Meet Our Team
At Balanced Being, we welcome everyone—from individuals simply seeking stress relief and better balance, to those navigating more complex challenges such as pain, anxiety, or unresolved trauma. Every session is personalized, helping you move toward greater resilience, well-being, and a renewed sense of wholeness.
Balanced Being, Inc. was founded in Olympia, Washington in 2000 with the vision of offering compassionate, integrated healing for people of all ages and backgrounds. Over the past two decades, we’ve grown into a trusted practice known for our expertise in CranioSacral Therapy, as well as a wide range of services that support the mind, body, and spirit.
Our practitioners bring extensive professional training and decades of combined experience to their work. Many also carry personal connections to military and first responder communities, which deepens our understanding of the effects of trauma, stress, and chronic pain. This unique blend of knowledge and empathy allows us to meet clients exactly where they are on their healing journey.
Kim Nedrow, LMT, BCTMB, CST-D
President, Clinical Director & Primary Therapist
Kim Nedrow is a nationally Board-Certified and Diplomate-Certified CranioSacral Therapist (CST-D) with more than 25 years of experience delivering integrative, trauma-informed care. She established Balanced Being Inc in 2009, laying the groundwork for a practice rooted in holistic healing and personalized care. In 2009, she founded the Association for Integrated Healing (AIH) to expand access to these vital services—particularly for military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families who often face barriers to care.
Her clinical expertise in CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release has been informed by meaningful collaborations with the Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury Council, the University of Washington’s Education in Rehabilitation program, and other statewide advisory groups focused on healing and recovery.
Kim’s approach centers on compassion, respect, and whole-person healing. She is widely sought after, with many clients traveling long distances each year to receive care. Her therapies have provided relief, renewal, and hope to thousands—including those coping with chronic pain, PTS(D), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
For donors and supporters, Kim’s work represents a high-impact, deeply human investment in community well-being. Through her leadership, AIH continues to expand access to integrative care for underserved populations. Her commitment to healing not only changes individual lives—it strengthens families, restores communities, and honors those who have served our country and our communities.
Fujio McPherson, DAOM, ARNP, EAMP, Dipl. L.Ac.
Advanced Registered Nurse & Acupuncturist
Lieutenant Colonel (U.S. Army, Retired) Fujio McPherson served with distinction in the United States military for 28 years and has continued his service for the past 20 years as a Nurse Practitioner in the Internal Medicine Clinic at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Dr. McPherson holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in Portland, Oregon.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. McPherson serves as a clinical preceptor for both nurse practitioner and acupuncture students and holds adjunct faculty appointments at the University of Washington, University of Portland, Saint Martin’s University, and Bastyr University. He has also contributed to the advancement of East Asian medicine through his service on the boards of the Washington East Asian Medicine Association and the Washington State Department of Health’s East Asian Medicine Advisory Board.
Dr. McPherson’s research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) includes published work on CAM utilization in military medicine, integrative approaches to treating anxiety disorders (featured in Alternative Therapies in Integrative Health and Medicine), and most recently, a study on health perceptions published in the Annals of Psychiatry and Mental Health.
Kathryn Lorz, LMHC, NCC
Mental Health & Wellness Provider
Kathryn “Katie” Lorz, NCC, LMHC, LPC is a licensed mental health counselor serving clients in Tacoma, Olympia, and online across Washington and Oregon. With over 20 years of experience in hospitals, crisis centers, and recovery programs, Katie is passionate about helping people heal before mental health struggles become overwhelming. She specializes in trauma-informed care, identity development, and relationship healing, particularly for women and men seeking to grow emotionally and strengthen meaningful connections.
Katie brings advanced training in Lifespan Integration (Level 4) and evidence-based therapeutic approaches that address both mind and body. Her practice is deeply client-centered, focusing on what works best for each individual to support long-term healing, self-trust, and empowerment. She is especially skilled in helping clients recover from relational trauma, toxic dynamics, and the impact of intergenerational wounds, always with a focus on restoring self-esteem and reconnecting with inner wisdom.
Katie believes therapy should lead to real, lasting change—and she’s committed to adjusting her approach to make sure you feel seen, supported, and truly better.
Melissa Seipel, LMT, Certified Health Coach
Manual Therapist & Movement Specialist
A U.S. Coast Guard Veteran and San Francisco Bay Area native, Melissa’s dedication to service and well-being informs a unique approach to healing. After a successful corporate career, she transitioned to health and wellness in 2008 as a certified Personal Trainer specializing in functional and restorative movement, focusing on clients recovering from injuries and surgeries. In 2014, she earned licensure as a Massage Therapist, broadening her manual therapy expertise.
Additionally, she is a certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, with an emphasis on bio-individuality, primary food, and multidimensional health. With over a decade of study in brain-based movement strategies and CranioSacral Therapy training since 2022, her work integrates manual therapy with movement practices grounded in compassion and respect for the body’s natural ability to heal.
Joining Balanced Being in 2023 allowed her to fulfill a long-standing goal of serving Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Her military background fosters personal connections with clients, enriching her work and deepening her commitment to their healing journeys.
Laura Herrick, LMT
Massage Therapist
With over 20 years of dedicated study and experience in health and wellness, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to her massage therapy practice. Originally from the Kansas City area, she has called Washington home since 1995 and has developed a deep appreciation for the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and the strong sense of community in Olympia.
Licensed as a massage therapist since 2019, Laura is known for her nurturing, calming presence and her client-centered care. She specializes in gentle injury treatment, pain and stress relief, and deep relaxation techniques designed to support the body’s innate ability to heal. Her goal is to provide a safe, restorative space where each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual.
Amber Taylor, LMT
Massage Therapist
Amber Taylor is a licensed massage therapist who has been dedicated to the art of healing since graduating in 2015 from The Cortiva Institute in Federal Way WA. Specializing in deep tissue, trigger point, and therapeutic body connection Amber excels at identifying structural tension and facilitating deep neuromuscular relief. Driven by a love for helping people, she prioritizes truly getting to know her clients to provide personalized, effective sessions and to better understand and help with the clients long-term wellness goals. When she isn't helping clients align and heal, Amber is a proud and devoted mom who can usually be found cheering on her two teenage daughters at their cheerleading events or out exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.
John Jackson, LMT, CST-D
CranioSacral Therapist
John Jackson is a Licensed Massage Therapist in the State of Washington. He graduated from Seattle Massage School in 1991 and opened a clinical massage therapy practice within a chiropractic clinic in 1992. He gained valuable experience, knowledge and skill working with doctors treating acute trauma and chronic pain patients. In 1993, he took his first CranioSacral Therapy class. In that class, he was introduced to the idea of light touch therapy, the philosophy behind it and the practical application of the modality. He immediately developed a broad appreciation for how to work with a patient’s inner wisdom via the central nervous system with all of its components. In2001, he left the Chiropractic world and dedicated his practice to continuing education and practice of CranioSacral Therapy and complimentary Advanced Manual Therapies.
Madelyn Vlas
Administrative Specialist
Madelyn Vlas serves as the heart of our operations at Balanced Being, bringing a unique blend of professionalism, compassion, and purpose to her role as Administrative Specialist. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensure the seamless flow of day-to-day activities, allowing our team to stay focused on delivering holistic care.
A proud graduate of Washington State University, Madelyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Her deep roots in the Pacific Northwest and her connection to service-oriented communities—shaped by her father’s career as a Lieutenant with the Seattle Fire Department—inspire her steadfast dedication to supporting those who serve and heal.
Madelyn’s life outside of work is centered around her greatest joy: her three children. Together, they share a love for the outdoors, often exploring the scenic beauty of the Pacific coast. She especially treasures the rare moments spent watching orca whales in their natural habitat.
Madelyn plays an essential role in ensuring that our mission is carried out with heart and integrity.
Sammy Clements
Administrative Specialist
Sammy Clements supports the heart of Balanced Being with a blend of dedication, intention, and genuine care. Her commitment to serving others helps create a warm, seamless experience for both clients and staff, helping the team remain centered on healing and meaningful care.
Her family’s history of service, including a veteran grandfather and an active-duty brother-in-law, continues to inspire her. Their example has shaped her deep appreciation for supporting the community and honoring each person’s healing journey.
Outside of work, Sammy’s heart is with her family. Her favorite moments are spent outdoors around their property with her husband, son, and their many animals. Those quiet, simple moments bring her a sense of connection, grounding, and purpose.
Sammy’s heartfelt dedication to others strengthens our mission every day, guiding her work with sincerity, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Dr. Mukti Khanna
Clinical Psychologist
Mukti Khanna, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist providing psychological services for mental and emotional health including EMDR, EMDR flash technique, energy psychology, person centered psychotherapy, somatic and expressive arts therapies from a strength-based perspective. Dr. Khanna also provides Ayurvedic lifestyle health counseling to support prevention and wellness.
