Paula Petry, PhD, is an author, speaker, presenter, and energy medicine practitioner. She specializes in stress and burnout, grief and loss, mindfulness, and personal empowerment.

Dr. Paula Petry’s journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal empowerment began with the birth of her daughter, Alexandra, who was born with a severe disability. In lieu of accepting the fate prescribed by physicians, other health professionals, and educators, Paula chose to pave a new path for not only her daughter, but for many others. She became a strong advocate to meet the needs of her daughter and in that she formed what is now one of the leading parent advocacy organization in the country. She brought that knowledge and her passion for family-centered care services to her faculty position at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics— for over a decade preparing pediatricians to work with children with special health care needs. Her daughter’s death brought great loss, suffering, and new beginnings. She studied energy medicine, sound healing, mindfulness, and somatic therapies to heal. She now finds purpose and meaning in helping others pave their path forward to their own bright beginnings.