11/20/2025
Practitioner of the Week — Emily
If you’ve ever stepped through the doors of Rising Sun, chances are you’ve already experienced the energy of Emily. As the owner and a dedicated practitioner, her warmth, compassion, and genuine love for people are felt the moment you walk in. She is truly one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met, so featuring her this week felt not only fitting; but necessary.
Emily keeps all of us practitioners grounded, supported, and scheduled with so much kindness. She pours her heart into creating meaningful events, offers deeply healing Reiki sessions, and is also the creator of Rising Sun’s 5 Week Detox Program.
I could go on forever, but I’ll let her own words from her practitioner questionnaire do the rest. 💛
1. What inspired you to take over Rising Sun and continue its legacy? The story of how I came to Rising Sun is deeply special to me — it’s a story of following my heart, stepping into the unknown, and trusting myself despite self-doubt. What inspired me to take ownership was my love for people, my belief in the power of community, and my hope for the future.
What made it even more remarkable: five years before, I had written in my journal the exact date I would own a center like this — and it turned out to be the very day I signed the papers. That moment felt like destiny and affirmed that this was the right path for me.
2. How has Rising Sun evolved under your care, and what vision do you hold for its future? Rising Sun has always been a special place, and my goal has been to nurture and support what already made it strong. Over time, you may notice small changes — more plants, subtle shifts in energy, and my little touches that help the space feel even more welcoming and soothing.
Looking to the future, my vision for Rising Sun is aligned with its name — to be a beacon of light and hope for anyone in our community seeking support. We offer services that help improve health on a mind, body, and spirit level, and my hope is that those who can benefit most will find their way here. Above all, I want Rising Sun to remain a place of care, connection, and love — a place that continues to touch lives, as it always has.
3. What does Rising Sun represent to you on a personal and spiritual level? To me, Rising Sun represents hope. Almost everyone who walks through our doors is seeking some kind of change — whether for their health, their spirit, or their peace of mind. What inspires me most is their courage: the self-love it takes to try something new, the hope for a brighter future, and the curiosity to find their own path. I often find myself telling people I’ve just met how proud I am of them for choosing themselves in that moment.
On a spiritual level, Rising Sun reminds me that no matter how dark life may feel, healing and light are always possible. As Victor Hugo wrote, ‘Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.’ To me, that is exactly what this space embodies — a place where people can reconnect with themselves, find light in the midst of struggle, and remember that hope is always present.
Supporting the Community
4. What do you love most about welcoming guests and supporting the practitioners? I truly love welcoming guests each day. Rising Sun feels like an extension of my home, and creating a peaceful, nurturing atmosphere is deeply important to me. Just like in my own home, I want everyone who walks through the door to feel a sense of respite from the stress and chaos of the world.
Some of my favorite moments are when people step inside, pause, and take a long, deep breath — as if they can feel the energy shift the moment they enter. Those reactions mean so much to me. It’s incredibly special to offer a space where people feel safe, relaxed, and embraced by the atmosphere. Supporting the practitioners and holding that space for the community is one of the greatest joys of being here every day.
5. What’s been one of the most heartwarming or memorable experiences since becoming the owner? It’s hard to choose a single moment, because I witness something meaningful every day at Rising Sun. My most memorable experience isn’t one event — it’s a collection of precious moments that, together, paint a beautiful picture of how sacred human connection really is.
I’ve placed my hands on pregnant women and felt the movement of life from within. I’ve supported people preparing to leave this world, their hearts focused entirely on the loved ones they’re leaving behind. I’ve seen the celebration of new life, and I’ve held space for the grief of loss. I’ve watched loneliness weigh on people, and I’ve witnessed connection bring them back to themselves.
These moments remind me that love truly is at the center of everything — just like the heart chakra sits in the center of our bodies, connecting heaven and earth. The way we treat people matters. Our connections matter. And the love we give always finds its way back to us.
I pray I’m gifted many more years of this work, because even in this short time, I’ve been profoundly touched and forever changed. Above all else, the greatest lesson Rising Sun has shown me is simply: love.
6. How do you see Rising Sun’s role in the wider community? To me, Rising Sun shines like a lighthouse — an antidote to many of the challenges people face in our fast-paced world. Whether someone is feeling mental, emotional, or physical stress, or they’re struggling with loneliness and disconnection, or simply ready to make meaningful changes in their health, Rising Sun stands as a steady beacon of hope. It’s a place people can come to slow down, reconnect, and feel supported.
Your Healing Work
7. As a Reiki practitioner, how do you bring your healing energy into Rising Sun day-to-day? Reiki has shaped me in a way that naturally carries into everything I do at Rising Sun. I don’t walk through the day consciously thinking about Reiki — it’s more that the practice has changed who I am. It’s helped me become more present, grounded, and connected to the people around me. That inner shift influences how I greet clients, how I hold space, and how I create a sense of calm in the building.
In that way, Reiki isn’t something I only offer in a session; it’s part of the energy and intention I bring into the environment every day, and it helps make Rising Sun a place where people feel safe, supported, and seen.
8. What’s one thing you wish more people understood about Reiki and energy work? One thing I wish more people understood about Reiki is that it’s a gentle, calming practice that helps the nervous system relax and supports natural healing. Many hospitals even offer Reiki, and studies show it can reduce stress and improve recovery.
Reiki also works on energy levels, balancing the chakras and helping chi flow freely. When the mind and body quiet, inspiration and healing can naturally occur.
I also want people to know that Reiki isn’t a psychic reading — it’s about creating a safe, relaxed space for energy to flow. Each session is unique, and the best experiences happen when the client is open and present.
For me, Reiki has been transformative. It’s taught me to feel my emotions, surrender, and recognize our connectedness. Every session touches me and reminds me why I love this work.
Personal Touch
9. What’s your favorite way to care for yourself and recharge outside of Rising Sun? I recharge in ways that nurture both my spirit and my joy. My mornings usually start with gratitude — speaking to God and my ancestors, reflecting on the blessings in my life. Music is also very near the top; it lifts my spirit and keeps me connected throughout the day.
Time in nature, especially the woods, is a grounding recharge. I love quietly observing the life around me — the critters, the trees, the changing seasons — and feeling a deep sense of connection to it all. One thing that helps me care for myself is intentionally looking for beauty everywhere: in a ray of sunshine falling on autumn leaves, a kind word from a stranger, a delicious meal, or a cozy outfit. Noticing these little gifts keeps my cup from running dry.
Laughter is another way I restore my energy. I’m known among friends and family for my playful, silly side, and making those I love laugh is a lighthearted way to balance heavy energies.
Caring for others is part of my purpose, and it fills my cup, but combining reflection, connection with nature, appreciation of life’s beauty, and moments of lighthearted joy helps me stay centered and energized for the people I serve at Rising Sun.
10. If you could share one message of encouragement with every guest who walks through the door, what would it be? If I could share one message with every guest who walks through the door, it’s this: you are capable of healing, growth, and positive change. Your emotions and even your physical symptoms are teachers — they are showing you what still needs to be felt, healed, or released. Your body and spirit are always doing their very best to guide you.
Nothing will change if nothing changes, but when you take action, seek answers, and love yourself enough to put in the work, positive transformation will naturally follow. Everyone’s healing journey looks a little different, and that’s perfectly okay. Here at Rising Sun, we offer many options and even partner with others to support you — but ultimately, what you need will resonate with you, and you will be drawn to the path that is right for you.
Above all, I want everyone to leave with hope and empowerment — a sense that no matter where you are in your journey, healing, support, and hope are always possible.
