Karen Ball
Director of Success
When asked why I chose reflexology as my life’s path, I have always responded with “I didn’t. It chose me.” But when I dive deeper into the question, I discover something even more compelling about my relationship with reflexology. In hindsight of course, it all makes sense.
In the earlier 1980’s, I left a successful career in Canada in the performing arts and entertainment industries (PR, event production and artist management), and was helping to run a health food store. I was considering opening one myself and had wisely decided it might be a good idea to work in one first!
I was exploring the idea of owning a health food store because I had identified strong interests in how what I put into my body, whether through food, thoughts or other stimulus, affected my mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health.
I was studying nutritional counseling and herbology (with the late Dr. John Christopher), as well as other body-based health approaches; was practicing yoga seriously; studying the relationship of the chakras and elements on human and world health; running miles every day on the shore of Lake Ontario; and was very deeply involved in a formal spiritual practice. Weaving my life around a health food store seemed like the logical place in which to tie all my interests together.
One day, I was approached about an upcoming training being offered by the Reflexology Association of Canada, and I said “Why not?” By that time, I had realized that retail was not for me and was once again on a search for “what to do with my one wild and precious life”.
And so, the next couple of years rolled along. I completed my studies with the Reflexology Association of Canada, earned my national certification, and opened a practice in Toronto, Ontario offering reflexology and nutritional and herbal counseling.
In 1985, I decided to pursue training as a teacher of reflexology. As part of my training I was required to teach two systems of the body. I chose the digestive and endocrine systems.
Fast forward to the current day, and I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I just realized the connection between reflexology and nutrition. What we eat obviously influences our health; and reflexology supports the body’s ability to actually digest what we take in. Duh. It does make sense. Fortunately, some wise and unknown part of myself realized that and steered me in the right direction!
On a little bit different take on my professional history, I must confess to being a bit of a communication “junkie”, having immersed myself over the years in a variety of formal and self-regulated studies.
For as long as I can remember, I have longed to express myself more authentically and learn how to better navigate emotionally charged situations. Despite a childhood environment that taught me to keep my thoughts and opinions to myself (especially oppositional ones), I have always believed that there must be a way to respectfully engage with others so that both parties end up feeling good about themselves and the conversation.
Over the years, I have immersed myself in a variety of approaches to emotional, mental and spiritual health, including a 2-year professional training in Gestalt Therapy. I have devoted a significant amount of formal study at the Option Institute, where I learned to help first myself, and then others, in identifying and changing beliefs that limit the ability to function optimally in life. Most recently, I have loved integrating SAVI into my life, a very successful, non-judgmental system for analyzing verbal interactions between people.
My ongoing and passionate interest in the exploration of belief systems and their profound effect on peace and happiness is what drives me in all that I do, how I relate to others and my own self-talk. Discussions on beliefs, empowerment, boundaries, ethics, choices – they all show up in what I offer through the Academy. You’ve been warned!
Credentials, Professional Memberships & Other Such Nonsense:
certified Reflexology practitioner (Canada)
certified Reflexology teacher (Canada)
Florida-licensed massage therapist MA9943
nationally-board-certified reflexologist ARCB-BOO238 (USA)
certified reflexology educator NCRE 0013 (USA)
certified aromatherapist
continuing education provider for ARCB (P00121), NCBTMB (027030-00), FL-BOMT (50-1131), GA-BOMT (50-1131), RAC
member: Reflexology Association of America (RAA), Florida Association of Reflexologists, International Council of Reflexologists (ICR)
In the summer of 2017 I completed a term as the President of the Reflexology Association of America, having earlier served as the vice-President and chair of the Education, PR and Technology committees. I am currently busy having founded the Florida Association of Reflexologists and serving as its first President.
Hi Karen!
I just took a moment to read thru your background (and some of the other amazing gals working with you! Impressive!). Thanks for sharing that; I loved reading it. It’s really neat to learn more how people get to where they are and particularly the evolution, how they listen to themselves and navigate their journey. Very nice!
Looking forward to reconnecting sometime — who knows when or where, but it’s bound to happen!
Have a great day – loving your energy and words of wisdom!
Cheerio
Thanks for making contact Karena, and for your comments. I do have a great team; very, very lucky. I’m sure our paths will cross again – I’m in conversation right now with Carol about returning later this year.
Karen, I’m a grad of RAC too, since 2012. Are you coming into or near Wpg soon with your course on Foot Pain? I see so many people for it, I’d love some formal training.
You can view my page at gloriasreflexology.ca
Hi Gloria. I think a return visit to Winnipeg would be a good idea. It’s been a few years since I’ve taught there. I’ll make some inquiries and see what I can get arranged. Sorry for the slow response; I only just now saw your comment.