KETAMINE TEAM

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW

Integrative mental health and trauma specialist

Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW is the founder/clinical director of Cannectd Wellness. She has 30 years of experience in both NYC and Florida. Kaplan is the creator of integrative mental health and well-being programs, based on trauma treatment protocols, designed to help individuals on their path of mind, body, soul healing, well-being and empowerment. Kaplan is also an innovative formulator of plant extracts for the cannabis and health and wellness industries. As the founder of CANNECTD Wellness™, Kaplan successfully treats people using the ‘Whole Life Plan© (WLP),’ her signature integrative approach to well-being.
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 Kaplan received her Masters in Clinical Social Work (MSW) degree from Fordham University. She is also the founder of the Can’t Tell Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization (www.canttellnetwork.com). Kaplan collaborates with Dr. Michelle Weiner using ketamine assisted therapy, cannabis and plant medicines to support their patients on their path of well-being. Additionally, Kaplan, along with Dr. Weiner and the University of Miami, has completed a study on Ketamine assisted therapy.
Direct Contact: (561)346-3169

Jenelle Becerra

Peak Performance and Psychedelic Integration Coach, Facilitator

Jenelle Becerra, MS, is a Miami-based trauma-informed psychedelic integration coach specializing in life transitions and performance, using an integrative approach that combines modern coaching methods with the intentional use of psychedelics. As a certified professional coach with a degree in health science, she employs diverse modalities such as embodiment, pain reprocessing therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), behavior change, and design thinking. Her practice focuses on connecting with the emotional root of behavior, identifying limiting beliefs, and empowering clients through personalized goal-setting and accountability. Whether in-person or virtually, Jenelle guides those ready to change on a transformative journey toward self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment.

 

Alessandra Zapata

Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

Alessandra is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with a plethora of experience in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Management, Internal Medicine & Mental Health. She has been in the healthcare industry since 2007 as an LPN where her first job was working in a juvenile correctional setting, it is no wonder that mental health is one of her passions! Since then, she has obtained a Bachelors in Psychology with a Minor in Women’s Studies, Associate in Science of Nursing & a Masters in the Science of Nursing. Alessandra has worked in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, doctors offices among many other settings. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, participating in community events and practicing aesthetic medicine. You will always feel at home with Alessandra, her priority is always providing a cathartic experience no matter what your appointment is for!

Sandra Segura

Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

Sandra Segura, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience in Pain Management, Aesthetics, Mental Health, PM&R, and alternative medicine.

Sandra has worked in healthcare for over 17 years. She began her work as a nursing assistant at Baptist Hospital as a recipient of the Baptist Health Scholars program, while working towards her bachelor’s in nursing at the University of Miami. In 2007, She graduated from UM with a BSN and joined the first cohort of the Versant Program at Baptist, a nursing training program. After completion of the program, she was hired as a registered nurse in the emergency department, where she worked for over 7 years. Shortly after, she began working Per-diem in Plastic surgery and sparked an interest in aesthetics. At the end of 2013, Sandra completed her Nurse Practitioner program and obtained her board certification. Shortly after, she began working in PM&R and pain management. At the end of 2015, Sandra began to pursue her interest of working in aesthetics and obtained her advanced certification as an injector of neuromodulators and dermal fillers. She also obtained certifications in Kybella, Carboxytherapy, and Mesotherapy.

Sandra is a reliable, holistic, and ethical healthcare provider with ability to stay calm under pressure and intervene during crises. She developed strong triage, assessment, and treatment skills through my years of expertise in emergency nursing. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and has a proven ability to build positive relationships with patients, family members, physicians, and other medical professionals.

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Sandra is an employee of Spine and Wellness Centers of America and is actively collaborating with Dr Michelle Weiner and her team to treat patients who suffer with depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, OCD, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and other mental health disorders. Through her passion for holistic medicine, Sandra is currently assisting in the administration of intravenous and intramuscular ketamine for KAP (ketamine assisted psychotherapy). She is also collaborating in research associated with providing alternative medicine to replace opioid use in patients who suffer with chronic pain. Sandra is a caring and compassionate nurse practitioner, who empathizes with her patients and provides excellent quality care service.

Sandra was born in Colombia and emigrated to the United States at the age of 6. She has children of her own and hopes to continue the family traditions and customs from her native, Colombia. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. On her days off, Sandra enjoys pending time with her family, traveling, gardening, outdoor activities, and loves to dance salsa.

Jessica Stark

Holistic Health & Wellness Coach/ Psychedelic RN

Jessica is a prior traveling nurse who decided to leave the hospital and go back to school to pursue holistic nursing. She has a growing passion for natural/alternative medicine, including psychedelics and places a priority on mental health. Working as a Ketamine integration nurse and sitter, Jessica is with the patient from beginning to end. She will sit with the patient before the session to go over what their set intention is and create a space for them to feel safe. Jessica will remain with or near the patient as they go about their journey, and once completed, will listen and speak on what they experienced during their psychedelic conquest. She will then educate the patient on how to integrate the profound insight from the journey to do the “work” once they’re ready to go home. Jessica holds much empathy for each individual and believes everyone has the power to connect to their highest wisdom. With this belief, she wishes to provide accountability to her patients while enacting a positive, lasting change to all aspects of their health- Mental, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual.

Anamargret Sanchez

Awareness Coach

Anamargret was born in Kingston, Jamaica into a racially mixed family. This diverse background has given her the ability to move effortlessly throughout the world. Her curiosity and reverence for the esoteric directed her toward yoga philosophy.

For the past two decades she has taught and shared yoga from her personal experiences.

By cultivating a strong mindfulness practice she has courageously moved through both the shadow and the light that yoga has helped her uncover. These discoveries help her relate to students wherever they might find themselves. Her classes are fun, challenging, compassionate and create space for students to shine in their own light.

In addition to teaching the many limbs of yoga like meditation, postures and breathing Anamargret is also a Transformational Coach. This work is rich in supporting others in their journey to an abundant and thriving life.

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Tending to the next generation is of vital importance. She is proud to facilitate this work through the P3 program at Educate Tomorrow. This program supports young women 18-24 years old that have been homeless or in foster care to find the nurturing they need to not just survive but rather thrive.

Her love of community led Anamargret to create a free yoga class that has served the Miami area for 14 years. The average class has over one hundred and fifty students and is a melting pot of demographics.

In further service to the public she accepted a nomination to the FBI citizenship academy.

This organization brings together community leaders to learn about the different branches of the FBI and strengthen relationships with different communities.

When she’s not on the mat you can find Anamargret walking Fonzi, reading 3 books at a time and honoring the ancestors with dance and laughter.

Online classes:  Anamargret on Yoga International, Omstars and Youtube videos.

Social media IG@anamargret and @legionparkyoga

Email: anamargret@gmail.com

Jillian Acosta

Registered Dietitian

Jillian Acosta is a registered dietitian and owner of the functional nutrition private practice, The Root Cause Method. In her practice she works with clients to uproot life-long behavioral patterns and deeply buried traumas that result in physiological imbalances. Through her expertise in functional nutrition, she provides personalized dietary guidance to support the body, but Jillian takes her clients beyond the physiology to address the underlying psychological and emotional reasons that drove each client to their current state of health. Her work results in measurable and lasting changes, that dramatically improve her clients’ relationships to food, their bodies, and themselves.  Uncovering and uprooting what shapes our relationship with food is, in her experience, what’s missing in the reversal and prevention of obesity and associated chronic illnesses, and what’s standing in the way of true embodiment, fulfillment and connection.

Jillian earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida International University. She has received extensive training from the Institute for Functional Medicine through the University of Western States. She lives in Delray with her dog, Daisy.

Website: therootcausemethod.com

Bianca Abbott

Psychedelic Nurse Practitioner

Bianca Abbott, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC is a Psychedelic Nurse Practitioner, Transformational Wellness Coach, Detoxification Specialist, Plant-Based Nutrition Expert, and Kundalini Yoga Teacher. She specializes in Functional and Integrative medicine, merging Eastern and Western practices to empower her clients to embody thriving health.

Bianca received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Eckerd College, a Bachelor’s in Nursing from New York University, and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Miami. She is the co-founder of the LunaFast, a virtual holistic fasting program that has helped 1000+ people fast and detox around the world. By combining the LunaFast with psychedelic therapy and integration, she creates a personalized program for her clients to heal at the root and tap into their inner physician!

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For the past 8 years, Bianca immersed herself in the personal exploration and education of psychedelic medicines. Through facilitating in ayahuasca and psilocybin ceremonies, she saw miracles that couldn’t be explained by Western medicine and was able to deeply heal from past trauma. Since then, Bianca has been on a mission to break the stigma surrounding psychedelics and share this medicine with her community.

Currently, she serves ketamine therapy for clients at Spine and Wellness of American and combines all her expertise and bio-hacking therapies for cellular rejuvenation, mental health optimization, and spiritual awakening. Bianca also leads global yoga wellness retreats and organizes live and online monthly events, workshops, and trainings.

Irina Vlada

Awareness Coach

As an Awareness Coach, Irina’s path is deeply rooted in the discovery and exploration of the authentic self. After obtaining her coaching certification from University of Miami and establishing her coaching practice, Irina traveled to the Himalayas, India, to study with living Masters and embody the ancient knowledge of Kriya Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation. Her coaching style expanded into mindful practices, inviting the clients to combine the tools of Western psychology and Eastern philosophy. This path has led her to co-create Evolve, the Wellness App for personal transformation via evolutionary modalities. This curated marketplace platform connects mindful leaders and clients from around the world for live virtual sessions and ultimately contributes to building a healthier society.
Read moreIrina’s personal story is a powerful narrative that blends international roots, world travel and unique experiences as well as adversity, addiction and new beginnings. Life experiences inspired Irina to continue her education in addiction recovery and psychedelic integration to cultivate the connection and sense of unity for those who have been suffering from disconnection and isolation. Working in partnership with Mindbloom, a national ketamine telemedicine company out of New York, Irina has seen 150+ clients in the last year who are embarking on ketamine medicine journeys for mental health purposes, and the success stories are overwhelming. Now she leads Psychedelic Integration Circles and Psychedelic Panel Discussions to raise awareness around the power of intentional use of psychedelic medicine. She is a consummate student of life, yoga, philosophy and academics.
Virtual Reality Effects on Pain Perception: Implications for Pain Management

Current Status: Pending

Literature suggests that the use of virtual reality distraction for adjunctive pain control has been successful. In clinical settings and experimental studies, participants immersed in a virtual reality experienced reduced levels of pain, general distress/unpleasantness and reported a desire to use virtual reality again during painful medical procedures.

There has been research into the use of virtual reality distraction for adjunctive pain control with significant success. There has been growing evidence for the use of EEG for the measurement of pain. It has also been suggested that virtual reality could be used an alternative to marijuana and opioids for pain management. Further implications have been seen specifically among chronic pain sufferers. This is especially interesting since there is a reduced risk of addiction as is seen associated with marijuana and opioid use. This study aims to investigate the effect of virtual reality distraction on pain perception.

Additionally, we intend to create a body of open source content for potential use by other investigators utilizing similar tools. 

The intervention has the potential to relieve chronic pain sufferers of their pain with a non-invasive mechanism and minimal risk. The participants may experience a temporary decrease in the perception of pain during the course of the experiment or a distraction from said pain.

Pending IRB approval at UM

Seniors Over 60 With Chronic Pain Using Medical Marijuana

Current Status: Active

 

The purpose of this study is to identify what is effective and safe for older adults with chronic pain to develop an understanding of what educational materials are required for facilitate access to appropriate products at medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTC). 

Survey older adults (> 50 years) with chronic pain who have MM access cards and receive their product from state-approved dispensaries to document: demographic/health data; patterns of use; product specifics; pain effects on daily life; pain-related medical conditions; education prior to MM purchase; helpful and problematic effects of MM use. 

The proportion of Florida’s population that is 60 and older is growing more rapidly than other components of the population. Musculoskeletal disorders with associated chronic pain are a common problem in later life. Symptom management in older adults, including chronic pain management can be challenging (Briscoe, 2018). Medications, especially opioids, can increase the risk of confusion, constipation, falls and injury (Briscoe,2018). Medical marijuana (MM) is often recommended by doctors in the treatment of these medical conditions, guided by state law that defines qualifying conditions.

Medical marijuana use among older adults is growing at a rate more rapid than younger age groups (Lum, et al, 2019). The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated a 2.9% prevalence of marijuana use among this older population. However, the survey did not ascertain if use was for medical or recreational purposes (Han et al., 2016). Older adults may have important differences in pathophysiology, pharmacological interaction of medications, comorbid conditions, and toxicological responses to cannabis.

There is little evidence to evaluate the differences associated with medical marijuana use among older adults, such as individual reasons for use and problems arising with use (Haug et al., 2017).

Chronic pain is a major public health problem. Approximately 178 million (41%) adults in the U.S. age 18 and older suffer from at least one painful health condition (Nahin, et al, 2019).

In Florida, there are 327,492 medical marijuana card holders and chronic non-malignant pain was the No. 1 diagnosis for which patients are registered (The Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use, 2020). Yet, it is not a qualifying condition, creating challenges for physicians wishing to support patient use of MM for chronic pain.

Chronic pain accounted for nearly 34 percent of diagnoses at certified dispensaries (The Florida Department of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use, 2019).