🌿 About Jodie O'Connell-Ponkos

Healing has been a lifelong part of my journey. From a young age, I felt a deep calling to help others and a strong awareness of the connection between the mind, body, spirit, and the world around us.

Some of my earliest intuitive experiences began in childhood. At the age of eight, I sensed the presence of my grandmother after her passing, an experience that opened my awareness to the subtle ways energy and spirit can be felt. As I entered my teenage years, I became increasingly aware of intuitive gifts that would later become an important part of my healing practice.

At the age of sixteen, my life changed dramatically when I lost my dominant hand in a traumatic accident. What could have been a defining limitation instead became a profound turning point. As I learned to navigate life in a new way, I developed a deeper understanding of resilience, self-acceptance, self-love, and the importance of finding strength through adversity. This experience ultimately set me on a path dedicated to enriching the lives of others and helping people discover their own capacity for healing and growth.

In 2015, I became certified in Reconnective Healing®, developed by Eric Pearl, which expanded my understanding of energy healing and intuitive practice. In 2025, I completed Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki Levels I and II training, and in 2026 I became a Master Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki Practitioner under the guidance of Rose O'Connor.

In addition to my Reiki training, I am a Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L), bringing a whole-person perspective to every session. My professional background, combined with my intuitive abilities, allows me to support clients with compassion, understanding, and practical insight.

During Reiki sessions, I often receive intuitive impressions, images, sensations, or messages. Through a gentle energetic body scan, I may become aware of areas that are calling for attention. Every session is unique, and the information received varies from person to person. These insights are shared only when appropriate and are intended to support the client's healing journey.

As a naturally empathic person, I often sense energetic patterns and emotional themes that may be affecting a person's well-being. Rather than directing the healing, I allow Reiki energy to flow where it is needed most, trusting both the wisdom of the energy and the individual receiving it.

Although I wear a prosthetic arm, many clients comment on feeling warmth, energy, or sensation radiating from that side during Reiki sessions. From an energetic perspective, many healing traditions recognize that the body's energetic blueprint remains whole even when a physical limb is absent. While my physical hand is no longer present, I believe the energetic connection remains, allowing Reiki energy to flow naturally during treatments.

Horses have also played a profound role in my life. Their calm presence, sensitivity, and ability to connect without judgment have taught me invaluable lessons about trust, awareness, and healing. Through both my therapeutic riding work and Reiki practice, I have witnessed the remarkable way horses help people feel grounded, peaceful, and present.

Today, I offer Reiki sessions in my peaceful Kinderhook office as well as Equine-Assisted Reiki Experiences in the calming presence of horses. Whether you are seeking relaxation, emotional support, spiritual growth, or simply time to reconnect with yourself, each session is designed to provide a safe, supportive environment where healing can unfold naturally.

My goal is simple: to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom, restore balance, and experience greater peace, healing, and well-being in your life.

"While Reiki and intuitive guidance can support relaxation, personal growth, and overall well-being, they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace professional medical or mental health care.".