My name is Amanda, also known as Raven. I am originally from the finger lakes region in upstate New York. I have had five children. I have two sisters. I am a licensed registered nurse, but retired from the nursing field. You might say my mind and hands have been in the healing arts since childhood.

As a youngster, I bandaged everything in sight. I made a nurses cap out of newspaper as a little girl and said, "I'm going to be a nurse someday". At age fourteen I worked taking care of an elderly couple in their home. That was my first experience. I worked my way up from aide to a licensed vocational nurse in California. In the Chicago area I continued my education for registered nursing. I have taken extensive continuing education, too numerous to mention here. 

My specialties were in the areas of addictions, domestic violence, child abuse, acute psychiatry, mental health group therapy counsel and general medical/surgical units. My work areas were in acute general hospitals as well as state and federal facilities. As a nurse in the Army I worked in a troop clinic while in Texas and in obstetrics at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Wash. DC.   

Other areas are as a Reiki Master and I have had training in Guided Imagery. I have worked with herbs and oils. I am certified in the art of Tarot. Dream study/interpretation has been an enjoyment for many years.

Other interests include various crystals and gems, numerology and the paranormal. As an empath, I follow my intuitive psychic abilities. I appreciate our Universe, nature, trees and all living beings. I am currently persuing Celtic studies as well as others.

Although legally ordained, I do not follow a specific denomination. I believe in free spirit thinking. All beliefs or religions have their own special place. If I were to choose one path, I suppose it might be following the rhythms of nature. I believe the beauty of the outdoors and all that lives there evolved as the original 'church'.     

I enjoy a variety of music, especially classical piano... but I have outgrown most rock. Maybe some of it... ;-) Movies are another favorite.

As a current resident in Tennessee, I live by the river in a country setting. Reading is a favorite pastime and I write my own kind of simple poetry inspired by nature. I enjoy watching the different animals and feeding the many types of birds. Of course I do some work on the computer and this website. I have always been an exercise enthusiast... it just isn't as easy now. :-)

Having driven on many roads here in the US, and in all the states except three, my favorite places have always been northern California, Oregon and northern Idaho. There are such beautiful trees in these places.