Curandera

The former administrator of a psychiatric partial hospitalization program, Grace has been in private practice as an energy healer and teacher since 1993.

Born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, she is of mixed heritage, Mexican/Yaqui (Yoeme). Deeply influenced by the healing work of her aunt, a curandera, and an uncle who was a well-known bonestter, she has also studied with indigenous healers from Baja California as well as the United States. Her principal training is with Yaqui/Lacandon Maya Medicine Man, Tezkalci Matorral Kachora of Mexico. In May 2006, she was privileged to attend the gathering of the 13 International Indigenous Grandmothers Council in Huautla de Jimenez, Oaxaca, Mexico.

As an agent of change and healing in the public arena, Grace actively participates in the social and political activities of Imperial Valley, California and San Diego, California.

She is the founder of MANA of Imperial Valley which promotes advocacy and leadership of Latinas and is a 1993 Fellow of the National Hispana Leadership Institute, a collaborative leadership project with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Grace also serves as a public relations consultant and has had diverse leadership roles in community outreach and social action programs, helping organize grass-roots advocacy groups. She has presented at various educational institutions on leadership and social advocacy.

A humorous and inspiring speaker, she has lectured on Curanderismo at the University of Southern California - San Diego Medical Anthropology Department, San Diego State University's School of Social Work and other institutions.

She is Adjunct Professor at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona where she teaches "Exploring Native American Medicine Ways: Learning from, and honoring, Indigenous Healing Traditions."

Grace travels extensively and lives in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains with her husband, Ken Cohen. Their blended family includes three beautiful daughters and five grandsons. She is available for consultation and lectures.