Recently, we sat down with Kelly Johnson, a Reiki Master Teacher here at Angelic Roots with a background as a Registered Nurse and Educator. Kelly shares her journey, her unique perspective on blending science with intuition, and how she brings balance and compassion into her work.
I would say the empathy I feel for others naturally led me to a career in healthcare. For 20 years I served as a Registered Nurse in the ICU, where I had the honor of caring for patients and their families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Over time, my passion evolved into teaching, and I now work as a Nurse Educator, guiding and supporting the next generation of nurses as they step into the world of patient care.
My introduction to Reiki came many years ago while working at the hospital. A colleague of mine invited coworkers to experience a complimentary Reiki session she was offering. That first encounter piqued my interest, and I would go on to receive a few more sessions over the years, each one making a small impression on my awareness and understanding of energy healing.
A few years ago, I received a Quantum Healing session here at Angelic Roots. During the session, there was an inquiry into whether Reiki might be a path I was meant to explore. Looking back, that was another hint from the universe, though I wasn’t quite ready to act on it yet.
About a year later, the call to Reiki arrived with a strong sense of knowing. The certainty in my heart was unmistakable—now was the time. As I moved through each level of Reiki training, I came to realize that Reiki is a natural extension of the work I’ve always been drawn to—holding space for healing, compassion, and connection. Like nursing, Reiki is a heart-centered calling that allows me to walk alongside others on their healing journey.
Being a nurse has definitely shaped the kind of Reiki practitioner I am today. Nursing taught me how to really listen—not just to what someone says, but also to what’s not being said. That kind of quiet presence naturally carries over into Reiki, where holding space with compassion and without judgment is such a big part of the work.
My background as a RN allows me the benefit of understanding how the body works, how illness and stress show up physically, and how that might be reflected energetically in my Reiki clients. Nursing also taught me to pick up on the subtle shifts and really trust my instincts, and I rely on that intuition all the time in my Reiki sessions.
Both nursing and Reiki have taught me how to sit with people during tough or vulnerable moments—whether they’re in physical pain, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, or just going through something they can’t quite put into words. I know that simply being present, listening and offering a safe space and support is often what is needed most.
Balancing my allopathic training with the intuitive nature of Reiki has been a really meaningful part of my journey. At first, it felt like they came from two very different worlds—one focused on science, structure, and evidence, and the other rooted in energy, intuition, and trust. But over time, I’ve come to see how beautifully they complement each other.
My nursing background helps me stay grounded and confident, especially when it comes to understanding the body and what someone might be going through physically. Reiki, on the other hand, invites me to slow down, listen more deeply, and hold space in a gentle, intuitive way. Blending science and intuition has opened the door for me to support my client’s healing on a deeper level—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Honoring the whole person’s unique journey is important to me.
I’ve learned so much about myself on this journey, especially when it comes to personal transformation and spiritual growth. One of the most profound shifts has been feeling a deeper sense of oneness—with humanity and with the world around me. Reiki opened the door to a whole new understanding of the subtle energies that connect all living things.
My Reiki journey has led me to work closely with the Earth and the elements, which has become a truly meaningful part of my practice. My energetic connection to nature has definitely grown stronger. When I go for a walk or a hike, I can feel the energy of the land—I hear the wisdom of the trees. I’ve come to understand that all living things carry experiences, and sometimes the land and plants need healing too, just like we do. This relationship with nature has shown me that healing isn’t just for humans—it’s for the Earth as well. Offering Reiki to the web of life that we’re all connected to has been an unexpected and joyful part of my practice and my everyday life.
One experience that will always stay with me is a client who came to me during one of the most difficult chapters of her life. She was grieving the loss of her husband while at the same time, was also navigating her own cancer journey. Despite the weight of what she was facing, she somehow approached her healing with remarkable courage and unbelievably strong intention. She committed to caring for herself in every way she could—including beginning Reiki sessions with me.
Her energetic healing unfolded gradually—subtle, but steady. Session by session, I witnessed gentle shifts in her energy. Reiki was helping her to release what she no longer needed– a multitude of emotions. I held space while she simply received, rested, and began to reconnect with herself.
As her energy started to rebalance, I could sense her resilience strengthening—like something within her was coming back online. Over time, something beautiful began to emerge: she started to find her voice again—emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Then, one day recently, she stood before several hundred coworkers and shared her journey—something she had kept private until then. It wasn’t just a speech—it was a moment of transformation. Her vulnerability, strength, and presence were undeniable. It marked a turning point: a reclaiming of self, of power, of truth. Everything she had carried, faced, and healed through had reshaped her from the inside out, and in that moment, she stood fully in who she had become.
And then, the very next day, something remarkable happened. The Lapis Lazuli bracelet she had worn throughout this entire period—a constant presence through her grief, her cancer treatments and her healing—suddenly broke as she arrived home from work, scattering beads across her garage floor. We both recognized it as a sign, a milestone: this part of her healing journey had come to a close.
It was a true honor to bring Reiki into her life and to witness her healing journey unfold. To be invited into that sacred space and work with such a remarkable person—watching her transform, one session at a time—is a memory I will always cherish.
If you’re just getting started with Reiki or meditation, my best advice is to keep it simple. Start with just a few minutes a day—whether it’s focused breathing, placing your hands over your heart, or just sitting in stillness. —and just ease into the experience. A consistent practice of a few minutes each day is more meaningful than an occasional long sitting. Work towards developing a routine.
Having support makes a big difference. Start your practice with a friend, or if you’re able, connect with a teacher to guide you and answer questions as they come up. Create a quiet space that feels good to you, maybe add some calming music or a candle, and let it be your little sanctuary. Most of all, trust yourself and be patient—these practices unfold naturally over time, and there’s really no right or wrong way to begin.
When someone’s uncertain or hesitant about Reiki, I like to highlight a few key points. I explain that Reiki is a gentle, energy-based practice that helps bring the body, mind, and spirit back into balance. You don’t have to believe in anything specific for Reiki to work. Reiki fosters relaxation of your nervous system so your body can focus on healing itself. I usually compare it to how we naturally place our hands on an area that hurts or how we feel calmer in the presence of someone with a soothing energy—it’s that same idea, Reiki is just more intentional. I always encourage people to stay curious and open, and remind them it’s okay to ask questions or take what resonates and leave the rest. You don’t have to fully understand Reiki to benefit from it; sometimes the best way to get a feel for it is simply to experience it.
One of my favorite wellness “tools” is nature. Just stepping outside, feeling the sun on my skin, walking barefoot on the earth, or listening to the wind in the trees instantly helps me feel grounded and reconnected. Most mornings when I arrive at work, I’ll park near the trees and take a moment to step onto the grass, center myself, and set my intention for the day. On the way home, I like to use sound to clear my energy—I'll often sing or tone in the car to release any lingering tension and bring myself back into balance.
Another tool I use often is a pendulum, especially when I have questions or need clarity. It’s a simple way to connect with my inner knowing and build confidence in my intuition. I find it especially helpful when my mind feels cluttered or I’m overthinking—it gives me a moment to pause, tune in, and shift into a more intuitive space. Over time, this practice has helped me trust my inner guidance more fully, whether I’m making everyday decisions or tuning into energy during a Reiki session. It’s a tool I return to often when I want to feel more aligned and connected to myself.
And then there's journaling—my go-to for just about everything. It’s a creative outlet, a gratitude practice, a space for goal setting, and a container for planning healing rituals and more! It’s become an essential part of my self-care routine. I love sitting with pen and paper in the morning and spending some time reflecting. Honestly, wellness tools don’t need to be complicated—have fun exploring what resonates with you. Even the simplest tools, used with your intention, can make a big difference in how you move through your day—helping you feel more grounded, present, and connected to yourself.
We’re so grateful to Kelly for sharing her journey, wisdom, and heart-centered insight with us. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how science and intuition can come together to create meaningful healing experiences.
If you’d like to experience Reiki for yourself, we invite you to schedule a session with one of our practitioners—or join us for an upcoming meditation or wellness class to explore even more ways to nurture balance and connection in your own life.
