Reiki Master-Teacher
Meet Sheryl
Founder of Soul-Smudge, Sharing My Journey with You
A Glimpse into My Journey
As the founder of Soul-Smudge, I’m passionate about guiding others on their spiritual paths. My journey has been filled with spiritual experiences that shaped who I am today and led me to create this space for healing, spiritual development, and growth. Through Soul-Smudge, I aim to provide a safe space where others can connect with their higher selves, unlock their potential, and embrace their own spiritual awakening.
Spiritual Beginnings
From a young age, I had vivid spiritual experiences that shaped who I am today. I could sense spirits, received dreams filled with symbolism, and feel the emotions of those around me. This deep sensitivity made me aware of energies beyond the physical, though at the time, I didn’t have the framework to understand what I was experiencing. I remember having conversations with relatives who had passed before I was born and feeling an intense connection to the unseen world.
As an empath, I often felt the emotions of others, though I believed they were my own, which caused a lot of confusion. In my early 20s, I lived in a house where spirit activity was undeniable. Without the tools or framework to understand what was happening, this experience brought more fear than clarity. Though it frightened me at the time, it later became a key piece of my journey toward understanding and working with the spirit world.
A Dark Night of the Soul
In 2005, my spiritual world dimmed during a difficult divorce. My upbringing in mainstream Christianity left me feeling judged and abandoned by those I once trusted. I was told I was being rebellious for leaving my marriage, and fear of divine punishment loomed over me. Walking away from organized religion, I entered a long period of spiritual disconnection, anxiety, and depression—a true “dark night of the soul.”
Moving Beyond Religion
For many years, organized religion gave me structure to understand my spiritual experiences, but as I’ve grown, I’ve come to see that the divine is accessible within each of us. My journey has been about finding my direct connection with Spirit, beyond the boundaries of religion, and helping others to do the same. I believe we are in a time of spiritual evolution, where more people are discovering the power of their own inner connection.
A Reawakening: The Estes Park Experience
In 2015, during a trip to Estes Park, Colorado, I had a profound paranormal experience. I captured a photo that sparked questions about the spirit world. While the image didn’t serve as proof of the paranormal, it was a pivotal moment that reawakened my interest in the unseen. This experience marked the beginning of my spiritual reawakening, leading me to explore Reiki, psychic development, shamanic techniques, channeling, working with spirit guides, the Akashic Records, and past lives. It was through this awakening that I began releasing the layers of trauma and religious fear that had once held me back.
The image that sparked my reawakening.
Taken at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, 2015.
My Career in Healthcare
In my mid-30s, I trained as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, working in hospital radiology for seven years and then teaching sonography, anatomy, and pathophysiology for another seven years. My medical background gives me a unique perspective on the body and healing, especially in understanding how physical and energetic systems interact. While Reiki practitioners do not diagnose or give medical advice, my knowledge of anatomy helps me connect with the physical body in ways that complement energy work.
I would love to see Reiki become more mainstream, especially in hospitals where stress reduction and relaxation are greatly needed. Reiki is already being offered in some hospitals, and I believe it has the potential to be a powerful complementary healing technique for patients, staff, and healthcare workers alike.
My Approach
Teaching is one of my greatest passions. I spent seven years as a college professor, and now I draw on that experience to guide others through their own learning journeys at Soul-Smudge. My approach to Reiki is deeply spiritual, combining Reiki with a variety of energy techniques. My sessions are guided by Spirit, always set with the intention of the client’s highest good. No two sessions are alike; each is tailored to what the client is ready for. I often work with Ascended Masters, angels, guides, crystals, essential oils, and sound therapy to create a unique healing experience for each person. While channeling occasionally happens during sessions when clients are open to it, I always allow Spirit to guide the flow of the session.
My Training
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Usui Holy Fire® III Reiki Master–Teacher
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Holy Fire® Karuna Reiki® Master
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ICRT Animal Reiki Master–Teacher
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Professional Member of the ICRT Reiki Membership Association
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Shamanic Energy Medicine Practitioner (Four Winds Society Light Body School)
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Soul Realignment® Practitioner, Levels I, II, & III
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QHHT® Level 2 Practitioner
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Graduate of the Sage Goddess Crystal Masters Healing Program
What You Can Expect
When you book a session with me, you’re in a safe, compassionate space. Together, we’ll work to release blockages, restore balance, and open the doors to deep spiritual connection. Whether you’re seeking physical relief, emotional release, or spiritual insight, my goal is to guide you toward peace and alignment.
