About Wendy Ladd
When Wendy was six years old, doctors had made house calls, which indirectly exposed her to the health care field when she helped a physician apply plaster to her grandmother’s back. This had planted a seed, so much so that by 14 years old, Wendy was working as a candy striper at the local hospital, where she filled water pitchers, delivered flowers, changed beds, fluffed pillows, and made people smile.
Nearing the end of high school, Wendy applied to a nursing program at Salem State College—the college at the end of her street and the only one she could afford—, but her efforts were met with a rejection letter.
She begged the admissions director to give her a chance and promised she would not let him or anyone else down. To her amazement, he said yes. And so her journey as a nurse began, starting all because someone believed in her.
Over the next 30 years, Wendy helped delivered hundreds of babies (a couple on her own) and taught classes in childbirth, diabetes, joint replacement, and health science technology. She was also known as the “second” mom to numerous elementary school students as a school nurse.
Yet, her love of nursing and devotion to her patients came at a price: exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, depression, and compassion fatigue. The healing touch of holding someone’s hand or knowing what they needed before they did, had been replaced by electronic medical records, increased patient load, and unhappy coworkers, including herself. The time she spent with her patients began to decrease as the paperwork and other demands increased. Eight-hour shifts turned into twelve, and day shifts turned into mandatory rotating shifts or all night shifts, which became too much for her and her family.
Knowing she had to find another way—a way that recognized the importance of taking care of herself just as much as taking care of others—, Wendy began to explore alternative methods of healing.
Now as a certified practitioner in Reiki, she’s able to heal patients on a deeper level, while also providing a comforting touch. Additionally, her experience as a health coach teaches her that people have all the answers within to heal and be successful. And Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) has allowed her to guide people (including herself) to unlock what is holding them back from living the life they truly desire.
These teachings also helped Wendy peel back the multiple layers of her own life—childhood trauma, growing up in an alcoholic family, domestic violence, more than one divorce, and being told she wasn’t smart enough, couldn’t sing well enough, wasn’t pretty enough, etc. Reiki, coaching, and AFT allowed her to release her past and finally realize, “It’s My Turn!”
Woman, mother, wife, daughter, nurse, teacher, giver…you name it, it’s YOUR turn!
Wendy’s goal is to help you feel happier in your heart as you discover the real you and live the life of your dreams.
Wendy resides on the coast of Maine with her husband Steven, step-daughter ,Tori, and their mini Australian Sheppard, Darby. She is a mother and stepmother to five kids and loves to spend time with her family. Wendy Co-founded Happier Hearts and volunteers at Maine Medical Center offering Reiki to patients, families, visitors, and staff. When not working or volunteering she spends time playing in her garden, dancing in her kitchen, eating delicious food, learning about essential oils, and collecting treasures from the beach.
Nearing the end of high school, Wendy applied to a nursing program at Salem State College—the college at the end of her street and the only one she could afford—, but her efforts were met with a rejection letter.
She begged the admissions director to give her a chance and promised she would not let him or anyone else down. To her amazement, he said yes. And so her journey as a nurse began, starting all because someone believed in her.
Over the next 30 years, Wendy helped delivered hundreds of babies (a couple on her own) and taught classes in childbirth, diabetes, joint replacement, and health science technology. She was also known as the “second” mom to numerous elementary school students as a school nurse.
Yet, her love of nursing and devotion to her patients came at a price: exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, depression, and compassion fatigue. The healing touch of holding someone’s hand or knowing what they needed before they did, had been replaced by electronic medical records, increased patient load, and unhappy coworkers, including herself. The time she spent with her patients began to decrease as the paperwork and other demands increased. Eight-hour shifts turned into twelve, and day shifts turned into mandatory rotating shifts or all night shifts, which became too much for her and her family.
Knowing she had to find another way—a way that recognized the importance of taking care of herself just as much as taking care of others—, Wendy began to explore alternative methods of healing.
Now as a certified practitioner in Reiki, she’s able to heal patients on a deeper level, while also providing a comforting touch. Additionally, her experience as a health coach teaches her that people have all the answers within to heal and be successful. And Aroma Freedom Technique (AFT) has allowed her to guide people (including herself) to unlock what is holding them back from living the life they truly desire.
These teachings also helped Wendy peel back the multiple layers of her own life—childhood trauma, growing up in an alcoholic family, domestic violence, more than one divorce, and being told she wasn’t smart enough, couldn’t sing well enough, wasn’t pretty enough, etc. Reiki, coaching, and AFT allowed her to release her past and finally realize, “It’s My Turn!”
Woman, mother, wife, daughter, nurse, teacher, giver…you name it, it’s YOUR turn!
Wendy’s goal is to help you feel happier in your heart as you discover the real you and live the life of your dreams.
Wendy resides on the coast of Maine with her husband Steven, step-daughter ,Tori, and their mini Australian Sheppard, Darby. She is a mother and stepmother to five kids and loves to spend time with her family. Wendy Co-founded Happier Hearts and volunteers at Maine Medical Center offering Reiki to patients, families, visitors, and staff. When not working or volunteering she spends time playing in her garden, dancing in her kitchen, eating delicious food, learning about essential oils, and collecting treasures from the beach.