About Us . . .

 

Susan Bakaley Marshall, MPS, ATR

Susan Bakaley Marshall has a master’s degree from Pratt Institute and is a registered art therapist by the American Art Therapy Association, and a shamanic healing practitioner. For over 25 years she has maintained an active studio as an artist and a private art therapy and shamanic healing practice specializing in trauma recovery, end of life and loss and grief issues with a spiritual focus.

Susan was the creative arts therapist consultant for MaineGeneral Hospice Program for 12 years, offering art and music experiences in people’s homes and nursing facilities, and has also provided trainings and workshops for the Maine Arts and Hospice Project.

She has previously worked as a licensed clinical counselor at several community out-patient agencies and the public school system, in conjunction with offering art and play psychotherapy from young pre-schoolers to adults.

Susan is passionate about sharing and experiencing with others the creative spark we all hold within, enabling us to live richer and fuller lives.

 

Chris Marshall, MA, Ph.D

Chris Marshall is professor emeritus of anthropology at Unity College. He’s worked with musicians in the Balkans and Native American artists in Maine, and taught a generation of college students about human ecology through archeology and looking at the landscape. He has graduate degrees from Indiana University and Cornell. Chris is passionate about the way music and dance give voice to myth, ritual, and symbol around the world.

Together Susan and Chris have offered shamanic healings and classes to hundreds of people for over 25 years. They have trained with Michael Harner, renowned for his reintroduction of shamanism to the West, and had years of experience with traditional masters of kabbalah and modern teachers of contemporary shamanism. Both are members of the Society for Shamanic Practitioners and the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. Susan is a graduate of the Foundation’s Three Year Program.

Their work includes a deep connection to spirits of the land, place and weather, in the traditions of shamanism, mindful contemplation, and therapeutic practice. Organic gardening, growing and storing their own food and making plant medicine for their family use have been part of their lifestyle for over 35 years.