When I was a little girl my Great Grandma was one of my very favorite people. I loved going to her ranch and working in her huge garden with her. We would pick peas and sit on the porch and talk about the clouds.
She gave me one of my all time favorite books: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She died of throat cancer when I was eight and it lit a fire in me to dedicate my life to medicine.
That desire led me to attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, where I studied Anthropology, Botany, and Ethnobotany. During my time as an undergrad I had the opportunity to intern with Dr. Mark Plotkin of the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT), a non-profit with focus on shamanic knowledge and rain forest conservation.
As I learned more about the healing power of botanical medicine I realized that I wanted to become the kind of doctor that worked with nature and the human body to create lasting health. My studies in ethnobotany led me to the work of Dr. Rosita Arvigo and Don Elijio Panti, where I found the combination of holistic medicine and physical medicine combined in a way that has resonated very deeply with my core beliefs in regards to medicine.
The profound combination of physical medicine and holistic medicine inspired me to get an advanced degree in medical massage therapy from the Utah College of Massage Therapy, where I focused on medical, injury, prenatal and infant massage. I have practiced massage consistently since 2001.
I then went on to get my Doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 2008, with additional training in pediatrics and neonatal care. I have worked at Bastyr as an adjunct faculty member in the botanical medicine department and also had the opportunity to teach Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Academy for Oriental Medicine in Austin, TX.
I live in the greater Seattle area with my wonderful husband and two amazing kiddos. I especially enjoy spending time in the forest and at the beach with my family, creating art, cooking healthy foods, improving my gluten-free baking, working in my garden, and reading. I am currently an independent physician with office space located in Vitae Health Center, in Lynnwood WA.
What is it like to work with me?
First visits with me are always longer so we can truly dig into what is bringing you into my office. Before your first appointment, you’ll fill out a comprehensive intake form, and I’ll actually read it, too! (Have you ever noticed how it sometimes feels like nobody reads those things? So frustrating!)
At our first visit we’ll go over your intake form together, talk through your health history, and focus on the areas that need the most attention. We’ll then do a physical exam, I’ll provide in-office treatment if indicated, and we’ll create a treatment plan together. My goal is for you to understand the recommendations I’m making and feel confident moving forward with our plan. Within 24-48 hours of your appointment you’ll receive a written treatment plan along with information about any recommended supplements, testing, or next steps.
I value knowledge, education, collaboration, warmth, kindness, and caring for others. I believe that the best health outcomes happen when doctors and patients work together as a team. I see my patients as teammates in their health, and my goal is to help you feel truly heard and seen throughout our work together.
Training & Credentials
- Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Washington State
- Doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University (2008)
- Advanced degree in Medical Massage Therapy, Utah College of Massage Therapy (2001)
- BA in Human Ecology, College of the Atlantic