Officers
Our Board Members!
Mary R. Porter
President
I retired from teaching business and technology for thirty-one years and reflexology was never on my radar. After working on remodeling our three-story Victorian home, the ladder won, and I was referred to a reflexologist. She educated me as well as making my feet feel better. This seemed like something I needed to know more about. A friend encouraged me to go to school and learn about reflexology. I completed my certification for reflexology at the Reflexology Certification Institute with Debbie Hitt in 2013 and became a National Board-Certified Reflexologist in 2015. I have taken many classes with Professional reflexologists and learn from each of them. The Healing Farm is the name of my part-time reflexology business in Tiffin, Ohio and I work out of my home.
Jan Weal-Grubb
Vice President
My journey began many years ago, as a nurse’s aide and then became a nurse because I just didn’t want to care for people but wanted to know the reason why. I have always been interested in holistic care. I was receiving massages and thought I could do this but had no idea what I was going to do with this new modality. This is when I found reflexology and loved it, so I continued the journey. I took a weekend course with Barb Bower and then trained at The Healing Arts Center, owned by Charlotte Irwin and became a National Board-Certified Reflexologist in 2005. I went to my first Reflexology Conference in Portland, Maine in 2008. I loved meeting and collaborating with other reflexologists from all over the USA and world. I have taken classes with Bill Flocco (his Intensive Reflexology course), Dr. Maurtine Foure-Alderson, Sue Ricks, Geraldine Villeneuve, Sally Kay, Jenni Tribe, Sam Balyea and Stefanie Sabouncian. And many others. I am Ohio’s RAA Delegate, and I am on the NCRE (National Council for Reflexology Educators) Board. I love to travel and do that as much as I can!
Cheryl Burke
Secretary
I picked up my first book on reflexology in 1991, and became convinced this would be a magnificent hobby. Little did I know, after working as a Secretary, an Office Manager and having many other jobs in between, that Reflexology would be my life’s favorite work. But it is not “work” to me, because I love what I do. I became a Certified Reflexologist with the International Institute of Reflexology and also am a National Board Certified Reflexologist with ARCB. I have served on state association boards in New York and North Carolina as well as currently for the RAO board in Beautiful Ohio. I also serve as a RAA Delegate for Ohio. Thank you for the honor of serving as the Secretary in this fantastic Reflexology Association of Ohio.
Susan Manzella
Treasurer
Many years ago when I was having back problems I bought a reflexology book and found it fascinating. Throughout the years I would refer back to it for different issues. Fast forward to a few years ago, a friend referred me to a holistic esthetician who was taking classes to become certified in reflexology and she asked to practice on me. It was deeply relaxing. It really sparked an interest and I had to find out more about reflexology! I took classes from the Reflexology Certification Institute and graduated in the beginning of 2020. I became a Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist in January 2022. I’ve taken many fantastic and interesting classes since my reflexology journey began. I look forward to learning as much as I can about this wonderful modality. I love seeing all of reflexology’s amazing benefits! I live in Toledo and run a small reflexology business out of my home. It is an honor to serve on the RAO board. I live in Toledo and run a small reflexology business out of my home, and I also work as a Reflexologist at The Victory Center.
Kim Chamberland
Director
I have worn many hats over the years and the common denominator is serving people, holistic health and community. I grew up spending the summers with my grandparents either helping in the chiropractic office, playing receptionist in the dental office or digging in the dirt in their gardens. While I was a stay-at-home mom, I was a la leche league leader, a girl scout leader, a room mom which moved into part time jobs at a woman’s gym and barista at a local coffee shop. In 2008 I started a gardening business, which I still have today. I met my reflexologist in 2007 while working in our local coffee shop. She came in with a client after a session and when they came to the counter, I asked what the wonderful smell was and the woman said, “It’s my feet!” Well, I became totally intrigued at that point and had to know more. Over the years, I have received and learned a lot sitting in that chair. In 2021, after a conversation we had and a nudge in my gut I started exploring what it looked like to become a reflexologist. I enrolled in the Reflexology Certification Institute in January 2022. I received my certificate and went on to study for the ARCB and became a National Board-Certified Reflexologist this past February. I look forward to many years of sharing this modality with others.
Keesha Steedly
Director
Keesha is the owner of “A Touch of Balance.” As a Licensed Nail Technician, Studio owner, and mother of three, she understands the importance of maintaining balance. After experiencing extremely stressful moments in her life she became certified in Reflexology, Mat Pilates and Assisted Stretching. She has put her energy into improving her life and the lives of others through holistic wellness.
Keesha believes that “Self-care is a need, not a want,” and works to assure each session meets the individual’s needs to create Zen moments that lead to a happier, healthier, and more energized life.