About Us
About
The Healing Touch Worldwide Foundation (HTWF) improves people’s lives by advancing Healing Touch worldwide – that is to assist, encourage and advance the philosophy, objectives and techniques of Healing Touch therapy. The foundation’s mission is accomplished by raising awareness and by raising funds to support Healing Touch research, service and education through grant opportunities.
We are guided by the following core values.
Core Value #1 Dedication
We are dedicated and passionate to advancing Healing Touch. We are driven to identify ways to continuously raise awareness of Healing Touch and to raise funds and make grants to allow the advancement of Healing Touch. All that we do is centered on this purpose
Core Value #2 Fun
We have a positive energy and attitude and like to have fun. This is reflected in how we interact with others and how we carry ourselves. It is contagious. This makes others curious and interested in learning more.
Core Value #3 Teamwork
We work collaboratively within and outside of the foundation. We believe that by working as a team with clear focus, we get things done.
Core Value #4 Caring
We are caring, compassionate and heart centered, never losing sight of the wonderful benefits of the Healing Touch energy modality. We strive to promote Healing Touch and expose everyone to it.
Core Value #5 Professional
We approach the work of the foundation with integrity and with respect for our founder’s vision, for those we work with and all those we interact with. We respect the experiences, knowledge and diversity of the Healing Touch community as well those outside of Healing Touch. We are vigilant stewards of the foundation’s funds through responsible planning and management of our resources.
Core Value #6 Visionary
We think outside the box to bring awareness of the foundation’s purpose and mission. We are creative and innovative in our approach to increase awareness, raise funds and engagement with the Healing Touch community and beyond.
Core Value #7 Spiritually Guided
We use our innate abilities to tap into the spiritual realm to access divine guidance which provides help and support in all areas of the work that we do. We trust this guidance to lead us to the higher good that is beneficial for our Healing Touch Community.
President Emeritus / Nominating Committee
Bonnie Morrow, BNH, DN, HTCP/I
Founding Board Member: 2000 through 2020
Bonnie hails as a true "Healing Touch Elder" and holds the honor of being personally asked to serve on the HTWF board by Janet Mentgen. She served for three years as a board member prior to becoming Foundation President in 2000 at a time when the Foundation consisted of only three members. Bonnie was Foundation President for ten years, providing leadership that ushered in expansion of the HTWF Board for greater participation and ultimately grew the HTWF bank account by nearly three times during her tenure. She continued to serve on the board until her passing in 2020, lending her historical knowledge and passion for spreading Healing Touch worldwide.
Besides providing continuity over the years, Bonnie’s drive and outgoing personality shined a spotlight on the Foundation and brought in many volunteers and donations. Among her focuses was an ongoing effort to bring Healing Touch to Nepal. She was instrumental in Foundation efforts to train an instructor in that country and, when the country was devastated by an earthquake, she worked with others in the Foundation and that instructor, Aparna Bhatta, to provide relief supplies and healing to needy villages.
Role:
- To participate in all board activities
- Presence for votes
- Engage in discussion
- Lead/contribute to board tasks and events
Expectations:
- Remotely attend one board meeting call per month
- Attend the annual board meeting in person (once per year, expenses paid)
- Complete full three year term
- Complete to-dos/projects for board between meetings (approximately 1 hr.mo for at-large members, more time for chairs)
- Enthusiastic participation, kind communication, respect for all members
- Timely response to board-related questions /emails (within 3 days)
- Aligned with our core values
This two part video is the perfect Introduction to Healing Touch Classes and for explaining Healing Touch to family, friends, colleagues and in classroom settings. Explain to others how Healing Touch can positively impact their lives and the lives of others.
Part 1
Part 2
Healing Touch Worldwide Foundation, Inc. (HTWF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1997 by the Healing Touch Program founder, Janet L. Mentgen, RN, BSN, HNC, HTCP/I. Healing Touch has been effective in demonstrating a positive impact in the health care of the global community. Healing Touch is widely respected and increasingly accepted, not only in the United States, but in many countries across the world.
Healing Touch Program is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Healing Touch Program has been peer-reviewed and is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association and the Canadian Holistic Nurses Association. Healing Touch Program is a Watson Caring Science Institute Endorsed Program.
HTWF is committed to Advancing Healing Touch Worldwide.
Our Vision:
Advancing Healing Touch Worldwide.
Our Mission:
Supporting Healing Touch research, service, and education through grant opportunities.
Janet Mentgen
Janet Mentgen, RN, BSN was an energetically sensitive nurse. Her drive was to deepen and expand the connection between nurses and their patients. She began using energy-based healing skills with her patients in 1980 and in so doing observed the positive effect of touch.
Her love for her patients and the nurse-patient connection began emerging as she developed her "healing touch" methods. She honed her methods by teaching continuing education classes and by applying the methods within her private practice. In 1989, Janet formally created Healing Touch as an energy medicine program and in 1993 Janet formed The Colorado Center for Healing Touch dedicated to bringing Healing Touch to millions of people throughout the world.
In 1997, the Healing Touch Worldwide Foundation, Inc., was founded by Janet as a non-profit charitable organization to receive and distribute funds to assist, encourage and advance the philosophy, objectives and techniques of Healing Touch therapy. This is primarily accomplished through the funding of grants for research and humanitarian projects around the world.
Bonnie Kelley Morrow
In 2000, Janet asked Bonnie Morrow to assume leadership of HTWF. Bonnie had been a member of the Foundation Board since its founding and Janet charged her with the task of guiding the organization as it grew in financial strength, volunteers and activities. Bonnie was Foundation President for ten years, providing leadership that ushered in expansion of the HTWF Board for greater participation and ultimately grew the HTWF bank account by nearly three times during her tenure. She continued to serve on the board until her passing in 2020, lending her historical knowledge and passion for spreading Healing Touch worldwide.
Bonnie’s drive and outgoing personality shined a spotlight on the Foundation and brought in many volunteers and donations. Among her focuses was an ongoing effort to bring Healing Touch to Nepal. She was instrumental in Foundation efforts to train an instructor in that country and, when the country was devastated by an earthquake, she worked with others in the Foundation and that instructor, Aparna Bhatta, to provide relief supplies and healing to needy villages.
Janet and Bonnie’s legacy has been carried on since 2010 under the Presidency’s of Donna Fink, Karen Chin, Nancy Lavergne and, currently, Bonnie’s husband, Norman Morrow. From 2000 through mid-2023, Janet’s objectives have been advanced by providing over $250,000 in grants and scholarships.
Board of Directors
President
Norman Morrow, BS, PhD
Joined the Board: 2010
Norman has been responsible for the day-to-day management of HTWF’s financial affairs since 2001. In 2019, he became President of the Foundation and is currently serving in that capacity.
Norman is retired from ExxonMobil Corporation, but continues to provide consulting services on air pollution regulations and compliance for the petroleum and chemical industries though his own company – Fresh Air Consulting. The balance of his time is spent fishing, traveling and visiting with his and Bonnie’s children and grandchildren.
As HTWF expands to provide broader and more extensive services to the Healing Touch Community, Norman is striving bring in new blood and new ideas.
Secretary
Deborah Poelker: HTP-A, BS, MA, Retired Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Deb began her HTP journey in February 2020, as a Level 1 Student and currently is working toward HTP Certification. Deb has recently stepped into the role of Acting Secretary for the Healing Touch Worldwide Foundation Board and also sits on the Boards Grants Committee. She is inspired by the HTWF mission of advancing HT worldwide and has particular enthusiasm for the foundations vision to fund grants for quality scientific research regarding the benefits of HT.
Having retired from a 20-year career in the mental health field in 2019, and having worked in the environmental sciences prior to that, Deb considers energy healing as a natural progression in her career path.
Treasurer
Barbara Cox
Bio coming soon!
Member
Lisa Mentgen-Gordon, CEO Healing Touch Program
Lisa Mentgen-Gordon is the CEO of Healing Touch Program. Lisa believes that Healing Touch, founded by Lisa’s mother, Janet Mentgen, is a magnificent and significant gift to the world, which makes it easy for her to spend most of her time expanding, enhancing, and spreading this program. Her love lies in helping others to spread the work of Healing Touch to all and is dedicated to awaken the idea of deliberate living, and to raise the vibration and quality of life worldwide through Healing Touch.
Member
Leanne Bishop, M.Ed, HTCP/I
Leanne Bishop earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of Maine. After working as a school counselor and then staying home with her children for a few years, Leanne started her journey with Healing Touch after some medical challenges within her family. She learned the benefits of Healing Touch to help with stress management while dealing with challenges she experienced with a child on the autism spectrum and another child with Brittle Bone Disease (at first the medical staff thought she had cancer). During this time, Leanne also experienced great spiritual growth and a connection with her Higher Power, helping her realize her purpose in life; helping others find health and wellness in mind, body and spirit with Healing Touch, and by teaching interested students how to utilize Healing Touch in their work and personal lives.
For 4 years, Leanne had the privilege of providing Healing Touch to those undergoing active cancer treatment at a cancer support center. She is currently focusing on instructing Healing Touch Level 1 & 2 classes, with the desire to support Janet Mentgen’s vision of having at least one person in every household know Healing Touch.
Advisory Council
Karen B. Chin, RN, MS, HTCP/I
Joined the Board: 2009
Karen began on the board in 2009 as the secretary. She was involved with the update of the Bylaws and the ongoing development of policies and procedures. Karen had the privilege of serving as President from 2012 – 2016.
Karen’s background is varied, having been an operating room nurse both in civilian and military capacities. She served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for 25 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Having just moved from Texas to New Hampshire, Karen teaches RN nursing students on a part time basis, and looks forward to setting up Level 1 Healing Touch classes in her area. She also enjoys being a HT mentor. Her interests include karate, in which she holds a 2nd degree black belt, as well as learning piano. Her growing HT business is called Touch of the Phoenix.
Karen’s vision for the HTWF is that we do our utmost to indeed spread Healing Touch worldwide.
Carol Komitor, CMT, HTCP/I, HTACP, ESMT
Healing Touch for Animals, Founder
As a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner/Instructor (HTCP/I), Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and Certified Hospital Based Massage Therapist (CHBMT), Carol witnessed the powerful and often dramatic effects of energy medicine on humans. Her experience since 1991 as both a veterinary technician and an HTCP/I inspired her to develop energy medicine techniques for animals. Carol’s passion for animals and her knowledge of energy medicine brought about a program of hands-on courses offering a cooperative model that bridges holistic animal healthcare with traditional veterinary medicine.
Based on years of experience working with world class trainers, veterinarians, animal shelters, private clients and through extensive studies, Carol Komitor formulated the curriculum for the multilevel energy medicine program known as Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA). HTA techniques were created and cultivated by Carol through study, practice and experiential knowledge.
Madeleine Ferbal, MA, HHP, HTCP, HTACP/I
Madeleine began her journey into holistic health in 2001 and became a Holistic Health Practitioner in 2007. She has been a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner since 2008 and a Healing Touch for Animals Certified Practitioner / Instructor since 2012. In 2014, she joined the Board of Directors of Healing Touch California where she currently serves as the President and strives to support HT practitioners throughout the state. Madeleine is a big advocate for self-care and has a blended personal practice working with both humans and animals in the Southern California area. When not teaching or working with her private clients, she enjoys volunteering her time with other HTA practitioners providing energy work to animals of various rescue organizations in the community.
In May of 2020, she completed a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership and Management and is excited to bring her nonprofit experience and knowledge to the Advisory Council of HTWF.
Mary Duennes RN, BSN, MA, HTCP/I, QM
Bio coming soon!
Grants
Grants Chair
Norman Morrow, BS, PhD
Joined the Board: 2010
Norman has been responsible for the day-to-day management of HTWF’s financial affairs since 2001. In 2019, he became President of the Foundation and is currently serving in that capacity.
Norman is retired from ExxonMobil Corporation, but continues to provide consulting services on air pollution regulations and compliance for the petroleum and chemical industries though his own company – Fresh Air Consulting. The balance of his time is spent fishing, traveling and visiting with his and Bonnie’s children and grandchildren.
As HTWF expands to provide broader and more extensive services to the Healing Touch Community, Norman is striving bring in new blood and new ideas.
Scholarships
Scholarships Chair
Karen B. Chin, RN, MS, HTCP/I
Joined the Board: 2009
Karen began on the board in 2009 as the secretary. She was involved with the update of the Bylaws and the ongoing development of policies and procedures. Karen had the privilege of serving as President from 2012 – 2016.
Karen’s background is varied, having been an operating room nurse both in civilian and military capacities. She served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for 25 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Having just moved from Texas to New Hampshire, Karen teaches RN nursing students on a part time basis, and looks forward to setting up Level 1 Healing Touch classes in her area. She also enjoys being a HT mentor. Her interests include karate, in which she holds a 2nd degree black belt, as well as learning piano. Her growing HT business is called Touch of the Phoenix.
Karen’s vision for the HTWF is that we do our utmost to indeed spread Healing Touch worldwide.
Scholarships Member
Norman Morrow, BS, PhD
Joined the Board: 2010
Norman has been responsible for the day-to-day management of HTWF’s financial affairs since 2001. In 2019, he became President of the Foundation and is currently serving in that capacity.
Norman is retired from ExxonMobil Corporation, but continues to provide consulting services on air pollution regulations and compliance for the petroleum and chemical industries though his own company – Fresh Air Consulting. The balance of his time is spent fishing, traveling and visiting with his and Bonnie’s children and grandchildren.
As HTWF expands to provide broader and more extensive services to the Healing Touch Community, Norman is striving bring in new blood and new ideas.
Scholarships Member
Donna Adams Ackerman
Bio coming soon!
Marketing
Marketing Chair
Nancy Lavergne, HTCP, Past President
Joined the Board: Spring 2012
Nancy joined HTWF as a committee member in April 2012 and became a the Board member in August 2012. Nancy has been the fundraising chairperson since 2012. She has also held the roles of Vice-President role (2013-2016) and President role (2016-2019) during this time. She has successfully implemented new fundraising events; Heel to Heal Walk/Run’s as well as Virtual races, and internet raffles, generating new revenue for the foundation.
Nancy worked 17 years in finance prior to moving to the US from Canada and shifted careers, working sixteen years in sales and contract negotiations. In 2004 Nancy experienced a Healing Touch session and it was so powerful that it guided her to become a HT practitioner. HT has brought an awareness of an inner passion she did not know she had and shifted all energies in her life at the core. She left her sales job in 2011 to join a holistic facility in Cincinnati, Ohio where she practices energy medicine.
Nancy’s passions today include volunteering Healing Touch, decorating, DIY projects, sewing, golfing, pickleball and especially spending time with her grandchildren and family.
Nancy envisions the growth of the foundation into an organization providing significant credibility in research, impacting education and energy medicine worldwide.
Support
Support Assistant
Leslie Bugio, B.Sc.
Member September 2010
Originally from Flushing, Michigan, Leslie spent her younger years enjoying the cold weather until her family relocated to Austin, Texas where she graduated from high school. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and Art History from San Houston State University, Leslie worked for 12 years as an Architectural Sales Representative in Houston, Texas.
With the birth of her children Nicholas and Emily, her growing family became her top priority and she transformed into a proverbial soccer mom and community volunteer.
Ever searching for spiritual connection on her journey, Leslie found Healing Touch after severely breaking her leg. Healing Touch has since become a passion of hers, and she continues to heal and grow as a level 3 HT student, and assistant to Bonnie Morrow.