Ampersand Integrative Wellness

Team AMpersand

Our staff of wellness practitioners welcomes you to your very own healing journey. Are you ready to stop surviving and begin thriving?

Now is the Time for the New You!

Have you been down this “self-improvement” road before? You needed and wanted to make a change, gotten yourself so far, but fell short of your goals? Let us provide the support and structure you need to achieve success!

Jesse Hershey

Personal Training

Whitney George

Nutrition Services

Laural Miller-Kipp

Integrative Wellness Coordinator & Leadership Coach

Satisfied Clients

With Ampersand, you are in the company of people who have struggled, found success and work the program every day themselves. Our team has been blessed to have built amazing connections and success stories in our community. Accordingly, we hope that you join the ranks of our satisfied, healthy, and happy clients.

“I met Whitney about four years ago. I had GI issues that were not resolving after seeing a gastroenterologist for about 2 years. I was diagnosed with irritable bowel with constipation. My doctor had prescribed two different medications which were ineffective. There was little nutritional counseling at this practice and I was instructed to avoid broccoli and beans and possibly take an enzyme if I wanted to eat these foods. My symptoms persisted and I was uncomfortable daily. I felt that some of my issues were from food because it seemed to correlate with eating. I just couldn’t figure it out.
A colleague recommended Whitney to me. He said his wife had worked with her and she was feeling much better.

I had a consult with Whitney. She was extremely thorough. We broke down my food intake and then made a plan. She suggested an elimination diet. At first I wasn’t sure I could do it! After 2 weeks I was feeling so much better! At 6 weeks my issues were more improved. I had intolerances that were unknown to me. Once we figured out what was best for my gut, my symptoms went away. I had been on Prilosec for 20 years for reflux and did not need it anymore. I was having regular bowel movements and GI pain and bloating were gone. I learned what was good for me and have felt well ever since. It took work and commitment on my part but with Whitney’s help I felt so much better! It is a daily commitment to eat what is right for me but the reward of a pain free, healthy gut is worth it! I could not have not done this on my own. Whitney’s counseling helped me immensely. I am so grateful I met her and know her!”

TBD

“Ashley has been my primary therapist since August 2, 2017. I have been seeing her every week, twice a week, since then. We started working together with my alcohol and substance abuse issues along with my mental health issues. With Ashley’s strong medical background and persistence, we worked from the ground up. We had our struggles at first, but with her patience and persistence she has made me the person I am today. Ashley is not only my therapist, she is a mentor and someone whom I have all the respect for in the world, and she is always there if I need her. Whether it be during our session, or by email, Ashley always made time for me and my recovery. I would recommend Ashley without reservation to anyone and I am a huge supporter of hers.”

Anonymous Client

“I enjoy working with Stefano. Every session is different and helpful. He addresses a variety of issues including balance, flexibility, and overall fitness, and he has me use muscles that I never knew existed! I appreciate Stefano’s caring and his expertise in helping me to perform beyond my expectations.”

Anonymous Client

“I met Jesse in 2014 when he was teaching speed and agility at Body Zone to my girls when they were 9 and 13. He was so in tune with their form and making sure they were doing the drills properly. When he left and started personal training it was a no brainer that we would follow him wherever he went. For the past 5 years my girls have been with him and he has truly become part of our family. My husband and I are so blessed to have him in our lives. We know that when our girls are performing at their best, that he has had a major role in that. Jesse supports our girls at soccer games and track and cross country meets. I even use him to stretch my girls for cross country at Wyomissing High School. We appreciate all Jesse has done with our girls and will continue to follow him in his next adventure.”

Adriane Hoke

Mother of Two

"Whitney was more than helpful in helping me prepare for my first half and full Ironman. She first pointed out issues to address that would allow me to properly absorb nutrients, and then helped me to make those specific changes to my diet. As a result I had more energy for training and gained more lean muscle mass than I ever have in the past. I was successful in both events (including placing 5th in my AG in my first half Iron and 18th in my first full). The help she has continued to provide allows me to be much more aware of how my body responds to what I consume, allowing me to fuel in the best ways that I can. Overall I can’t say enough about what working with her has helped me to do both performance-wise and on an everyday nutrition level."

MD

Stefano Sarge has been my personal trainer for the past year and I want to express my thanks. Stefano is truly at the top of his game. He’s a delightful mix of training ability, knowledge, kindness, inspiration, and thoroughness. His approach targets the whole person - both body and mind. Training sessions are diverse, appropriately challenging, and fun! Since beginning training, I’ve had tremendous gains in strength, flexibility, balance, stamina, and confidence. Probably my biggest achievement is knowing I can live life as I choose. I have the physical ability and mindset to live life to the fullest. Stefano’s expertise has provided a pathway to wellness and joy for me.”

Marcia S.

This is an amazing team! I have worked with Jesse, Stefano & Gabby for years. You won't find anyone better. I can't say enough about how they have helped and continue to help me..”

Ryan O.

Stefano is a very skilled and compassionate trainer. We have worked together in a gym, at the Ampersand site, and over Zoom, all with great results. He has helped me tremendously with strength and agility. As an older person, in the past, I would be exhausted and in considerable pain for days after shoveling snow. Thanks to Stefano, this winter was a breeze. He has great intuition, and is not at all intimidating. I highly recommend him for anyone, regardless of how low or high your current level is. He will keep you engaged and challenged as you make progress toward your goals.

Carol P.

Ampersand is a truly top notch facility. Upon arriving you are greeted by a receptionist and directed to go into a comfortable waiting area. They create a soothing environment with water sounds and the most incredible, calming smells. My therapist, Ashley,  welcomes me into her space for our time that is clean, comfortable and sets me at ease where I’m ready to talk freely. Having this time is so critical to the success of me navigating my life and my therapist is wonderful and empathetic in our conversations. It’s refreshing to feel so cared for and heard. Ampersand's culture is like you’re part of their family and I am so thankful to be there. I recommend this office to anyone. You won’t be disappointed by your experience!"

Christina

Liz is definitely the best massage therapist that I have worked with in the area. She is extremely kind and makes me feel very comfortable. She uses multiple techniques to tailor to areas where I’m having pain or problems. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is interested in making massage part of their overall wellness plan. The facility is extremely clean and they follow excellent covid safety precautions."

Annie

I can't recommend Ampersand enough. I've had multiple spine and neck fusions. Lately, I have been in excruciating pain and could barely move my neck without wincing or crying. Gabby worked on my neck and I haven't had a spasm for a couple days now. Thank you so much, guys! Gabby and Elizabeth for massage are fantastic. They focus on more than just your pain."

Grace

Beth,

 I want to take this opportunity to share with you my overall experience with the 16 private Yoga Sessions with you. Starting a Yoga practice can be intimidating for me considering that I had very little prior experience but you made my Yoga practice so comfortable. You came highly recommended and I am truly blessed to have you as my Yoga Teacher. Thank you for always taking the time to listen to any concerns I had with any poses and your suggestions on how to better improve them.

I began my Yoga Practice Journey with the intention of learning the basic Yoga poses and received SO MUCH more than what I was expecting.  Thank you for introducing me to not only the Yoga Practice but to other methods of body and breath awareness and just simply “being” in the moment.

I left every session feeling completely renewed especially during the challenging times with my Achilles injury.  Thank you for being so accommodating with the practice to help me heal.  I strongly believe that not only Physical Therapy helped heal my Achilles but also the Yoga practice together has allowed me a full recovery in a shorter amount of time.

I love your personality and your overall positive energy and I THANK YOU for providing me with a “SAFE” space to learn Yoga without the feeling of intimidation that I would have felt during an actual class. With every Yoga session, I felt more oneness with myself which always left me looking forward to the next session.

You are a great teacher and thank you for allowing me to be your Student.  Namaste!!!!"

Maria

"Stefano has been helping me keep up with the physical challenges of aging for a number of years. I give him the highest possible recommendation. He is extremely skilled, compassionate, non- judgmental, and kind. Whatever your situation is, he will help you achieve your goals!"

Anonymous

"As we all know...COVID put a damper on a lot of people's physical / mental health, and both Ariel and I fell right into that category. After we got engaged in April, we made a pact that we were going to get back in shape and be our best selves for the wedding. I heard about Ampersand through a family friend and immediately signed us up for a preliminary meeting with Whitney, where she did a deep dive into who we are as an individual and where we would like to see growth.  From there, she built a separate plan for both of us to follow and then scheduled regular check-ins to see how we are doing.  Whitney is beyond passionate about her occupation and does an amazing job coaching you through the journey. We couldn't recommend Whitney and the rest of the Ampersand team more!!"

Ariel & Brian

"Gabby and the concepts outlined for Trauma Touch have catalyzed the return of my executive function. There was nothing I wanted back more than my “self” and for most of my life, I had believed it to be a far fetched idea to believe that I could recover myself from the decade and a half of self hatred that followed my trauma.  3 months into the program I could not yet dream, But I found that that I could dance! It was unexpected and spontaneous. It is human to dance.  Connecting to my body has evolved from a terrifying prospect through a desperate attempt with which I found safety to a space in which I am empowered to create my existence. This was the most costly intrinsic human characteristic I lost when I was raped: my freedom to imagine a world that was better. All my creative juices had been stolen, I recovered this life blood. The energy of creation never left, but without the freedom to imagine a world that is better than the one I existed in, I perpetuated my misery through destructive choices. Today I still am human; I make mistakes and dance through them. I utilize tools like “give yourself a do-over” and “take ownership of all parts” daily; this is, indeed, a good time to be me."

Anonymous Client

“I met Whitney about four years ago. I had GI issues that were not resolving after seeing a gastroenterologist for about 2 years. I was diagnosed with irritable bowel with constipation. My doctor had prescribed two different medications which were ineffective. There was little nutritional counseling at this practice and I was instructed to avoid broccoli and beans and possibly take an enzyme if I wanted to eat these foods. My symptoms persisted and I was uncomfortable daily. I felt that some of my issues were from food because it seemed to correlate with eating. I just couldn’t figure it out.
A colleague recommended Whitney to me. He said his wife had worked with her and she was feeling much better.

I had a consult with Whitney. She was extremely thorough. We broke down my food intake and then made a plan. She suggested an elimination diet. At first I wasn’t sure I could do it! After 2 weeks I was feeling so much better! At 6 weeks my issues were more improved. I had intolerances that were unknown to me. Once we figured out what was best for my gut, my symptoms went away. I had been on Prilosec for 20 years for reflux and did not need it anymore. I was having regular bowel movements and GI pain and bloating were gone. I learned what was good for me and have felt well ever since. It took work and commitment on my part but with Whitney’s help I felt so much better! It is a daily commitment to eat what is right for me but the reward of a pain free, healthy gut is worth it! I could not have not done this on my own. Whitney’s counseling helped me immensely. I am so grateful I met her and know her!”

Anonymous

“I enjoy working with Stefano. Every session is different and helpful. He addresses a variety of issues including balance, flexibility, and overall fitness, and he has me use muscles that I never knew existed! I appreciate Stefano's caring and his expertise in helping me to perform beyond my expectations.”

Anonymous

“I started to have gastric issues in March of 2020. After a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and a lot of useless tests I was diagnosed with a mild inflammation of the stomach lining. The doctors did not provide a solution. Luckily for me, Whitney George was recommended to me as a nutritionist. With her expertise, knowledge, compassion, and devotion she got me back from 95 lbs. to my normal weight of 108lbs. It has been the biggest challenge of my life. Whitney and I meet on Zoom, she is in PA and I am in NC. She provided me with a wonderful website called Cronometer. There I can enter daily what I eat and do. Cronometer breaks down my food letting me know if I need more or less of something. Based on her recommendations with supplements I got rid of some bacteria the medical systems only treat with antibiotics. Whitney has been holding my hand since May 24th, when I first met her on Zoom. When I panic, she is right there for me via phone or email, late at night or even on the weekend. I am extremely lucky to have her as I have no idea where I would today without her help.
Thank you, Whitney, for being such a caring human being.

Madeleine K.

Ampersand Integrative Wellness is filled with intelligent, caring, and supportive staff. Stefano is an excellent coach with a ton of knowledge to guide you on your fitness journey. I have enjoyed learning from Stefano to become a stronger, healthier me..

Sam H.

“I have worked with Jesse for two years and am amazed at my improved strength and overall feeling of wellness and enhanced energy. He inspires me to do more but also encourages rest and recuperation. My golf game has improved as my overall strength and endurance have
increased. I consider Jesse a friend, and am grateful to have found such a knowledgeable and compassionate trainer.

Sarah R.

"Thank you, Ampersand Integrated Wellness practitioners for providing me with so many services that have enhanced my overall health and wellbeing. Having massage therapy, nutrition counseling, yoga lessons and functional training available to me when I needed them the most has been a blessing. Thank you for making “my health” your business."

Maria

“I have been working with Laural Miller for a few years now. First as a life coach, where she helped immensely in my healing from marriage and continued healing from childhood trauma. She is now my trauma touch practitioner, and has created such a safe space for me to bring even more healing.

If you are local to Berks County and are looking for trauma informed healing, reach out to Ampersand and get in touch with Laural. God truly has gifted her in many ways.”

Fatima

"I started working with Stefano a few months ago to address my chronic back pain. I can only say that I wish I had done this a long time ago! Stefano listened to my story and developed a program that helped me tremendously and one that I was able to keep up with and utilize at home. I am able to play with my children now pain free! He gave me the tools to strengthen my core and really targeted the areas that were causing my pain. I am so thankful for Stefano’s help and highly recommended his services."

Jamie C.

"Jesse Hershey is so knowledgeable about how our bodies work. He is a pleasure to work with and my sessions are so effective."

M. Doleniak

"The level of experience spread among the practitioners of this building is incredible. I'm able to get my physical therapy, personal training, massage, cupping, nutrition, and my career and goal orientation planning in one place. The best thing about this is that this place is truly the model of integrative health where every practitioner speaks with every other practitioner to give you the best chance for success in ever evolving goals.
I assure you you can't go wrong working with any or all of these individuals! Truly a gift to Berks county and surrounding areas."

Josh T.

Get In Touch

Visit Us

1008 Stinson Drive Leesport, PA. 19533

Phone

Coming Soon

Hours

Appointment Only

Please contact your practitioner

 

Contact Us

    Pin It on Pinterest

    Skip to content