In memory of Heather Anne Rider

Heather Rider was one of our first Austin Wellness Collaborative supporters and members. As our founder shared “she was a BRIGHT, beautiful light”.

Heather leaves behind 2 daughters who have a GoFundMe here.

Read her obituary on GoingHomeCremations.com

She was a healer, entrepreneur and was very active in our community. She will be missed.

The following is adapted from her original AWC listing submission.

Former Anxiety Specialist @ Heather Rider Coaching

Heather Rider was an anxiety specialist who personally overcame high-functioning anxiety while working in a demanding Tech job. She worked with clients from all over the world who wanted to take a non-traditional, holistic approach to healing anxiety.

Heather developed her own unique healing method through her own experience, research and the experiences of hundreds of her clients. She was passionate about sharing this knowledge and helping people.

She regularly wrote and presented on the issues of perfectionism, high-functioning anxiety and other anxiety related topics.

Reiki Master and Meditation Guide @ Katie Pitcher Reiki

Katie specializes in anxiety, depression and corporate burnout. While she is trained in trauma-informed Reiki, due to her background in corporate, Katie is intimately familiar with the stressors of that lifestyle. Having personally experienced burnout, Reiki and meditation saved her from it.

Reiki is something that can calm anxieties and relieve the stress of everyday life. As for emotional healing, Reiki can help with that, too. Emotions may arise as past traumas are released, but Katie will be there supporting you. Reiki is also known to help with physical pain.

Professional Cuddler & Theraprenuer

Kristi is a former licensed massage therapist for 15+ years and the first LMT that also offers cuddling services in Austin. She is deeply honored to serve her clients whether they are grieving, stressed, lonely, empty & exhausted, or simply seeking relaxation.

She loves doing this wonderfully positive & life-affirming work. Her passion for professional cuddling is matched only by her love of creating art, specifically oil painting and stone sculpting.  She has been painting all her life and has sold several pieces.

She is a believer that lasting change occurs over time with trust and that establishing long-term relationships is the most effective way for her to assist her clients in achieving lasting physical, mental & emotional health and happiness.

Website: austincuddlecommune.com

Holistic Mental Health Counseling

I am an LPC-Associate trained in both holistic and evidence-based therapeutic modalities, supervised by Sarah Arnold, LPC-S. I love to utilize an integrative approach tailored to each individual client.

My main modality is person-centered talk therapy, which is grounded in curiosity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. This approach is collaborative and deeply empowering. While insta-therapy often encourages you to seek a safe space, I believe in the importance of creating a brave space – one that encourages growth, acceptance, and resilience. I also love to incorporate more holistic approaches to mental and emotional wellness, including diet and nutrition, movement, sleep hygiene, work-life balance, and spirituality.

My role is to help you:

• develop a deeper understanding of yourself,
• find the courage to lean into difficulty and let yourself be transformed by it
• and take the steps necessary to lead a life you’re excited about living.

I specialize in working with young adults who have been experiencing difficulty with depression, anxiety, managing stress, navigating challenging circumstances, poor self-esteem, people-pleasing, codependency, perfectionism, and academic pressure. I am also passionate about working with artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, and deep thinkers who have been feeling creatively blocked, stagnant, or uninspired. I love having philosophical conversations where we explore the tough existential questions.

Because I am trained in holistic approaches and health coaching, many clients also seek my help in finding ways to improve their mental health without the use of pharmaceuticals, if possible. While I am not at all against medication and am happy to help clients in adhering to their medication regimen, I understand that many people have reservations about side effects or choose not to seek help from the pharmaceutical industry. I am happy to provide hope, support, and psychoeducation about ways to boost mental wellness using holistic strategies.

Certified Breathwork Facilitator + Founder of Luminous Breathwork

Helping you access inner wisdom, emotional clarity, and embodied healing through transformative breathwork.

After two decades in high-pressure leadership roles in design and tech, I realized success alone wasn’t enough. Something deeper was calling. My healing journey began with meditation and deep inner work, but it was breathwork that consistently helps me to reconnect with the powerful inner healer within. That experience changed everything.

Now, I guide others through the same transformational practice.

At Luminous Breathwork, I offer trauma-informed, somatically grounded breathwork sessions designed to support nervous system regulation, release old patterns, and reconnect with your inner light. My approach is gentle, powerful, and rooted in the belief that every person carries innate wisdom and the capacity to transform.

I work with adults navigating stress, anxiety, major life transitions, intergenerational trauma, or simply a desire to reconnect with their authentic self. Sessions are available virtually and in person.

I bring a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and attuned presence to each session to create a container that feels safe, supported, and self-empowered throughout your journey.

Visit www.luminousbreathwork.com to learn more or schedule a free trial session.