About The School
The Enneagram School of Awakening supports humanity’s awakening to our true nature, while honoring each student wherever they are on the journey from fixation to freedom. Through the revolutionary Embodiment Tradition, our teaching weaves psychology, somatics, spirituality, and creative practice to create a deep, holistic understanding of the Enneagram on a soul level that supports your path to liberated wholeness.
We offer accessible virtual and in-person programming for all levels, all over the world – whether you are first encountering the Enneagram, deepening your study, or using it in to unlock your leadership potential.
Mission
Our mission is to bring the revolutionary Embodiment Tradition to our students and clients, creating a deep, holistic understanding of the Enneagram that supports every person’s journey on the path to liberated wholeness and reconnects them to their highest self.
Values
Empowering Your Evolution
We guide your journey into your highest potential, offering compassionate coaching tailored to your needs to support your unique gifts.
Honoring Mystery
In keeping with the Enneagram’s roots, we allow for mystery and discovery to be part of the process.
Enlightenment Through Experience
Through tangible, specific practices, we uncover access to the Enneagram’s wisdom within our own bodies.
Community-Driven Curiosity
We learn more together, leveraging our unique insights through questions and supportive discussion.
Accessibility and Belonging
We honor each person’s diverse experience, life path, and goals, and are committed to bringing the Enneagram to as many people as possible to support healing.
Our History
School Founders Tammy Hendrix and Dr. Lissa FriedmanThe Enneagram School of Awakening and the Embodiment Tradition began with Dr. Lissa Friedman, who studied the Enneagram in the 1990s with Oscar Ichazo’s Arica Mystery School. Her work with the Enneagram started in her private practice, where she discovered the Enneagram was a profound tool for transformation.
In the early 2000s, she decided to bring the Enneagram to more people and began holding workshops. At this time, the Enneagram was not well known and there were not many teachers – Lissa is one of the original Enneagram teachers from Ichazo’s tradition. Lissa’s daughter, Tammy Hendrix, LCSW, learned directly from Lissa and other Enneagram teachers beginning in the 2000s.
Around 2010, Lissa’s workshops had grown into a three-part series and her students were asking for more. She developed a yearlong training program. In 2013, Lissa partnered with Tammy and formalized the Enneagram School of Awakening in the Embodiment Tradition.
Lissa and Tammy taught many yearlong trainings together in Asheville, NC. Around 2019, Tammy developed the Enneagram of Essence model, an evolution of Lissa’s Embodiment work.
At this time, the ESOA invited new faculty members: Ali McGhee, PhD and Valerie Wanamaker, LCSW, who began leading the yearlong trainings. In 2023, Lissa retired from teaching the Enneagram and was thrilled for the ESOA core faculty to continue the school’s vision and mission.
Meet the Faculty
Ali McGhee,
PhD
Director
Ali McGhee is the Director of The Enneagram School of Awakening. An experienced teacher, coach, and HR professional, she has a PhD in English from the University of Rochester and is co-founder of Appalachian Psychedelic Society. Her writing has been featured in the MAPS Bulletin, Lucid News, Dark Mountain, Scallywag, and others.
Recipient of a 2025 NC Artist Support Grant, she has been a speaker at Story Parlor, Woods & Wilds Festival, Craft with a Stranger, Listen to This, PechaKucha, Psychedelic Culture, and Psychedelic Science. She lives with her artist husband and wild kiddo on the edge of the Appalachian forest.
Valerie Wanamaker, LCSW
Core Faculty
Valerie Wanamaker is a dedicated Enneagram practitioner with a deep appreciation for the wisdom it offers in shaping how we show up in love, work, and play. Since beginning her study of the Enneagram in 2012, she has become certified in the Embodiment Tradition and now teaches locally in Asheville, NC, as well as offering workshops, groups, and individual sessions online.
As a therapist, her work focuses on promoting healthy, fulfilling relationships. She views the Enneagram as a powerful tool for deepening self-awareness and improving attunement to others. Her primary area of interest lies in working with couples and exploring how Enneagram patterns influence sexuality, identity, self-efficacy, and relationship dynamics.
She believes that through the liberation of the spirit—which often accompanies deep engagement with the Enneagram—we can become more fluid, trusting, and dynamic in all areas of life.
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