the pregnant population again as a holistic nurse.

Zena Kocher
Zena's introduction to natural medicine came at the heels of her Swiss grandmother, who would forage herbs and use them to treat her family. In 1995 she expanded upon this knowledge by studying for three years with a Vietnamese Herbalist and Master Acupuncturist. She now holds a Masters degree in Oriental Medicine from the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University and is NCCAOM certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. She also practices ShiatsuAmna, Zen Shiatsu, tuina and craniosacral massage. More recently, Zena became certified in prenatal, pregnancy and postpardum massage. In addition to her work at Abbott, Zena maintains a private practice where she combines acupuncture, massage and herbal treaments.

Pauli Payne, BS, NCTMB, INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PRACTITIONER
Pauli is a Nationally Certified Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Practitioner (NCTMB) who graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University. Pauli is trained in Traditional Swedish Style Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Cross Fiber Friction, and Sports Massage. She also integrates Healing Touch and Aromatherapy to treat her patient’s. Pauli is a compassionate and nurturing therapist with a personal history of high risk pregnancies requiring long term bed rest. Pauli is also the volunteer founder of the Allina Post Partum Depression Support Group. Pauli also has a BS degree in Apparel Design and Textiles and worked for over 15 years in the Product Development and Design Industry.

Mollie O’Brien, MA, NCTMB, RPA, Integrative Medicine Practitioner
Mollie O’Brien is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist who graduated from Centerpoint School of Massage Therapy in Minneapolis. Mollie is certified in pre and perinatal massage therapy and specializes in the health and wellness of pregnant and postpartum patients in Abbott’s WomenCare department. Mollie has training in Healing Touch, Guided Imagery, and Heated Stone Massage. Prior to working at Abbott, Mollie provided therapeutic massage at a home practice and enjoyed a career as a professional archaeologist for over 13 years where she worked collaboratively with Minnesota’s American Indian Communities towards cooperative stewardship of traditional and sacred sites.