Jacki Gethner (LMT and Reiki Master to present; Certified Alcohol & Drug counselor from 1998-2019) a resident of Portland, Oregon is a renowned international health advocate, activist and educator. In 1987, she launched her practice of regenerative therapies and she possesses over three decades of experience in support and bodywork. Jacki has a history in the field of HIV/AIDS where she has worked in collaboration with many civic and government agencies, health educators, faith-based organizations and pharmaceutical companies. Jacki is recognized as a pioneer and seasoned healer in prevention and self-care of HIV/AIDS individuals and other vulnerable communities through the use of regenerative therapies.
Jacki launched her professional career as a mental health worker working with patients on the psychiatric unit at Boulder Psychiatric Institute (Boulder, CO) and Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital (Denver, CO). Her exposure to this population further extended her awareness of the need to address the body as the vehicle by which the mind suffers trauma, pain, and anxiety leading to people experiencing somatic complaints.
Jacki's experience has been but is not limited to working with thousands of clients with a multitude of issues. As an expert in preventative modalities, her holistic approach combines massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, relaxation, and other whole body wellness modalities.
A partial list of clients include the National Minority AIDS Coalition, National Association of People with AIDS, AIDS Alliance for Families & Children, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Points of Light, Institute for Families & Maternal Care as well as facilitating workshops abroad at two International AIDS Conferences.
As a recognized leader in the health field, Jacki has received numerous awards for her powerful work. In November 2009, she was presented with the Kaiser Permanente HIV/AIDS Diversity Award at their 32nd Annual Diversity Conference in San Francisco. In December 2010, Jacki was designated a HERO for her work with HIV/AIDS in the national magazine POZ. She has also produced and presented workshops to County/State Agencies, non-profit organizations as well to many private sector establishments locally and nationally regarding not just issues around HIV/AIDS, but also wellness in the workplace, chronic/terminal illness, and general preventative therapies.
In addition, her community educational outreach efforts include but are not limited to working in Oregon prisons and with hundreds of inmates teaching them about medical adherence and complementary medicine. Recently, she has expanded her expertise to support the senior population wherein she instructs various gentle massage techniques appropriate for Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
Jacki’s philosophical foundation for her work with regenerative therapies was built from her unique ability to teach her clients how to become advocates and self-managers of maintaining good health practices for themselves. “I love seeing people be successful in a technique that I’ve taught them so they can take it home and use it,” states Jacki. “When they feel themselves successful, it’s easy for them to share it with someone else because they truly know it works for them. The gift is seeing them make lasting changes for themselves and others.”
Jacki resides in Portland, Oregon.