Barbara Mahler has a passion for healing and practices Traditional Oriental Medicine, working extensively with cancer patients and chronic illness. She co-founded Circle Health Center in 1987, and in 1992, started her private practice using a combination of traditional oriental medicine and nutrition. Mahler's novel, The Hole in the Sky, is the first in the upcoming trilogy published by Sea Turtle Publishing about the fantastical journey of cousins Kaela and Shawn. Mahler divides her time between her homes Boulder, Colo. and Malibu, Calif. and travels extensively. She grew up in Bloomington, Ind., Woods Hole, Mass., Sao Paulo, Brazil and Paris, France. Mahler attended Indiana University and where she majored in Fine Arts, studied pre-med at Santa Monica College and graduated with honors from Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is a professional speaker on creativity and natural healing.The beauty of nature, animals and the human spirit serve as inspiration for Mahler's vivid storytelling style. She enjoys reading, swimming, walking and painting.