Today we’d like to introduce you to Dora Isbell.
Hi Dora, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a family where alternative medicine is a common way of life. I was brought up by a grandmother who could treat a cold with herbal remedies and soothe the nervous system with a candle and prayer, holistic alternatives became the path I chose to help my daughter—who showed signs of deep depression at age nine—and my husband, whose chronic sinus infections would sideline him for weeks every winter. My husband was the first to believe I could help others through reflexology after he experienced a session with a friend. His intuition led him to suggest I take the training, never knowing that this path would be transformational not only for me but for everyone around me.
As I began practicing a modality often misunderstood by a Westernized mindset, I saw firsthand how reflexology could be intense for some while others hardly felt it. My passion for learning led me to study meridians, pressure points, energy, nutrition, crystals, Bach Flower remedies, and the deep connection between spirituality and the body.
After years of practicing and deepening my understanding of how the nervous and lymphatic systems impact overall well-being, yoga teacher training was the natural next step. I wanted to teach others three key principles I had learned as a reflexologist:
Safety: People need to feel safe for the nervous system to truly calm down.
Self-Awareness: We are overstimulated and must relearn how to reconnect with our bodies.
Empowerment: Once you are self-aware, you can regain your own power and make the changes you need to thrive.
Yogic philosophy organized the information I had gathered through books, podcasts, and classes. It gave me a consistent, affordable way to share these principles with my clients. I was also driven to provide those with limited mobility the opportunity to experience the deep benefits of yoga that I had experienced myself. All I needed was a space—and that is how I AM Holistic Services LLC was born.
Soon after we opened our doors, other practitioners joined us to carry the flag and share their passions with the St. Johns community. Today, we offer more than just reflexology and yoga. Our team includes:
Dr. Kathryn Petersen: Osteopathic Manipulative Services
Durinda Stewart: Acudetox and Hypnosis
Dr. Rosetta Kawauchi: Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Tess Miller & Mary Ablao: Sound Therapy
Sandra Wolfrom: Chair Yoga
We are a group of women passionate about serving others as we pursue our own healing journeys. I believe having alternatives in life is vital because the responsibility for our well-being resides within us. Once we discover that inner power, our choices lead to self-acceptance and growth. This work is more powerful when done in community—and that is exactly what we are all about
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In a society shaped by a Westernized mindset and accustomed to the “quick fix,” gaining credibility for holistic practices has been a gradual process. We focus on meeting people exactly where they are—educating them about the options we provide and remaining authentic about our own healing journeys.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about I AM Holistic Services LLC?
We believe the demands of daily life can subtly strain the nervous system, reminding us how essential it is to cultivate balance. Our work focuses on teaching clients how to tune into the signals of their bodies, recognize when their system is overwhelmed, and access the stillness that allows the mind to slow down and reset. Through practices that support the integration of body, mind, and soul — such as breathwork, mindful movement, somatic awareness, and holistic healing techniques — we empower people to reconnect with themselves and build a more grounded, resilient way of living. We are as well bilingual, we are welcoming people who speak Spanish.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We offer a variety of events designed to foster community, including Yoga Journeys, Chair Yoga, and The Wish Game—a unique experience for self-introspection. We also host “Bowls, Brew, and Beautiful Conversation,” a special gathering for women aged 50 and up. Our monthly Sound Baths provide deep relaxation, and during the summer, we give back to our community with free sessions: Yoga at the Beach (Clinton Lakes County Park) and Chair Yoga in the Park (St. Johns City Park).
Beyond our scheduled classes, we open our space for events aligned with our holistic mission. We also have availability for practitioners looking to offer their services a few days a week within a supportive, professional environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamholisticservices.com/home
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556831837205
