Susan Averett, MA, MSW, Reiki Master

formerly Susan Averett Lee

biography

Susan Averett, MA, MSW, Reiki Master, teaches Reiki classes monthly at The Sanctuary, and at other locations, as her schedule permits. She also sees individuals privately for Reiki sessions, as well as running women’s spirituality groups. She has been practicing Reiki since 1992, and teaching it since 2004.

Susan teaches Reiki from a mostly traditional standpoint, having taken Levels One and Two from Reiki Master Fran Brown, who was a student of Hawayo Takata (who brought Reiki to the west). Susan took her Reiki Master Teacher training from Jeanine Sande, who is a more eclectic Reiki Master, and so she also incorporates additional contemporary techniques into her classes, as well as drawing upon her many years of spiritual training with Native American teachers, and a variety of other spiritual practices and programs.

An experienced social worker, counselor, workshop facilitator & coordinator, Susan is also a Transpersonal Therapist ordained through the Association for the Integration of the Whole Person. She has trained with the Centre for Living with Dying & incorporates grief therapy into her work.

Susan has Masters Degrees in both Counseling and Social Work, and a Bachelors degree in Art Education. She was honored during the summer of 2000 to be chosen for a two-week fellowship to the Vallecitos Mountain Refuge in Taos, New Mexico, to rejuvenate & revision with other community activists from around the country. It was there that she realized her vision of opening a spiritual center, and in 2001, The Sanctuary opened for business, with the intention of helping create conscious community, as well as a sacred space to practice the healing arts.

Susan is also Executive Director of RotaCare Bay Area, a non-profit agency that oversees nine free medical clinics in the greater Bay Area, open to those who have no medical insurance. For more info about RotaCare, please call (408) 779-2775 or go the their website. Susan enjoys spending time in nature, coordinating & participating in ceremonial, cultural, and community events, mentoring, and volunteering with local organizations. She lives in San Martin, California with her partner, Erick, who facilitates support groups. Susan has one daughter, Ariana, now in college.

Susan’s book

Susan’s book (under name Susan Averett Lee), The Ways of Spirit: 30 Visionaries Share Philosophies, Paths & Practices was first released in 2000, and was re-released by Galileo Publishing in 2003. This inspirational anthology features the spiritual journeys of women & men from around the country, representing many cultures, traditions, faiths & perspectives. It is available through booksurge.com, and can also be ordered from amazon.com.

Susan was featured in Common Ground Magazine, Winter 2000/2001 in “On the Path,” and has been interviewed by local radio stations & newspapers. Other written work includes “Light of the Spirit,” a compilation of poetry from women associated with The Sanctuary, a peer helping curriculum, a youth leadership curriculum, and two theses. She has also written & published several newsletters.

Susan may be contacted at email, or by phone at (408) 838-4847.