By Judith StevensSpecial to the New Journal and Guide Dr. Nicole Charles became Chief Executive Director of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. (A.R.E.) in June, 2022, after a nationwide search was conducted; out of 176 applicants she was chosen to lead the organization into its next phase of growth.A.R.E., a nonprofit organization chartered in 1931 in Virginia Beach, is based on the work of the late Edgar Cayce and hones in on spirituality and holistic health practices. Its new leader was recently chosen as the organization goes through a time of transformative change in its 91–year history. The new leadership upholds this and brings with it a fresh perspective and skillset.Dr. Charles holds a doctorate in Interfaith Theology, specializing in spirituality and health, and a master’s in Integrative Health. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses specializing in Community Health, Integrative Nutrition, and Behavioral Health, and was led to graduate studies at Georgian Court University, gaining additional certifications at Maryland University of Integrative Health, the College of New Rochelle, and the Center for Mind Body Medicine.Her deep interest and work in integrative healthcare was sparked by her grandmother, a natural medicine woman, who, she says “had huge mason jars with ‘stuff’ in them–bark, roots, herbs, twigs, sticks and leaves. The stove always had some tea or another brewing. I was never sick as a child. I grew up learning to make tinctures and tonics. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was learning old Southern techniques for the laying on of hands–what is now known as energy medicine and Reiki. I understood that there was nothing that could not be cured with nature.”As part of her education, Dr. Charles has travelled extensively through various countries in Africa and the Caribbean Isles, studying faith practices and indigenous herbal medicine. Her extensive professional working experience within the non-profit sector and institutions of higher education has been within the United Nations, The Rockefeller Foundation–LEAD International, the National Urban League, Columbia University, Social Science Research Council, The New School for Social Research, and the City University of New York, to name a few.“My theology education stands on the theological perspective of Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, the theologian who was Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s teacher. Thurman was the mind; King brought his work into action. Dr. Thurman’s work focused on the principle of helping the disinherited of the world change from within so they would be empowered to survive in the face of oppression,” Dr. Charles said.“For me, ‘the disinherited’ is not solely about race, class, or status, but simply humanity. Mr. Cayce was clear about each of us being our brother’s keeper. How are we showing up for others? Am I doing what I can do to improve the lives of others whom I contact?”Dr. Charles’ life has brought her full circle; her search for God began early. Her life has afforded her opportunities, where she ha
