About Spiral Healing Liberation
We call ourselves Spiral Healing Liberation. Spiral in recognition of the fact that our bodies are not linear; that our healing isn’t linear. Both are shaped in spiraling ways. Spiral is also the shape of my magic. Liberation speaks to the fact that our bodies have been oppressed and our relationship to our bodies has been disconnected through oppressive paradigms. Regaining connection to our bodies is an act of liberation.
Hi! I’m Kaeri Schaefer (she/her).
Health liberator, body interpreter, and embodied medicine guide.
My work and healing philosophies have grown and developed through my diverse training and experience. I bring together an MD from the University of Wisconsin, a board certification in Family Medicine, training in functional medicine from the Institute of Functional Medicine, craniosacral and osteopathic training from Carol Gray and Christopher Frothingham DO, and the learning I've gained through my own healing journey. I continue to work on better understanding the effects of colonialism on our medical system, with guidance from the courses of Dra. Rocio Rosales Meza.
Most of what I use in my practice of the art of medicine I didn’t learn in medical school or residency. My most important teachers have been my kids and the many amazing humans who have trusted me to support them in their healing journeys.
I rejoice in my identity as a magical, queer, cis-womyn. I dance through life as a mama to two amazing kids, a loving wife, and human to two fur babies. I live in an intentional community alongside two other families in SE Portland. I aim to honor my natural momentum and deliberately build a schedule which is generative, spacious, and nourishing. I feel healthiest when I
incorporate nature into my everyday experience, and I feel whole when my days leave me grounded and radiant. I am grateful to have the opportunity to tend and be held by several large trees in my home and work environment. I have the incredible privilege of visiting the Central Oregon Coast on a frequent basis, and rejoice in the ability to bask in the healing power of forest and beach with ease and close proximity. ((Many of the photos shared throughout this site are from that magical place.))
Embodied Medicine aims to truly integrate western/allopathic medicine, herbalism, functional medicine, craniosacral therapy, osteopathic manipulation and somatic processing.
This approach to medicine honors each supported person by holding space for their humanity, trusting the truth of their embodied experience, and remembering their individuality. I honor others’ healing by continuing to bravely step into mine with depth and vulnerability.
I fully believe that we can change the fear-based medical system when we as individuals (both providers and those receiving care) bring trust and our bodied experience into these settings. I focus my work on helping individuals and small groups find ways to connect into and understand their body communications ("symptoms") and move towards trust in their body's wisdom. I love to support other providers in making shifts that will help change their relationships to the system and thus, over time, change the system itself.
This is my heartwork and I rejoice in partnering with you on your healing journey.
Linds (she/her/elle)
Branching Support
Healing human, musician, partner, kitty mom, accessible hiker, and wellness advocate. I offer daily support for Dr. Kaeri and Spiral Healing Liberation, and you may even receive the occasional newsletter from me.
I worked in various pharmacy and clinical settings for 12 years and more recently served in public health and care coordination. I cherish these experiences and the many things I learned along the way. However, these settings did not exactly hold for my unique wellness and mobility, nor the wonderful people working in, engaging with, or receiving care within them. This is just one of many reasons I am so grateful to be a part of Spiral Healing!
I align with and deeply value our work, particularly on embodied agency in medical settings and growing knowledge and relationship with the community that is our body. Advocacy and space holding are truly my heart. I love being behind the scenes and feel extra gratitude to support our live, virtual offerings. I continue to learn so much about my own body and healing in these gatherings, not just from Dr. Kaeri but from all who gather. Totally a bonus! I'm beyond grateful to support Dr. Kaeri and this beautiful community.
Carl (he/him)
Grounding Support
I enjoy my role supporting Spiral Healing. I help with technology aspects and have been editing and publishing Kaeri's pre-recorded videos and audios to aid with and expand the accessibility of this work.
As Kaeri's partner in life and love, I am honored to play a role in helping ensure she is nourished in many ways, enabling Kaeri to continue to show up to this work that she so deeply loves and feels called to do.
When not focusing on Spiral Healing support I may be working with the board of Friends of Timberline or the board for Healthy Living Community. You can also find me hiking or enjoying board games.
Canopy (She/her)
Holder of Our Space
Hi, I'm Canopy (she/her). I help Kaeri hold the space for her 1:1 healing work. We’ll meet when you come to do hands-on healing in person. I am built to help us be in connection with nature during our healing process, while staying well held, warm in the cold seasons, and honored in privacy.
I was intentionally created with moving walls and windows so there would be options and choice integrated into your experience. I am pleased to be thoughtfully tended to and considered a collaborator in the healing journeys that I help support.
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Beech Nut Tree (she/they)
Elder & Loving Witness
I am a beautiful, old and wise member of the support team. I stand with grace, intention and trust bringing the gift of my medicine to the healing which occurs below and around me.
I am next to Canopy and together we help hold the space and nature connection to facilitate deep and sustainable healing.
Laurel (she/her)
Greeter & Emotional Care
You'll sometimes see me joining for the healing sessions. I like to greet people when they arrive and will generally spend most of the session sitting outside the space keeping watch.
Occasionally, if you're okay with me doing so, I'll come into Canopy to say hi. I consider myself a healing caregiver to my family and the people Kaeri invites here for support. Belly rubs are my favorite thing, please feel free to offer me one if you see me in person.
Izzy (she/her)
Cuddly Keeper of Boundaries
I am a frequent visitor to the virtual gatherings, especially when Kaeri is guiding meditations and grounding. You may also meet me if you visit the bathroom during an in person session.
I love pets and snuggles...in my own space and time. Like many cats, I am a great model for personal choice and boundaries.
