Efrat Livny lives and works in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born and grew up in Israel where her roots continue to run deep. She earned degrees in Fine Arts and English, in Horticulture and in Library and Information Science. In 1998, after a decade of directing a biotechnology information center at the University of Wisconsin, she made a life and career change. Her search for a vocation of the heart led her to Massage Therapy.

Along with that change, came another important shift – a renewed dedication to the use of her hands and her imagination to create. Efrat’s Artistic Creations are inspired by native traditions, particularly Native American, by the rich aesthetic and cultural heritage of the Middle East and by the different cultures that she encounteres in her travles. Her artwork also reflects her deep love for nature and the magic of things found along the way.

In 2001 Efrat was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her cancer journey with all its pain has been a transformative experience. It has inspired her to become a Healing Guide for people facing a health challenge. Dedicated to creating new resources for people living with cancer in her community, she became the founder of Gilda’s Club Madison Wisconsin, a place where people with cancer can join along with their family and friends to share emotional and social support. Efrat also works with medical providers and HMO’s to establish and offer cancer wellness programs to their patients.

Efrat loves being at home and sharing her life with family, friends, cats and community. She is also a dedicated traveler whose long list of places visited is always shorter than that of those yet to be visited. She loves to create living and working environments that are harmonious and beautiful, yet spends as much time as possible outdoors - gardening, walking, biking, and kayaking. She treasures her life moment by moment.