About The Founder: Dr. J.

Dr. J. is the owner of ZenShells, LLC.
ZenShells, LLC is a safe space of tarot & intuitive healing created to help others transmute their pain into power. "Zen" to Dr. J means, balance, in all aspects of life and health. "Shells" comes from part of her mother's name, as she has instilled in her the strength and courage for all she pursues today.
​
Zenshells was born from her own depth — over a decade of emotional neglect & manipulation, narcissism, divorce, feeling unseen in relationships, insecurity, jealousy and not-enoughness.
​
For years, she learned to survive by suppressing her feelings. She carried that wound into her adult life. Even achieving a PhD didn’t make her feel ‘enough.’
​
The real turning point came when she realized that her emotions weren’t weaknesses — they were messages. Pain was the voice of a part of her longing to be chosen, affirmed, and loved.
​
Grief deepened this path. Losing her grandmother opened a sacred doorway into death, rebirth, and spiritual transition.
​
Through intuitive guidance, Tarot, shadow work, emotional alchemy, and deep self-restoration, she learned to transform the very emotions that once drowned her.
​
Now, she guides others through that same ocean — from shadow to Zen, from worthlessness to wholeness, from grief to rebirth. She is very passionate about making integrative wellness more accessible to the community.
​
Zenshells is where your shadow becomes your strength and your pain becomes your peace.
​
Dr. J strives to help YOU along your journey to healing, peace, empowerment, recovery and spirituality. Check out her work and offerings within the services tab of this site!
​
"Dive in & find your ZEN" - Dr J.

Education and Certifications
Saybrook University, 2025
PhD in Mind-Body Medicine
University of Florida, 2018
Master of Public Health
University of Florida, 2015
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
Certificate in Integrative Wellness Coaching

Samantha Shakes
Creative Director & Brand Manager
Samantha Shakes is the Creative Director and Brand Manager of ZenShells.
​
She is the owner of the creative agency, STUDIO SVNTN (formerly know as Made by Shakes). She has a solid reputation as a visionary problem-solver and creative tactician in the fields of brand development and strategy, photography, media and video production, and digital marketing.
She has been working with ZenShells since 2020. As a member of our team, she assists with our creative strategies, photography/videography, and so much more!


