Meet Kaela Morrison: Teacher, Healer, Student of Life

Kaela Morrison graduated in May 2009 from . Since then she has taken the road less traveled to get to a place where she is confident about her journey and the wonderful direction that it’s taking.

When you meet Kaela, you will immediately notice her quiet and reserved demeanor, and her purple hair. What sticks with you is her infectious smile with dimples that perfectly punctuate her joyous spirit.

“I have found that not everybody’s path after high school is to go to a four-year college or university," Morrison said. "I encourage people to take time to get to know themselves and what they enjoy doing and learning about."

Still undecided after graduation, she was urged by her family to immediately pursue a four-year course of study. Taking their advice, she ventured out to Colorado, where she attended Naropa University in Boulder. There she took general classes that interested her, but was still unable to really find the inspiration necessary to focus on a specific field of study.

“In the end, I needed some time to get to know myself,” Morrison said. "Once I became empowered to let go of the people and things that were holding me back, I was better able to explore who I am, which allowed me to be enthusiastic about learning."

In 2010, Morrison followed her initial hunch and took a break from formal schooling. 

“I played in a band, saved some money, took some classes at JJC (Joliet Junior College), and figured out where I really needed to be," Morrison said. 

After this brief hiatus, Kaela enrolled at the Soma Institute in Chicago, where she is currently earning her degree in Clinical Massage Therapy.

“I enjoy learning about anything related to the human body including the metaphysical aspects of healing that relate to energy,” said Morrison who is also a certified practitioner of Reiki. “Reiki works wonderfully when used in tandem with massage and other forms of bodywork."

She witnessed her mother’s positive experiences with holistic medicine which also contributed to inspiring Kaela to help people as a therapist.

“My mom has lived with severe scoliosis, (which effects the musculoskeletal system), since the 80s; as I was growing up I went with her to numerous alternative health practitioners who gave her relief beyond  what was available through the standard Western medical options,” Morrison said.

When not in class, Morrison enjoys music, journaling, photography and learning in general. 
 
“When I was 9, my little brother and I wandered into the music store while running errands with my mom, and she signed us both up for drum lessons…I ended up being pretty good at it” she explained.

So good in fact, that a mere five years later, she was hired by Sandy Brandolino, as a teacher when she was 14.

Throughout high school and college Morrison has worked as a drum instructor and still teaches at the family-owned and operated which is now in Shorewood.

In addition to teaching at Brandolino’s, Morrison has recently signed on to lead a series of Drumming Workshops for the South Suburban Artists Co-operative where she will be demonstrating various hand percussion techniques for people of all ages and levels of experience.

“Kaela brings a unique energy to our group with her talent for music and her hands-on approach to teaching," Carolyn Sallade, Activities Coordinator for the Artist’s Co-Op said. "One of the things we enjoy most about her style is that she makes sure that all students understand and learn through participation… she is a natural for this sort of collaborative learning environment."

Kaela’s commitment to making the world a better place does not end with her teaching and healing endeavors, she has also donated her time and talent to local organizations such as the in Minooka, and The Sexual Assault Services Center of Will County, through her participation in several V-Day Activities, which work to end violence of all kinds on a global level.

Morrison’s love for nature extends beyond her work with humans. In addition to her family, Morrison enjoys the company of two dogs, four cats, and a Greek tortoise named Tater Tot.

“The difference between turtles and tortoises is that turtles can live on land and water and are sometimes carnivores; tortoises live on land only and are primarily vegetarians,” she said.

Curiosity comes naturally for Morrison who hopes to continue expanding her knowledge base in many directions especially those related to holistic and natural medicine.

“I have this momentum going that keeps me really excited to learn about anything and everything," Morrison said. "I’d like to get into working with infants and premature babies; research has shown that premature babies who receive massage can gain up to 30% more weight than those who do not."

She said her path as a massage therapist will include training in that specialty.