Colleen Benelli, founder of Reiki Lifestyle^®, was raised with a deep spiritual connection to nature and animals. A turning point in her life came when her horse, Dakota, was badly injured. Searching for ways to aid in Dakota’s healing, Colleen discovered Reiki, which sparked a profound awakening inside of her. Colleen honed her Reiki healing practices by studying with William Lee Rand, founder and president of the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), and also pursued shamanistic studies under Jan Engels-Smith, founder of the LightSong School. Both of these pursuits resulted in Colleen becoming a Senior Professional Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT) and in receiving a Sh.d. Shamanic Doctorate from LightSong School of Shamanic Studies, ultimately leading to the founding of Reiki Lifestyle^® in 2004.

Colleen has been a Reiki Master and Shaman for over 25 years. She is an Usui/Holy Fire III, Karuna Reiki^® Master Teacher , Senior Professional Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT), Co-Director for the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), and Executive Director of the ICRT Program Development.  Along with Reiki Lifestyle partner and daughter Robyn Benelli, Colleen helped develop Next Step Reiki^TM which teaches advanced Reiki Journey techniques including the Spirit Reveal technique, both of which bring individual Reiki practices to a whole new level. Colleen is also the co-author of the ICRT Animal Reiki 1 & 2 and Master training courses and manuals. In addition, she is the founder and co-host of the Reiki Lifestyle^® Podcast, one of the most listened to Reiki podcasts in the world, and has been a contributing author for Reiki News Magazine since 2005.

Respected globally for her expertise, Colleen attracts students from all over the world to study with her at Reiki Lifestyle^®. With a focus on developing new skills and expanding individual practices, Colleen is an outstanding teacher to those who are new to Reiki or already experienced practitioners. Colleen’s compassionate teaching style and in-depth knowledge of Reiki makes her a sought-after guide worldwide.

Colleen founded Reiki Lifestyle^® with the purpose of helping people to unlock their potential for personal well-being, develop flourishing relationships, achieve financial stability, and experience professional growth, all while being supported on the path to fulfill their heart’s intentions. With Colleen and the team at Reiki Lifestyle^® as trusted guides on this transformative journey, they aim to contribute to a global shift in consciousness towards love and the belief that personal well-being and professional success are harmoniously interconnected.

Colleen lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband of almost 50 years. A trained fiber artist, Colleen gets great joy from doing regular arts and crafts projects with her grandchildren. Deeply connected to both people and nature, Colleen enjoys exploring the beautiful rivers, coastline, and forests of the Pacific Northwest while also experiencing the energy and creativity of the city of Portland and surrounding urban areas.