Allissa Besner is the Director of Client Experience for the Mind, Body and Beyond Center.

Allissa shares her administrative and client support talents to all who contact the Mind, Body, and Beyond Center. She is a Licensed Florida Cosmetologist who successfully completed the Cosmetology program at the Aveda Institute in Jacksonville. Allissa mastered hairstyling and color by learning from professionals known for their expertise around the world. She also specialized in makeup artistry and skincare. After practicing her skills as a Stylist, Allissa managed a team of Hair Stylists at a salon in Jacksonville Beach. She is devoted to caring for her clients with care and respect.
Allissa is an organizational ambassador for the Mind, Body, and Beyond team who embodies organization, accuracy, and excellence in client service. She is devoted to providing a welcoming and inviting atmosphere to all guests who enter our doors. Allissa is warm, friendly, and accommodating in helping our clients understand our many unique services. She is organized and adept in managing a busy reception area and directing the flow of client inquiries. She provides helpful information that guide our clients to the services, and Practitioner that best meets their needs.
Allissa expresses her artistic side through all things creative and do-it-yourself projects. She is a coffee enthusiast who enjoys spending time with family, her significant other, and her two chihuahuas Max and Ace. She loves the sunshine, the ocean, walks on the beach, long-distance running, and journaling in her spare time.

Carol Reimer is a member of the Administrative and Client Support team of Mind Body and Beyond. She is a Jacksonville native and has been in the field of health and wellness over 20 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Carol is married and is the proud mother of 21-year-old twins. Carol loves the mind-body connection and is a long-time practitioner of yoga and daily exercise. She loves to read and expresses her artistic skills by painting. Carol is a positive, energetic, and gracious spirit who loves to contribute to the Mind Body and Beyond mission.

The first sentence in M Scott Peck’s book, “The Road Less Traveled” says “Life is difficult.”  He goes on to say, “Once we truly understand and accept it- then it is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.”

I’ve been a therapist for over 20 years, a Nationally Certified Counselor since 1994, a Licensed Mental Counselor since 1999, and a Qualified Supervisor since 2006. My therapeutic foundation has many influences:  Existential psychology, Gestalt therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution Focused Brief therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment therapy to name a few.

In addition to the state of Florida, I am also a licensed professional counselor in the state of New Jersey and Texas, and am Telemental Health certified to facilitate distance talk-therapy sessions via phone or video chat.

I am relationship centered and focused on authenticity.  I am passionate about assisting others improve their ability manage life’s difficulties- to accept and then grow through them. I’ve had the good fortunate of walking with many individuals, adults, children, couples, and families on their journey, and I’d be honored to walk with you on yours.  The journey will be based on authenticity, genuineness and compassion.  I’ll bring my clinical experience, skill, and my authentic self and you bring your experience, skill as well the willingness and commitment to face what is calling you.

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfilled.  For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different or truer answers.”(M Scott Peck).

Workshops, seminars and groups are also available on practical but meaningful topics that speak to the soul such as:  Happiness, Your authentic self, Flow, Applying Metaphors, Conflict, and many more.

Heather Fisse is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida(MH13170) and obtained her masters degree from a CACREP accredited program at the University of North Florida in 2012.  She has done post graduate trainings and certifications in the psychotherapy field including: Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1,2, & 3; an internship in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy; 125+ hrs of psychodrama training in both group and individual therapy; as well as in depth trainings on Interpersonal Neurobiology and Functional Medicine approaches to psychological distress and the connection of brain and body dysfunction. These modalities combined with the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy/Mindfulness, and Interpersonal psychology allow for a very holistic approach in connecting with individuals and assisting them as they meet their goals in counseling and life.

In 2018 Heather became a Qualified Supervisor for Florida state registered interns that are working towards their licensure requirements. 

In addition,  Heather is a Licensed Massage Therapist (MA53350) in the state of Florida since 2008.  Her therapy focuses on creating postural balance, alleviating unhealthy patterns and bridging the psychological/emotional and physical bodies by increasing client’s awareness of self and the value of self care.  Her therapy consists of a combination of modalities like neuromuscular therapy, trigger point work, and myofascial release.  In efforts to better guide her client’s with at home exercise programs Heather also obtained certification as a personal trainer in 2014 from International Sports & Fitness Trainers Association.

In 2012, Heather embarked on what would become one of her favorite healing modalities as she became certified and registered as a Yoga Teacher.  Heather is drawn to the comprehensive benefits that traditional yoga brings and enjoys focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection whether it is a meditation class or a power class!  In addition to teaching weekly classes and workshops she has also been an educator for the 200hr and 500hr trainings in Anatomy and Ayurvedic Living.

Heather enjoys an active, plant-based lifestyle and has infused her education and life experience to offer lifestyle coaching in the areas of fitness, nutrition, meditation, self-love and living a life by design!  

Mara Walker is the Chief of Staff as well as a Certified Professional Life/Career Coach for the Mind, Body and Beyond Center.

A retired Human Resources leader with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resources and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation, Mara has enabled the development of individuals for many years in both the private and non-profit sectors. If you want to create a positive change in your life and/or career, Mara is a guide who will facilitate that transition and help you each step of the way. Mara previously served as the Vice President of Human Resources and Training at Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville and held multiple roles at Florida Blue, including Manager of Employee Education and Leadership and Organization Development Coach/Consultant. She has been privileged to guide every level of employee to career success, from the Senior Vice President level to entry-level. Mara can help you showcase your talents so you may land a role that fuels your career passion. She is highly talented at creating the tools needed to advance careers. She writes impactful resumes and compelling LinkedIn profiles. She will help you learn how to maximize LinkedIn to build your professional visibility. As a Certified Behavioral Interviewer and a former Adjunct Professor in Public Speaking at the University of North Florida, Mara will help you advance your communication and interviewing skills and prepare you to interview with confidence, skill, and finesse. Mara helps her clients create the means and processes needed to positively impact their careers.
Mara is also talented in helping people design a holistic plan that transforms their lives. Highly intuitive, Mara shares her strong insight and provides her clients with hope, encouragement, and support during life transitions. Mara is committed to making a substantive difference in the lives of her clients. Helping others succeed is her personal mission, passion, and privilege, and she does it very well.

Michael Hibberts is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Master Yoga Teacher, Tibetan Bowl Healer, and Herbalist for the Mind, Body and Beyond Center. He is a Florida licensed Acupuncture Physician who has been serving the Jacksonville community for 5+ years. Michael is a graduate of the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida where he was trained extensively in classic five element acupuncture and herbal medicine. Five element acupuncture is a style of traditional Chinese medicine that is deeply connected to the rhythms of nature and how these rhythms manifest within each unique human being. The five elements are water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Five elements acupuncture seeks to balance the elements and allows the body and mind to return to a state of homeostasis, or natural balance. Michael has also studied other styles of acupuncture and complimentary healing modalities, giving his approach to holistic wellness a well-rounded foundation.

Michael is adept in the art of cupping – an ancient practice which uses heat and glass cups to create negative pressure on the body. The suction of the glass cups draws stagnant energy to the surface of the skin allowing for a healthier flow of the life force that flows through the body (qi) and blood. Cupping is used to relieve muscle tension, increase blood flow, promote cell repair, treat colds and congestion in the lungs, and more.

Michael also uses moxibustion – a technique that uses a dry herb called mugwort, combined with heat, to promote the flow of qi in the body. Often used in conjuncture with acupuncture, this method can be used for arthritis, digestive issues, immune system function, and more. He is also skilled in gua sha is an ancient modality that promotes a harmonious flow of qi and blood in the body using a smooth-edged tool to lightly stroke the surface of the skin, treating conditions such as muscle pain and spasm.

Yoga originated in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. Since then, the practice has evolved into many forms and sequences. Michael is highly skilled in the different types of yoga that incorporates breath work and body alignment. Michael is an attuned Yoga Teacher that has instructed thousands of students in various yoga practices across Northeast Florida as well as abroad. He also is a Reiki Master and Herbal medicine Consultant that treat imbalances in the body.
Michael is an adept, versatile, healing professional that has facilitated healing and wellness for many clients. He takes pride in his passion and enthusiasm for life, positive attitude, and his strong sense of purpose in serving others on their path to wellness.

Chris Calvelli first took a yoga class at the gym when she was seeking the physical benefits of yoga. She immediately found herself on a path to learn more about the philosophy and spiritual aspects of yoga.  She received her 200-hour Prana Vinyasa Flow teacher certification in 2012 with the intention not only to learn for herself, but to share the transformative power of yoga practice with others. In her classes, she creates a fun, inviting, and balanced atmosphere incorporating mindfulness, breathing techniques, physical strength, and flexibility. In pursuing her purpose to help others, Chris became a Reiki practitioner in 2018 and just earned her Reiki III certification.

Patrick is a local yoga teacher who first discovered the practice at the University of North Florida in 2016. Walking in with an athletic background, Patrick imagined that yoga would just be a simple way to make stretching less boring; but he was in for a rude awakening at the hands of a deeply humbling physical experience. Vowing to never be embarrassed again, Patrick would return to that yoga class over & over until one day he finally felt the overwhelming sensation of peace wash over his mind, body, and spirit. That was when Patrick knew he couldn’t keep the gift of yoga to himself and felt compelled to share the practice with others. Patrick completed his 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2018 and returned to share the gift where he first received it at the University of North Florida. Patrick teaches hatha, vinyasa, and yin style yoga classes in addition to leading UNF’s academic yoga course PEL2905. Patrick believes yoga is an invaluable tool in healing & living an artful life in harmony with our true-selves and the world at large.

Renee has been teaching yoga for over 3 years, and recently completed her 500-hour teacher certification in 2018.  She currently teaches Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, and Yin and Yoga Nidra.  As a teacher, Renee strives to create a safe and permissive space on the mat for students of all ages and is committed to sharing her love of yoga with others. Prior to becoming a yoga teacher, Renee graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Health Science in Occupational Therapy.  She has had a long career as a licensed Occupational Therapist and continues to practice occupational therapy in addition to yoga.

In her free time, Renee loves reading, art, music, the beach, traveling, and practicing yoga.  She is a proud to be a member of the Mind Body and Beyond team and looks forward to bringing the benefits of yoga to more people in the Jacksonville community.

Kristen Webb is an International Yoga Teacher from Jacksonville, Florida who began teaching in 2016 when she decided to follow her passion into the health and wellness industry.  She recently spent 18 months traveling in Southeast Asia sharing her love and knowledge of yoga through classes, workshops and retreats in Cambodia, Bali, and Thailand.  She completed 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training specializing in Vinyasa and Hatha flows, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yoga for Athletes, Balance and Inversions, Meditation and Pranayama. A devoted meditation practitioner, Kristen loves to share her calming techniques with others.  Her classes include invigorating flows which strengthen and stretch the mind and body, allowing students to reach a deep state of consciousness. Kristen particularly enjoys teaching meditative Yin classes.  In addition to teaching yoga, Kristen does Intuitive Healing Bodywork and Reiki to help bring the mind and body to a state of balance.

Integrative Healing Bodywork balances the body as a whole. This hands-on, one on one session uses a holistic approach that address the entire person on all levels: mind, body and spirit.  This unique form of bodywork incorporates Thai massage, breath awareness, trigger point therapy and facilitated stretching in order to help alleviate pain, increase mobility or release trauma. This is a grounding practice which takes place on yoga mats on the floor.  All that is asked of you is to set an intention, focus on your breath and relax while Kristen moves and manipulates your body.  You will remain clothed the entire time so please wear something comfortable.  If you suffer from chronic pain or are wanting to let go and relax, you have to experience this magical and healing practice.

Gary Hickenbottom began his Tai Chi in 2011 at Jacksonville’s Jim Fortuna Senior Center. He soon discovered in addition to learning Tai Chi, he also enjoyed teaching Tai Chi. In 2013, Gary became certified to teach Dr Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention programs as well as the Tai Chi for Beginners program.  For the past 6 years, Gary has taught classes at Osher Lifelong Learning at the University of North Florida, YMCA, Sawgrass, and Cypress Village.  Tai chi can boost upper and lower body flexibility as well as strength. It improves balance and coordination and reduces falls. In teaching Tai Chi, Gary’s goal is to show people how to use Tai Chi to develop a self-care lifestyle that is safe, functional, and enjoyable.

For over 30 years Irene has worked with Fortune 500 companies, colleges, universities and hospitals to help people to transform their lives and develop a wholesome, realistic and healthy self-image. Irene is an Aura Soma Color Therapist, Meditation Teacher, and Reiki Master Teacher with extensive training in the Art of Living Kriya Yoga Breathing Techniques. She helps people connect with their soul while working on wellness through breath work, visualization and meditation. Working with clients of all age groups, she teaches clients how to create positive change, heal emotional pain, and overcome addiction. Irene shares with her clients how to use color to nurture themselves. She shows clients why they are attracted to a certain color and how to use color strategically to make the changes they want in their lives. Through her work with color, guided imagery meditation, and intuitive counseling, Irene guides clients to a deeper understanding of themselves and assists the shift of energy patterns in the body and the mind to create harmony.
Irene works with the physical, psychological and emotional body through her mastery and practice of Reiki. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei and Ki. Rei represents the Higher Intelligence that guides the creation and functioning of the universe some call God. Ki represents the movement of energy within and around us. Reiki is holistic healing life force energy that is channeled into another person for the purpose of healing. Irene is a Reiki Master and Instructor that uses Reiki to promote healing, and renew body, mind, and spirit. Irene uses her expertise in Reiki along with her extensive training in Kriya Yoga, a meditation technique of energy and breath control, to enhances one’s ability to concentrate, to center, to heal, and become more effective in every aspect of life.
A world traveler and continuous learner, Irene also loves to dance as well as teach. Irene inspires others with her wisdom, quest for knowledge and love for mankind.

We are thrilled that Steve Smith is affiliating with Mind Body and Beyond and serving as our Director of Spiritual Services.

Steve Smith has been associated with Delphi University in various capacities for over 30 years. He currently serves as a teacher and administrator and is involved in the many aspects of how Delphi serves people. Delphi has been a school of intuitive development and spiritual healing since 1974 and has been dedicated to all who seek healing of body, mind and spirit.  Through Steve’s many experiences at Delphi, he discovered his true love of working with the energies of healing and spiritual growth. From this discovery, Steve is moving forward with the opportunity of bringing a little of Delphi to you through offering a unique and experiential workshop, Creating From Within, The Way, The Truth and Your Life. This workshop is facilitated in a way that brings simplicity to understanding Spirit and how to integrate it into your everyday life.

Steve also offers trance channeling, etheric  reflective healing, blood cleanses, energy healing and spiritual counseling sessions.

Steve also has had the opportunity of offering a unique service known as Trance Channeling. Trance Channeling is a method of trans-mediumship where Steve allows a spiritual being from the Astral Plane to incorporate his physical body to share spiritual knowledge and insight with those in attendance.  Steve’s “transmedium” he works with is Arthur Ford who spent most of his life with a great desire to help others with their spiritual growth as well as know there is life after death. Arthur Ford was also a Trance Channel for most of his life until his time of passing in 1971. Imagine how your life might be different if you had the opportunity to sit down and have your spiritual questions answered from the unique perspective of Arthur Ford, who has crossed over and now resides in the Astral Plane.

When not teaching at Delphi University in Georgia, Steve will be available for energy and spiritual counseling sessions right here in Jacksonville! Please call to set up your private or group sessions with this incredible healer.

Mind Body and Beyond is proud to have Karen work with us on a quarterly basis when she travels to Florida. Karen offers intuitive mediumship sessions for individuals and groups.

Karen Whisperer is a nationally-known Psychic Medium who travels the country offering her Mediumship Sessions and Gallery Events.

Karen connects to spirits on the Other Side and offers messages of peace, guidance and clarity to her guests, whether in one on one private sessions, in-home Mediumship Galleries or public Mediumship Gallery events.

In a gallery setting all guests sit in a circle or semi-circle, space permitting, and listen as she connects with their deceased loved ones and delivers messages from them to those in the audience. Guests will laugh, cry and support each other as those in Spirit come forth with love.

Several years ago, hit with the death of yet another family member, Karen began realizing that what she had previously thought was a normal experience with intuition was actually a connection from someone who had passed. As the days and weeks went on, the connections multiplied. Over the past few years she has taken her mediumship “on the road” to reach as many people as possible that wish to have a loving connection with a friend or family member through her abilities.

Karen has been featured on several news stations and talk shows and is currently the author of her first book to be released in 2020.

A 55 year resident of New Hampshire, Karen has recently made Myrtle Beach her home.  She is a mom of 4 and a Gamma of 6.

Please contact our office for her schedule.