Back to All Events

Medicine Beyond Medication Round Table Discussions

  • The Donnelly Center at Aquinas College 157 Woodward Lane Southeast Grand Rapids, MI, 49506 United States United States (map)

Members: One Free Admission
Non-Members: $5/person

During this event, participants rotated between six tables, each highlighting a specific integrative health topic led by a local professional. After a set amount of time, a bell was rung and participants progressed to the next table in the sequence -- think speed dating! This flow allowed all attendees to interact with every expert and learn about every topic. There was time available after the round tables for individuals to ask experts one-on-one questions. 


Round Table Leaders & Topics:

Kathleen Jordan, BA, MA
Rose Petal Cottage
Topic: Reflexology

Reflexology is a second career for Kathleen Jordan. She graduated from WMU with a BA in English and Library Science and Elementary Ed and an MA in Audio Visual Media, then served Comstock Public Schools as a first, second, and third grade teacher and elementary media specialist.

Kathleen was interested in learning reflexology to work on her frail mother and started taking classes from the International Institute of Reflexology and received her certification in 2003. Kathleen has also been trained in healing energy therapies and aromatherapy and continues to learn new methods of healing.


Matt Kelly, LMT
Focus Clinical Massage
Topic: Massage Therapy

Matt Kelly started FCM in 2006 to use his knowledge of manual therapy to help people find relief from stress and pain. Marrying his training in manual therapy with his bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, he focused on providing employer-based massage. He has over 1,200 hours of specialized training in Manual Medical Massage Therapy from Blue Heron Academy. He has studied anatomy, physiology, pathology and rehabilitation science to understand and treat chronic and acute musculoskeletal and vascular conditions. Matt has a current Massage License through the State of Michigan and follows the Hippocratic Oath.


Meredith Kent, PA-C
Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery
Topic: Integrative Skin Treatments

Meredith joined the Bengtson Center in 2016 and works with some of the most innovative treatments available at the Bengtson Center. Specializing in non-surgical treatments, injectables, and laser treatment, Meredith’s expertise and training compliment her compassionate and caring demeanor. Among her many accomplishments:

Meredith earned a Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago.

She has worked as a physician assistant since 2006, with emergency, urgent care, and orthopedic experience. 

Meredith is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, American Society of Surgery for the Hand, and American Society of Plastic Surgery. 


Christine Schoenek, ND
Grand Rapids Natural Health
Topic: Naturopathy

Christine Schoenek, ND, earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences (NUHS), graduating Suma Cum Laude of her class. She currently practices at Grand Rapids Natural Health, among a team of integrative practitioners. Christine believes in the key principle of Naturopathic Medicine – the body has the innate ability to heal itself. She is determined to find the root cause of illness and establish health at a deeper level, rather than suppressing symptoms. Using Naturopathic Medicine, Christine works with her patients to restore innate health, proper function, and overall wellbeing by means of safe and natural therapies.


Dr. Cathy Taig, DC
Taig Family Chiropractic
Topic: Chiropractic

Dr. Cathy Taig has been serving West Michigan families as one of the area's top female chiropractors since 2002. Her practice has a special emphasis on helping pregnant moms and babies have safer birth experiences as well as reversing any adverse effects caused by birth trauma. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and is certified in the Websters Technique. In 2009, she received the honor of Best Female Chiropractor from Grand Rapids Magazine. Dr. Cathy currently practices with her husband Dr. Tim Taig at Taig Family Chiropractic in Cascade.


Willey Headshots two.jpg

Elizabeth (Betsy) Willey
Footprints of the Soul
Topic: Healing Touch

Elizabeth (Betsy) Willey graduated from the University of Michigan in 1968, received her certification in Healing Touch after a three year intensive in 2000 and became a Reiki Master in 2001. Healing Touch was developed by the nursing profession and has many applications for health and healing. Betsy studied neurological energy work for two and one half years with Carol Desantos, a psychotherapist from Cleveland and the founder of NSEW.

Betsy received a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids in 2000 and completed a two year program in Interfaith Spiritual Guidance in Ann Arbor in 2006.  She is a retired high school teacher and author of Footprints of the Soul, A Creative Guide for Spiritual Journey Groups and Individuals..