Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing 2025-2026 Annual Report
Message from the Director
As I reflect on the 2025–2026 year, I am filled with gratitude—and with a deep sense of excitement about the future of the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing.
For more than 30 years, the Bakken Center has been guided by a simple but powerful belief: health is about far more than the absence of disease. It is about the whole person—their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing—and about the health of the communities and environments in which we live. What began in 1995 as a pioneering effort to bring integrative health and healing into the academic setting has grown into a vibrant Center with local, national, and international reach.
This year’s accomplishments reflect both the strength of that foundation and the extraordinary creativity of our faculty, staff, students, partners, and supporters. Our academic programs continue to grow, providing students and professionals with opportunities to explore integrative health, wellbeing, health coaching, mindfulness, yoga, spirituality, and healing practices. Our research enterprise remains strong, with more than $4 million in active federally funded research and important studies advancing non-pharmacologic approaches to pain and chronic health conditions.
Also gratifying is the breadth of our community engagement. More than 58,000 people participated in Center programs, events, and webinars this year. Through accessible programming, partnerships, student wellbeing initiatives, and resources such as Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing, we continue to make knowledge and practices that support health and flourishing available to people well beyond the University.
This year also marked an important milestone as we looked ahead and developed our 2026–2030 strategic plan in alignment with the University of Minnesota’s Elevate Extraordinary 2030 initiative. The plan reflects our enduring commitment to student success and wellbeing, innovative learning environments, community engagement, research and discovery, and a sustainable organization where talented people can thrive.
As we look toward the future, I am especially confident because of the people who make the Bakken Center what it is. I have often said that our greatest strength is that the Center attracts REALLY GOOD people—people who are passionate about our mission, generous with their talents, willing to experiment and learn, and committed to making a difference. I have been privileged to work alongside so many of them.
This annual report also marks a personal transition for me. After more than three decades as the Center’s founder and director, I plan to retire in January 2027. Leaving a place that has been such an important part of my life will be bittersweet, but I do so with enormous gratitude and, most importantly, with confidence in the Center’s future. I look forward to watching the next generation of leaders, faculty, staff, students, and partners carry this work forward and imagine what is possible.
Thank you to everyone who has believed in the Bakken Center, contributed to its work, and helped make its vision a reality. It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve as its founder and director. I am deeply grateful for the journey—and deeply excited about what lies ahead.
With deep gratitude,
Mary Jo Kreitzer, PhD, RN, FAAN
Founder and Director
Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing
About the Center
Bakken Center Ecosystem
Where We Focus
Arts & Healing, Culturally-Based Healing, Food & Health, Health Coaching, Integrative Health, Medicine, & Nursing, Leadership, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Nature-Based Therapies, Pain Management, Self-Care & Empowerment, Spirituality, Stress Management, Wellbeing & Resilience, Whole Person Health, Workplace Wellbeing
Who We Serve
Students, Staff, Faculty, Community, Clients, Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Wellbeing Program, University of Minnesota, Health professionals, Patients, Research Participants, Health systems, Health consumers, National Institutes of Health, Other Grantors, Philanthropic Partners, External Institutions, Alumni, Business Leaders, International Audiences, Professional Organizations
What We Do
Community Engagement & Support, Consultation, Education, Research, Service
Mission
Advance whole health and wellbeing through interprofessional education, innovative research, integrative models of care, and accessible programming for the University, local, national, and global communities.
Vision
Advance the health and wellbeing of people and the planet.
Values
Compassion, love, and service motivate and drive our work.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are integral components of our culture and operations.
Evidence-informed approaches integrating the best available data and lived experiences shape our actions and decision-making.
Innovation emerging from learning and discovery has the potential to transform people, systems, and the planet.
Elevate Extraordinary 2030
While the University of Minnesota launched Elevate Extraordinary 2030, Bakken Center leadership, in consultation with faculty, staff, and students, have developed the 2026 - 2030 strategic plan. This plan is closely aligned with the five strategic imperatives advanced in the campus-wide strategic plan.
The Center’s new plan includes goals, strategies, impact measures, and specifies alignment with Elevate Extraordinary 2030 strategic imperative alignment.
Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing 2026 – 2030 Strategic Plan
- Student Success and Wellbeing
- Learning Environments
- Community Engagement
- Research and Discovery
- Center Operations, Sustainability, and Impact
Goal: Help students attain knowledge and skills for academic and career success and lifelong mental health, wellbeing, and connection.
Strategies:
- Academic courses that are aligned with student needs and interests, and societal priorities.
- Student-focused programming outside of academic courses aimed at reducing stress and improving mental health and wellbeing.
- Interprofessional and experiential learning opportunities
- Mentorship
- Leadership and enrichment opportunities
- Scholarships that expand access to the Center’s academic programs, including global learning, TA and RA opportunities.
Impact Measures:
- Enrollment data
- Annual Student Survey Results
- Scholarship Disbursement data
- Mentorship and Leadership opportunities
U of MN Elevate Extraordinary Strategic Imperative 1: Prepare students to be fully engaged and active in our state, nation, and world.
Goal: Create innovative learning pathways that provide flexibility, improved outcomes, and meaningful engagement.
Strategies:
- Integrated Degree Programs (4+1)
- Increase cross-campus/multi-campus opportunities for academic courses
- Increase access to on-demand programming
- Explore new channels for faculty development focused on accessibility, inclusion, and transforming the learning environment. (WEL Model)
- Faculty consultation process
- Thought leadership in the field of integrative health and wellbeing and health coaching
Impact Measures:
- Integrated degree program and health coaching program admissions
- Student Evaluation data
- Program participation data
- Faculty survey results
- Scholarly publications and presentations
U of MN Elevate Extraordinary Strategic Imperative 2: Innovate to transform the future of learning.
Goal: Provide resources to people and communities throughout Minnesota, the nation, and the world that will improve wellbeing and flourishing.
Strategies:
- Expand interdisciplinary programming at the intersection of the arts, health, wellbeing, and healthcare that addresses gaps, encourages collaboration, and advances innovation.
- Cultivate partnerships that leverage resources and expand access and sustainability.
- Diversify and expand wellbeing programming and delivery mechanisms to reach all University campuses.
- Explore new channels for sharing free educational content and resources.
- Grow philanthropic funding to further access and sustainability to innovative programs, tools, and resources.
Impact Measures:
- Program participation data and survey results
- Program fee revenue and donor contributions
- Partnership data
U of MN Elevate Extraordinary Strategic Imperative 3: Serve communities through knowledge creation and exchange in the arts, health, healthcare, and the economy.
Goal: Secure funding for community-engaged research that focuses on whole-person, non-pharmacologic approaches for the management of chronic health conditions and health promotion.
Strategies:
- Build strong interdisciplinary, interprofessional teams through collaborations within and beyond the University of Minnesota.
- Develop mutually beneficial partnerships with community-based groups and organizations.
- Build a pipeline of innovative researchers prepared for team-based clinical, community, and implementation-oriented research.
- Maintain national and international visibility through publications, presentations, service, and engagement with relevant federal government research agencies.
Impact Measures:
- Research funding
- Community engagement data
- Mentorship opportunities
- Scholarly publications and presentations
U of MN Elevate Extraordinary Strategic Imperative 4: Advance our excellence to lead in the discovery and application of sustainable solutions that improve environmental, human, plant, and animal health.
Goal: Build a sustainable and effective infrastructure that supports Center sustainability and attracts and retains top talent and enables faculty and staff to thrive.
Strategies:
- Elevate the talents, passions, and strengths of Center faculty and staff and create/support opportunities for professional, team, and personal development.
- Address gaps in Center expertise with University and community faculty who excel in their fields and can flourish at the Center.
- Adapt current workspace to provide flexible, touchdown space most conducive to a hybrid work environment.
- Leverage the resources and expertise of UMF and other strategic partners to advance the Center’s strategic priorities in alignment with the goals of donors and prospective donors to create meaningful impact.
- Implement integrated marketing strategies using University-licensed tools to optimize internal and external communications and further sustainability.
Impact Measures:
- Staff and Faculty Engagement Survey results
- Philanthropic contributions
- Market reach data
U of MN Elevate Extraordinary Strategic Imperative 5: Secure and strengthen our future as a world-class University by strategically investing in our talented workforce, operations, and facilities.
Our Impact at a Glance
Through academic programs, research, and outreach, the Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing’s impact in our community, state, and beyond has been profound in 2025-26.
Academic Programs
I will apply what I have learned for the rest of my life. The courses that I have taken have impacted my wellbeing and mental health in a way that is not quantifiable. I thought I would be more stressed in graduate school but I find that my mental health has improved because of the CSPH courses.
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices is an innovative, interdisciplinary program designed to expose students with a prerequisite healthcare background to a global range of integrative, complementary, cross-cultural, and spiritual healing practices. The program enables practitioners to acquire advanced knowledge and skills to enhance their professional careers, their own lives, and the lives of their patients. Qualified students may choose to pursue a Health Coaching track within the Certificate. In 2025-2026, 11 students entered the program (4 in the Health Coaching track), while 6 students graduated.
The Minor in Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices is available to students pursuing master’s and doctoral-level degrees at the University of Minnesota. The minor augments the preparation of students in health sciences and other disciplines, by developing knowledge and skills in the emerging field of integrative healthcare. Students complete a core introductory course and choose additional courses in clinical applications, spirituality, or cross-cultural health and healing, based upon their academic goals. During 2025-2026, 30 students were pursuing the minor; 12 of those graduated.
The Integrative Health & Wellbeing Coaching program includes students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Integrative Health & Wellbeing Coaching program, as well as those in the Health Coaching track of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. 15 students entered the program in Fall 2025, 11 in the Master of Arts and 4 in the Certificate track. 5 students graduated with their MA in Spring 2026.
Admission is now available for two Integrated Degree Program pathways that allow eligible students to complete both undergraduate and master of arts degrees in a five year period, saving on tuition costs and emerging as leaders in the health coaching field upon graduation:
- Integrated BS-Health Sciences-UM Rochester/MA Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching
- Integrated BS-Physical Activity and Health Promotion/MA Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching
In addition to the academic programs above, Center courses are required for other degree programs at the University, including:
The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Nursing PhD programs, School of Nursing.
The Bachelor in Health and Wellbeing Sciences, College of Continuing and Professional Studies.
The Human Health and Wellness area of the Bachelor of Individualized Studies program, College of Liberal Arts.
The Health Care Design and Innovation Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, School of Nursing and College of Design.
The Holistic Health & Healing and Whole Systems Healing concentrations in the Inter-College Program, College of Continuing and Professional Studies.
There are currently six courses approved for the 1Health: UMN Interprofessional Education Curriculum and 187 students completed these interprofessional activities this year.
Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) or Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)
Students can take three courses in Hatha Yoga, a popular type of yoga that combines asana (postures), pranayama (breath expansion), and relaxation. These courses are based on exercise science, yogic philosophy, and scientific evidence.
- CSPH 5322: Foundations of Hatha Yoga: Alignment and Movement Principles (3 credits)
- CSPH 5323: Hatha Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics (3 credits)
- CSPH 5324: Hatha Yoga Teaching Principles and Methodology (3 credits)
Students successfully completing these three courses, A-F or S-N, are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
In collaboration with the University’s Learning Abroad Center, the Center offers two courses that give students the opportunity for immersive study in India. Led by Tenzin Namdul, PhD, director of the Tibetan Healing Initiative and Katie Schuver, PhD, the Center’s Yoga program lead, respectively, students have the opportunity to learn from experts in Dharamsala (CSPH 5318) and near Rishikesh (CSPH 5319). Both courses were offered this year, with 19 students traveling to Rishikesh in January 2026 and 10 students traveling to Dharamsala in May 2026.
To learn more about the courses and course prerequisites, visit:
Thanks to a generous donor, students interested in the Tibetan Medicine in India program are now able to apply for scholarships to offset a significant portion of the cost of the trip.
Student mental health and wellbeing remains a priority throughout the University of Minnesota. Through our coursework and beyond, the Center is committed to student wellbeing. The Learning Resources Group assists faculty with designing classes around the Wellbeing Enhances Learning (WEL) model to support students. In addition, the Student Wellbeing Guide is distributed across the University annually while the Center’s Academic Programs and Student Services team provides more individualized student support. Center staff and faculty are also engaged in University system-wide mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
Explore more about the Center student wellbeing resources here >
Finally, the Student Advisory & Leadership Council (SALC) is a student-led group operating on the following pillars:
- Enhance Student Life
- Promote Wellbeing
- Bakken Center Engagement
- Consultative Capacity to Center Leadership and Staff
During the 2025-2026 year, the SALC was led by:
Gloria Teigland, Master of Arts in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching
Kristin Trautman, Master of Public Affairs
Two new courses were piloted as CSPH 5000 Explorations in Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices topics this past year. They are both planned for a second offering in the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year.
- Creating Connected Communities (1 credit, Fall 25) This course supports people working with groups, communities, or populations, to bring wellbeing practices to their environments of engagement. Students collaborate with peers in the use of various practices and leave the course with concrete exposure to community engaged facilitation work. Students learn the basics of facilitation for community wellbeing–utilizing tools, skills, and practices introduced; for example: co-creating inclusive spaces, mindfulness based facilitation, trauma informed care skills, cultural literacy skills, and the beginning of a toolkit for building inclusive communities.
- Aging as a Journey: Wisdom, Resilience, & Renewal (2 credits, Spring 26) What does it mean to age well? This course explores aging not as decline, but as a profound spiritual, emotional, and psychological transformation. Drawing from contemporary thinkers, spiritual teachers, and storytellers, the course examines how aging can be a time of deepening wisdom, healing, and purpose. Students contemplate their beliefs and intentions for aging at all points of their lives, preparing themselves to engage meaningfully with the complexities of aging in both their professional and personal lives.
Program Graduates
2025 Fall Graduates
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices
Lisa C. Thomas
Graduate Minor - Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices
Mackenzie Griffin
Kinesiology, PhD
2026 Spring Graduates
Masters of Arts in Integrative Health & Wellbeing Coaching
Dola Greene
Capstone: Expanding Access to Health Coaching Through Evidence-Informed Short-Form Social Media Content
Kelli Jo Hansen
Capstone: Taking Back Control: Students Living with Prediabetes and Type II Diabetes Workshop
Christopher D. Neyman
Capstone: The ARC Framework: A Developmental Coaching Model for Veterans in Inpatient Dual Diagnoses Treatment
Karla Renee Theilen
Capstone: Mindfulness 101: An Emotional Regulation Toolbox for College Students
Nandi Kennedy Tippett
Capstone: Utilizing Menstrual Synchrony to Coach People Who Menstruate: Attribution Theory and Behavior Change
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices
Jenna Anderson
Abigail Franklin
Robin Melville
Jordyn Meyer
Graduate Minor - Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices
Ellen Clement - Nursing, DNP
Heidi Schumacher Dahlborg
- Nursing, DNP
Natalie Gossen - Nursing, DNP
Chloe Kuznia - Nursing, DNP
Margaret Milligan - Landscape Architecture, MLA
Andrew Monk - Community Health Promotion, MPH
Melissa Payne - Nursing, DNP
Samantha Schwinck - Sports and Exercise Science, MEd
Smaro Spandonidis - Nursing, DNP
Lauren Stromquist - Landscape Architecture, MLA
Monica Villa - Nursing, DNP
One of the specific reasons we use the cohort model in our graduate program, Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching, is for student mental health and wellbeing. When students move through a program together, they build the kind of trust that makes vulnerability possible. And in a field centered on human flourishing, that relational foundation isn't separate from the learning; it is the learning. We've found that the cohort structure meaningfully supports our students' mental health and resilience, and ensures no one navigates the hard moments alone.
Research
Advancing research in complementary and integrative health (CIH) remains a pillar of the Center’s work. The Center has maintained consistent federal research funding for projects that impact health policy, programs, practices, and community wellbeing, contributing significantly to the University’s mission as a land grant institution.
In addition to federal grants, the Center supports emerging interdisciplinary researchers across the University through fellowships and research support funded by philanthropy.
In 2025-2026:
Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program
The Center’s Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program (IHWRP) is a team of nearly twenty researchers who are global leaders in complementary and integrative health, developing healthy alternatives to medications for pain management. The program is a model of team science and collaboration within and across institutions with a strong track record of securing federal research funding.
Key accomplishments and updates this year include:
- Engaging with racially and ethnically diverse communities to increase awareness about chronic pain and healthy ways to address it
- Working collaboratively with community partners to present our research to others
- Designing and piloting a new, accessible mind-body pain program for rural Veterans
- Publishing and presenting our research in high impact, international venues
- NIH funding received for the second phase of the study, Reaching Rural Veterans: Applying Mind-Body Skills for Pain Using a Whole Health Telehealth Intervention (RAMP-WH, 1UH3NR020929). Recruitment and enrollment of Veterans with chronic pain from across the U.S. began in Spring, 2026.
- Completed recruitment and enrollment ahead of schedule for the NIH funded project, Partners for Pain & Wellbeing: A Randomized Trial of Community Supported Complementary and Integrative Health Self-Management for Back Pain (P4P, R33 AT012309) with high engagement rates (~90%). Working with a community advisory team and community partners (UROC, YMCA of the North, the Hue-MAN Partnership and NorthPoint) we have given several presentations and are planning robust community and scientific dissemination in the upcoming year.
- Dissemination of the results of the large NIH funded trial of 1000 participants, Spinal Manipulation and Patient Self-Management to Prevent Back Pain Chronicity (PACBACK), UH3AT008769-01) in high impact journals.
- Continued to mentor several individuals from chiropractic, physical therapy, health coaching and kinesiology, through the inter-professional Integrative Health Research Fellowship Program (1 PhD completed, 2 Masters students enrolled, 1 PhD accepted to program, 1 UMN faculty accepted to CTSI K-Accelerator program).
Through the sustained generosity of the NCMIC Foundation,the IHWRP team is developing the next generation of leaders in integrative health and wellbeing research. The NCMIC Foundation’s support preserves faculty time for mentorship and training and provides salary support for fellows.
Current Research Fellows
- Shraddha Bika
- Don Thorpe
- Lynn Winkel
Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program Grants
Partners for Pain & Wellbeing: A Randomized Trial of Community Supported Complementary and Integrative Health Self-Management for Back Pain (R61/R33 AT012309)
Principal Investigators: Brent Leininger, Roni Evans
Co-Investigators: Linda Hanson, Craig Schulz, Oliver Ang, Gert Bronfort, Douglas Kennedy, Alex Haley, Robin Austin
Project Goals/Objectives: This is a multi-phase award. The focus of the R61 project is on developing and optimizing community-based programs for the self-management of back or neck pain. We will use a community-engaged research approach to conduct quality improvement activities that involves gathering feedback from multiple stakeholders to inform development of the study interventions and materials which will be followed by a randomized pilot study of 30 to 60 participants to evaluate feasibility. The R33 project focuses on assessing the effectiveness of a community-based back or neck pain self-management program, Partners4Pain, relative to an active control for improving important outcomes impacted by chronic pain (Aim 1, n=376), and the impact of various health factors on intervention effects (Aim 2). The project also focuses on gathering feedback as part of quality improvement activities to gain a better understanding of factors that could affect the long-term implementation of the community-based self-management programs (Aim 3).
Funding Source: NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health through the Helping End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative
Award Date: 9/19/2022-8/31/2027
Funded Amount: $6,109,388
Reaching Rural Veterans: Applying Mind-Body Skills for Pain Using a Whole Health Telehealth Intervention (UG3/UH3NR020929)
Principal Investigators: Diana Burgess, Roni Evans, Katherine Hadlandsmyth
Co-Investigators: Brent Leininger, Alex Haley
Project Goals/Objectives: This project addresses the significant challenge of providing evidence-based non-pharmacologic pain management to rural-dwelling Veterans in the VA healthcare system who have chronic pain. This study will: 1) test the effectiveness of an innovative multi-component complementary and integrative intervention (RAMP-WH) delivered via group telehealth, at improving rural Veterans’ pain management, function, and wellbeing, within the VA healthcare system (n=500) and 2) evaluate, adapt, and devise strategies for implementing RAMP-WH to rural patients in the VA healthcare system in partnership with our patient, community, and VA stakeholders. RAMP-WH is a 12-week program, consisting of pain education, mindfulness, pain specific exercises, and cognitive behavioral strategies and is cohesive, scalable and is designed to be implemented within the VA through its nationwide Whole Health System initiative.
Funding Source: NIH’s National Institute for Nursing Research through the Helping End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) initiative
Award Dates: 08/23/2023-05/31/2028 (UG3 phase lasts until 5/31/2025)
Funded Amount: $5,123,185
Cost-Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation for Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders
Principal Investigators: Emily Kahnert
Co-Investigator: Brent Leininger
Project Goals/Objectives: The objective of this project is to estimate the costs and cost-effectiveness of telerehabilitation (TR) relative to in-person delivery of physical therapy (PT) for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) from the perspectives of patients, society, and the health system. Using the data from our completed clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of TR for 207 patients with TMD, we will describe healthcare costs and estimate the ratio of cost to effectiveness in each group for the duration of PT and the following 6 months. The results of this study will fully quantify how TR can help inform clinical and public policy decision-making to improve access to high-quality conservative care for this population.
Funding Source: Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Award Date: 1/1/2026-12/31/2028
Funded Amount: $40,000
Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program (IHWRP) Grants - Pending
Developing and Validating Measures to Understand Stakeholder Needs and Improve Engagement in Research (UNITE)
Project Goals/Objectives: The Understanding Needs to Improve Research Team Engagement (UNITE) project will develop and rigorously test two new surveys, one for patient and community partners and one for researchers and research staff. Both surveys are designed to measure what people need to engage meaningfully in research partnerships, including their skills and knowledge, their access to support and resources, and their desire and confidence to participate.
Principal Investigators: Roni Evans, Brent Leininger
Funding Source: PCORI
Project/Proposal Start and End Date: 4/1/27-6/30/29
Potential Funding: $1,391,078
Whole Person Clinician Supported Self-Management vs. Medical Care for Chronic Back-Related Leg Pain: A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness mHealth Trial
Project Goals/Objectives: Chronic back-related leg pain or sciatica is one of the more costly and disabling conditions, yet there has been little high-quality research on safe and effective treatments that can meet patients’ whole person needs and support them in better caring for themselves. While most cases are currently managed with medications, physical therapists and chiropractors are well-suited to play a more impactful role guiding back related leg pain patients’ self-management behaviors using approaches other than medications. Importantly, by delivering such treatments using mHealth, more patients can have access to them, including people in rural communities.
Principal Investigators: Brent Leininger, Gert Bronfort
Source of Support: National Institutes of Health/R01
Project/Proposal Start and End Date: 06/01/2027-05/31/2032
Potential Funding: $3,673,174
Other Faculty Research Grants
Clinical and Translational Science Institute - Enhancing Wellness and Resilience and Preventing Burnout Program (NIH NCATS UM1TR004405)
Principal Investigators: Blazar/Crawford/Fair
Consultant: Mary Jo Kreitzer
Enhancing Wellness and Resilience and Preventing Burnout is a new pilot project supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s new CTSA funding. Stress and burnout have escalated in academia, including among researchers, particularly in women and persons of color. We will develop a new Wellbeing and Burnout-Resistance Program to monitor and support work/life balance in CTSI, LHS, and BIRCWH Scholars and research professionals. With M Lamere; Mark Linzer, MD (HHC Institute For Professional Work Life, AHRQ-funded expert), Allyson Hart, MD (former KL2 Scholar); and the UMN Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing, we will assess and adapt interventions for our research community, emphasizing retention and DEI. We will share this ‘creating a culture of wellbeing’ program with other CTSAs.
Source of Support: NIH/NCATS
Award Dates: 09/01/2023 – 08/31/2030
Funded Amount: $53,900,000
Training in Informatics for Underrepresented Minority Students in Public Health (TRIUMPH) Consortium (90PH0005/01-00)
Principal Investigator: Sripriya Rajamani, MBBS, PhD, MPH, FAMIA, Rebecca Wurtz, PhD, MD
Co-Investigator: Robin R. Austin, PhD, DNP, DC, RN, NI-BC, FAMIA, FNAP
Source of Support: Office of the National Coordinator, Public Health Informatics Workforce Training
Award Dates: 09/14/2021-9/13/2025
Funded Amount: $7,900,000
COMBINI: connecting COmplementary Medicine evidence and BIological kNowledge to support Integrative Health (U01) (1U01AT012871-01)
Principal Investigators: Halil Kilicoglu, PhD, Rui Zhang, PhD, FACMI, and Cui Tao, PhD, FACMI
Co-Investigator: Robin Austin, PhD, DNP, DC, RN-BC, FAMIA, FAAN
Sponsoring Organization: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Award Dates: 09/17/2024-03/30/2029
Funded Amounts: $671,176
MyMenoHealth: Redefining Menopause Care Through FemTech Innovation
Principal Investigator: Robin R. Austin, PhD, DNP, DC, RN, NI-BC, FAMIA, FAAN
Sponsoring Organization: University of Minnesota, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Office of Discovery and Translation
Award Dates: 07/2025 - 06/2027
Funded Amount: $82,985
Enhancing Midlife Pain Outcomes in Women through Education and Resilience (EMPOWER)
Principal Investigator: Robin Austin, PhD, DNP, DC, RN, NI-BC, FAMIA, FAAN
Sponsoring Organization: UMN Office of Research and Innovation
Award Dates: January 1, 2025-June 30, 2026
Funded Amount: $24,102
HAPPINESS: Changing the Perceived Pain Intensity in populations with Spinal cord injury and with health disparities: A feasibility study Principal Investigator: Ann Van de Winckel
Project Dates: 02/23/2024-01/31/2027
Fund Amount: $664,224
Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System
Principal Investigator: Kim Monden
Co-Investigator: Ann Van de Winckel
Sponsoring Organization: NIDILRR (Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects)
Project Dates: 09/01/2021-8/31/2026
Funded Amount: $2,200,000
Feasibility Pilot Trial of a Novel Art-based Sensory Intervention to Enhance Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury
Principal Investigator: Ann Van de Winckel
Sponsoring Organization: UMN: OPVR Grant-in-aid 2026
Project dates: 07/01/2026 - 01/15/2028
Funded Amount: $40,000
Pending Grants
SENSORY: Multi-site feasibility clinical trial of cognitive multisensory rehabilitation for neuropathic pain relief in adults with spinal cord injury
Sponsoring Organization: NIH/NCCIH Principal Investigator: Ann Van de Winckel
Project Dates: 04/01/2027-03/31/2030
Potential Funding: $1,558,859
WristBot: Robot-based rehabilitation exercises for stroke survivors
Sponsoring Organization: National Institutes of Health Submitting
Organization: Rehabnetics Medical LLC Co-Investigator: Ann Van de Winckel
Project Dates: April 1, 2027 - September 30, 2028
Potential Funding: $275,000
Development of a new VR platform and feasibility of a novel art-based sensory intervention to improve function after spinal cord injury
Sponsoring Organization: Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program 2026
Principal Investigator: Ann Van de Winckel
Project Dates: 09/01/2026 - 06/30/2028
Potential Funding: $125,000
RESTORE: Preliminary Efficacy Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation vs Exercise for Functional Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury Sponsoring Organization: Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program 2026
Principal Investigator: Ann Van de Winckel
Project Dates: 09/01/2026-06/30/2029 (including possibility of a 1 or 2-year no-cost extension)
Potential Funding: $500,000
Outreach
The Center serves the state and impacts the world’s health and wellbeing through outreach and business development efforts, reaching 83 out of 87 counties in Minnesota.
I’m a longtime UMN employee who will be retiring on July 7 after 36 wonderful years at the University. As I prepare for this next chapter, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to you and your team for the incredible work you do. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Wellness Advocate since the program’s inception, and since 2020, I’ve attended the Mindful Mondays series — something that truly sustained me during a very challenging time.
Your offerings in mindful movement — from Qigong and chair yoga to weekly guided meditations — opened new doors for me. I had never tried many of these practices before, and they became a meaningful part of my routine. The peace, grounding, and inspiration I found through your programs not only made a difference in my life, but in the lives of those around me as well. Thank you again for all you do to support the wellbeing of the UMN community. Your work matters, and it is deeply appreciated.
The Center continues to prioritize accessibility through free and sliding scale events and programs. Philanthropy and sponsorships provide critical funding that aid in removing financial barriers to participation and help us launch new initiatives.
- 35% of registrants registered at zero cost
- 48% paid a suggested registration rate
- 11% paid a scholarship rate
- 3% paid a supporter rate (more than the suggested rate)
- 3% paid a custom rate (lower than a scholarship rate)
This year, the Center had 58,000 registrations to our community programs and webinars, had millions of visitors through the Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing site, delivered over 60 client engagements, and hosted over 20 resource tables.
Highlights this year include:
- Celebrated the Bakken Center’s 30th Anniversary by hosting world-renowned mindfulness pioneer Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn for a special fundraising event that will help sustain the Center's vital work for the next 30 years and beyond.
- Created the You Do Matter Minnesota micro-site to provide timely and relevant resources on how to build resilience and learn self-regulation practices for people and communities experiencing trauma.
- Continued our strong partnership with the Office of Human Resources’ Wellbeing Program with fourteen offerings being eligible for Wellbeing Points across all five system campuses. Employees and spouses claimed Wellbeing Points over 10,500 times for participating in our programs this year, investing in their health and wellbeing and earning a discount on their University medical insurance.
- Launched the first HeART of Healing Reset and Renew Week, which includes four days of online and in-person programming focused on creative and contemplative practices, providing participants an opportunity to renew their sense of vitality.
- Our free weekly virtual Mindful Mondays program, created during the pandemic to provide practices to support mental health and wellbeing during a critical time in our community, continues to be a popular offering six years later with over 42,500 registrations across 48 sessions in FY26.
- Offered free monthly sound baths and creative spaces in our Meditation Space to support the University’s campus community including staff, faculty, and students.
- Thanks to support from donors, the Center expanded the Meditation Garden on the terrace; spaces to relax, study, and have lunch were provided for all faculty, staff, and students to enjoy. Planted amongst the garden beds and refreshed labyrinth were sensory and medicinal plants, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
- Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing - This informative, interactive site with evidence- based, reliable information on topics in integrative health and wellbeing attracts millions of unique visitors per year from around Minnesota and the world. The anxiety and depression sections are among the most highly visited pages.
- Mindfulness Programs - Community mindfulness classes have served thousands of people from beginners to advanced practitioners. They include:
- Mindful Mondays
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
- Mindfulness Newsletter
- Mindfulness at Work – offered completely online to the community and either online or onsite for organizations
- The Wellbeing Series
- Integrative Nursing Webinar Series
- Coursera
- Food Matters for Health Professionals
- Wellbeing & Resilience for Physicians & Health Professionals Program
- Online Wellbeing Workshops on a variety of topics including:
- Enhancing Personal Wellbeing & Resilience
- Nutritional Strategies to Support Mental and Cognitive Health
- Nourishment in Every Season: Online Cooking and Nutrition Workshops
- Nourishment to Lighten Stress and Support Metabolic Health
- Therapeutic Yoga
- Self-Leadership: Strengthening Leadership Effectiveness from the Inside Out
- Healing in the Midst of a Cancer Journey
- Purpose Quest
- HeART of Healing Webinars and In-Person Events
- You Do Matter
- NeuroArts Network Lightning Talks
- Taking Charge of Your Survivorship - This site provides safe, reliable, and evidence-informed information about how to navigate life from diagnosis of a life altering disease, through treatment, and beyond survivorship. The site helps build community for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer, hematologic, metabolic, or genetic disorders. It serves as a tool to help individuals and caregivers explore their sense of self and to connect with a community that understands what they have gone through. Finally, it is a resource for individuals looking to adapt integrative health practices into their lives. There is plenty of well-intended, yet misguided information about how to use various integrative therapies; but, not all practices are safe or appropriate for every person. To increase visibility, this site is currently being integrated into the Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing site.
- You Do Matter Minnesota: Tools to Support Resilience
- Free Wellbeing Webinars
This course came at a pivotal moment living in the Twin Cities area, when the importance of having daily practice to calm the nervous system was significant and much needed.
Donors
At the Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, philanthropy drives innovation, provides scholarships, supports the next generation of researchers, and keeps our programs accessible to the community. The Center would like to express our gratitude to those who invested in advancing wellbeing with gifts to the Center from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
Partners Circle ($250,000 - $500,000)
Dr. Paula S. Forté
NCMIC Foundation, Inc.
Director’s Circle ($100,000 - $249,999)
Dr. Miriam Cameron and Michael Ormond
Mrs. Charles Winslow
Builder’s Circle ($5,000 - $49,999)
Mary Benson
Dr. Timothy and Ms. Angela Culbert
George Family Foundation
Marbrook Foundation
Catherine Mayer
Judith Mayzel
Medtronic Foundation Community Fund
Mara Minerva Melum
John W. and Nancy E. Peyton
Smaby Family Foundation
Weil Foundation
Weave Wellbeing Coaching
Caring Circle ($1,000 - $4,999)
Anonymous Donor
Gerald Caruso and Kristin Wilk
Pamela Cherry and Shane Stubblefield
David E. Drinkwater
Seek Wellbeing® Wellness & Medical Housecall
Leslie Goodale Fund
Laurie Jacobi and Cotty Lowry
Mick and Susan Johnson
Mary Ann and K. Scott Portnoy
Michael and Amyra Lehan
Dr. Mark Linzer
Drs. Rosa Marroquin and Mark DePaolis
Holly McNeill
Michael Perry
Ralph Robinson
Drs. Lydia Roth-Laube and Herbert Laube
Drs. Steven Savitt and Gloria Kumagai
Jean and Mark Schroepfer
Winifred Wu and Robert Lund
Susan Znameroski
Jeanne M Voigt Foundation
Rosa Marroquin
Franklin Templeton Charitable Giving Program
Friends of the Bakken Center ($1 - $999)
Pedro Acosta
Thompson and Hannah Aderinkomi
Drs. Sofia Ali and David Caccamo
Dr. Davida Alperin and Rabbi Sharon Stiefel
Dr. Elizabeth Ambrose
Jenna Amundson
Bruce Amundson Gritters
Linda and Bruce Anderson
Gordon and Dorothea Anderson
Katherine Anderson
Nancy Anderson
Lisa Anderson
Mary Anderson and Marshall Fay
Stephanie Andrews and James Schowalter
Dr. Kathleen Antolak and Mr. Timothy Breen
Ms. Ann and Dr. Steven Antolick
Antonia Apolinario-Wilcoxon
Constance Archbald
Theresa Arfi
Ryan Armbruster
Mary Sue Ash
Aeriel Ashlee
Mevhibe Atay
Drs. Rodney and Mary Aukerman
Erika and Mark Austin
Dr. Nicholas Austin
Marcia Avner and Wyman Spano
Marilyn and Richard Bach
Ruth and Dale Bachman
Sharon and Douglas Bakker
Dr. Mariam Banahi
Anna Barker
Courtney Barrette
Lynette Bartelt
Marie Barthel
Harvey and Janet Bartz
Zeynep Basgoze
Alison Bassett
Mary Baynes
Dr. Camille Beauduy
Howard Bell
Amy Bement
Emma Benda
Lyndsay Benedict
Dr. Elisabeth Bennett
Dr. Frank Bennett and Ms. Mary Lenard
Kim Bennett
Victoria Bensel
Emma Bentley
Janet Benway and Keith Gasner
Lee Bera
Mrs. Patricia and Dr. Richard Berglund
Lynn Marie Berglund
Kristin Bergstedt
Nancy Berlin
Shraddha Bika
Brenda and Alan Birkholz
Kathleen Bischel Beddow
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Chelsey Blanke
Carmi Bleifuss
Jeremiah Blume
Michael and Kay Bochert
Caryl Boehnert
Lisa Boesen
Jodie Bond Ploetz
Susan Bonello
Richard and Vicki Bonk
Belvel Boyd
Dr. Kara Boyko Frandson and Mr. Chad Frandson
Elizabeth Brack
Kathleen Bratvold
Marlene Breckner
Kit Breshears and Duane Orlovski
Mary Briel
Rebecca Broste
Nancy Brown
George Brown and Melanie Tucker
Abby Brown
Christine Bruels
Carl Bublitz
Jana Budke
Elizabeth Buie
John Burke
Andrea Burke
Mary Burnton
Georgine Busch
Peter and Rebecca Grace Butler
Jean Byhardt
Laura Calvo-Jordan
Susan Camean
Janice Card
Steven and Lynn Carnes
Barb and Eugene Case
Ann Cathcart
Sarah Cawthon
Nancy Chakrin
Kim Chapman
Alessandra Chiareli
Patricia Choate
Leesa Chrisco
Pamela and Douglas Christensen
Michelle Christian
Nancy Christiansen
Jo Ellen Christiansen
Anne and James Cisek
Angela Clifford
Erin Coffey
Zohara Cohen
The Honorable Linda A. and Dr. Henry W. Cohen
Joanne and Thomas Collins
Judith Connolly
Judith Connor
Dr. Brittani Conway
Judy Coughlin
Cynthia Crawford
Wendy Dahl
Susan Daniels
Eugene and Sandra Dankbar
Kendra Dare
David A. Frenz, M.D., PLLC
Linda DeBeau-Melting
Sam Demas
Mary Depew
Jeanne DeSanctis
Patty Devoy
Dr. Jolene Dickerman
Gretchen Domek
Unknown Donor
Jan and Joel Dorn
Susan Douglas
Pam Dryer
Jon Dumpys
Lisa Dunkley
Diane Dunlevy
Heather Durenberger
Dr. Lynn Eberly and Mr. J. Andrew Scherrer
Dr. David and Ms. Kathleen Eckmann
Holly Einess and Brian Kantar
Leanne and Peter Eisenberg
Dr. Marcia and Mr. Berkan Endres
Jaylee O'Neill Engebretson
Lisa Engelstad
Laurie Erickson
Jan Erickson
Mary Ann Evander
Scott Evers
Trudy Farrell and Lori Wangerin
Stephanie Fay and Nancy Aarsvold
Nancy and Thomas Feinthel
Julie Feuling
Erin Fider
Janice Fillmore
Marsha Finkelstein
Shannon Finnegan
Diane Fisher and John Hovde
Alyssa Fisher-Vizenor
Michelle Flanagan-Haag
Susan Flannigan
Madeleine and Patrick Fleming
Sheila Flory
Ms. Denise M. Fogel and Paul R. Doud
Molly and William Foley
Madeline Folstein
Dr. Bernice Folz
Debbra and Phillip Ford
Robert Forsgren
Coreen Franklin
Dr. Elizabeth Freitas
Alice French
Marci French
Erica Friedman
Colleen Frost
Gayle Fuguitt and Thomas Veitch
Gina Furlano
Estelle Gabriel
Dr. Stephanie and Mr. John Galarneault
Carol and John Gariano
Christine Ann Gast
Dr. Bridget Gehrz
Dr. Maria Gabriela Gei
General Mills and General Mills Foundation
Kailey Gienger
Kristin Lea Gifford
Christine Gilchrist
Ann Gliddon
Dr. Abby Gold
Karen Grabau
Ellen Dayton Grace
Karen Greer
Loris Sofia Gregory
Tom and Nancy Griffin
Michael Grussing
Robert and Rosemary Gubrud
Dr. Gaurav Guliani
Sharon Gurnack
Colin Gustafson
Kathy Haake
Robert Haarman
Sarah and Fred Haberman
Drs. Susan and Robert Haddow
Megan Hadley
Molly and Michael Haglin
Dr. Linda Halcon and Mr. Scott Williams
Donald Hammen
James Henry and Mary Hammill
Anne and John Hannahan
Bethany Hansen
Tiffany Hansen
Kathryn and Mark Hanson
Reynolds-Anthony Harris
Julie Hart
Rachel Harvieux
Elizabeth and Ed Hasselman
Jody Hauer
Jennifer Hedrick
Jelan and James Heidelberg
Sandra Heidemann and Jim Stengel
Lisa Hambleton Heille
Lisa Heimdahl
Jane Hein
Paula Hentges
Margo Herman
Nickolas Herman
Laura Herrmann
Dr. Marshall and Mrs. Denise Hertz
Gail Hesselbrock
Wendy Hidde
Ms. Georgeanne and Dr. Marcus Hilker
Mary and Gregory Hirsch
Anna Hoffman
Gail Holm
Kenneth and Shelley Horstman
Michael Horton
Kathy and Bernard Horwath
Cynthia Houle
David and Constance Howe-Vielmetti
Lois Howlett
Michelle Hubbling
Regina and Tom Hudson
Margaret Ingison
Dr. Debra Ingram
Roger Jackson and Pamela Percy
Jason Jackson
Thomas Jacobs
Casey Jagusch
Jean and Jim Jansen
Debbie Janssen
Susan and Steven Jasinski
Paul Jeannotte
Mindi and Alejandro Jimenez
Mariann Johnson
Roxanne Johnson
Bryan Johnson
Karlyn Johnson
Jody Johnson
Dr. Rebecca and Mr. Jeffrey Johnson
Laine Johnson Crump
Sarah Jones
Sara Jones
Ellen Jones and Robert McKlveen
Dr. Kathleen Topolka Jorissen
Lynn and David Jossi
Michael Jost and Jane Willard
Bonnie Juran
Virginia Kaczmarek
Debra Kaibel
Anne and Lewis Kamiri
Dr. Beth Kautz
Sophie and Stephen Kelley
Todd Kendall
Barbara Kennedy
Judith Kenny
Sara Kernell
Beth and Aron Khoury
Ms. Randee and Dr. Anthony Killeen
Karen Kimbrell
Dr. Rae Ann Kingsley
Mrs. Annearle and Dr. James Klein
William Klevos
Maude and Roy Knudsen
Valerie Knudson
Julie Kolbow
Patricia Koppa
Mary and Jacques Koppel
Suzanne Kosanke
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Dr. Mary Jo and Mr. Joseph Kreitzer
Kathleen Kreitzer
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Kathleen Kuempel
Judith Kurtz and John Relf
Michelle Lamere and Scott Jones
Alan and Kirsten Langohr
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Jamie Leaf
Stephanie Lee
Minyoung Lee
Sharon Lehmann
Richard Leider and Sally Humphries Leider
Betsy Lemal
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Sierra Lewis
Zhihao Li and Guoyi Liu
Judith Libertus
Susan Licher
Dr. Amy Linabery
Mary Lofgren and Ross Sutter
Donna Long
Dr. Carolyn Longacre and Mr. Michael Wilens
Joyce Looman
Molly Love
Sharon Lovo
Jacqueline Luckey
Jan Lundgren
Char Lusher
Dr. Richard and Ms. Susan Lussky
Kathryn Lyerly
Kris Lyons
Dr. Michael Mack
Monique MacKenzie
Julie Marzinske
Professor John and Mrs. Judith Matheson
Bonnie Matter
Dr. Barbara and Mr. Charles Matthees
Susan Mattson
Jeremy and Amy-Ann Mayberg
Brian McBride
Dr. Katelyn McCourtney
Amy McGarness
Mary McGinnis
Mary McKay
Britta and Steven McKenna
Catherine McLaughlin
Andrew McMahon and Katherine Burns
Mary McNellis
Karen and Jamison Mehle
Sarah Meisinger
Patricia Melberg
Dr Mary Melbo
Robin Melville
Ashley Mercer
Dr. Liza Meredith
Rachel Metzger
Dr. Kelsey Metzbertsel
Mary Meuwissen
Mary Meyer
Mightycause Charitable Foundation
Deborah Miller
Cheryl Miller
Stephanie Misono and Franklin Liu
Sarah Moberg
K.L. Moffett
Lesa and Charles Monroe
Drs. Florence Monsour and James Stewart
Rick Moore
Tanna Moore and Craig Swaggert
Claudia Morgan
Christine Morgan and Lionel Locke
Jessica Morton
Dr. Patricia Mougel
David and Anne Murphy
Sue Nankivell
Kirana Narayana
Maureen and Charles Neerland
Ms. Sarah and Dr. Chad Nelson
Cynthia Nelson
Toby Nelson
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David and Laura Nemetz
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Hoang Oanh Nguyen and Peter Anderson
Lori Nicol
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Dian Norcutt
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Ruth and Richard Nubson
Jacob Nuckolls
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Ms. Patricia and Dr. John Nyman
Dr. Susan O'Conner-Von
Sarah and David Oehler
Laurel O'Gorman
Dr. Eleonore Okosdinossian
Rose Olmsted
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Patricia A. Olson
Mary Olson
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Stela Osmancevic Center
Marjorie Ostroushko
Diane Ott-Hager
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Drs. Gulin Oz and David Anthony Okar
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Mary Jo Parker
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Kim Ray
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Bonnie Reiland
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Jennifer and Adam Reiter
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Reverend Jane Rohrer
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Dr. Gerald Rosen and Ms. Martha Brand
Mrs. Kathleen and Dr. David Rothenberger
Sandy Rothschiller
Vicki Rothstein
Eve Roycraft
Virginia Ruddy
Steven Rudolph
Jamie Ryan
Sarah Sampedro
Dr. Camille Sterner Sampers
Dr. Shashikant Sane
Elizabeth Sanson
Jayanthi Sasisekaran
Theresa Saulsbury
Patricia and William Saunders
Susan Schear
Elizabeth Scheffer
Susan Scherer
Kari Schloner
Thomas Schmidt II
Lori and Andrew Schmidt
Karley Schoenberg
Ms. Denise and Dr. James Schoster
Ron Schwartz
Christine and David Schwebel
Susan Seabolt
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Rita Seelen
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Mrs. Frankie and Dr. Jole Shackelford
Janet and Dan Shallbetter
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Barbara Shelton
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Dr. Denise Shields and Mr. Tom Kvasnicka
Drs. Darlene Sholtis and Heino Beckmann
Greg Sicheneder
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Dr. Jenzi and Mr. Greg Silverman
Wendy and Steve Simenson
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Barbara Smith
Kathy Smith
Angela Smith-Harris and Thomas Harris
Pamela Snopl
Dr. Steven Snyder and Ms. Sherry Stern
Michael and Joen Snyder O'Neal
Gregory Solberg
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Janet and Michael Stanzak
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Dr. Patricia Stewart and Mr. Bernard Fritz
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Drs. Erik Storlie and Tamara Kaiser
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Martha Sullivan
Susan & Steven Jasinski
Gwen Sutter
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Dr. Stacy Symons
Jennifer Syverson
Kelly Theis
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Tamera Thomasson-Ehrhart
Mari Thorkelson
Jamie and Richard Thorp
Susan Tigner Legred
Dr. Gerald and Mrs. Susan Timm
Dr. Mary and Mr. Nicholas Tinker
Dr. Katherine Todd
Robin Tomsyck
Gary and Catherine Tonkin
Mary Tosteson
Sue Towey
Kristin Trautman
Karen Trouba
Michelle Trudeau-Spanjers and John Spanjers
Ken Ujifusa
Dr. Mark and Ms. Alexa Umbreit
Donna Uran
Ana Uribe
Ann Van de Winckel
Jillian Van Horn
Dr. Gregory and Ms. Jane Vercellotti
Daniel Vogel
Dr. Charlotte Voight and Ms. Nasreen Mohamed
Judith Voight-Fitzpatrick and Dennis Fitzpatrick
Karen Wagner
Marcia Wahl
Dr. Melissa Wallace
Rebecca Warpeha
Mark Weaver
Juanita Webster
Melinda Wedzina
Marci and Steven Weiland
Suzanne Weinstein and Daniel Levey
Kelley Wells
Dawn Wenck
Bambi Wessel
Jessie Whittaker
Karl Wielqus
Ann Wilcox and Robert DuFault
Cindy Wilcox
Janelle Willard
Mary Winegardner
Dr. Kristin Wise
Julia Wolfe
Carol and Daniel Wolfe
Sue Wood
Caroline Woodward MacLeod and Craig MacLeod
Kaye Wothe
Jennifer Wright
Dan Yao and Chi Chen
Silvia Tan Yueh
Joseph Zandlo
Karen Zeleznak
Theresa Zeman
Ying Zhang
Dr. Savannah Zins and Mr. Scott Penick
Cheryl Zupec
Dr. Lidia Zylowska
Wise Oaks LLC
Awards & Recognition
Presentations & Publications
Selected Presentations
Austin, R.R. Technology Needs for Perimenopause and Menopause Women. UMN School of Nursing Research Day. April 17, 2026, Minneapolis, MN.
Austin, R.R.Whole Person Insights into Women’s Health: Examining Strengths, Challenges, and Needs Across the Menopause Continuum UMN School of Nursing Research Day, April 17, 2026, Minneapolis, MN.
Austin, R.R. Bjaradottir, R., Maciera, T., Cummins, M. Unlocking the Power of Nurse-Generated Data through Clinical Research Consortia: Panel AMIA Annual Symposium, November 17, 2025, Atlanta, GA.
Austin, R.R,, Fizsman, M., Zhang, R., Tao, C., Kaliguli, H., Complementary and Integrative Health in the Digital Age: The Power of Informatics and Artificial Intelligence: Panel. AMIA Annual Symposium, November 17, 2025, Atlanta, GA.
Austin, R.R., Rajamani, S. A Nurse Innovation Led Whole-Person Health App for Student Learning and Research Opportunities in an Informatics Graduate Program. AMIA Annual Symposium – LIEAF, November 18, 2025, Atlanta, GA.
Austin, R.R., Hersh, A., Inderstrodt, J., Williams, K., Schmidt, T. The Role for Informatics in Transforming Reproductive and Women’s Health Care: Panel AMIA Annual Symposium November 19, 2025, Atlanta, GA.
Austin, R.R. Harvesting the Future: AI Innovations in Clinical Practice. Minnesota Nurse Practitioner Fall Symposium, November 7, 2025, St. Paul, MN.
Austin, R.R. AI and Menopause Care. Let’s Talk Women: The CHANGE Summit. November 6, 2025, Minneapolis, MN.
Austin, R.R. Misinformation & Disinformation, UMN School of Nursing Code of Ethics Event, October, 30, 2025, Minneapolis, MN
Austin, R.R. Empowered to Transform: One Voice, Ethical Practice, and the Future of AI in Nursing *Keynote*Minnesota Clinical Nurse Specialists Annual Conference, October 3, 2025, Minneapolis, MN.
Austin, R.R. Nurse Entrepreneur Panel, Mayo Clinic Nursing Transformation 2025 Conference: From Insight to Impact Nurses Shaping the Future, September 30, 2025, Minneapolis, MN.
Austin, R.R. Vital Signs of Nursing Informatics in the Age of AI, HIMSS Nursing Informatics Committee Meeting, July 11, 2025, Webinar.
Bottale S, Van de Winckel A. Dalla ricerca alla clinica: Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation per riorganizzare le rappresentazioni mentali del corpo e ridurre il dolore neuropatico. X Symposium of the Spinal Cord Injury Research Group “From basic research to rehabilitation: opportunities and challenges”. Università di Verona, Verona, Italy.
Breen, J. Facilitated a session at the TKC symposium on the strategic design/use of facilities in teaching kitchen education Lead bi-monthly TKC Teaching Kitchens and Mental health interest group.
Bronfort G, Leininger B (Co-presenters) Spinal Manipulation and Clinician-Supported Biopsychosocial Self-Management for Acute Back Pain - The PACBACK Randomized Clinical Trial. NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory Grand Rounds. February 6, 2026.
Bronfort G, Meier E, Leininger B (presenter), Schneider M, Evans R, Greco C, Hanson L, McFarland C, Chou R, Connett J, DeLitto A, George S, Glick R, Keefe F, Licciardone J, Schulz C, Turk D, Heagerty P. Effectiveness of Spinal Manipulation and Biopsychosocial Self-management compared to Medical Care for Acute Low Back Pain. (Platform Presentation) Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC), March 27-28, 2026; Kansas City, MO.
Bronfort G, Meier E, Leininger B (presenter), Schneider M, Evans R, Greco C, Hanson L, McFarland C, Chou R, Connett J, DeLitto A, George S, Glick R, Keefe F, Licciardone J, Schulz C, Turk D, Heagerty P. Effectiveness of Spinal Manipulation and Biopsychosocial Self-management compared to Medical Care for Acute Low Back Pain. (Plenary Presentation) International Forum for Back & Neck Pain Research in Primary Care. June 24-27, 2025. Davos, Switzerland.
Bronfort, G. Spinal manipulation and clinician-supported biopsychosocial self-management for acute/subacute back pain at risk of chronicity: Results of The PACBACK randomized clinical trial comparing outcomes over 1 year to guideline based medical care” 2025 Goldstein Lecture October 2025.
Evans R, Leininger B., Kennedy D, Zulu M, Robles C, Jones C, Taylor J, Chakolis-Hassan RM, Simmons S. Operationalizing Authenticity: Exploring Researcher Behaviors in Developing Trusting Community Relationships. (Panel Discussion) University of Minnesota Public Engagement Conference March 2026, Minneapolis, MN, Panel Discussion OPE presentation.
Geiger-Simpson, E., Hopfenspirger, E., Thompson, A. “Cultivating Partnerships: An Innovative Preceptor Engagement Model in PMHNP Education”, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties annual conference, Dallas, Texas, USA. April 2026.
Geiger-Simpson, E., Hopfenspirger, E., Thompson, A. “The Power of Partnership: An Innovative Model for Preceptor Engagement in PMHNP Education”, International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses annual conference, Seattle, Washington, USA. March 2026.
Harris N, Ho KH, Mallari C, Ramirez S, Torborg S, Van de Winckel A. Investigating depression and anxiety in adults with chronic spinal cord injury compared to healthy adults. CSM 2026, Anaheim, California.
Kreitzer, M.J.“Purpose & Wellbeing”. International Nurse Leaders Meeting. University of Applied Sciences, Dresden, Germany. September 15, 2025.
Kreitzer, M.J. “Teaching Kitchens: Reflections & the Road Ahead”. Teaching Kitchen Collaborative Symposium. Scotts Valley, CA. December 9, 2025.
Kreitzer, M.J. Health Disparities Roundtable, “Reinforcing Solidarity in Health Equity: Community-Building in Our Current Climate”. Moderator. Minneapolis, MN. April 10, 2026.
Lamere, M. “Mapping your Developmental Network,” University of Minnesota, Health Equity Leadership & Mentoring Program (HELM), February 13, 2026.
Lamere, M., Kreitzer, M. J., Poplau, S., Hart, A., Linzer, M., Sullivan, E., & McKinney, W. (April 22, 2026). Researcher well-being: What do researchers say they need now? Presented at the Association for Clinical and Translational Science Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, WI.
Lamere, M. (February 12, 2026). Connecting to Values to Navigate Tough Decisions. Invited workshop presented for Akston Biosciences.
Leininger B, Evans R, Hanson L, Kennedy D, McGarness A, Schulz C, Haley A, Austin R. Elevating Participant Voices in the Design of Complementary & Integrative Health Community Programs to Address Pain Related Disparities. (Platform Presentation) University of Minnesota’s School of Nursing Research Day, April 17, 2026, Minneapolis, MN.
Leininger B, Evans R, Hanson L, Kennedy D, McGarness A, Schulz C, Haley A, Austin R. Partners for Pain & Wellbeing Equity: A Phased Study of Community Supported Complementary and Integrative Health Self-Management for Back Pain (Platform Presentation) Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC), March 27-28, 2026; Kansas City, MO.
Leininger B, Evans R, Hanson L, Kennedy D, McGarness A, Schulz C, Haley A, Austin R. Partners for Pain & Wellbeing Equity: A Phased Study of Community Supported Complementary and Integrative Health Self-Management for Back Pain (Platform Presentation) International Forum for Back & Neck Pain Research in Primary Care. June 24-27, 2025. Davos, Switzerland.
Mudd L, Van de Winckel A, Ibanez G. Developing Tai Chi and Qigong Interventions to Enhance Resilience. 2026 Science of Tai Chi and Qigong as Whole-Person Health Conference. April 29-May 1, 2026, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Namdul, Tenzin. Tibetan Medicine in Integrative Health Care. Overview of Whole Health Models of Care & Integrative Practices. Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota. Sept. 29, 2025
Namdul, Tenzin. Tibetan Medicine: Intersection of Ethics, Philosophy, and Healing. Gateway to Himalayan Art Exhibition. St. Olaf College, Northfield. MN. November 4, 2025
Namdul, Tenzin. Mind-Body Paradigm in Tibetan Medicine. Asian Medical Systems. University of Washington. Seattle, WA. February 24, 2026
Namdul, Tenzin. Summer Restoration Through Tibetan Medicine. Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. Minneapolis, MN. June 13, 2026.
Olagbaiye C, Van de Winckel A. Resilience and positive affect correlate with function in adults with quadriplegia. ACRM Annual Conference, 2025, Chicago, Illinois.
O’Neill, C., Voss, M., & Zylowska, L., Bridging the Gap: Integrating Health Coaches and Mental Health Practitioners for Enhanced Patient Outcomes. 2026 International Congress on Integrative Medicine & Health. Salt Lake City, UT.
O'Neill C. & Dolayinka A., Health Coaches as Behavior Change Catalysts on Interprofessional Teams. Nexus Summit 2025: Navigating Complexity to Advance Outcomes, Lightning Talk. September 16, 2025. Virtual.
Pique Batalla M, Van de Winckel A, Walsh N, Lewis J. Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation: a treatment approach to target Body Perception Disturbances in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Neurocognitive Factors in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Special Interest Group (CRPS SIG) Conference. 2025, Lyon, France.
Pique Batalla M, Van de Winckel A, Walsh NE, Lewis JS. Protocol for Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress on Pain, 2026, Bangkok, Thailand.
Pique Batalla M,, Van de Winckel A, Walsh N, Lewis J. Protocol for Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Centre for Health and Clinical Research Showcase Conference 2026, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Posse S, Schoen A, Kunz B, Van de Winckel A, Yacoub E, Kunz K. Neuro-Functional Correlates of Different Reflex Areas in Healthy Controls and Patients with Stroke. 2026 ISMRM-ISMRT Annual Meeting and Exhibition. Cape Town, South Africa.
Pozzi J, Sandal L, Leininger B, Young M, Roseen E, Dalager T, Stochkendahl M. Economic evaluations of physical exercise at work: a scoping review. International Scientific Conference on the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders 2025. Sept. 8-12, 2025. Tübingen, Germany.
Schuver, K. From Mat to Mind: Yoga’s Integration into Nursing Practice. Integrative Nursing Webinar Series, Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota (2025, August).
Van de Winckel A. Invited speaker. Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation. Blackmore lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Wisconsin, 12/4/2025 (Virtual)
Van de Winckel A, Ma S. Evaluation of the structural validity and unidimensionality of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 in community-dwelling adults with Rasch Measurement Theory. International Objective Measurement Workshop (IOMW) 2025 Conference, 2025 (Boulder, Colorado)
Van de Winckel A, Carpentier ST, Bottale S, Blackwood J, Deng W, Zhang L, Hendrickson TJ, Mueller BA, Morse LR, Lim KO. Sensorimotor gains with Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation vs adaptive fitness in SCI (Pilot). September 17-19, 2026, Minneapolis, MN.
Van de Winckel A, Carpentier ST, Bottale S, Blackwood J, Deng W, Zhang L, Hendrickson TJ, Mueller BA, Morse LR, Lim KO. Greater sustained sensorimotor function recovery and neuropathic pain reduction with Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation compared to adaptive fitness in adults with spinal cord injury: a pilot clinical trial. April 11, 2026 Minnesota in Motion Annual Conference (Minneapolis, MN)
Van de Winckel A, Carpentier ST, Bottale S, Blackwood J, Deng W, Zhang L, Hendrickson TJ, Mueller BA, Morse LR, Lim KO. Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation vs Adaptive Fitness for Sensorimotor Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury: pilot clinical trial. Unite 2 Fight Paralysis' 20th Annual Science and Advocacy Symposium, Feb 15-17, 2026 (Washington, DC)
Van de Winckel A, Noël M, Lim KO, Zhang L, Tewari M. RESONATE: Pilot study on engaging with Marc Noël’s quantum paintings in peRson and in the mEtaverse for improvementS in mental bOdy represeNtations Affecting sensorimotor funcTion and emotional wEll-being in adults with spinal cord injury. Unite 2 Fight Paralysis' 20th Annual Science and Advocacy Symposium, Feb 15-17, 2026. Washington, DC.
Van de Winckel A, Stimac M, Kummerfeld E, Lim KO. Using Causal Discovery to Identify Heterogeneity in the Causal Factors for Pain Interference in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury-Related Neuropathic Pain. 2025 UMN Neurosciences Summer Retreat, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Van de Winckel, A. Podcast about research in SCI and stroke, and specifically the NIH Happiness grant - for “Blink of an Eye” foundation – a volunteer association for newly injured adults with SCI and their families: https://open.spotify.com/episode/28lrQeg07rsxpOFhVTbhPO, 2025
Van de Winckel A. Podcast on my complementary and integrative research related to the Marilyn Sime Faculty Research Fellowship. Holly McNeil “Pay Attention” “Mind-Body Connection | What Research Is Revealing.”
Van de Winckel, A. Podcast on my NeuroArts research and engagement with Quantum Paintings, Holly McNeil “Pay Attention”, 2026 Podcast with artist Marc Noel and Ann Van de Winckel. Title: “Making the Invisible Visible | Awareness felt through energy and art.
Van der Vossen B, De Zoete A, De Boer M, Leininger B, Bronfort G, Ostelo R, Rubinstein S. Unravelling responder analyses: using Individual Patient Data of SMT for chronic LBP. European Chiropractors’ Convention. May 14-16, 2026. Zurich, Switzerland.
Van der Vossen B, De Zoete A, De Boer M, Leininger B, Bronfort G, Ostelo R, Rubinstein S. Responder analyses. Comparing two approaches using Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low back pain. (Poster Presentation) International Forum for Back & Neck Pain Research in Primary Care. June 24-27, 2025. Davos, Switzerland.
Selected Publications
Austin, R.R., Alexander, S., Jantraporn, R., Rajamani, S (2025). Thriving Through Pain: A Whole-Person and Resilience Comparative Study Using mHealth App Technology for Individuals With Self-Reported Pain Challenges. Pain Management Nursing.
Austin, R.R., Jantraporn, R., Michalowski, M., Marquard, J., (2025). Machine Learning Techniques to Discover Hidden Patterns in Well-being and Resilience for Healthy Aging. Journal of Nursing Scholarship.
Austin, R.R., Britt-Lalich, M., Stewart, K., Zarbano, J., Bryne, M., Pinto, M., Umberfield, E. (2025). Exploring Common Data Model Coverage of Nursing Flowsheet Data: A Pilot Study Using SNOMED CT and LOINC Mapping. JAMIA Open. 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooaf168
Austin, R.R., Alexander, S., Tupper, S., Holt, J.M. (2025). Toward Solving the Menopause Data Gap: An Evidence-Based Standardized Mapping Study Using the Omaha System. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing.
Bogart KR, Voss M.E., Limon M. Mental health in the first generation of adults with Fanconi anemia. Psychol Health Med. 2026 Jan;31(1):125-139.
Breen, J. Nutrition Education: Increasing the knowledge base through hands-on training
Handbook of Public Health Nutrition: International, National, and Regional Perspectives, Springer Nature Switzerland, 2025.
Bronfort G, Meier EN, Leininger B, Schneider M, Evans R, Greco C, Hanson L, McFarland C, Chou R, Connett J, Delitto A, George SZ, Glick RM, Keefe F, Licciardone J, Schulz C, Turk D, Comstock BA, Vasconcelos AG, Heagerty PJ. Spinal Manipulation and Clinician-Supported Self-Management for Preventing Chronic Low Back Pain Impact: The PACBACK Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2026 Jun 1.
Bronfort G, Leininger B, Licciardone J. Spinal Manipulation and Biopsychosocial Self-Management for Back Pain-Reply. JAMA. 2026 May 26;335(20):1816-1817.
Bronfort G, Meier EN, Leininger B, Schneider M, Evans R, Greco C, Hanson L, McFarland C, Chou R, Connett J, Delitto A, George SZ, Glick RM, Keefe F, Licciardone J, Schulz C, Turk D, Heagerty PJ. Spinal Manipulation and Clinician-Supported Biopsychosocial Self-Management for Acute Back Pain: The PACBACK Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2026 Feb 10;335(6):497-510.
Bronfort G, Meier EN, Leininger B, Schneider M, Evans R, Greco C, Hanson L, McFarland C, Chou R, Connett J, Delitto A, George SZ, Glick RM, Keefe F, Licciardone J, Schulz C, Turk D, Heagerty PJ. Spinal Manipulation and Clinician-Supported Biopsychosocial Self-Management for Acute Back Pain: The PACBACK Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2026 Feb 10;335(6):497-510.
Carpentier S, Bottale S, Cenci N, Cracchiolo M, De Patre D, Gorosito JP, Grimaldi I, Melo M, Polinelli B, Rigoni M, Romeo F, Zernitz M, Van de Winckel A. Development of the SCI-BodyMap-Measuring Mental Body Representations in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for Item Generation, Reliability, and Validity Testing. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Sep 8;14:e72370.
Carter-Templeton, H., Sloss, E., Austin, R., & Kennedy, R. (2025). ANI Emerging Leader Project: Engaging Nurses to Drive the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Practice. CIN: Computers Informatics Nursing, Article 10.1097/CIN.0000000000001201.
Hadlandsmyth K, Evans R, Leininger BD, Taylor BC, Cross LJS, Bangerter A, Hagel Campbell EM, Haley AC, Mahaffey M, Matthias MS, Taylor SL, Burgess DJ. Reaching rural veterans: Applying mind-body skills for pain using a whole health telehealth intervention: The RAMP pilot study. Contemp Clin Trials. 2026 Mar;162:108254.
Henderson A, Namdul T, Ferguson G, London S, MacLehose R, Buchwald D. Lessons learned from responses to COVID-19 pandemic in rural, Indigenous, and isolated populations in the US and India: a qualitative study. BMC health services research. 2025;26(1):83. doi:10.1186/s12913-025-13719-0.
Jaffer, S., Austin, R.R., Kirsch, J.,. (2025). Exploring a Whole-person Health Approach to Migrant Health in Rural Minnesota: A Pilot Project. Frontiers Public Health.
Kim, C., Austin, R., Wurtz, R., Delaney, C. W., & Rajamani, S. (2025). Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Control of Infectious Diseases in the Post-COVID Era: Scoping Review. JMIR nursing, 8, e84242.
Kligler, B., Bonnet, J., Dahmer, S., Jonas, W., Kreitzer, M.J., Krist, A., Stout, RW. (April, 2026) “Whole Person Health Care: A Way Forward”. EXPLORE.
Kreitzer, M.J. (2026) “Living in Uncertain Times: Nurses on the Front Line”. EXPLORE.
Kreitzer, M.J., Koithan, M., (2026) “Integrative Nursing: A Whole Health Perspective”. EXPLORE. 22(2).
Kreitzer, M.J. & Koithan, M. (Eds.). (2025). Integrative Nursing. 3rd Edition. Oxford University Press. Chapters 1, 5, 10, 19 & 24.
Kreitzer, M.J. & Koithan, M. (2025) Concepts and Principles of Integrative Nursing. Integrative Nursing, 3rd Edition. New York, New York. Oxford University Press. Chapter 1.
Kreitzer, M.J. & Gaskins, J. (2025) Advancing Whole Health and Wellbeing in People, Organizations and Communities. Integrative Nursing, 3rd Edition. New York, New York. Oxford University Press. Chapter 5.
Kreitzer, M.J. & Zborowsky, T. (2025) Creating Optimal Healing Environments. Integrative Nursing, 3rd Edition. New York, New York. Oxford University Press. Chapter 10.
Kreitzer, M.J. (2025) Leading Systems Change: A Whole Systems Healing Approach. Integrative Nursing, 3rd Edition. New York, New York. Oxford University Press. Chapter 19.
Kreitzer, M.J. & Koithan, M. (2025) The Long View. Integrative Nursing, 3rd Edition. New York, New York. Oxford University Press. Chapter 24.
Leininger BD, Kuntz KM, Hodges JS, Evans R, Enns E, Johnson PJ, Bronfort G. Cost-effectiveness of spinal manipulation, exercise, and self-management for spinal pain. Chiropr Man Therap. 2025 Aug 23;33(1):36.
Lewis, B.A., Schuver, K.J., Swinney, K.B., Dregney, T.M. & Linde, J.A. (2025). Examining the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a group-based physical activity intervention integrating strength training among pre- and perimenopausal Women: A randomized pilot trial. Women’s Health, 21, 1-12.
Namdul T, MacLehose R, Pasang T, et al. Community‐based participatory research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias among Tibetan Buddhist monks in South India: The Lifestyle Assessment and Monastic Aging Study (LAMAS). Alzheimer’s & dementia. 2025;21(11):70834. doi:10.1002/alz.70834
Park, S., Marquard, J. L., Austin, R. R., Martin, C. L., Pieczkiewicz, D. S., & Delaney, C. W. (2025). Information Prioritization and Reading Patterns in Electronic Health Record Nursing Summaries: An Eye-Tracking Case Study. Applied clinical informatics, 16(04), 1252-1262.
Park, S., Marquard, J., Austin, R.R., Martin, C., Pieczkwicz, D., Delaney, C., (2025).
Exploratory Co-Design on Electronic Health Record Nursing Summaries: Case Study. 9:e68906, JMIR.
Pool, N., & Voss, M. E. (2025). Integrative Nursing Assessment. In M.J. Kreitzer & M. Koithan, (2025). Integrative Nursing: A Whole Health Perspective, 187. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Reading Turchioe M, Austin R, Lytle K. (2025) Opportunities and Challenges for Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence to Support Nurses: Results of a Survey of Nursing Informaticists. Comput Inform Nurs. Jul 1;43(7):e01279.
Schuver, K. & Lewis, B.A. (In-press). Theories of Behavior Change. In the American College of Sports Medicine’s Resources for the Exercise Physiologist, 4th Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Thakur, M., Mathiason, M. A., Kim, C., Pieczkiewicz, D., Austin, R., & Rajamani, S. (2025). Social Isolation, Social Media Use, Quality of Health Care, and Trust in Health Care System: Findings From a National Health Information Survey. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 10-1097.
Turchioe, M. R., Pepingco, C., Ronquillo, C., Ferrara, S. A., Topaz, M., Austin, R., & Lytle, K. (2025). Education, empowerment, and elevating nursing voices: Nursing informatics leaders’ perspectives on the path forward with artificial intelligence in nursing. Nursing outlook, 73(5), 102484.
Vanbellingen T, Van de Winckel A, Pastore-Wapp M, Ottiger B, Veerbeek J, Cazzoli D, Nyffeler T. Poor upper limb performance despite the absence of notable upper limb motor impairment in adults with acute stroke - the influence of cognitive deficits. Neuropsychol Rehabil. 2026 May;36(4):825-835.
Van de Winckel A, Carpentier ST, Deng W, Bottale S, Zhang L, Hendrickson TJ, Linnman C, Lim KO, Mueller BA, Wudlick R, Battaglino R, Morse LR. Preliminary efficacy of cognitive multisensory rehabilitation for neuropathic pain in chronic spinal cord injury: a phase I randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2026 Mar 20;16(1):14330.
Van de Winckel A, Zhang L, Lim KO, Morse LR, Woodliff B, Maestre G, Baker K. Changing the Perceived Pain Intensity in Populations With Spinal Cord Injury and With Health Disparities (HAPPINESS): Protocol for a Feasibility Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Nov 19;14:e82431.
Voss, M. E., O’Neill, C., Austin, C., & Kreitzer, M. J. (in press). Mental health referrals in health coaching: Guidelines for safe, ethical practice. Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
Voss, M. E., & Pool, N. (2025). Integrative Nursing Care Delivery. In M.J. Kreitzer & M. Koithan, (2025). Integrative Nursing: A Whole Health Perspective, 210. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Watry, R.A.M., Kreitzer, M.J., Hadidi, N., Bhimani, R., Yu, F., Salisbury, D.L. (December 2025) “Impact of Aerobic Cycling on Affective Symptoms and Quality of Life in Persons Experiencing Cognitive Decline. Alzheimers and Dementia, 20(Suppl 8), e095430.
Yas, M.A., Austin, R.R., Secginli, S., Rajamani, S. (2025). Older Women’s Acceptability of a Consumer-facing Mobile Application to Assess Whole-person Health in the United States and Türkey: A Qualitative Study. Computers, Informatics, Nursing.
Ziegler, AM.L., Thorpe, D., Kennedy, D. et al. Barriers and facilitators to self-management in people with back-related leg pain: a qualitative secondary analysis. Chiropr Man Therap 33, 17 (2025).
Bakken Center Team
Leadership Council
Mary Jo Kreitzer - Founder and Director
Kit Breshears - Communications Director
Pamela Cherry - Administrative Director
Roni Evans - Integrative Health & Wellbeing Research Program Director
Virginia Kaczmarek - Development Director
Asa Olson - Learning Resources Group Director
Sue Nankivell - Community Relations and Business Development Director
Cherie O’Neill - Integrative Health & Wellbeing Program Director
Megan Voss - Director of Education
Integrated Health & Wellness Research Program
Oliver Ang - Physical Therapist
Shraddha Bika - Physical Therapist
Gert Bronfort - Research Professor
Dola Greene - Research Assistant
Linda Hanson - Assistant Director, Assistant Professor
Alex Haley - Assistant Professor
John Jodzio - Grants Manager
Douglas Kennedy - Assistant Professor
Brent Leininger - Associate Professor
Amy McGarness - Project Coordinator
Craig Schulz - Assistant Professor
Don Thorpe -Chiropractic Clinician, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Blong Vang - Chiropractic Clinician, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Lynn Winkel - Chiropractic Clinician, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Emma Baarts - Community Coordinator, Partners4Pain
Velma Harris - Community Coordinator, Partners4Pain
Robin Hedrick - Community Coordinator, Partners4Pain
Davontae Maine - Community Coordinator, Partners4Pain
IHWRP Fellows
Shraddha Bika
Don Thorpe
Lynn Winkel
Senior Fellows
Frank Bennett
Craig Blacklock
Miriam Cameron
Mick Johnson
Brenda Langton
Richard Leider
Mara Melum
Staff
Mobby Agboola - Research Assistant
Micki Fasteland - Learning Resources Group Instructional Designer
Sam Fedderly - Graphic Designer
Erin Fider - Student Services and Academic Programs Coordinator
Amy Jensen - Business Development & Community Relations Associate
Anz Johansen - Director’s Assistant and Office Manager
Mariann Johnson - Mindfulness & Wellbeing Instructor
Molly Manko - Community Relations Program and Event Manager
Sophia Nguyen - Learning Resources Group Student Employee
Christina Owen - Student Services Specialist
Alex Ruiz Shimada - Student Graphic Designer
Morgan Steinfeldt - Marketing and Communications Generalist
Faculty
Jane K. Anderson
Robin R. Austin
Andrew Barnes
Janice Barbee
Jenny Breen
Kit Breshears
Carole Anne Broad
Gert Bronfort
Miriam E. Cameron
Kim Christensen
Carolyn Denton
Erin Erickson
Kate Eskuri
Roni Evans
Mitch Haas
Alex Haley
Linda Hanson
Craig Hassel
Kate Hathaway
Kelly Howard
Douglas Kennedy
Mary Jo Kreitzer
Gisli Kristofersson
Michelle Lamere
Jean Larson
Brent Leininger
Andrew Litchy
Asavari Manvikar
Kathy Marshall
Abbey Metzger
John Miller
Solange Monono
Tenzin Namdul
Huong Nguyen
Prabhjot S. Nijjar
Barbara Nordstrom-Loeb
Sara Nystuen-Royzenfeld
Cherie O’Neill
Asa Olson
Lisa Philander
Carolyn M. Porta
Teddie Potter
Deborah R. Ringdahl
Laura Sandquist
Greg Sawyer
Craig Schulz
Katie Schuver
Kate Shafto
Stephanie Shively
Jenzi Silverman
Nimi Singh
Molly Sturges
Brandon Sullivan
Amy Taylor
Susan Thompson
Don Thorpe
Janet Tomaino
Carolyn Torkelson
Diane Treat-Jacobson
Mark Umbreit
Ann Van de Winckel
Megan Voss
Merra Young
Theresa Zborowsky
Lidia Zylowska
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Facilitators
Community Spirit Ventures
Cass McLaughlin
Connected Wellness
Chance York
Jean Fagerstrom
Susan Flannigan
Mariann Johnson
Susan Miles
Robb Reed
The Resting Well
Stephanie Antoine
Merra Young
Mindfulness Monday Facilitators
Mary Margaret Anderson
Alvina Brueggemann
Amy Wheeler
Connected Wellness
Chance York
Susan Flannigan
Tenzin Namdul
Molly Sturges