Our Team

Aimee Halpin, Instructor

With a background in teaching children, writing and social media marketing, Aimee’s approach to yoga honors self-study. Through a series of events, Aimee came back to yoga after being away for a while. Pain brought her back to her mat and she fell in love with restorative yoga. Regaining strength and courage to take her practice deeper, she completed her 200-hour RYT Vinyasa teacher certification in June of 2015, and her yoga for pain and arthritis in the fall of that year. In Aimee’s classes you will find a spirit of perseverance, a dose of inspiration, and perhaps even a laugh or two.  Aimee’s hope is that together you can break through the boundaries that are holding you back.  Not just in life, but mentally as well.  One of her favorite quotes is “It takes so much courage just to start.”  Don’t be afraid to try something new because you never know how it will turn out. 

Alice McAdory, PhD, Instructor & Admin & Client Support

When Alice took her first yoga class, she became passionate about the practice. She quickly noticed physical, mental and spiritual changes. She really enjoys seeing how yoga transforms and enriches lives. Her classes are enjoyable, and students leave feeling renewed and happy. Alice is always searching for new and interesting ways to improve the class experience for students. She is excited and honored to share the joy of the practice of yoga at Pointe Wellness Center.

Bethany Caddell, Instructor

Bethany discovered her love for yoga in college in 2007. And since then has been eager to grow in her knowledge of this holistic and inclusive practice. She has been driven by the truth that yoga should be accessible to everyone within their level of mobility. She received her RYT 200 in 2012 with the Hot Yoga Massage Studio in Newport News. And then went on to complete her RYT 500 with Zenya Yoga Academy in 2023. She has studied a variety of methods for people of all ages including methods for expectant mothers and has been devoted to teaching since 2012. 

Breeze Cross, Licensed Massage Therapist

Breeze Cross is a Licensed and Board Certified Massage Therapist. She graduated from the Institute of Health and Healing in 2002. Breeze has 19 years experience working in several environments from luxury spas to rehabilitation therapy clinics. 

Using a holistic and healing approach, she focuses on the mind/body/spirit perspective and accommodates to the individual needs of each client. Breeze loves how massage helps to quiet the mind and bring awareness to the body and believes massage therapy is an essential part in overall health and well-being. She enjoys working in conjunction with other health practitioners to help clients reach the best therapeutic results. 

Breeze uses a combination of massage techniques and manual therapy to provide pain relief from sore muscles, increase flexibility, promote relaxation, improve circulation, and injury prevention. She is skilled in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, joint mobilizations, and trigger point release. She incorporates these modalities to achieve a balance and integration of mind, body and spirit to enable the experience of peace and healing. 

Dr. Cecilia “Cee” Bueno, Ph.D, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Cecilia "Cee" Bueno is a highly experienced psychotherapist with a distinguished career spanning over two decades, primarily focused on serving military personnel and first responders. With a deep-rooted passion for guiding individuals towards rediscovering their authentic selves, Cee has honed her expertise in a diverse range of therapeutic modalities. She is adept in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), utilizing this evidence-based therapy to help clients process traumatic experiences and alleviate distressing symptoms. In addition to EMDR, Cee is skilled in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based approach that empowers individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values. This holistic method enables her clients to cultivate psychological flexibility and lead more fulfilling lives. Furthermore, Cee incorporates Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy into her practice, recognizing the intricate dynamics within individuals' internal landscapes. By facilitating exploration and healing of internal conflicts and parts, she assists clients in achieving greater harmony and integration within themselves. Cee's dedication to her clients goes beyond traditional therapy approaches; she fosters a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to embark on their journey of self-discovery and transformation. Her profound empathy, coupled with her extensive experience and versatile therapeutic toolkit, has earned her the trust and admiration of those she serves.

Claudette Wullert, Licensed Acupuncturist

Claudette began her journey with acupuncture many years ago when she learned it could help with her arthritis pain and migraines. After experiencing great relief from these symptoms she realized that studying this medicine was the path for her. She enrolled in the Eastern School of Acupuncture in Bloomfield New Jersey and it was here that she really learned how to treat people naturally and holistically. She loved the idea that many health issues could be treated with acupuncture without risk of side effects from medication and that it works with your body's own natural healing ability. She embraces each patient as a unique individual and loves learning about each one. She has been practicing for the last 10 years and is always amazed at the depth this modality of healing has to offer people. In her spare time she practices Tai Chi and Chigong, loves reading and spending time with her family.

Gina Connors, Instructor & Holistic Health Coach

Gina began practicing yoga to manage stress and, quickly fell in love with the way yoga created a calmness that she was able to cultivate long after a practice. She practiced for three years and was fascinated by the philosophy of yoga and how much her practice was impacting her life. She waned to learn more so she completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification, and continued on to complete her 300 hour certification. She is also a barre instructor and loves to teach different kinds of wellness workshops. Her teaching style is detailed, fun, and creative with a focus on connecting movement to breath. She loves creative sequences, and focuses on the basic foundation of yoga. Gina hopes her classes will create the calmness she fell in love with and is living her dream by sharing her passion of yoga.

Jamie Albano, Instructor & Personal Trainer

After raising 2 wonderful daughters and running a family business, Jamie Albano found herself back in fitness for stress management. What she gained was so much more… a better way to live. She now rejoices in sharing that through whatever type of fitness her clients love. She teaches everything from cardio weight lifting, barre, spin, HIIT to yoga. She uses her dance background with yoga training to help clients move with proper alignment, learning to adjust to their bodies. Her true passion is helping clients find a peaceful life from the inside and then bringing that to their physical body. When not helping others she has many loves…from spending time with her husband and family (especially her grandson), to golfing, boating, gardening, and traveling to learn about other cultures. Sharing positive energy and helping all to exhale and let go of all that does not serve them – is her life’s love.

Dr. Jennifer McCord, MD, IFMCP, Functional Medicine Physician

Dr. McCord was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Go Blue!). After graduating with a BA in English from Williams College, she moved to Washington, DC, and worked at the American Psychological Association. It wasn’t until she spent four years using my English major skill set that she realized she needed something more fulfilling. She decided to return to school to study medicine, with the intention of taking a more holistic approach in my practice.

Dr. McCord completed her pre-med studies at Bryn Mawr and received her MD from Brown University Medical School. In 2001, she moved to Newport News with her husband and two sons for residency at Riverside and to be near family in Williamsburg. In 2004 she began as a family physician at Hampton Family Practice.

Dr. McCord had taken a conventional training path and practiced primary care for almost nine years when she finally began re-exploring integrative medicine approaches. The limited toolkit of mainstream medicine consisting of pharmaceuticals and surgery was not enough for her; she knew there was more to true “health care” than prescribing medications, which felt much more like “sick care.” When she learned about functional medicine, she was drawn to it intellectually as well. It is based on the scientific principles she had learned in medical school but goes much deeper to explore the underlying causes of illness and provides a hugely expanded toolkit for helping people improve their health.

Dr. McCord’s first functional medicine training course was life-changing. She knew that she had finally found the approach she was looking for, and never looked back. Dr. McCord is passionate about being able to educate and partner with patients in order to help them achieve better health and optimal wellness.

Dr. Jess Gray, Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Soul-Care Practitioner

Dr. Jess is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Soul-Care Practitioner of Shamanic Healing and Arts. She completed most of her formal education and training in psychiatric hospitals and inpatient/outpatient programs. Grateful for the knowledge and wisdom gained from that time, she knew that there was something more for her out there. Dr. Jess found the shamanic path in 2016; and, as a practitioner of shamanic soul-based care, has actively pursued different forms and modalities of spiritual studies and holistic healing since then.

Dr. Jess’s approach to healing specializes in weaving together comprehensive psychotherapy with the added perspective of shamanism. Working with her clients, she co-creates an environment built on mutual respect, trust, empathy, integrity, care, and compassion. All sessions are regarded with the utmost respect, reverence, and humility. Dr. Jess believes that everyone has the capacity for self-restoration of wholeness. She provides a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can learn to tap into their own wisdom, find their own voice, speak their own truth, and live an authentic life. Dr. Jess meets you where you are on your journey, follows your energetic flow, and helps you to claim your own divinity, stand in your sovereignty, and illuminate your path.

Dr. Jess has lived in the Tidewater area for three years with her significant other, three dogs, and two cats. She has a passion for nature and animals and recently completed the therapy dog certification program with her two Australian Shepherds.

John R. Thompson, MD

Dr. John R. Thompson received his medical degree from University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago. He is double Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine. He spent 26 years in solo practice and 9 years in government work before retiring from full-time in 2022. After over 2 decades as a small-town family doctor and years of caring for folks struggling with addiction and homelessness, he trained in Functional Medicine and now pivots to his passion for a more holistic approach.

Lisa Zimmerman, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Admin & Client Support

Lisa received her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech. Thirty years ago, after multiple miscarriages, she began studying nutrition and holistic approaches to optimize her chances of carrying a child to full term. Nine pregnancies later, she's a proud mother of three adult children. 

After dealing with other health issues, her healing journey continued through functional medicine books, podcasts, and MasterClasses. She continued her education by obtaining her certifications as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and mindbodygreen as a Functional Nutrition Coach. She is currently a Certified Metabolic Weight Loss Specialist student and plans on becoming a practitioner.

Lisa believes in bio-individuality, not a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness. Each person has unique health needs and deserves an evidence-based, whole-person approach to finding the root cause of their symptoms and illnesses. This involves looking closely at lifestyle factors such as stress management, sleep quality, physical activity, environmental influences, and toxins.  

Lisa is excited to help others learn how to choose clean ingredients in their food, body, and household products and find creative, individualized solutions to balance their blood sugar and hormones, optimize their metabolism, and increase their energy through simple nutritional and lifestyle habits. She enjoys spending time with her kids, reading, and hiking with her dog in her spare time. 

Lynn Luria, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Lynn is a licensed clinical social worker with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Lynn has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years and focuses primarily on working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma. She believes in engaging each client with an eclectic approach, based on their individual goals, strengths, preferences, and needs.

Among the therapies she uses most frequently are solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and EMDR. She believes in a collaborative and holistic approach to treating clients, working with other health care and wellness professionals and community resources to provide the most comprehensive treatment possible.

Melinda Sturgeon, Reiki Master

Melinda began her formal training as a Reiki Master a few years ago, but Reiki has always been a part of her life. Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion or religious practice. It is not massage nor is it based on belief or suggestion. It is a subtle and effective form of energy work using spiritually guided life force energy. Reiki is the life energy that flows through all living things. A Reiki session can help ease tension and stress and can help support the body to facilitate an environment for healing on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional. A session is pleasant and relaxing and is often utilized for one’s personal wellness. Melinda is an empathetic soul that is deeply rooted in Nature and a strong believer that healing comes from the heart. Her wish is that when you leave her session you feel peace, relaxation and aware that the healing is within you.

Patrizia Melega-Jones, CST Practitioner, Miracle Minded Coach, Instructor, & Admin & Client Support

Patrizia grew up in Europe and holds a Master in Visual Communication. She grasped the innate connection of spirituality and movement early in her life. She started her journey through dance and discovered Yoga while traveling India and Australia. She then explored further in several mind & body work modalities: became a Cranio Sacral practitioner, a 200hr Yoga and Black Belt Nia teacher, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Facilitator, and a Miracle Minded Coach under the tutelage of Marianne Williamson.

Patrizia offers (w)holistic, transformational coaching based on a combination of different mind-body-spirit techniques. She will support and guide you in creating a more fulfilling and compassionate relationship with yourself, getting unstuck and (re)discover, remember and be who you came here to be. It is not about changing who you are, but supporting you in harnessing the power of the wisdom you already hold within. Her mission is to inspire and empower people to take charge of their own health and happiness by tailoring personalized coaching package to her clients unique needs. There are many ways that Patrizia can help you, no matter where you are on your spiritual and physical healing journey.

Payal Vora, Instructor

Originally from India, Payal came the USA in 2002. It was her dad who introduced her to yoga in early childhood in India where she attended many workshops. Payal received her 200hr yoga certification in May 2024. She is also certified in meditation from Chopra IIN and in sound bath with crystal bowls as of March 2024. Payal is also a Reiki Practicer level-2 and has completed her certification in animal reiki level-1.

Payal enjoys the many benefits from yoga, meditation, sound bath and reiki and loves to share her knowledge with the this world. She volunteers at the Heritage Humane Society where she does sound bath and reiki for shelter animals. You also might find her at Williamsburg Sentara in the lobby doing sound bath or driving golf cart. In her free time, Payal loves drawing, reading, writing and spending time with her husband and two handsome boys and a very lovable fur baby.

Philip Burke, Licensed Professional Counselor

Phil is a licensed professional counselor with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and a Master of Science degree in mental health counseling from Capella University. He has worked with children, adolescents, adults and seniors in a variety of settings. His current focus involves providing individual and couples therapy, addressing a range of issues including depression, anxiety, anger management, impulse control, grief, domestic violence, trauma, and relationship issues. Phil integrates a range of counseling approaches to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy while maintaining a strong client-centered core.

Aside from his professional interests, Phil enjoys spending time with his wife, family and friends. Phil is also a recreational runner who promotes the physiological, psychological, social and emotional well-being that results from regular exercise, both individually, and by participating in various sport-related events and social gatherings.

Stacie Plantz, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Stacie’s journey began almost 14 years ago when her 2 year old was prescribed a medication for digestive issues and her husband was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. She learned all she could about improving digestion and made changes to the way her family ate. In the process, Stacie lost 35 pounds but most importantly felt better, younger and stronger. Stacie’s enthusiasm in the healing qualities of a whole foods diet translated into her passion for teaching and sharing what she knows with others.  She enrolled in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to further her education so she could help others feel better. 

Now with over 9 years of experience in integrative nutrition health coaching for individual clients, Stacie provides the expertise, support, information, and motivation you need to achieve and maintain your goals.  It is very important to Stacie that when clients complete their program, they have the tools and strategies in place to maintain it as a way of life. Stacie helps to make the changes as easy as possible to incorporate into your current lifestyle and make the process feel like a new adventure.  Stacie is excited to help her clients find a way of eating and living that makes them feel their best. She loves CrossFit, going for walks with friends, hiking, and biking.

Susan Fielding, Yoga Instructor

Wellness and health education have long been Sue’s work passion.  A graduate of James Madison University, she’s held multiple positions promoting healthy lifestyles in the metro DC area.  She and her husband recently relocated to Virginia.  They have three adult children who were born and raised in southern Maryland.

Sue became passionate about yoga after discovering that regular practice calmed her thoughts and relieved her chronic back pain.   She loves how yoga is both a work out for the body and a “work in” for the mind, and says that yoga has become a necessity for her life balance – along with faith, family, friends and wine!  She completed yoga teacher training in 2018, and then added TRX Yoga certification.  As an instructor Sue enjoys sharing positive energy and guiding others toward feeling better in their bodies and minds.  She enjoys teaching vinyasa flow, linking breath with movement.  She looks forward to guiding you through a practice that will increase balance, focus, strength and flexibility on your mat and in your life.

Terry Troyer, Licensed Professional Counselor

Terry Troyer has worked for over 25 years as a counselor, holds a MA in counseling from Regent University and has done post graduate work in Clinical Psychology.  He is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) and is a Certified Mediator.  Terry enjoys working with people of faith and helping them integrate their beliefs in a way that enhances their life and relationships.  Terry has served in the Marines, Navy and Army and works well with military members and their families, understanding the stress that military life brings with it.  Terry also comes with a wealth of work experience outside of counseling that he draws from and allows him to work effectively with others who have technical and complex jobs.  Terry has worked as a counselor with the Virginia Peninsula Community College at both Hampton and Williamsburg campus and enjoys exploring vocational options with people who are looking to find or change vocations.  Terry lives in Newport News with his wife and they have 5 grown children. He spends his off time wood working and traveling.