Healing and Compassion Combined
We offer holistic health and well-being services, including mental health support, end-of-life care, and grief support.
Expertise in Contemporary Oriental Medicine
Bennie Baxter has accumulated extensive experience in both the medical and dental fields. She is proficient in Contemporary Oriental Medicine (COM) and Contemporary Oriental Pulse Diagnosis (CCPD). CCPD was developed through the collaboration between Dr. John HF Shen and Dr. Leon Hammer, integrating modern insights into the traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach practiced by Dr. Shen of the Menghe lineage.
Contemporary Oriental Medicine (COM) provides a modern diagnostic and therapeutic framework to address today’s complex health issues, particularly mental-emotional conditions such as PTSD, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Dragon Rises College, where Bennie trained, is the exclusive institution for this unique approach, incorporating the psychiatric and Chinese medicine expertise of Dr. Shen and Dr. Hammer.
Extensive Dental and Medical Background
Bennie has dedicated over 30 years to the dental profession, serving as both a Dental Assistant and a Dental Hygienist. She studied at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville and completed her training at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Bennie was also part of the first accelerated night program for Dental Hygienists in the U.S., following her tenure as a Dental Assistant for a prominent dentist in Gainesville.
Her commitment to healthcare extended beyond dentistry during several mission trips to Jamaica, where she witnessed a dire need for medical care. Motivated by this experience and influenced by her mother’s nursing career, Bennie pursued nursing. After earning her nursing degree, she obtained her Paramedic license and worked in emergency medicine for 20 years, serving as an ED nurse, Flight Nurse, and Ground Medic. Her roles involved collaboration with trauma surgeons, cardiologists, neurologists, and other specialists, enriching her knowledge in both Western and holistic medicine.
Bennie also trained as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in New Mexico, gaining profound insights into the psychological impacts of trauma.
Commitment to Holistic and Alternative Medicine
Throughout her career, she has consistently believed that symptoms manifested in our lives often have a deeper, underlying cause. This belief has led her to embrace holistic and alternative medicine, which aims to treat the root condition rather than just the symptoms.
The name “Expression of the Heart” reflects her philosophy, as the Heart is considered the Governor in Chinese Medicine, housing the mind. This approach underscores her commitment to comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being, rooted in the principles of Chinese Medicine.
Education
Bennie’s qualifications and education are supported by esteemed institutions known for their rigorous training and excellence in the medical field. Below, you’ll find a list institutions, highlighting the credibility and depth of Bennie’s professional background.
- Master of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (2023) Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine, Gainesville Fl
- Bachelor of Health Science (2023) Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine, Gainesville, Fl
- Certified End of Life Doula (2019) University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
- Associate of Science in Nursing (2007) North Florida Community College, Madison, Florida
- Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene (1989) Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, Fl
Our Services
At Expressions of the Heart Holistic Healthcare, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care that addresses the unique needs of each individual.
Mental Health Support
Bennie has witnessed first-hand the profound impact that being a First Responder or working in Health Care can have on an individual. Through her work with Hospital staff, Fire Departments (FD), Law Enforcement Officers (LEO), and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), she has seen the enduring effects that trauma and stress can leave on a person’s health, both physical and mental. Conditions such as PTSD, insomnia, addiction, depression, anxiety, pain, brain fog, compassion fatigue, burnout, and tragically, even suicide, are all too common in these roles. Bennie’s mission is to provide compassionate care and support to those who are often overlooked and forgotten, helping them navigate through these challenges and find a path to healing and well-being. Self-care is not a luxury and taking care of yourself is imperative so that you can care for others.
End of Life Care and Grief Support
Having witnessed the struggles that patients and their families face in the Emergency Room with life and death decisions for their loved ones, Bennie transitioned into Hospice and End of Life care. Her goal is to assist both the patient and their caregivers by addressing their concerns and questions during this difficult time. Death and dying are challenging topics to discuss. Bennie believes in honest, open discussion regarding choices and goals of care of both patient and their loved ones. She believes in advocating for the wishes of the dying and allowing the patient and family a dignified and peaceful passing.
Caregivers and the grieving are often left feeling confused, overwhelmed, and
forgotten. Bennie believes that we frequently overlook the fact that those who are caregivers also need support and include them in well-being and self-care therapies. Her holistic approach ensures that both the living and the dying receive the support, care and guidance they need during these critical moments.
Acupuncture
Currently, Bennie is preparing to take her Acupuncture boards and is eagerly anticipating the opening of her clinic. Acupuncture, a key component of her practice, will be offered to help patients achieve wellness and balance. Bennie invites you to follow her on social media and subscribe to her newsletter for important updates on wellness, well-being, and progress on the opening of her acupuncture practice. Joining the waiting list will ensure you receive timely information and can be among the first to experience the benefits of her holistic care approach.
Organizations
Bennie is an active member of both the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) and the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). These esteemed organizations align with her commitment to providing compassionate and holistic care. Through her memberships, she continues to expand her knowledge and engage with a community of professionals dedicated to holistic nursing practices, ensuring that her care integrates the latest advancements in both holistic and traditional health approaches.
