Meet our Wellness Team
For over 25 years, SoderWorld has been dedicated to providing a body, mind and spirit sanctuary where ALL people can come and share ways to create a healthier and happier life. Let our team help you take care of all your wellness needs.
Founder, Center Manager, Academy Director, Massage Therapist & Instructor, Esthetician & Energyworker, Yoga/Meditation instructor, Holistic Health Practitioner, Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, Artist & Poet,
Referral Partner for Impact Health Sharing/ACN Regional Coordinator
Misty Soderholm
LMT, LE, ERYT, HHP
Misty began her studies at the Wellness and Massage Training Institute in 1994 and graduated in 1997 from the School of Healing Arts in San Diego, CA. after moving there to work as an Ayurvedic Therapist at the Deepak Chopra Center for Well – Being. After 2 years of intense studies in Ayurveda, Bodywork, Meditation, Hypnotherapy, Watsu, Feng Shui, Holistic Health and Yoga – she ventured back to Chicago to bring the knowledge she gained to her hometown. She has also studied Hot Stone Therapy, Reflexology, Thai Yoga Massage, Sports Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Esalen Style Massage, Natural Birthing, Esthetics & Skin Care (facials, body wraps), and many various energy healing modalities. She also developed her own style of spiritual bodywork called SolFlo Massage that she performs and teaches to other therapists.
Misty is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician, as well as a Certified Yoga Instructor from the Temple of Kriya Yoga and Holistic Health Practitioner with over 26 years experience. She is not only a Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, and director of the Advanced Training Academy at SoderWorld, but also teaches groups, private tutors and performs bodywork and yoga at various locations throughout Chicagoland. She also lectures at Soderworld, many local corporations, schools, and private events on a variety of wellness, yoga, and holistic health topics. She focuses more on the spiritual & energetic side of healing in her treatments and teachings.
She had her own school for 10 years that has since transitioned into an advanced training academy for current massage therapists. She was also on the faculty for Universal Spa Training Academy in Downers Grove & Ananda Ayurveda Academy for a few years. Misty also recently completed her Holistic Cannabis Practitioner program through the Holistic Cannabis Academy and can now do consultations for those needing direction in using this plant for medicinal purposes.
Although Misty did some art at an early age, she just recently rediscovered her passion for the arts and writing again about 9 years ago. She is a local artist and poet that has been in many art shows and had her writings published. She is currently working on writing two books that will hopefully be published in the near future. She also leads paint parties, intuitive art classes, and kids classes around the local area. She is a long standing member of ABMP-Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals and Yoga Alliance and an approved provider for NCBTMB (National Certification Board) for Massage Therapists as well as a proud member of TAGOL (The Artists Guild of Lockport).
Misty is also a referral partner for Impact Health Sharing & regional coordinator for ACN, the marketing company for Impact. IThis community health sharing company offers huge savings on healthcare with tons of amazing benefits. Please send an e-mail if you are interested in learning more or click here for info.
Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, Somatic Coach
Jessica Castro
Jessica is a lover of things that help us feel more connected to our truth. She holds space for interested seekers to more deeply explore the unique essence of their human experience. Her offerings aim to help move through emotional blocks, physical discomforts and energetic inhibitions.
Jessica has embarked down the path as a somatics and intuitive emotions coach. This being inspired by a significant life event that triggered repressed and suppressed “trauma” energies. Activating a deeper awakening illuminated her passion to help others better sink into and understand how to navigate their subconscious programming and find tools to process and reprogram. Combined with the 22 years experience she has with alternative wellness modalities her coaching program was a divine unfolding.
Jessica is a seasoned massage therapist for 20+ years with focus on abdominal release and core unwinding to free contracted tissue and help in pain reduction and overall energetic flow. Jessica studied at Wellness and Massage Training Institute in Woodridge, Illinois. Nature Care College in St. Leonards, Australia and Vermont, learning a wide variety of healing techniques. She practices therapies such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Esalen, Seated Massage, Pre/Post Sports Massage, Isometric and Advanced Isometric Stretching with Cryo-Therapy, Pre-Natal, Trigger Point Therapy, Hot rock and some of her favorites Myofascial, Pressure Sensitivity Technique and Reflexology. The therapy that she provides for each individual, has a certain flow to it that is is highly influenced by her studies in Cranial Sacral, Therapeutic Touch (Energy balancing), Thai Chi movement therapy, Lomi Lomi and Yoga. Her certification as an Aromatherapist allows her to cultivate her passion for healing at another level.
She is a yoga teacher trained in Anusara and Vinyasa flow, recently added Acu-yoga and Somatic Flow to her offerings as a way to support and educate people with tools they can use while “off the mat” to ground, release, transmute, connect and re energize! She offers energetic support through tuning forks, Cranio-sacral therapy, Multi dimensional transformational healing (MDT) and Therapeutic Touch (TT). She believes and teaches that disciplining the breath is the most profound way to regulate the nervous system and a first step in bringing integration and self actualization. Welcome home to your soul, let's go!​
Massage Therapist, Ashiatsu Therapist & Yoga Instructor
MaryRose Plante
MaryRose graduated from the Wellness and Massage Training Institute and has been in practice since May of 2002. She has taken many advanced deep tissue and self care classes and is alway excited to find something new to learn. Before joining the wellness team at Soderwold, MaryRose had worked in the relaxing spa setting and a busy Chiropractic office; as well as spending 7 years working at Athletico Physical Therapy doing pre- and post- surgical massage, working with both acute and chronic pain/injury and all levels of athletes including high school sports, weekend warriors and professionals. While MaryRose's experience has given her the skills to excel in Deep Tissue and Sports Massage, she also enjoys treating the whole body with a Swedish/Deep Tissue Combo and adding stretching, Reiki and Cranial; completing the overall relaxation experience. Finding her home at Soderwold, MaryRose is focused on helping her clients find balance in their lives and to heal their bodies.
Massage Therapist
Kaylee Berg
Kaylee moved here from Madison, WI where she graduated from Madison College Therapeutic Massage Program in 2014. After graduation, she went on to be the Lab Coordinator and Instructor, which has ignited her fire for teaching. She began working in the spa and gym industry and worked her way up to a management position for an oriental medicine and Asian bodywork office. She's trained and specialized in many areas of bodywork including Thai Yoga Massage, Therapeutic Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Hot Stone, Cupping/Gua Sha, Reiki, and Prenatal Massage. She also has a strong desire and hopeful dedication to master her herbal medicine crafting and to learn Ayurvedic body treatments. She's also a Birth Doula, and finds interest in obtaining her childbirth educators license. She also hopes to work with some of her mentors to dive into the world of plant medicine, especially in South and Central America.
Kaylee feels that even in a sometimes broken and scary world, there is healing all around us. Music, nature, art, bodywork, movement, silence, and mostly in each other. If we can do our part to cultivate kindness, each day will be brighter. That's why she loves Soderworld, and the work she does here. It's a sacred space of love, kindness, growth, and healing. Her goal is to specifically tailor her treatments to fit your needs, so that you can find peace in knowing that you are on your way to a better quality of life. She's continuously amazed how the body, mind, and spirit work together, and have the ability to heal itself. It's an absolute honor and privilege to be able to be a small part of each person's unique journey.
Massage Therapist
JT Spencer
JT brings an intuitive approach to massage. He focuses and tailors each massage to fit each client's individual needs. He graduated from Soderworld Academy of the Healing Arts in 2016 and has been practicing since. His passion for massage is fueled by compassion, and his desire to help clients alleviate pain and stress. His favorite modality is the Combo massage for its flowy style while also targeting specific problems clients may have. JT also performs modalities such as: Deep Tissue, Swedish, Sports Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. Book some healing with JT today!
Massage Therapist
Steph Pogreba
Steph graduated from the School of Holistic Massage and Reflexology in the suburbs of Chicago and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2020. Even though her massage style is more relaxation focused, she still has a very therapeutic touch. She enjoys giving chill, feel good massages that will leave you feeling blissed out.
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She uses swedish strokes combined with a less aggressive approach to theraputic focused work. Perfect for those seeking tension relief and looking for focused work that's not too deep. Her modalites include: swedish, combo, prenatal, lymphatic drainage, esalen style, and reflexology.
Massage Therapist
Ashley Wilfong
Ashley has been a professional Licensed Massage Therapist since March 14 of 2015. She is very passionate about massage and bodywork and ensuring guest satisfaction is always her top priority. Ashley has a firm yet gentle touch. She can range anywhere from a light and luxurious massage to deep therapeutic work. She likes to incorporate sports massage and Thai influenced techniques to perform the best unique massage possible catered to each individual. She takes pride in listening to her clients needs and following through to get desired results. Ashley specializes in Therapeutic Massage (Swedish to Deep Tissue), Cupping Therapy, Prenatal Massage, Hot stones, Bamboo, and Sports Massage. if you are looking for a therapist that goes above and beyond and pays attention to detail- book with Ashley!
Esthetician & Yoga Instructor
Violet Vrsek
Violet has been a licensed esthetician since 2007 with expert training in the Bioelements product line, deep relaxation, crystal healing, energy movement, and the comforting power of touch. Come join her in a journey of the senses with her treatments as the beautiful aromas, soft music, soft lighting and her gentle touch whisk you far away from the hectic demands of day-to-day life.
Violet is also a yoga teacher with a unique style. She loves to use a unique tie in of deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help heal the body. Your visit with her is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve experienced before. No matter what your skin type or issues, she will leave you with a fresh-face, an outer glow, and a new found inner peace.
Massage Therapist & Esthetician
Mick Sod
Mick has been doing massage for almost 7 years and graduated from SoderWorld Academy of the Healing Arts. A few years later, Mick decided to also pursue skin care and graduated from Universal Spa Training Academy in Esthetics. They have previous experience as a chiropractic assistant, working in a fitness center and spa setting, and recently studied permanent makeup to offer in the future. Mick loves helping clients to relax and unwind but also adds a therapeutic approach to their technique. Being a Reiki practitioner as well, they love adding the spiritual side of healing to treatments. Mick has gifted hands and a healing touch that you don't want to miss out on.
Homeopath Consultantant, Administration Assistant
Celeste Santiago
Celeste is a facilitator of her creatively crafted Body Prayer classes as well as through freedom dance movement in Freedom Flow classes. Her biggest mission is to help educate others on the power of using medicines known as homeopathy or homeopathic remedies. She has used this form of medicine for over a decade from everything acute to chronic and officially received training through the Academy of Practical Homeopathy to become a Certified Practical Homeopathic consultant in 2023. "The people's medicine", as she fondly calls it, stimulates the body to heal from quick onset ailments in addition to those symptoms that cause one to feel chronically unwell. With her guidance, she will help illuminate the path towards the improved health you desire through support and education. She is available for private yoga sessions and homeopathic consultations when you are ready!
Yoga Instructor, Sound Healer, Reiki Practitioner
Meka Leach
Meka Leach is a certified Bhakti yoga teacher of 200 hours, being the youngest in the USA to finish the certification classes. She is a certified Harmonic Waves Healing practitioner. Performing sound healing for adults as well as children only classes. Meka is the youngest instructor and facilitator at Soderworld wellness center and the surrounding area/ community. She plans on continuing her yoga education for the 500 HR certification soon. Meka is the founder of Mindfulness with Meka a class, program and book she has hand written from her soul targeting children 10-17 years old. At the age of 12 she teaches a kids only class about mindful living and hosts monthly Girls Moon Cycle Circles. She is an amazing loving soul and has a passion for holistic health and mindful practice. She is attuned and a practitioner of Reiki. She loves crystals and she wants to change her generation.
Holistic Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, Spiritual Mentor, Singer/Songwritter/Vocal Alchemist, Sound Healer/Native Drummer/Flute Player, Ceremony Keeper, Yoga Instructor, Artist, YL Educator/Distributor, SW Admin Team Leader & Retail Manager
Shannon Chada
Shannon Chada, Mino Nagamowin Ikwe (Good Singing Woman), embodies a holistic approach to life, intertwining culture, community, and nature in her path. As a spiritual mentor, Reiki Master Teacher, Cranial Sacral Therapist, Certified Yoga Instructor, Sacred Circle Ceremony Facilitator and Non-Denominational Leagaly Ordained Minister, Shannon channels compassion and wisdom to support those around her on their journeys. Through her roles as an artist, singer, chanter, dancer, and drummer, she weaves together the threads of tradition and creativity, offering both healing and celebration through music and movement.
Shannon's mission is to guide individuals inward, helping them to uncover their own positivity, passion, and purpose. With a focus on empowerment and spiritual growth, she equips others with the tools needed to navigate life's challenges and to tap into the transformative power of the heart.
With over 27 years of professional experience as a Holistic & Reiki Practitioner, Shannon offers a rich array of modalities aimed at promoting healing and spiritual growth. Shannon provides a platform for individuals to explore and deepen their connection to spiritual practices and the healing arts. Her work is a testament to the interconnectedness of all things, recognizing the inherent harmony between humanity and the natural world. Through her teachings and practices, Shannon fosters a deep sense of unity and reverence for the beauty and wisdom that surrounds us.
REIKI: Shannon Reiki journey began in 1997, and has been a Certified Reiki Master & Teacher since 2000. Shannon has studied with many expert teachers, and is 8th decedent in lineage from Dr. Mikao Usui. Shannon offers All Levels of Reiki Training & Certification Classes for Usui Reiki levels 1, 2, Reiki Master 3, and Reiki Master Teacher thoughout the Chicago-land and Rockford area. Shannon hosts yearly Reiki Mentorships and Apprenticeship Programs & Certifications. NCBTMB CEU's available for Reiki Levels 1, 2, & 3.
YOGA: In addition, Shannon is a Certified Yoga Instructor and has received acknowledgement certifications for 500+ hours YTT. She is dedicated to working with all students. Shannon’s classes are uniquely taught to meet the individual needs of all who attend. Shannon graduated from the Lakulish Institue of Yoga, Kripalu, Gujarat, India 2006 by Guru Acharya Yogendradev at Universal Spirit Yoga.
AROMATHERAPY: Shannon has 18+ years experience with Essential Oils and the therapeutic benefits they offer to support us as part of the sacred plant kingdom. Shannon teaches Aromatherapy Basics, Raindrop Technique, along with many other classes and workshops throughout the year.
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SPIRITUAL MENTOR: Shannon is a legally ordained non-denominational Spiritual and Holistic Minister Practitioner, also certified to perform religious services. Shannon integrates her Native American roots and shares traditional spiritual healings as passed down to her from generations of family healers. Available for Blessing Ceremonies, Weddings, Life Celebrations, Personal and Private Group Healing Sessions.
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As Founder & Director of Full Circle Harmony Org, she has partnered with SW for over 13 years to bridge & support Holistic and Spiritual Education to our shared community. Shannon is an Approved Provider through NCBTMB for offering CEU’s -Continuing Education Certification Unit hours in many of her classes.
Shannon is a Specialty Appointment at SoderWorld. Please email her directly to set up a Reiki, Cranial Sacral, or Spiritual mentoring Appointment: E-Mail: fullcircleharmony@comcast.net
Massage Therapist, Holistic Health Practitioner (The Whole Journey), Spiritual Healer, Reiki Master, Cranial Sacral Therapist, Miasm Release Therapy, Sacred Journey Therapist
Shannon Rusnak
Shannon's journey is ever evolving because she is a seeker of knowledge and healing. She has been trained with world renowned teachers and healers in the wellness community and world. She learned the art of Cranial Sacral Therapy, Shamanic Integrative Healing and Miasm Release Therapy with Don Massat "The City Shaman", founder of Beyond Wellness and Sacred Journey Institute. She's also worked with Dana Massat, founder of Ascend your Soul, with Shamanic work and has also trained with Misty Soderholm owner of SoderWorld Wellness Center. She was a case study for world renowned Izabella Wentz, The Thyroid Pharmacist, and worked one on one with her to heal herself of thyroid issues. She also had the honor of training with world renowned Christa Orecchio, founder of The Whole Journey. Shannon is now one out of 100 people in the world who have become a Holistic Health Practitioner through Christa. This cutting edge training in holistic healthcare through The Whole Journey specializes in Gut, Candida, Thyroid, Detoxing and Adrenal Health. Along side Christa, she worked personally with Jack Tips phD, CCN through The Whole Journey, and the amazing Derick Grant, Life is Mental University, Courteney Fisher, Fit with Coco.
Shannon was the Lead Massage Therapist at the prestigious Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge for 13 years. She has studied in Yoga and Pilates programs and is now one of the top therapists at SoderWorld. She was a traveling massage therapist for 5 years on the Professional Tennis Circuit (ATP TOUR), working with top athletes, while her husband was playing professional tennis.
Shannon was sick with ovarian cancer at age 21, Hashimoto's autoimmune disease at age 30 after her pregnancy, parasites & dental issues. She began to dive deep into a health conscious lifestyle when western medicine couldn't help. When she began her search and journey to fix and heal her health, it really opened her eyes to all the possibilities and she found her passion for health and wellness.
She was able to heal herself and now wants to give back and help other that don't know what to do or how to do it. She has the tools and resources to give you results and a clear path to you feeling better. It's going to take work and it isn't easy, but one thing she really learned on her journey is......... She is her best when she is learning and when she's being challenged. One day at a time, one foot in front of the other. You can get there too.
Massage & Cranial Sacral Therapist
Stephanie Brown
Stephanie is a certified Visionary Cranial Sacral Therapist, and licensed Massage Therapist. She is the founder of the Illumined Soul integrative healing arts, designed to “awaken your inner Radiance.” Stephanie is a graduate from the School of Holistic Massage & Reflexology and from the Sacred Journey Institute in Tinley Park, where she studied and taught with the late Don Massat, legendary “City Shaman” and founder of the SJI school and the Beyond Wellness Center. Stephanie practices Cranial Sacral Therapy, Miasm Release Therapy, Sacred Journey Therapy, Vibrational Healing Therapy, Distance Healing, all of which induce healing and spiritual transformation in clients who exhibit many different types of ailments and dis-ease, including anxiety, TMJ, ADHD, cancer, autism and schizophrenia.
“My approach is inspirational and intuitive in gently working with each of my clients to integrate different aspects of their body, psyche, and spirit into an ever unifying whole. My passion is to support them as they realize their innate gifts, which arise as they come to terms with their past and learn to forgive and accept their karmic patterns, which may have been inherited ancestrally, unlocking codes and allowing more light to emerge from their DNA. I work with adults of all ages--individually, as couples and family units– as well as teenagers and small children." ~ Stephanie
Massage Therapist
Kris Fortman
With a foundation in clinical therapeutic massage and a passion for energy work, Kris utilizes a wholistic approach integrating mind, body, and soul to address any level of stress or pain. With a specialty in deep tissue and rehabilitative techniques, he can help to relieve even the most stubborn pain and offer advice to keep it away. Kris also has the ability to switch gears to offer complete relaxation and address the energetic body to lift stress away and realign the spirit for his clients. He has an in-depth knowledge of the body and provides a functional approach to healing on all levels.
Massage Therapist, Cranial Sacral Therapist
Krassi Marinova
Krassi was born in the mountains of Bulgaria as an Aries. She moved to the U.S. in 2001 and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2013, graduating from School of Holistic Massage and Reflexology.
Her passions have always been in nature. She use natural holistic practices in her daily life and help others achieve the same through a clean, honest mindset. Krassi believes in the healing power of touch and the connection between body, mind & spirit. She has a unique style that includes skills in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology & Reiki. Krassi has also completed the Cranial Sacral Therapy Training through the Sacred Journey Institute and she is constantly continuing her education to add other modalities and techniques to her tool belt.
Massage Therapist, Energyworker, Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Crystal & Sound Healer
Kierstin Wnek
Kierstin is a RYT—200 graduate of the Sattvic Sage Ayurveda Yoga Teacher Training at Soderworld Wellness Center in October of 2021. She also graduated from the Massage Therapy Program at USTA. Her main passion lies in holding space for others through yoga and crystal healing. She is a Certified Crystal Practitioner through the Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy. She is also a Reiki practitioner, loves to pull tarot and oracle cards, do sound healing, read astrology charts and is an aspiring massage therapist! Kierstin has just started on her journey, but she has a wealth of knowledge, passion and charisma. Book a massage, astrology, or Ki Energy Session with her today!
Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, Grief Coach, Death Doula
Jemima Lipari
Jemima began her massage career fifteen years ago and specializes in grief massage with the intent to bring harmony and balance while also nurture the body, mind, & spirit. Jemima is also a birth/death doula with a passion for assisting with peaceful, joyful life-transitions.
She is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complex journey of loss and healing. She believes that true wellness comes from integrating mind, body, and spirit, and she has woven these passions into a unique approach that supports your holistic healing.
As a grief coach, she provides a compassionate space for you to explore your feelings and experiences. She understands that grief can be isolating and she is here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and strategies that empower you to honor your emotions while finding resilience and hope.
Her yoga classes focus on mindfulness and self-compassion, helping you connect with your body and breath. Movement can be a powerful tool for processing grief, and Jemima creates a nurturing environment where you can find peace and strength on your mat.
As a licensed massage therapist, I offer therapeutic touch that fosters relaxation and release. My bodywork sessions are designed to help you unwind and reconnect, allowing your body to process emotions held within. Jemima also co-facilitates SoderWorld's Grief Circle and does private one on one grief coaching.
Esthetician & Reiki Practitioner
Stephenie Padilla
Stephenie Padilla is a licensed esthetician & certified reiki practitioner. She is also certified by the University of New Mexico in Curanderismo : Traditional Healing Using Plants.
Her goal is to make you feel amazing, relaxed and like the best version of yourself, while feeling completely comfortable. She will make sure all your skin care needs are met, with amazing results to prove it. Stephenie may be new to energy work, but she is very passionate and determined. Not only does she help people heal energetically, but spiritually as well. Trust us when we say she is accepting of anyone and everyone; She will treat you as one of her own. We know it can be a intimidating but it will always feel like home with her.
Massage Therapist
Allison Griffin
Allison is a Licensed Massage Therapist that graduated from Moraine Valley Community College in 2023. She is competent in a variety of massage techniques but specializes in more Relaxation. She has also studied hot stones, cupping, and aromatherapy as well as being a certified Usui Reiki Master. Allison's sweet personality and caring nature is sure to leave you feeling amazing after a session with her.
Sound Healer, Yoga & Meditation Instructor, Marketing Admin
Chahe Soderholm
Chad Soderholm is an Idea Entrepreneur, highly skilled producer, director, and creative professional. In 1997, Chad founded Wellness Information Network a web-portal for natural health and alternative medicine and the producer of Wellness 2000, a holistic wellness convention that was held at the Rosemont Convention center.
In 2006 Chad founded Digital Aisle, a pioneering interactive shopper-marketing agency where he created products, software and services to it’s client roster such as Diageo, Starbucks, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, Miller/Coors, AB Inbev, Remington, Merck, Hewlett-Packard and Disney.
Presently, Chahé handles branding and Marketing for Soderworld as well as works as a freelance Producer/Director, wellness practitioner, sound healer, and pursues his own inventions and other creative endeavors. He leads many workshops at Soderworld and does private sound healing sessions as well. Check out one of Chad's invention, The Paka Pillow in SoderWorld's retail shop.
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