About  Dee

My life is a commitment to well being – a journey of movement from listening to others tell me…who I am, what I should do and numbing down my own self-expression to the point of dis-ease (cancer)…to a journey of self-discovery of how to be well. The HeartMath® System gives me access to deep connection, self-love, self-care and love of others…access to my own inner knowing. Practicing these quick and simple tools has me experience more peace that I ever knew was possible. I have a deep desire to share these tools with anyone who wants this access – this is the work I do.

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I am a Wellness and HeartMath® Certified Coach, nurse, and cancer “thrivor”. My life experience has created in me a passion for and commitment to well being. I began my work in the healing arts in 1968 upon receiving a BSN Degree from UNC Chapel Hill, and later received a MA Degree in Adult Education from Appalachian State University. I worked for over 37 years as a Registered Nurse and Educator. In my career as a nurse, I have been the coordinator for two community college nursing programs, director of nursing for a local community hospital, coordinator of a local hospice program and practice manager for a physician practice.

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My personal experience includes being a cancer “thrivor” since 1991, during which time I became a life-long student of alternative/ complimentary approaches to health and wellness. Through my own healing process, I developed a deep awareness of the profound relationship between the body, mind, and spirit in maintaining health and well being.

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I began my wellness coaching work in 2004, fulfilling a dream that unfolded as a result of my personal journey to wellness. I have completed the “Specialty Training in Wellness Coaching Course” through the Institute for Life Coach Training and am a Certified Wellness Inventory Coach. I also served for three years as a lead coach for a life success coaching company. Currently, the focus of my work is HeartMath® ~ coaching and training people to de-stress their system, access their heart’s intelligence and thus enhance their well being. I walk the talk by participating with coach mentors to assure my own continued personal growth and development.

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I am also committed to the well-being of my community. The primary focus of my volunteer work has been in the area of breast health education since 1994 when I joined the Southern Appalachian Leadership Initiative Against Cancer (SALIC) and started the Ashe County Women’s Cancer Support Group. I received the 1997 Volunteer of the Year Award in Ashe County for my work in this area. Prior to establishing my own wellness business, I was employed as the Project Manager for the Blue Ridge Cancer Coalition, a five-county coalition with the purpose of “saving lives through cancer education and prevention”. I am a graduate of the Ashe County Leadership Challenge and a member of the local Chamber of Commerce.

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Family is important to me and I and enjoy a wonderful relationship with my husband who has been a true blessing in my life, and a great relationship with my son’s family and three grandchildren. I am grateful for the privilege of working out of my home office in the North Carolina mountains. I am involved actively in my church. For fun, I enjoy playing with our amazing canines, nature walks in the mountains, rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and restful get-a-away weekends at B&Bs and special secluded places.

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To have a conversation for possibility, contact Dee Petersen, HeartMath® Certified Coach, at dpetersen1946@gmail.com