What is the meaning of Kairos time?
Presence in the Vertical Moment
In Greek, kairos refers to the “right” moment, a time when conditions are perfect for a particular action or event.
Unlike chronos, which represents chronological or sequential time—measured in minutes, hours, and days—kairos is about qualitative time, the “vertical moment” that cuts through the linear flow of chronos.
It’s a moment of significance, where everything aligns, allowing something meaningful to happen.
While chronos ticks along steadily, kairos invites us to recognize and seize those pivotal instances that have the power to transform the course of events.
What Does Kairos Have to Do With Survivor Resilence?
Presence in the Vertical Moment
In Greek, kairos refers to the “right” moment, a time when conditions are perfect for a particular action or event.
Unlike chronos, which represents chronological or sequential time—measured in minutes, hours, and days—kairos is about qualitative time, the “vertical moment” that cuts through the linear flow of chronos.
It’s a moment of significance, where everything aligns, allowing something meaningful to happen.
While chronos ticks along steadily, kairos invites us to recognize and seize those pivotal instances that have the power to transform the course of events.
Board of Directors
Michelle Payan, PharmD, MSHCT
Michelle is a visionary healthcare leader, Oncology Clinical Pharmacist, and CEO of Kairos Therapeutic Retreat—a minority and woman-led nonprofit dedicated to redefining cancer survivorship care. With 20 years of experience, Michelle has played pivotal roles in building oncology programs and opening three teaching hospitals along with their outpatient oncology infusion centers.
Inspired by her grandmother, a traditional medicine woman, Michelle integrates her deep-rooted appreciation for holistic healing into her work, making relationship-centered care the heart of Kairos.
Founded by Michelle, who is a first-generation Mexican-American, Kairos Therapeutic Retreat combines innovative medical care with a personal touch, aiming to nurture true healing and well-being beyond the cure. As a servant leader, Michelle challenges the healthcare status quo, focusing on building a strong team, establishing community connections, and spearheading the development of a dedicated retreat space.
Through her leadership, Kairos is transforming the landscape of cancer survivorship by creating thriving, integrative programs that support survivors on their journey to thrive after cancer.
At Kairos, Michelle’s mission is clear: to move beyond just treating the disease and to foster environments where cancer survivors can truly heal and flourish. Join us in our commitment to redefine what it means to thrive after cancer.
Jose Raul Serna, PharmD, BCSCP
Raul serves as the Director of Operations at Kairos Therapeutic Retreat, bringing 13 years of pharmacy expertise and a deep commitment to excellence. As a Sterile Compounding Pharmacist Supervisor, Raul pioneered a first-of-its-kind operational role within his division, building it from the ground up and earning board certification in sterile compounding—a specialty that requires the highest levels of attention to detail and integrity.
Raul’s meticulous nature extends beyond his professional life; he carefully budgets his time, money, and skills to make a meaningful impact. His dedication to giving and compassion reflect the values at the heart of Kairos.
With a background rooted in a passion for chemistry and biology, Raul saw in medicine not just a career, but a field ripe with opportunities for innovation. As a conscientious and disciplined leader, Raul brings the determination and vision needed to help guide Kairos in its mission to redefine cancer survivorship care.
Ana Teresa Garcia, Director of Marketing and Communications
Ana brings a rich background of 17 years in marketing, social work, event planning, and education. A bilingual writer, translator, and interpreter, Ana’s diverse skills are complemented by her deep commitment to holistic health and healing.
With training in Eastern medicine, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition, she blends these practices into her personal and professional life, striving to create a healing environment both at home and within her homeschooling community.
As a partial homesteader and lifelong learner, Ana continually seeks to expand her understanding of therapeutic modalities. Her extensive travels throughout Mexico, Central and South America, and Europe have deepened her appreciation for the intersection of culture and mental health, shaping her belief in the power of joy and holistic healing.
At Kairos, Ana fosters an engaging and inclusive learning environment, amplifying the voices and visions of the organization’s passionate leaders. Her mission is to bridge gaps in understanding and inspire connection through meaningful communication.
Our Team, Our Guardians
Stephanie Sutton, MLS (ASCP)
Stephanie is a dedicated scientist with over 20 years of experience in clinical laboratory settings. Despite her professional success, she often felt out of place in that world.
As a mother to two teenage sons and wife to an incredible cook, Stephanie's life took a profound turn on November 1, 2019, when she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
In that moment, she felt a divine energy wash over her, awakening a deep cellular awareness and opening her to the gifts of frequency (energy) and intuition—her “souvenirs” from the journey.
She transitioned from unshakeable faith to unshakeable knowing, embracing her path as a soul on a healing journey. Through her experiences, Stephanie now offers guidance to others, walking alongside them in love and through love.
Tawny Rachelle
Tawny has been practicing yoga for over 20 years, but her journey took on a new purpose after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2017.
Motivated to support others on their cancer journeys, she became a certified 200-RYT yoga teacher, expanding her expertise with certifications in Yoga Nidra, Yoga for End of Life, Trauma-Informed Yoga, and Yoga for Anxiety.
Committed to continuous learning, Tawny aims to bring her skills and experience to those affected by cancer.
After participating in the Kairos Resilience Retreat in November 2023, she embraced the role of Kairos Guardian, deepening her dedication to helping others heal.
Kristine Acosta
Kristine is a Texas-based real estate professional and California native who cherishes her dual love for the beach and the Lone Star State.
A devoted mother to four athletic boys, she can often be found cheering on the sidelines as their biggest fan.
Approaching her three-year anniversary as a breast cancer survivor, Kristine is passionate about spreading awareness and advocating for early detection and support for those battling the disease.
After attending the Kairos Resilience Retreat in November 2023, she too became a Kairos Guardian, committed to supporting the mission of resilience and healing in the cancer community.
Rebecca Muñoz, EdD, MPH, CHES
Rebecca was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in August 2017 during her final year of undergraduate studies.
Undeterred, she continued her education while undergoing six months of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries.
Passionate about scalp cooling during her treatment, Rebecca founded Chemotherapy Cold Cappers, a global peer-to-peer support network for those using scalp cooling to preserve hair during chemotherapy.
Currently a doctoral candidate at Baylor University conducting AYA research, she also serves on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women and is a Senior Advisor for Polaris Global Health Solutions.
Rebekkah Schear, MIA
Rebekkah is a seasoned health care innovator with over 15 years of experience in transforming healthcare delivery and championing person-centered care.
As the Chief Innovation Officer for Polaris Global Health Solutions, she collaborates with various stakeholders to drive transformational change in health care.
Rebekkah has an extensive background in oncology, chronic disease management, and human-centered design, and she is known for her collaborative and authentic leadership style.
A trained Dharma yoga and meditation instructor with over 1,500 teaching hours, Rebekkah integrates Tibetan-Buddhist mindfulness into her work, bringing a holistic approach to health care and wellbeing.
Mari Galle, DACM, LAc
Mari is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in oncology acupuncture, with a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
As the Director of Integrative Medicine at Cancer Rehab & Integrative Medicine, Mari is dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their loved ones by treating symptoms and side effects associated with cancer and its treatments.
With both personal and professional insights into the cancer journey, she is committed to providing compassionate care.
As founder of the Moving Beyond Cancer Collaborative non-profit and member of the Society of Integrative Oncology, Mari is passionate about evidence-based integrative oncology and fostering a supportive community for patients, caregivers, and their families.
Jennifer Martin, NBC-HWC, ERYT 500, FRC®ms
Jennifer is a Certified iRest® Instructor, Meditation and Well-being Coach who believes that everyone is doing the best they can and possesses the answers they seek.
She walks alongside individuals on their journey to self-discovery with compassion and curiosity, using tools like movement, breath, yoga nidra, and meditative self-inquiry.
Jennifer's approach integrates secular, trauma-informed somatic practices that enhance nervous system awareness, proprioception, interoceptive awareness, and support deep rest.
She is deeply grateful for the ancient teachings that inform her work and enjoys exploring their relevance in modern life. For more on her work, including free meditations and upcoming events in Austin, visit www.JenniferJanelle.com.
Jacqueline Ayoub, RDN, LD, CLT
Jacqueline is an Integrative and Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and wellness chef, dedicated to the belief that health is wealth, starting with nourishing the body with fresh, wholesome food.
With a diverse culinary background influenced by her multicultural Houston roots and travels through Southeast Asia, Jacqueline merges her passion for cooking with her expertise in nutrition.
She holds a B.S. in Nutrition from The University of Texas at Austin and completed its dietetic internship program.
Jacqueline works as a personal and catering chef, focusing on digestive and immune health, and draws from various culinary traditions including Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Cajun, and wild food cuisines.
JJ Ruescas
JJ is a Human Optimization Strategist driven by an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning.
He began his career in technology, leading global teams to high performance, and made a personal commitment to learn something new every day.
This dedication led him to explore diverse fields such as productivity, neuroscience, psychology, optimal breathing, and nutrition.
Today, JJ serves as a High Performance and Results Coach for startup founders and C-level executives in LATAM and the US.
Through his platform Optimizing me and accompanying podcast, JJ shares insights from industry leaders to help others improve by 1% every day.
Jeff Wood
Jeff is a seasoned solo acoustic musician based in San Antonio, Texas, with 25 years of experience in writing, recording, and performing music.
His versatile style spans blues, country, rock, and pop, bringing a rich blend of genres to his audience.
Jeff is passionate about the healing power of music, using his songwriting and performances to connect with and uplift others on their journey toward healing and well-being.
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