Elise (Pronouns: she/her), PhD, Adjunct Faculty in the Departments of Public Health and Sociology at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts, Reiki Practitioner & Teacher, and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, is committed to wellness equity in all of the services she provides. The owner of Brenner Reiki Healing in Newton, Massachusetts, Elise provides comprehensive training in all levels of Reiki, having trained physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, teachers, and people of all ages and backgrounds. Brenner has provided Reiki training for staff at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center staff, Edith Nourse Rogers Veterans Administration Hospital in Bedford, MA, and Tufts Medical Center in Boston.  Brenner is the co-author of the 2022 book, Reiki: A Self-Practice to Live in Peace with Self and Others, published by John Hunt Books.

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Elise has a clinical Reiki and Mindfulness practice in which she provides individualized Reiki and Mindfulness sessions to people who are experiencing physical, mental, and emotional distress.  Brenner further provides Reiki and Mindfulness outreach workshops and presentations to organizations, incorporating mind-body skills for the staff and populations they serve, including the Livestrong Program at the YMCA; Harbor Health Elder Service Plan in Boston; support groups for survivors of domestic abuse; support groups for individuals struggling with Vestibular Disorders; psychosocial support groups for cancer patients; support groups for carers of those with chronic conditions. 

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As an anthropologist, Elise Brenner has researched cross-cultural healing practices, thereby enriching the scope and depth of her Reiki and Mindfulness practice. Elise savors time in the woods and has begun to compose eco-poetry.

Deborah has over 20 years of experience as a licensed Occupational Therapist trained in mental health and physical disabilities. She is certified as an Holistic Health Practitioner, Trauma Professional, Reiki Master, and certified in Tara Brach's and Jack Kornfield's Meditation Program, The Power of Awareness. She has experience working with several populations with a wide variety of illnesses and injuries, such as: chronic pain, arthritis, head injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, anxiety, schizophrenia, cancer, Long Covid. Her work experiences span hospitals, clinics, home care,  designing and directing a program for people with mental illnesses, including developing and leading groups in meditation, coping skills, cognitive behavioral techniques, and expressive arts, and managing and expanding a hospice volunteer program with initiatives such as Reiki, Pet Therapy, and Music Therapy.

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Through her experience of severe spinal cord injuries, 3 surgeries, 2-years bedridden, 5 years learning to walk again, and 20 years of chronic pain (and now 2+ years of Long Covid) she became interested in holistic healing methods. She learned the importance of whole body healing in her recovery from chronic pain. 

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Currently, Deborah works at Soul Flower Wellness Center, often interweaving gentle bodywork of Craniosacral Therapy, Somato-Emotional Release, energy healing, Somatic Therapy, meditation/guided imagery, spiritual coaching, and traditional OT, as well as teaching techniques to transform and release physical and emotional trauma held in the body, reconnect to their authentic self, and feel a sense of hope, empowerment, and well-being.   

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Deborah loves anything outdoors, writing, photography, and spending time with her husband, 12-year old-daughter, and little dog, Daisy.

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