Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly McDermott-Burns . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Years ago as I was getting ready to retire from my tech job and move away, I attended a healing circle. The facilitator talked about the healing powers of Reiki then came to each of us in the circle. When she stood in front of me she asked, “Do you want to feel the hands of a healer?” Of course, I said “Yes!” I assumed she would do some hands-on-healing.
However, she took my hands and crossed them over my chest.
That awakened something within me, but I was busy moving and settling in. A couple of years later my dad passed and I was struggling. Reiki crossed my path again and I dived right in!

Kelly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In 2000, I retired early from my work as a contractor in printed circuit board design. My husband was retiring from his job, and we left our busy lives in Maryland and moved to rural Vermont. I was already a spiritual seeker by this time and life in a quiet town in the Green Mountains suited me well. After settling in, I began learning meditation and then seeking out info on different healing modalities. Eventually, I found a Reiki class and I was hooked! In 2006 I created HeartSong Reiki, offering sessions and classes. However, I was looking for ways to bring the healing power of Reiki to my community. I was interested in working with hospice and took the training to become a hospice Reiki volunteer. That work has always been so incredibly rewarding and I continue to volunteer for the organization. My connections there also led to my starting the first Reiki program in our regional medical center. Over the years I have taught Reiki for the hospital and hospice volunteers and staff and have spoken to many organizations about the benefits of Reiki.
Animals are my passion and I wanted to find a way to support them with Reiki, too. I began my Animal Reiki training in 2008 with the focus on bringing Reiki to shelters. I have been on the board of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association since its beginning in 2009. I have traveled the world bringing the Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki to the animals and their caregivers in shelters, rescues and sanctuaries. I have trained staff and volunteers and supported Reiki programs in local shelters.
Today, I offer classes/mentoring in traditional Japanese Reiki and the Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki as developed by Animal Reiki Source. I’m a licensed online Let Animals Lead® teacher and a Teacher of Excellence. I am also a certified meditation teacher.
In addition to classes, I provide in person and distant Reiki sessions for people and animals.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My training in Reiki was through a couple of different lineages. Local practitioners were also from these lineages. There came a time when I was looking for training that was more in alignment with my ideals. Less “woowoo”. I came across a Reiki school that was teaching Reiki from the traditional Japanese perspective and fell in love with this way of practicing. I still study in this lineage today. Unfortunately, the only people I knew who were doing this Reiki practice were all out of state. I felt the need for support from a community, so I created a group practice on Free Conference Call. It was challenging, but worth it! Over the years I have built a community and now hold in-person Reiki Shares and online virtual practices and support groups.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I’ve always believed that giving back is an important part of what I do. I do that through volunteer work and donations/fundraisers for shelters and sanctuaries. This is the best way to make connections locally and word of mouth is what really brings people to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heartsongreiki.com
• Instagram: @heartsongreiki
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartsongreikiandheartsongforanimals/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mcdermott-burns-a1434221
• Youtube: @heartsongreikikellymcdermo4463