Paula is the Senior Director of Integrative Health and Wellbeing for the YMCA of the North, a leading non-profit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. She is responsible for overseeing the integration of the organization’s wellbeing vision into its operations and is an advisor on the philosophy of whole-person wellbeing when the organization is establishing new products, programming, and services. She also manages the day-to-day operations of the George Wellbeing Program, ensuring services and programs meet the needs of the guests, members, and community.

Paula joined the Y as the Manager of Integrative Health and Wellbeing for George Wellbeing. In this role, she helped connect individuals with evidence-based, holistic healing practices that reduce stress and improve health outcomes while fostering self-care and community. Prior to joining the Y, Paula held leadership roles across a range of industries, spanning retail, international business development, and health and wellness. After years of working in Corporate America, she decided to pursue her dream of serving as a Peace Corps volunteer where, as President of the Gender Equality committee, she championed gender equity. For three years, she learned indigenous healing modalities from shamans and “curanderos” in the villages of Peru. This powerful experience led her to embark on a deeper healing journey toward whole-person wellness and, ultimately, a new career in integrative health and wellbeing.

Following her graduation from St. Catherine University with a master’s degree in Holistic Health Studies, Paula continues to pursue alternative healing practices through energy and sound healing, breath work, and mindful movement. Her experiences as a Reiki Master and End-of-Life Doula have enabled her to work closely with patients in Palliative Care and educate medical professionals on the impact of these practices. As a Colombian native, Paula also advocates for community well-being within culturally and economically diverse populations, while promoting integrative care practices and helping reduce health disparities. She is committed to improving health and well-being for all while promoting health equity in an empathetic, respectful, and compassionate manner.

Credentials

  • Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies
  • INELDA End of Life Doula
  • Sound Healing with Crystal Bowls
  • Holy Fire III Karuna Reiki Master
  • Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master Teacher
  • Healing Touch