Our Story

How Nathan and Shandell Met and Started Working together

A Partnership Rooted in Purpose

We met for just a moment at the Psychedelic Conference of Utah in March 2024, a brief exchange of cards, a spark of possibility.

Shandell had been working with psychedelic integration for some time, but was searching for a ketamine provider who truly cared, someone who saw people as whole beings, not just patients. She believed that real healing couldn’t happen without intention, presence, and compassion. When she learned that Dr. Unkefer was offering at-home ketamine treatments, she sensed that he might be that person.

After working with a few clients on his own, Nathan quickly saw that something was missing from his practice. Administering the medicine wasn’t enough. People needed real support: emotional guidance, support, and someone to help them integrate the experience. Too many ketamine clinics simply give the medication and leave you to figure out how to process the experience on your own.

A few weeks after meeting, we sat down for coffee and immediately recognized a shared vision: to provide people with the set (mindset and preparation), setting (safe, grounded environment), and support (before, during, and after) necessary for deep and lasting healing. We both believed that ketamine is a powerful tool, but it becomes truly transformative when held in the right container.

Once we began working with clients together, the synergy was undeniable. Shandell saw Nathan’s deep care and integrity and knew she had found the right provider. Nathan witnessed the profound emotional and energetic shifts clients experienced with Shandell’s presence and guidance, and realized how essential her work was to the healing process.

As of June 2025, we’ve supported nearly 200 patients together and the feedback continually reminds us that what we offer is more than a service. It’s a beautifully aligned collaboration. A bridge between science and spirit. A pathway to true healing.

Prior to partnering together with “Connections Ketamine and Healing,” both Nathan and Shandell had their own businesses.

Nathan’s individual website can be found here: https://www.guidedketaminesaltlakecity.com/

Shandell’s individual website can be found here: https://innerlightacademy.me/