by David H. Johnson, LCSW
In the summer of 2004, I was in between offices and looking for a place to practice. I had heard of the “Heartwood Center” and that it was some kind of holistic center in Evanston and thought it might be worth my investigation as a place to work. Nancy Floy took my call and invited me to meet with her at 1599 Maple. When I walked in, something just felt “right.” She showed me an office that was available in my time frame that was the appropriate size for my practice. I liked that I could retain my independent business status while working in a setting with so many like-minded holistic practitioners. Within a few days, I had signed a contract. Over the past 15 years, I have enjoyed collaborating on many Heartwood activities in the building and in the community. I have learned about and received many wonderful treatments. It has been rewarding to see a number of practitioners who rented my office for periods of time go on to establish themselves independently. I have enjoyed working with so many clients that are looking for healing in this beautiful healing space here on Dempster. After 20 years, we are now known in the community as Heartwood. We are well known and are definitely making a huge impact in Evanston for quality care and have such a wide variety of modalities. I am so blessed to be a part of this grand experiment that just keeps on going. One thing that has remained consistent over these many years is when a new client comes in they often say,” wow, it is so peaceful in here, something just feels right”. Heartwood, which set out to be an Oasis in the City back in 1999, has achieved that and so much more. Now, in 2019, I have no doubt that more is yet to come! Let the experiment continue!