SANCTUARY SPECIALISTS SERVICES
WHAT IS OFFERED: The Sanctuary Services Specialists team was created to help Sufi Companions deal with practical challenges. Each specialist has extensive knowledge and expertise in a particular field, providing valuable support to our community. With professionals from diverse backgrounds, our team is ready to assist with various issues. Check out the profiles below for a description of services.
CONTRIBUTIONS: Donations are accepted on a sliding scale of five to eighty dollars per session.
CONTACT PRACTITIONERS: Contact any practitioner directly to ask questions or to schedule a session.
MEET OUR PRACTITIONERS
ABE BALLARD
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FALL PREVENTION AND HOME SAFETY ASSESSMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
As we age, falls become an increasing concern. Our bodies are more vulnerable to injury and heal at a slower rate. Falls are a primary cause of injury, often resulting in a loss of freedom and daily functioning. Whether you have fallen, experienced a loss of physical function in some other way, or simply feel physically challenged and vulnerable and would like to prevent a fall, I can help you identify safety risks and formulate a plan to prevent falls and improve daily functioning.
BACKGROUND: My 22-year career as an occupational therapist, during which I helped adults regain function after an illness or injury, has prepared me to help companions recover function and help all to prevent falls and accidents.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I grew up in this community and was supported, nurtured, and loved by my companions. It truly took a “village” to raise me! As our village experiences the changes and transitions associated with aging, I am delighted to be in a position to offer fellow companions help and support.
WHAT I OFFER: Fall prevention and home safety recommendations, help navigating the practical and psychological challenges of injury, illness, and disability, and strategies for adapting to a physical challenge.
CONTACT INFORMATION: abeballard@gmail.com
ALLEN FERTZIGER
(925) 326-5920‬,
fertziap@gmail.com
CLARIFYING, EXAMINING, AND UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF CHALLENGING EXPERIENCES CONTRIBUTING TO SUFFERING
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: My career started as a neuroscientist, where I taught and researched brain function at the University of Maryland Medical School. However, for the last 40 years, I have focused on understanding the human mind during significant life changes, grief, and the ultimate challenge of dying. I have taught university courses, conducted workshops, and trained healthcare professionals. I have also assisted individuals struggling with the hardships brought on by life-threatening illnesses and loss.
WHAT I OFFER: Clarifying, examining, and understanding the nature of challenging experiences contributing to suffering. We can learn to accept and embrace these difficulties productively and effectively through transformation.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: (925) 326-5920‬, Email: fertziap@gmail.com
JANET IWANAGA
​FINANCIAL PLANNING
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: I had a career in education but have been a Certified Financial Planner since 1990. My interest in this field began after my divorce in 1983, when I realized I did not understand how to manage money or where to begin setting financial goals.
WHAT I OFFERr: My education and financial planning background have helped me teach others how to manage their money. Working with individuals is like solving a puzzle; each person's situation and needs are unique, and my job is to help them put the pieces together.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Cell: 925-330-4185 Email: janetiwanaga@gmail.com
MONIKA SIEGEL
NancyS.GetWell@proton.me925-890-4516
GUIDANCE FOR MEMORY AND COGNITIVE CARE
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: I hold a Master's degree in Gerontology and have extensive experience in eldercare. I have served as a Nursing Home Administrator, Program Director for a dementia unit, and Older Adult Educator, developing programs to enhance the lives of residents. However, it was my time as a caregiver for my husband with Alzheimer's that profoundly shaped my understanding of the emotional journey of caregiving. This experience taught me that caregiving reveals both the best and most challenging aspects of ourselves, but there is always another day to begin again.
WHAT I OFFER: Support families by providing professional expertise and compassionate, hands-on guidance. I understand that each caregiving journey is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet the specific needs of each individual family.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Cell: (925) 788-1048 Email: moniilse@yahoo.com
DAWN WHITE
​HOME AND FACILITY CARE MANAGEMENT, CARE CONSULTATION, COORDINATION AND ADVOCACY
Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging. This includes knowing what services are available to you, how to access the resources and providers you need, and what your health insurance will pay for.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: Healthcare has been my passion for over thirty years. I have a master’s degree in public health, and I am certified as a Care Manager, Chronic Care Professional and Health Coach. I work with individuals, families, and their care providers in homes, hospitals, and community-care environments to improve health outcomes.
WHAT I OFFERr: Care consultations and advocacy to address your health concerns, needs, and goals. I also coordinate and plan care on a case-by-case basis.
CONTACT INFORMATION: summer.dawnh1@gmail.com
NANCY SHAFA
NancyS.GetWell@proton.me925-890-4516
NUTRITION COACHING
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
— Hippocrates
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE: I am a registered dietitian nutritionist credentialed in diabetes care management. I embrace the “food as medicine” model to improve many health conditions and to optimize health. After twenty years of teaching and offering medical nutrition therapy at Kaiser, I have recently retired and look forward to working with companions. In the last ten years, my focus as a care manager has been on diabetes, hypertension, kidney issues, heart disease, healthy weight, and wellness programs.
WHAT I OFFER: Nutrition coaching with evidence-based recommendations emphasizing whole food. Depending on the topic, whether it’s related to wellness, a chronic condition, or recent lab results, we’ll assess the next steps to optimize your nutrition.
CONTACT INFORMATION: NancyS.GetWell@proton.me, (925) 890-451
VIRGIL WHITE
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PAIN AND DISABILITY MANAGEMENT
Whether acute or chronic, physical pain and disability are two of the most personally challenging conditions an individual can encounter. When such experiences arise, they don't come with an instruction manual for coping.
BACKGROUND: Before my twenty-three-year career in information technology, I earned a Master's degree in counseling psychology and worked as a State and Nationally certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. My clients included injured workers with orthopedic, neurological, cognitive, psychological, and other disorders resulting in disabilities that prevented them from returning to their usual line of work. The majority also experienced chronic pain.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: In my personal experience, I have had moderate to severe orthopedic and neurological conditions since 1987 that include progressive chronic pain and physical disability. This involved undergoing and recovering from five major spine surgeries.
WHAT I OFFER: Based on this professional and personal experience, I offer consulting services to help you develop a strategy and techniques for dealing with pain and disability that allow you to function at your highest level possible. This will not be a one-size-fits-all strategy but one that you develop with my assistance for your unique challenges.
CONTACT INFORMATION: virgil_white@msn.com