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Meet Chanel Heermann of SynerGenius Telepresence

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Heermann.

Chanel, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in a small town in the panhandle of Nebraska. Denver was always our nearest city to visit for weekend family vacations, so I have had a strong connection to the Front Range, as well as deep compassion for the struggles of folks living in rural areas. I ended up getting my psychology degree from Colorado State in Fort Collins and later returned to Nebraska to attend medical school. I have always had wide-ranging interests, so I love science, but also did a lot of personal study in areas like spirituality and natural methods of healing.

All of that came together when I decided to become an integrative psychiatrist, which is someone who helps people create a holistic recovery plan for their unique emotional challenges using the best of conventional and alternative medicine. I did my residency training in psychiatry as well as a fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Since my time in Tucson, I have made my way back to Denver, which really feels like home to me and my family. Since graduation, I became one of the first 121 physicians in the world certified by the American Board of Integrative Medicine, of which I’m quite proud. I also earned my certification in Mind-Body Medicine, and now serve on the national faculty for the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.

I also serve as guest faculty at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, and serve on the faculty of Saybrook University’s College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences, in addition to my recent appointment to the University of Colorado Department of Psychiatry. My practice has always been a split between community mental health, which I enjoy greatly, and I find a lot of satisfaction in being able to give back to others. I also opened a private practice through which I serve people in seven states, including across Colorado, via telemedicine, directly into their homes. I have also pursued extra training to become a specialist in women’s mental health and completed the Maternal Mental Health Professional Certificate Training through Postpartum Support International.

I was inspired by the work I did in writing my book – The Seven Foundations of Health and Happiness; Building a Bridge to Balance, where I learned that I wasn’t alone, and creating life balance is a universal struggle for women. In my spare time, I volunteer with Business and Professional Women of Colorado, a 100-year-old organization working to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information, where I recently served as President of the Denver chapter. I also enjoy playing the ukulele, dance, martial arts, spending time with my family, and playing with our dog and cat.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t know that it’s been a bumpy road, but it’s definitely been a circuitous one. I am fascinated by so many areas of life and this world we live in that it’s always been hard to pin me down to just one passion. I actually went through six majors in college before settling on psychology, and then actually had to go back to school to finish my pre-medicine requirements! Interestingly, psychiatry was the only decision I’ve ever made professionally that was easy. The human mind is just infinitely fascinating, and each person’s journey is unique. I could do this for 100 years and never get bored!

I do still have to keep challenging myself, though, and still tend to do things like throwing myself into a new interest, like Nonviolent Communication or Positive Psychology, and learning everything I can for a few years, then incorporating all of that into the way I approach my patients. I actually just signed up to pursue a Master’s degree in clinical informatics. With my 10+ years of experience in telemedicine, it seems like a natural evolution to my work. I feel like technology is too often embraced without question, and without really looking at how it impacts the people who use it every day. I feel passionate about contributing to a future where technology is applied in the service of increasing human connection, rather than the opposite.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SynerGenius Telepresence – what should we know?SynerGenius Telepresence offers a full range of integrative mental health services for patients in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Our services include general mental health care and medication management for adults, as well as expert recommendations on integrative treatment approaches such as nutrition, physical activity, healthy sleep, herbal medicine, mind-body medicine, and many others.

SynerGenius Telepresence helps people create happiness and health, and to live in harmony with themselves and those around them.

We specialize in women’s mental health, though people of all genders and gender expressions are welcome. We love to work with anyone who wants to improve their well-being, regardless of the severity of the challenges they face. We approach each person as an individual, not a label.

We believe everyone has a right to good mental health, regardless of resources.

We understand the unique struggles of modern women. We believe women are strong and amazing. However, societal obstacles make overcoming mental health struggles more difficult, so they need support that is tailored to their unique needs.

We are committed to the effective implementation of integrative and mind-body treatments using state-of-the-art telepresence technology.

We believe in whole-person mental health. While genetics and biochemistry certainly play a part in mental illness, they are not the whole story. To get 100% well and stay well, we need to look at your whole lifestyle and incorporate practical, real-world changes. We avoid aiming for perfection, which often leaves many important areas neglected. We know doing “enough” in all the major foundation areas of wellness is the key to a healthy, happy life.

I am most proud of how we have used technology as a great equalizer so that someone in rural Colorado gets the exact same excellent care as someone who lives downtown.

What sets my practice apart is the personal touch. I don’t have a secretary, nurse, or gatekeeper, so any time my patients call or email, they get to ask their questions directly to their doctor. That’s so rare nowadays, and it’s one of the aspects of my work that I enjoy most.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents were my #1 cheerleaders and still are.

My husband has been an amazing support and will back me up no matter what wild new idea I decide to try.

My child has helped me become a better person and shown me the meaning of what I’m doing every day. They also inspire me to “walk my talk” and really balance my own life, so I can be there for my family.

My friends have been there to talk through tough times and celebrate the good ones.

I’ve had some amazing faculty members, mentors, and co-workers throughout my training and career who have guided me, advised me, and given me a boost whenever I needed it – or truthful feedback, when that was more helpful. It would be hard for me to narrow this down, because almost every single person I have worked with had some impact on me, even if it was just as a cautionary tale. More often, though, it was an inspiration to be the best person I can and make a difference in the world.

It takes a village to get to where I am and I am so fortunate for all the support I’ve gotten.

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Image Credit:
Some of the BPW photos were taken by Jan Pelton Photography

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