Kianna: “Not only were there opportunities for educational and professional growth, but the personal healing path truly changed my life course.”

It is an honor and pleasure to share my experiences as an alumnus from Meridian University. In 1999, I did not realize that entering into a Ph.D. graduate program with the Institute of Imaginal Studies, now Meridian University, would be such a profound life changing experience. Not only were there opportunities for educational and professional growth, but the personal healing path truly changed my life course. Initially, the teachings of the University took me out of my typical academic mindset and guided me into experiences with mysteries of the unknown. Although it felt as if I lost my foundation of what I considered “education,” I soon realized the importance of transformative learning.

The faculty at Meridian were exceptionally skilled at helping students develop their strengths while also exploring personal blockages that could potentially interfere with clinical capacities. In particular, Aftab Omer had an innate knowing of what each student needed to develop into a skilled and compassionate professional. My dissertation committee was extraordinary in their feedback and development of my dissertation research and learning. Overall, Meridian University has an excellent team of academic and administrative staff that facilitates a multifaceted educational experience.

Integrating my personal journey with the education I received from Meridian University has taken me on a diverse path of combining Western, allopathic approaches with Indigenous healing practices. I have been afforded wonderful opportunities of working in tribal communities, deepening my understanding of ritual and ceremony, and assisting clients on their path of initiation as they find their own healing within. Meridian University supported me in expanding my intuition and spiritual practices that have a direct positive influence with my clients, and the ability to hold sessions in a sacred manner. Personally, this expansion opened doors for me to participate in private ceremonies with an International Spiritual Leader, and other nontraditional doctors.  

In closing, it is with deep appreciation that I write this letter. Thank you to the staff at Meridian University who supported and guided me throughout my doctoral program, and helped me attain my professional calling as a Licensed Psychologist.

Respectfully,

Kianna Zielesch, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Fire Captain (Ret.)