Meet Kourtney O’Reilly | Spinal Energetics Practitioner & Wellness Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kourtney O’Reilly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kourtney, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have taken many risks in my life, not all the best decisions or my brightest moments lol, but I promise, I learned a valuable lesson from each one. The quote: “No risk, no reward” immediately pops into my head. I feel like risk taking is an integral part of life, really living and feeling alive! We get to do this thing called “life” one time. In my opinion, doing it without taking any risks seems like you’re not getting the most out of the experience. I understand that some people are more comfortable with risk than others. For me, I love the challenge, overcoming fear, taking the leap, and the excitement of a fresh start. In 2014, I opened up Local Roots Juice, a cold pressed juice bar inside The Cupcake Zoo. A juice bar in a cupcake shop?!? Yep…. We did that. I loved the exposure to something brand new and the wisdom I gained in that time. We can even look at this as a double risk – opening a business with a friend?!? Ultimately, this adventure came to an end and we are still the best of friends, grateful for every second. What some people might negatively look at as failure, I don’t. I look at it as an opportunity to say, well I tried something new and didn’t work out. What can I do differently next time, what did I learn, and how can I improve? Of course, It takes a minute to sit with our feelings and regain confidence. The fact that something we put our heart into didn’t work out the way it was planned, can sting initially. But getting back out there with enthusiasm is key. I am grateful for each tough life lesson and each success. We are not meant to be complacent. Life is a whole lot of reflecting, pivoting, and moving forward. We can learn so much about ourselves, build resilience, and create new opportunities when we look at life with fresh eyes and new perspectives.

Risk should be valued and looked at enthusiastically. I enjoy being an entrepreneur, having my own business, and taking chances. Jumping into the world of Spinal Energetics is thrilling to me and I am here for all of it! The reward is an honor and not to be taken lightly. Being a part of someone’s personal healing journey will always be worth the risk for me. Witnessing personal growth is a beautiful thing. This work is powerful and potent. It has been life changing for everyone involved. I am inspired every day by the people around me to keep learning and sharing this work.

Success is never linear and each time we take a risk, we have an opportunity to feel truly alive! Get out of your own way and take the leap, the net will always appear!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am very proud to be the ONLY Spinal Energetics practitioner in the state of Michigan. Spinal Energetics is one of the latest advancements in energy medicine. This work is a unique approach to nervous system care that focuses on the relationship between the spine and one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing by accessing the energetic field. Letting go of stress and past traumas stored in the body, releasing unprocessed emotions, and balancing the nervous system are just a few benefits of this work.

I have been on this path for many years. I started my career as a cardiac sonographer and loved the work and my patients for over 13 years. I began to transition into wellness in 2014 when I opened a cold-pressed juice bar, Local Roots Juice, downtown Kalamazoo. I worked really hard and learned a lot, but ultimately realized I would much rather work directly with people, so I went back to school to become a certified health coach in 2016. In 2017, I completed my yoga teacher training and started my education around helping people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. In 2019, I stepped out of the medical field completely and full time into health & wellness. In the years following, I dove into sound therapy, Thai yoga bodywork, became attuned to reiki master, and took my board exams to become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. In 2023, I was one of the 50 people chosen from the US to learn Spinal Energetics from Dr Sarah Jane, who is based out of Australia. Since returning from LA in May, things have felt like they are all falling into place. No force and all flow. I absolutely love this work and to witness the transformation in my clients is such an honor. So, as you can see, it hasn’t been a straight line….nothing ever is. I have overcome many challenges in my life and I believe that’s what makes me empathetic and relatable to my clients. I have been and always will be, heart centered. I have pivoted many, many times and learned so much along the way. I do firmly believe that everything in my life, up until this point, has prepared me for this work. The beauty of taking all the modalities I have trained in for years, coupled with the peaks and valleys of my life experience, and wrapping them into one special package is so fulfilling.

I would ask that people be open to new modalities of healing because they are very real and very powerful. We don’t ask that people believe in Spinal Energetics, but to actually experience it for themselves. Everything is energy – we are just energy in a physical form. Our nervous systems have been on overdrive for far too long, many of us living daily in fight or flight mode. How nice would it feel to turn that down? What’s meant for you will find you, and I’m hoping that if you’re reading this article, Spinal Energetics just found you.

Another big part of my life is teaching and connecting others, Each week, I teach at least 5 yoga classes between my office, Stryker, and Intentional Yoga. Creating community and connecting like minded individuals is my favorite thing to do….besides Spinal 😉 In 2019, I create an event called The Kollective. The Kollective is an online and in person platform for people (mostly women) to come together to share, learn, and grow. Speakers from all over the world have come through The Kollective. To date, over 60 speakers have gifted us with their knowledge and insight. Here are a few topics we have covered: Meditation, Self Care, Intuition, Plant Medicine, Relationships, Business, Addiction, Parts Work, Breath Work, Sound Healing, Astrology, Human Design, Ayurveda, EMDR, and so much more. We are continuously evolving into the next versions of ourselves and it helps when we can do it together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friends were here for the weekend, we would definitely hit up all the local coffee shops (Factory, Waterstreet, Somethings Brewing, Walnut & Park) along with the Victorian Bakery for some goodies. Dirty Chai lattes and almond croissants are the way to my heart currently. Crows Nest for breakfast ALWAYS! We would spend time outside, either going on a hike or walk around downtown Kalamazoo. I love Terrapin and Amy Zane! We would sweat out our afternoon at Intentional Yoga with a hot class before getting ready for the evening. Then, we would basically eat our way through Kalamazoo lol… Maru, Saffron, Kitchen 600, Shwarma King, Bold, Brick and Brine, Latitude 42… I could go on 🙂 I love food! If we wanted to go on a road trip, Linear in Grand Rapids is my favorite restaurant. If the weather allows, we would find an outdoor venue with live folky music. Otherwise, I’m pretty low key these days. I’d prefer a dark quiet vibey nook where we could catch up or a chill bonfire outside!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and 3 girls have always supported me in all of my endeavors! My close family and dearest friends have stayed along for the ride, no matter what I seem to get myself into, with endless support and so much love. 🙂 I cherish my office at Enlightened Counseling & Wellness and adore Elaine Bussema. A huge shoutout to her for giving me the opportunity to share my work and all my passions in this beautiful space. A big piece of my heart remains at Intentional Yoga, my home away from home. I have had the privilege of meeting many people over the years that have had a significant impact on my life, whether they know it or not. I believe that we don’t cross paths by accident. If we’ve ever met, I love you and thank you.

Website: www.kourtneyoreilly.com

Instagram: @thekollective108

Linkedin: Kourtney O’Reilly

Facebook: @thekollective108

Image Credits
Brea Oakes Photography