My Journey Into This Work

My earliest memories are rooted in sensory experience—feeling, emotion, physical sensation, and a deep inner awareness all occurring at once.

I experienced the world through layers: emotionally, physically, and spiritually—often simultaneously—with a longing for peace, connection, and something greater than myself.

When I first encountered essential oils, something profound happened.

It felt as though every part of me—my thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and inner prayers—were suddenly seen, held, and brought into coherence.

There was an immediate recognition.

Through working with aromatic plants, I experienced a deep sense of integration—a coming together of the inner world.

As I began blending and working with essential oils daily, I saw how powerfully they could support others.  Creating and developing botanical formulations became both an art and a form of listening—not only to the plants, but to the person receiving them.

I witnessed how the right plant combinations could help people feel safe enough to explore what was held beneath the surface—fear, grief, imbalance, longing, and the desire for healing and connection.

Over time, I came to understand my role more clearly.  I experience myself as working in partnership with plant intelligence—sensing which plants are drawn to support an individual at a given time.

This is not separate from knowledge.  It is grounded in a deep understanding of:

• plant chemistry and actions

• energetic qualities of plants

• and intuitive perception

From this integration, I developed what became the Tri-Tooling Method—a way of bringing together:

• Western understanding of chemical constituents

• Eastern models of nature and energetics

• and intuitive, sensory-based knowing

Alongside this, my study of Ayurveda became foundational.  For over 30 years, I have studied and practiced this system of medicine, which understands health as a dynamic balance of body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurveda provides a structure through which plant work becomes more precise—guided by the elements, doshas, and natural rhythms of life.  It offers a way to understand not only what is out of balance, but how to restore harmony through daily living, seasonal awareness, and individualized care.

My path into this work was also shaped by personal necessity.  Living with digestive illness, anxiety, and significant life challenges, I sought a way to heal and live with greater stability and well-being.

After being told there was no cure within conventional medicine, I began a deep and committed exploration of natural healing systems.

Through Ayurveda, plant medicine, and lifestyle changes, I experienced a profound shift in my health and life.  

This work became not only something I practiced—but something I lived.  At the heart of this approach is a relationship.

Plants are not simply tools or substances—they are carriers of intelligence, energy, and support.

Working with them becomes a partnership—one that supports both the physical body and the deeper layers of human experience.

This way of working eventually evolved into what I now call:

🌿 

The SuraMinka Method

A multidimensional approach that integrates:

• plant intelligence

• Ayurvedic wisdom

• breath and nervous system awareness

• and intuitive perception

To support individuals in moving toward greater clarity, balance, and authentic expression.

My Training & Foundations

My work is grounded in over three decades of clinical practice, education, and integrative healing.

I am a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in chronic and complex care, patient education, and whole-person support.

Alongside my clinical background, I am a:

• Diplomat of Ayurvedic Medicine

• Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner

• Internationally Certified Clinical Aromatherapist

• Certified Breathwork Practitioner

• Ordained Interfaith Chaplain

Throughout my career, I have trained and mentored thousands of practitioners across disciplines—including nurses, physicians, therapists, bodyworkers, and wellness professionals—supporting the integration of plant-based and holistic approaches into care.

I have held teaching and program development roles with institutions including:

• University of Southern Maine

• Boston Shiatsu School

• Polarity Realization Institute

• East West Institute of Alternative Medicine

I am also the formulator and creator of the ADUSA Aromatherapy Self-Care line, developed through years of clinical and experiential work with plant medicine.

My training includes advanced study with respected teachers in Ayurveda, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine, including Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, and others who have shaped the integration of traditional and modern healing systems.

Over the past 30+ years, I have coached and treated hundreds of clients and trained thousands of practitioners—including nurses, physicians, therapists, bodyworkers, and wellness professionals—in integrating holistic and plant-based approaches into care.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME (Registered Nurse)

• M.A. in Traditional Natural Healing (Ayurvedic concentration), Goddard College, Plainfield, VT

• B.A. in Natural Skin Therapy, Goddard College, Plainfield, VT

• Ordained Interfaith Chaplain, CHIME (Chaplaincy Institute of Maine), Portland, ME

• Diplomat of Ayurvedic Medicine (D.Ay) and Ayurvedic Practitioner,  New England Ayurvedic Instiutute, Boston, MA

"Merril is a talented healer with multiple gifts. Through her process and coaching I now have personalized essential oil blends to support me in my daily life. I always leave each consultation with new insights and inspiration to be the best version of me." 

Stephanie O, Wisconsin

 “I worked with Merril while preparing for, and after undergoing, a major surgery. Her knowledge of the oils, how to mix them, how and where to apply them, to help me through my ordeal was so helpful and therapeutic. Her empathy and knowledge of what I was about to go through truly helped me gain the strength to get through the procedure and heal in a much more productive, positive way. I highly recommend Merril” 

Debra B , Zoom client

“Besides a wealth of knowledge in her subject areas, Merril was an outstanding teacher. There was never an instance where she taught, that the feedback wasn’t excellent, and participants consistently asked for more time with her.” 

M Morell, Associate Director of Program Development, University of Southern Maine, Maine

 “Without a doubt, Merril is one of the most dedicated and motivated people I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Merril’s commitment to excellent service and fair treatment for both her customers and peers is truly admirable. Merril is articulate and communicates her thoughts and ideas well. Merril’s analytical skills are superior, which make her a true asset. “

 H.C. Flick, Training Manager, L.L. Bean, Maine

 “I was impressed with her commitment and dedication. Her efforts and energy are outstanding. She is someone who perceives her career as a “calling” 

C Chadwick, Instructor, University of North Carolina at Asheville 

Ethics & Care

This work is integrative, intuitive, and supportive in nature.

It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical care, mental health therapy or licensed healthcare services.

All guidance is offered to support emotional, spiritual and personal insight.

All sessions are held with respect, autonomy, and care.