Healing Oasis for the Soul Vision, Mission & Goal

Goal: Simply put, A Healing Place started a nonprofit because we wanted to help more people heal, thrive and persevere. Your donations will fund our:

Mission: to help more people find inner peace, despite ability to pay. With your support, we can offer no-low cost workshops, events and 1:1 sessions, while also paying instructors a fair wage to lead soul-enriching programs.

Vision: to provide a safe, sustainable place for our programs to thrive and grow. Our vision is to purchase 20-40 acres of land to create an even more magical, environmentally conscious place -- Cob-Style Bungalows; Community Garden; Retreat & Conference Center; Indoor/Outdoor Wellness Programs; Retail Store with products made onsite, as well as by local small business partners; and Meditative Trails meandering throughout. 

Our Fiscal Sponsor - Together We Stand

We amplify community voices and empower collective action by engaging in policy work, grassroots organizing, and youth leadership development. Through advocacy, coalition-building, and direct action, we strive to create sustainable, systemic change that addresses social injustices and uplifts marginalized communities from the ground up.

Executive Director - Ramona Turner

Ramona is a retired Journalist, turned Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Sound Healer, Yoga Instructor, and Guided Meditation Coach. In April 2021, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, she started business, called A Healing Place. Anxiety was running high and she felt compelled to give everyone a hug -- energetically and visually though our respective masks, of course.

A Healing Place is a co-op of a vaiety of people who facilitate healing -- Reiki, Motoki, Yoga, Hypnosis, Sound Healing, Mindful Meditation, Support Groups for caregivers and Women over 50, Therapeutic Art, and more.

Fast forward to today and anxiety is once again running high -- the economy, failed relationships, lost jobs, the environment, how we treat each other, and so on. Healing Oasis of the Soul aims to take everything A Healing Place has been doing and -- with your help --offer it all for FREE or sliding scale. Because Healing IS for EVERYONE.

Heal, Thrive & Persevere -- TOGETHER.

President of the Board - Rebecca "Bex" Meriales

Rebecca "Bex" Meriales is a Wife, Mom, Caregiver and Divine Possibilitarian with an inquisitive mind and a knack for connecting seemingly random dots on the map of life. After being derailed by Shingles in 2017 followed by long term nerve pain, chronic illness, and a pharmaceutical nightmare, she has dedicated herself to self-discovery and Healing by Design through radical self-acceptance and, ultimately, self-love and forgiveness. Bex embodies a whole hearted healing philosophy that makes microdosing mental and physical wellness digestible for all. Passion for the workings of the mind and justice system led to degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Dancing between the realms of what is and what could be, Bex is a master of self-discovery and prospers on helping others excavate their true selves through multimodality exploration, aligned action and personal accountability. This is her journey -- from the deep grief of suddenly losing her younger sisters to addiction into grasping grace and devoting her life to doing all things with BIG Love. Striving for an equitable and sustainable future, Bex thrives on structuring the rhythm of living and dying well.

Being True to You Certified 2022

Embodiment Conference 2020

Collective Trauma Summit 2020

Intro to Eating Disorders 9/2019

CBT for Eating Disorders 9/2019

Discover Your Energy Body 9/2019

Vice President - Imani Suwaris

Imani Suwaris is a creator, artist and community facilitator whose work is guided by the belief that true transformation begins with remembering who we are at our core. Born and raised in New York City and now calling Silicon Valley home, she has witnessed the remarkable intelligence of humans, yet also how easily we can drift away from our inner wisdom. Her years in genomics, technology, and startup environments showed that in our pursuit of advancement, many of us are longing for grounding, connection, and inner healing. Imani’s path deepened after the painful loss of a beloved family member to suicide and the profound impact it had on her life. In a world full of quiet suffering and complexity, she came to understand the vital importance of creating safe, compassionate spaces where people can feel seen, supported, and held. This calling inspired her to build communities that nurture connection and self-expression. She founded two art communities: one bicoastal, called The Wandering Sketchbook Club, and one in the South Bay Area, The Urban Sketchers of San Jose. As one of the founding members of Healing Oasis of the Soul, she embraces the opportunity to offer low- to no-cost programs to the community, helping remove socioeconomic barriers and making healing accessible to all.

With a professional and educational background in biochemistry, biotechnology, psychology, and business, Imani brings a holistic understanding of the mind–body–spirit connection. She recognizes that while scientific and technological knowledge continues to grow, the quieter forms of wisdom like intuition, nature, and genuine human connection are often overlooked. Reclaiming this wisdom has become the heart of her work. Through her artistic practice, healing programs, and community-led creative wellness gatherings, Imani cultivates sacred spaces where individuals can slow down, breathe, express their truth, and reconnect with the wisdom they carry within. She believes healing happens when we listen: to our bodies, to the earth, and to each other. Her mission is to guide people back to their inner knowing, reminding us that intelligence may build the world we live in, but wisdom is what allows us to truly live.

Treasurer - Dani Mahler

Coming Soon!

Come, meet our teachers. Below is a snippet about each instructor, their offerings, and links to their respective websites for more information about them, their vision, and their practices. Your donation will pay for each them to offer their knowledge for no/low cost to our community. When you donate, please let us know which teacher(s) you woud like to support.

Dr. Smita Garg, Artist, Holistic Healer, & Community Leader

Dr. Smita Garg is an artist and certified Holistic Healer, whose work centers on spirituality, nature, and trauma-informed practices. She is the founder of Kinder Way Healing and her mission is to support positive inner transformation in all beings. She offers classes and sessions to diverse and marginalized communities, including youth, LGBTQ, BIPOC, and neurodiverse populations.

Programs include:

• Group meditations and hypnosis

• Spiritual art-making/workshops

• "Healing in Nature" hikes

• Events focusing on psychometry and intuitive knowing

Yoko Kashiwagi, Karuna Reiki & Channeled Readings

Are you seeking healing and/or a different perspective on your current situation? I can help. My Reiki, intuitive reading and channeling sessions provide a unique space to relax and receive healing energy—as well as messages from your spirit guides/angels and possibly loved ones who have passed over. Choose one modality, or a combination of all. "I would like to make my session affordable to everyone," she said.

Session Length: 50-Minutes

Lhiza Bascones, Trauma Release for Veterans, Their Families & Trauma Survivors

Programs Include:

• Program Title: Energetic Reset & Emotional Release

• Format/Length: 60–90 minute group classes or private mini-sessions.

• Frequency: Monthly or as needed.

• Methodology: Combines gentle breathwork, somatic grounding, and intuitive energy clearing to regulate the nervous system and release stress.

Target Demographic:

• Veterans, active-duty military families, and trauma survivors.

Dan Ross, Stress & Anxiety Relief through Hypnosis

Dan, a.k.a "The Anxiety Helper," of Silicon Valley Hypnosis Center seeks to provide Stress & Anxiety Relief Program: Practical Tools for Everyday Calm, through accessible, evidence-based stress reduction tools.

Program Goal & Level of Need:

• Goal: To equip individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate stress/anxiety with simple, practical tools for self-management, leading to greater calm and confidence.

• Need: Stress and anxiety are highly prevalent (nearly 84% of adults report recent stress; 19.1% of U.S. adults had an anxiety disorder in the past year, with women more affected). Access to effective care is often blocked by cost, insurance, and social barriers, especially for lower-income and minority groups.

Workshop Details:

• Format: 2-hour interactive workshop, available in-person or via Zoom that's capped at 20 participants.

• Content: Focuses on mind/somatic exercises, guided visualization, and techniques to help participants "run their own mind" and regulate emotions.

• Target Audience: Open to all adults, with particular relevance for women balancing multiple responsibilities, and those who lack access to costly resources.

• Individual sessions available, as well

Janet Fouts, Mindfulness & Emotional Intelligence Coach, Author, Family

Caregiver Advocate

Janet, the founder of Nearly Mindful, hosts Self-Care for the Family Caregiver.

The Program:

• Format: Six-week, in-person series; 90-minute sessions of 10-20 participants

• Goal: To provide caregivers (self-identified or not) with practical tools to manage stress, navigate difficult emotions, and improve communication.

• Foundation: The program is grounded in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and positive psychology to promote personal renewal, resilience, and healthier caregiving relationships.

What to Expect:

• Week 1 - Caring for the Carer Normalizing the invisible load; redefining self-care as essential.

• Week 2 - Awareness & Presence Understanding the neuroscience of stress; mindfulness for calm.

• Week 3 Compassion & Boundaries Preventing empathy fatigue; practicing compassionate limits.

• Week 4 - Communication That Connects Mindful communication for clarity & emotional safety.

• Week 5 - Resilience & Renewal Reframing guilt and self-judgment; restoring purpose & strength.

• Week 6  - Sustaining Your Practice Integrating self-care habits into daily life and future planning.

Shveta Aneja,

My mission is to use Ishka Flow techniques (based on the teachings of Donna Eden) to support, facilitate, and empower people in their healing journey by working with the body’s own natural ability to heal itself. Sometimes our energies get stuck or out of balance, and gentle, hands-on techniques can help restore that flow. Each session uses simple touch and tailored exercises to release energetic blockages in systems like the aura, chakras, and meridians. The work is collaborative, helping clients reconnect with their body’s wisdom and leaving them with practical self-care tools they can continue to use beyond the session.

Format: 

• 1:1 session

• twice weekly for 1.5-2.5 hours each session

• in-person or via Zoom

Structure:

• A brief intake to discuss your goals, health concerns, and intent for working together. 

• Hands-on energy-field work where I assess your energy systems via energy testing, then apply balancing protocols across the relevant eight energy systems.

• Closing with personalized exercises and guidance for you to maintain the shift and integrate the work into your daily life.

Demographics include people experiencing:

• chronic stress, anxiety, or burnout

• fatigue, pain, or chronic discomfort

• digestive or hormonal imbalances

• trauma or emotional overwhelm

• stress-related or hormone-related issues

• feelings of being stuck or disconnected from their sense of well-being

Shakti Malini, Yoga and Sound Healing

Offerings:

• Chakra Yoga

• Gentle yoga 

• Full moon sound bath meditation

Jing Liu, Qi Gong

Jing Liu is a very intuitive and passionate healer who is dedicated to helping people gain awareness in various ways. Her journey began as a registered dietician in the year 2000, started energy healing work about 18 years ago and incorporated mindfulness into nutrition counseling sessions over 15 years ago. She continues to learn and grow as a practitioner and a teacher to help bring light in this world.

Offerings in-person or online:

• Divine Feminine & Masculine Self-Image - enhancing the meditative practice to see the divine expression in oneself; 2-hour session offered quarterly

• Intuitive Eating - learn to use intuition to understand & improve health; two class series, 1-hour each, taught bi-weekly

• 8 Section Brocade QiGong - easier navigation of the body in this spiritual journey; 8-class series, 1-hour weekly

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Your gift will help change lives for years to come. To thank you,  we want to memorialize your name and/or favorite "words to live by" on just about everty facet of Healing Oasis of the Soul's programs -- from sponsoring the workshops to the various components of the retreat center. Don't pass up this opportunity to leave a lasting mark on our community. 

Simply use our donation link to give the amount you wish, then email us instructions, such as the workshop(s) or retreat amenity(ies) you would like to sponsor, the name(s) you would like to use, favorite quote, etc., for the plaque. We will stay in touch with you in regard to the specifics as our projects progress. 

Gift Amount & Item(s) to be Sponsored

$100, One Produce Row in our Community Garden (No. of rows to be determined).

$250, Compost Toilets (No. of units to be determined)

$500, BeeHive (No.: 6 Hotels)

$600, Engraved Brick (No.: 3,000)

$600, Gravity Shower stall (No. of units to be determined)

$1,000, Meditation Area (No. of units to be determined)

$1000 4H Hotel (No.: 4 Hotels)

$1500, Campus Map/Message Board (No. of units to be determined)

$4,000, Flora Labyrinth (No.: 1)

$4,000, Community Store (No.: 1)

$4,000, Commemorative Bench (No. of units to be determined)

$5,000, Name our Community Center Classrooms (No. of units to be determined)

$5,000, Commemorative Cob Picnic Table (No. of units to be determined)

$7,000, Community Garden (No.: 1)

$9,000, Hiking Trail (No. of units to be determined)

Our biggest goal in opening Healing Oasis of the Soul is to build a sustainable retreat center, complete with a community garden, cob-style earthen bungalows, hiking trails, a meditative labyrinth, a bee hive hotel, a 4H area, and more.

We are looking at 20-acre to 40-acre parcels as for south as Carmel, as far north as Mendocino County, as well as next door in Santa Cruz County.

With your help, we hope to reach our goal of buying land in 2026-27, entering the permitting process with local government and working with other nonprofits and businesses to make this place a world-renowned sustainable education center.

Please, post your donation here. Thank you so very, very much for supporting our vision.