The inspiration behind Palm Beach Wellness Institute
From a young age, my calling was clear – to become a doctor, driven by an innate desire to help others. Years of rigorous schooling and traditional medical training instilled in me the belief that textbook knowledge and conventional treatments held all the answers to healing.
Yet, as I delved deeper into my career in hospital medicine, a profound realization dawned upon me. True wisdom and healing transcended mere CT scans and lab results; they resided in the emotional well-being of my patients. It became apparent that many illnesses stemmed from maladaptive coping mechanisms such as unhealthy habits and heightened stress reactions.
A pivotal moment in my journey arrived when I explored the intricate relationship between the nervous system and physical health. I discovered that while external stressors may be beyond our control, our response to them could dictate our wellness. The power of mindfulness and intentional choices to pause, breathe, and reflect emerged as potent tools for fostering a healthier, more meaningful life. Witnessing the transformative effects of mindful living on my patients’ well-being was profound – leading to reduced reliance on medications and substances.
My greatest insight came as I began to learn more about the effects of the nervous system on physical health.
- Dr. Karen Flannery
Faced with my own life’s stressors as both a parent and a clinician, I realized the toll of reactivity and internalized stress on my well-being. Introduced to mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques and holistic healing modalities, I embraced the innate capacity within each of us to regulate the stress response and nurture mental and physical health. Guided by inspired mentors, I embarked on a mission to share these transformative practices with others seeking genuine mind-body healing.
At Palm Beach Wellness Institute, I lead a mission dedicated to empowering individuals grappling with physical and emotional manifestations of stress and trauma.Through active listening and understanding, we craft highly personalized wellness plans that address the root causes of these issues. Our physician-led interdisciplinary team delivers concierge, customized wellness services in the comfort and privacy of individuals’ homes. Together, we eagerly await the opportunity to guide you on your transformative journey towards healing and holistic well-being.

Karen Flannery, M.D.
As the Founder and Medical Director of Palm Beach Wellness Institute, Dr. Flannery has the privilege of treating patients, providing guidance to family members, and serving as a clinical resource for an integrated wellness team. She strives to lead her team of esteemed professionals in collaborative discussions, offering innovative approaches to patient care with the highest level of service and evidence-based treatment. Dr. Karen Flannery attended medical school at Rush University in Chicago and completed her training in Internal Medicine at the University of South Florida in 2001. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, recertified with a focused practice in Hospital Medicine, and additionally board certified in Addiction Medicine. Dr. Flannery has practiced hospital medicine, general internal medicine, and addiction medicine in West Palm Beach, Florida for over two decades, and has served as Chief of Staff at Good Samaritan Medical Center. She is also a member of the medical staff at Jupiter Medical Center. In addition to proficiency in treating complex acute and chronic medical conditions, Dr. Flannery brings to her patients and their families a sense of compassion, warmth, and empathy.

Samantha Garabed
Meet our dedicated Executive Director, Samantha. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources from Broward College and is also a trained Certified Recovery Coach. She has been an integral part of Palm Beach Wellness Institute since its inception, providing administrative management and support for patients and providers. With her experience in both human resources and recovery coaching, Samantha is well-equipped to provide clients with the support and guidance they need to achieve their wellness goals. She takes pride in her work and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those she serves. Whether working behind the scenes or engaging directly with clients, Samantha is an essential part of our team at Palm Beach Wellness. We are fortunate to have her on board and are confident that her expertise and dedication will continue to make a meaningful impact on our clients' lives.

Wendy Soderman
Wendy is a passionate and charismatic visionary. She is the Executive Wellness Director of Palm Beach Wellness Institute. Wendy’s 30 years of mindful leadership has made her one of Palm Beach’s celebrated motivational role models for health and wellness. She believes in taking a holistic approach to wellness, incorporating physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Wendy has extensive experience developing and implementing wellness plans that create positive physical and mental changes towards clients’ goals. Her gift is guiding people with busy minds and multitasking lives to attain life balance, wisdom, and peace. As the Wellness Director, she will orchestrate the development and implementation of a wellness program that helps our clients meet their emotional and physical wellness goals. Wendy inspires and educates our clients as she creates a customized wellness plan that ensures an extraordinary experience of value, service, and desired outcomes. Wendy was a keynote speaker on the “Life’s Success” motivational “The Secret” cruise with Bob Proctor and Rev. Michael Beckwith. Her heartfelt life story is also featured in an A&E documentary, “Between the Lines” narrated by Robert Downey Jr. “Wendy is proof that we can all live an extraordinary life.” -Kenny Loggins, Grammy Award Winning Singer & Song Writer. “Wendy’s IDEAL vision of creating a mindful generation is remarkable.” -Goldie Hawn, Academy Award Winning Acctress & Producer. BNI Leadership Conference Intro Speaker Wendy Soderman
Our enthusiastic and highly skilled administrative team are dedicated to help you navigate your wellness journey.

Lisa Guerrieri
Administrative Assistant
Lisa is our support specialist. She anticipates and meets the clients’ logistical needs by providing excellence in communication and scheduling. She enjoys problem solving, multi-tasking, and the social aspects of working with others.

Beke Linse
Wellness Coordinator
Beke’s passion is to work with the Palm Beach Wellness Institute team to provide clients with the support and resources necessary to achieve their goals. Her passion in psychology enhances her qualifications as the wellness coordinator. She is highly skilled and deeply committed to helping clients achieve optimal health and well-being.

Yesi Lopez
Billing Coordinator
Yesi is our billing coordinator. She provides detailed, accurate and trustworthy financial communications to our clients. She enjoys serving our customers and possesses great communication skills as well as a positive attitude.