In episode two, Dr. Uzo is joined by Dr. Paulina Van, a U.S.-based professor of nursing, researcher, artist, author, mentor, and descendant of Central American healers. Uzo and Paulina discuss the role of art in healing as Black women who are also nurses, immigrants, academics, and healers. They share personal stories from their lives and experiences with self-realization, self-care, and navigating the academic system.

DR. PAULINA VAN
Paulina Van, PhD, RN, CNE is an immigrant from Central America and a descendant ofgenerations of healers. She earned a BSN from the University of San Francisco and graduatedegrees (MS and Ph.D.) from the University of California, San Francisco. She is a Full Professor and researcher at Samuel Merritt University, College of Nursing in Oakland, California. Dr. Van is an international speaker recognized for her coping, healing, and stress management work. She holds related certifications as a Reiki Master, HeartMath® Certified Trainer, Healing Circles Leader, and a Caritas® Coach. Dr. Van’s scientific publications address perinatal grief, healing, coping, and reflective practices; impact on student learning. Her first book, “Regala Healing”®, was released in September 2021. It is a poetic, sacred work that immerged during her commitment to increasing self-care, self-love, and self-compassion in her life. She hosts a live, biweekly program on BlackDoctor.org. The topics focus on meditation, mindfulness, and healing prose from her book, “Regala Healing”.

Dr. Van’s book of poetry, Regala Healing, offers 100 healing narratives straight from her heartand rooted in unspoken life experiences. The poems are all about self-realization, self-care, and, ultimately, self-love. Dr. Van trusts that sharing herself with unabated transparency maypotentiate your healing as it has hers. Although these poems are rooted in her experiences, they might also call forth your feelings and truths. You, too, can open yourself to the internalconversation these poems might spark! The Regala Healing book is available for purchase onAmazon and regalahealing.com and at the following libraries, DePaul University, Samuel MerrittUniversity, Mechanics Institute (SF), and African American Museum and Library at Oakland.

Learn more & connect with Dr. Van: https://www.regalahealing.com/

If you are interested in sharing your story on the Communal Healing podcast, please visit wellnesspromoters.net/communal-healing.