Sharon Muzio, owner of Alta View Wellness Center, in Harrisburg, is all about supporting the local community. When she opened up her wellness center more than 15 years ago, her mission was to create a communitycentric sacred space. “I wanted it to be a place where people could come and feel empowered to take care of themselves,” she recalls.

After Muzio graduated from nursing school in 1979, she spent years as an emergency room nurse. “Along the way, I developed a passion for alternative healing,” she explains. “I’ve never stopped being a nurse; I’m just now applying my background in a more holistic way.”

Originally, the center’s main focus was on bodywork. It now features a variety of practitioners offering a diverse range of modalities, including aromatherapy, yoga, Reiki, massage therapy, life coaching, crystal healing sessions and clairvoyant readings. “The center has transformed into a place where so much more healing can be done on so many levels,” says Muzio. In the past year, the center has also added a boutique filled with unique gift items made by local artisans. “We have everything from handcrafted pottery and baskets to greeting cards, jewelry, oils and stones,” says Muzio. “We also have a wonderful selection of metaphysical items.”

Alta View Wellness Center also offers workshops, including a crystal workshop on March 5. “Attendees will get a chance to explore healing crystals for forgiveness,” shares Muzio. In addition, a crystal class for kids will be held on March 21. “This new class offering is intended to help children familiarize themselves with crystals and meditation. There will also be a kid’s clairvoyant class on May 16.”

The center also sponsors the annual Spirit of Oneness holistic expo each fall. “This weekend event brings our local holistic and metaphysical practitioners together with the community in an environment of wellness and peacefulness,” says Muzio, who is always thinking of ways to form a bridge to the community. In the spirit of giving back, Muzio also coordinates quarterly fundraisers to help raise money for local organizations. “During these events, we offer low-cost mini-sessions to raise awareness for the organization we’re sponsoring,” she says. The next event will be held in May.

“My heart gets filled when I can open up my center as a safe place where healing can occur,” says Muzio. “What really makes me happy is seeing people release things that are blocking them from happiness. I love watching people transform their lives.”

Alta View Wellness Center is located at 4814 Jonestown Rd., in Harrisburg. For more information, call 717-221-0133 or visit AltaViewWellness.com.

Erin Lehn Floresca is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.