Raven Melissa Koch, L.Ac., R.N.

As a young person, I was fortunate to have access to some wonderful spiritual and healing arts teachers.  I received first and second degree Reiki transfers from Timothy McNamara in my mid-teenage years, while growing up in the Great Plains region.  At home, my mother studied various mystical traditions with academic rigor and practiced herbal medicine.  It was through my mother that I was introduced to Timothy and others. After high school, I studied Linguistics at the University of Oregon.

It has been 20 years since I arrived in Brooklyn, by way of the Verazanno Bridge, in my Chevy AstroVan pulling  a U-Haul trailer.  In that time, I became first an acupuncturist, and then a nurse.    Before nursing school, I earned a Master's degree in Acupuncture, graduating with an honors designation.  I collaborated with the rape crisis center of St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan to provide acupuncture to rape survivors and their allies, and completed a mentorship program in Alchemical Acupuncture, which is one of the core philosophies guiding my practice.  In addition, I ran a private practice, Radiant Spirit Healing Arts, for about 18 months.  

Then, I went back to school to become a registered nurse.  At present, I hold a Bachelor's degree in Nursing.  However, I hope to enroll in a Master's program soon.  In addition to the education necessary to become and maintain an R.N. license, I frequently take continuing education courses to learn everything I can. My drive to be of service and to have as much knowledge and skills as possible to help people pushes me to always learn more.  

As an R.N., I have worked in a variety of settings, including long-term care, primary care office, and hospital settings.  I worked with patients with a wide variety of health problems.  I have the most experience with patients with hypertension, CHF, diabetes, and dementia.  I also have social services experience, and am comfortable helping people who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health problems.     

I am a safe person for people who identify as part of the LGBTIQQ+ community, including people who are ACE/demi-sexual, etc..  

I maintain current certification with the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support (CPR), Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.