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About
The HRart Center
Where Healing Isn’t Optional
—It’s the Starting Point
Our Just Cause:
The Healing and Growth of People Matter
We don’t believe in fixing people—we believe in helping them come back to themselves.
At the HRart Center, we create space for both individuals and organizations to heal, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re personally burnt out or trying to lead a team that’s barely hanging on, we’re here to help you reclaim your energy and reimagine what’s possible when well-being is prioritized.
Our approach blends Personal Energy Care with Organizational Health to help people show up more fully—in life, in leadership, and in work that actually feels good to do. Because healing isn’t the reward for surviving the system… it’s the foundation for building something better.
How It All Started (aka The Breakdown That Became the Breakthrough)
Back in 2014, after the premature birth of my youngest daughter, I found myself completely drained. I wasn’t just tired—I was disconnected. From my work. From my life. From myself.
So I walked away from the traditional HR world and launched a leadership consulting firm, thinking that would fix it. Spoiler: It didn’t.
Professional success doesn’t mean much when your soul feels numb.
What did help? A long, humbling journey of healing, of learning to manage my energy instead of just my calendar. That journey eventually became the foundation for the HRart Center—a space where real well-being meets real leadership.
Why We Get So Personal
Here’s the thing: You can’t shift culture without getting personal.
For years, I studied engagement, burnout, and workplace dysfunction from the inside out. I lived it.
And I came to a simple but radical truth:
You can’t lead what you haven’t lived.
Our workplaces often ask us to check parts of ourselves at the door—to suppress the messy, brilliant, human parts of who we are.
That suppression drains our energy. It shrinks our brilliance. It keeps us from thriving.
The HRart Center exists to challenge that.
We’re here to help people—and the places they work—stop defaulting to disconnection and start building something way more human.
Where We Are Now
Everything we offer is rooted in one clear mission:
To end unnecessary suffering by restoring vitality, energy, and engagement to people and workplaces.
Our work spans three main paths:
- Personal Energy Care for individuals who are tired of feeling tired
- Organizational Health & Culture Work for teams and leaders who want to lead with alignment, not exhaustion
- The HRart Institute for people ready to learn, connect, and grow in community
We’re not static, and neither is our work. As we evolve, so do our methods—always grounded in our belief that the healing and growth of people matter.
How We Work
Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, intuitive, and backed by deep experience in HR, organizational development, and Classical Oriental Medicine.
We meet you where you are—whether that’s flat on the floor or ready to rewrite your entire leadership story.
Our team is a reflection of our values: diverse, dynamic, and deeply committed to healing first, growth second, performance as a byproduct. We care. And we hold space for the hard stuff while guiding you toward what’s next.
Our Values: How We Operate
We take responsibility for our actions, decisions, and outcomes—individually and collectively. We commit to continuous improvement and integrity, knowing that our growth supports the entire team.
We hold unwavering belief in the potential for growth and healing in every person. By fostering trust and empathy, we provide the tools and opportunities for individuals to thrive, while respecting their unique boundaries.
We are a team built on mutual support and open communication. We genuinely care for each other’s well-being, recognizing that our collective success is deeply tied to the individual strengths and growth of each team member.
Meet the Team
Samm Smeltzer, DMQ (China), M.Ed., SHRM-CP, PHR
CEO + Founder
Samm is the heart behind The HRart Center, blending her background in HR and Organizational Development with her expertise in Medical Qigong. Her work is grounded in helping individuals and organizations care for their energy to create lasting balance and sustainable growth. Samm is also a writer, speaker, and devoted mom who finds joy in sharing real, heart-centered healing.
Nancy Nicholas, M.Ed.
Director, Growth Education
Nancy brings over 25 years of learning and development experience to her role at The HRart Center. As a dynamic facilitator, coach, and instructional designer, she empowers leaders and teams to align their energy and unlock their full potential. Nancy’s passion lies in creating spaces where people grow, thrive, and transform the way they work together.
Karen Stone, M.P.P.
Director, Operations + OD
Karen brings a background in public health and nonprofit leadership, with a deep passion for creating spaces where people can thrive. After personally experiencing burnout, she discovered the power of energy care through her connection with Samm—and now channels that insight into supporting the HRart Center’s mission. Karen is happiest barefoot in her garden with her chickens and goose, and she believes wholeheartedly in the wisdom of intuition and slowing down to feel what matters most.
Laura Ryder
Growth Coach + Facilitator
Laura is a Certified Professional Coach with a passion for personal and professional growth. She supports leaders and teams through challenges with a focus on well-being and resilience. Her heart lies in partnering with others to uncover their best selves. Outside of coaching, Laura finds joy in nature, gardening, reading, and time with loved ones.
Julie Lavetan
Brand + Marketing Lead
Julie brings a unique blend of branding, marketing, and design expertise from across industries. Her focus at the HRart Center is building a strong, authentic brand presence and consistent messaging that amplifies our mission. Deeply connected to the Center’s blend of ancient and modern healing, Julie is passionate about helping more people discover the power of energetic wellness. You may hear her called “Sydney”—and if she’s not working, you’ll likely find her at the beach.
Delia Toro
Team Administrator
Delia is a passionate HR professional who supports the HRart Center with her expertise in organizational development, talent acquisition, and employee experience. She thrives on building inclusive, engaging environments and brings heart and care to everything she does—both in the office and the kitchen.
Choose Your Path
Need a reset for your body, mind, or spirit?
Leading a team and want to rebuild your culture from the inside out?
Looking for community, inspiration, and soul-deep learning?