What sets the newly opened SoulCare Studios apart isn’t just the eclectic mix of offerings—or even the psychedelics. It’s the people behind it. The founders didn’t step out of another yoga studio; they came from careers in psychotherapy, chiropractic care and Chinese medicine.
Inside the rustic Aptos Station building next to the Forest of Nisene Marks, I meet Cindy Hill-Ford, MA, founder of SoulCare Studios.
The lobby, surprisingly spacious compared to the low-key exterior, opened into a brightly arranged space divided by a curtain—treatment rooms on one side, a movement studio on the other. A cozy seating area, flanked by walls adorned with vibrant artwork from one of the teachers, added warmth and personality.
After becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in 2001, Hill-Ford spent the next two decades in Oakland. During that time, as an affiliate with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, she played a role in developing trauma-informed interventions for youth and families.
Recently retired, Hill-Ford turned to acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition, movement and therapy to restore balance in her life. This transformative period led her to Aptos where she completed a yoga teacher training at Pleasure Point Yoga Studio. Her discovery of psychedelic-assisted therapy reignited her passion for mental health work, inspiring her to complete Naropa University’s Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Certificate.
Hill-Ford says from the depths of these experiences, SoulCare Studios was born—a space dedicated to nurturing mind, body, and soul under one roof. Alongside Chinese medicine expert Dr. LeTa Jussila and chiropractor Dr. Michelle Bean, the team developed the SoulCare approach; to help, heal, strengthen, and to provide an opportunity to gather together and be in relationship with others.
“We’re often isolated, and relationships are healing. We do best when we’re together in a supportive environment with others we feel safe and comfortable with. Having acupuncture, chiropractic care, mental health services, and movement support under one roof offers holistic health,” Hill-Ford says.
“Our events are geared toward developing community,” she explains. “Our open houses, which we call Wellness Social Clubs, allow people to move from one activity to the next in small groups or individually. People got to know each other while using the biocharger, biomats, or participating in classes”
The SoulCare Studio grand opening is March 27-29. On Friday, Dr. LeTa will lead an embodied dance class. Saturday will feature a Qigong class and a land blessing ceremony led by Austen Tate on behalf of the Red Earth Movement, followed by a wellness happy hour for exploring studio offering. The day will end with a block party featuring music, kombucha, wine, and healthy snacks. Sunday includes more Qigong, a traditional tea ceremony, and a Q&A session with Dr. Bean about navigating psilocybin support. Festivities end with a somatic yoga class.
Hill-Ford says the first two open houses were well-received, with attendees ranging from young families to people in their 70s. The variety of classes and services ensures there’s something for everyone, whether they seek acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga, or mental health support.
“Regarding our psychedelic offerings, ketamine can provide a bird’s eye view of stress or trauma, offering therapeutic benefits when used with a therapist. We support people in preparation, integration, and processing their unique experience,” Hill-Ford says.
Though Hill-Ford doesn’t provide psilocybin (which is decriminalized in Santa Cruz but not in the county), she says “we provide education on safe practices and offer integration support. Our aim is to ensure people have resources to process their experiences safely and effectively.”
For those hesitant about exploring holistic wellness, the SoulCare team recommends starting with yoga. “We provide a full schedule of yoga classes, including Yoga Nidra with a sound bath, Vinyasa flows, warm flow, slow flow, and express classes,” Hill-Ford says.
“Meet us, experience the space, and have a conversation,” Hill-Ford invites. “Holistic health simply means supporting your body, mind and soul, which can look different for everyone.”
Elizabeth Borelli is the author of the new book Tastes Like La Dolce Vita. Download a free 50-page Mediterranean Recipe guide at ElizabethBorelli.com.
Spelling of Austen Tate’s name corrected on April 12, 2025.
