Marie Shanahan BSN, RN, HNC is the founder and president of The BirchTree Center for Healthcare Transformation. She is nationally board certified in Holistic Nursing (HNC). She received her BSN from Seton Hall University. Ms. Shanahan has received advanced training in holistic nursing, complementary care and alternative therapies. Her nursing experience includes clinical, administrative and educational roles. She established and coordinated the first hospital-based Holistic Nursing Center in NJ in 1996. Marie served as faculty and Program Director for Seeds and Bridges, Incorporated, Center for Holistic Nursing Education (1997-1999). In that role she served as a frequent public speaker to community and health care groups and conducted numerous programs and workshops for nurses and other health care providers. She is a co-founder of the North Jersey American Holistic Nurses’ Association network and served as the AHNA Northeast Educational coordinator (1995-1997). Ms. Shanahan is a Reiki Master/Teacher and her work integrating Reiki in the hospital setting is documented in “Reiki Energy Medicine: Bringing the Healing Touch into Home, Hospital and Hospice” by Barnett and Chambers. Marie founded The BirchTree Center for Healthcare Transformation in 2000 with a vision to continue the evolution and transformation of healthcare.

“I believe our healthcare system is in great transition. As a nurse, I feel both excitement and responsibility to contribute to the re-definition of health and healing. My desire is to inspire nurses and other health professionals to care well for themselves and those they serve through a clear understanding of holistic health practices.”

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