Jo Ann Broder
I have always had a deep heartfelt connection and respect for animals, nature and the mystical. My paternal grandfather was a dowser and my maternal grandparents firmly believed in the spirit world. Years ago, I was introduced to my first, very lengthy and informative shamanic journey by a special tree that lived in a small grassy triangle, the border of which was created by the connecting of three country roads. I also participated in a small meditation group, where one evening while meditating, I was given firm, encouraging, significant direction by two separate helping spirits. About a week later I happened to look down to discover a rock with a natural profile of one of those helping spirits, right down to the braid in his hair. Yes, I got the message — no more questioning or doubting!
Not long after, while taking a drum making class, another participant mentioned Michael Harner and the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. After doing a little research, I decided to enroll in the Basic Workshop, The Way of the Shaman. It was so powerful and intense that I took it twice. I began taking all of the FSS advanced classes with great excitement and enthusiasm. I also studied with a variety of contemporary shamanic teachers, including Nan Moss and David Corbin.
Still hungry for more, I took the Two Week Shamanic Healing Intensive, followed by the Three Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing, both taught by Nan Moss and David Corbin. I followed up with Harner Shamanic Counseling with April Tuck. I hold an FSS Gold Certificate of Completion.
I own and operate a small dog grooming shop. For years I taught training classes, training and showing dogs for myself and others. I have also worked for the Department of Mental Health for over twenty years and it has given me the opportunity to introduce my pig, Giant Cochen hen, Boar goat, and others to the residents of different facilities over the years. What a joy it is to see the happiness these animals create — how they are able to reach places within an individual that often cannot be touched by other humans.
I am grateful for my shamanic practice and the ability to help others, which includes distance healing and divination. I am deeply honored to be a faculty member for the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, to help others learn the core shamanic methods, and to create a direct connection with their own helping spirits for knowledge, wisdom, and healing.