My path to naturopathic medicine was, like many of my colleagues’, not a linear one, and one worth mentioning because it helped shape the physician I am today. I first earned my Bachelor of Arts in a dual Political Science and International Affairs degree from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, with the initial intent of joining an international agency (fun fact: I know some Arabic). Although a lifelong lover of school, after graduation I swore I’d never return again!
Wanderlust and restlessness over my professional destiny brought me on various solo adventures during this early time period. Soon the call of the West was made clear, and after a road trip through Oregon and an immersion into its profound natural beauty, returned home only to pack my bags again and turn back two weeks later- for good- with no job or plan. It was while working at an organic herb and spice company in Eugene that I was introduced to something I had only felt within but never been exposed to in my external world: Naturopathic Medicine. The tenets of naturopathic medicine- First, do no harm, The healing power of nature, Identify and treat the cause, Doctor as teacher, Treat the whole person, and Prevention- resonated deeply within me amidst my own physical, mental, and emotional struggles. I will forever cherish Eugene as a place that helped facilitate meaningful and lasting change in my life.
I (happily) broke the swearing off of school and initiated the journey of obtaining my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, the world’s oldest naturopathic medical school. While in my first year, I began experiencing “mystery” symptoms and extreme, debilitating fatigue despite an active lifestyle, which set off another journey throughout medical school that paralleled the one I was earning my doctorate on. On this one, I was not only engaged in a rigorous program but also piecing together chronic health concerns whose etiologies remained elusive. Root causes revealed themselves after extensive research and education that extended far beyond the classroom or clinic walls and addressing maladaptive nervous system patterns. I also gained invaluable clinical wisdom by working alongside experienced naturopathic doctors who treat complex patient presentations, and was the sole author of two published peer-reviewed case reports in medical journals during this time.
I am extensively trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of health concerns, and am passionate about many things, namely validating my patients’ experiences and empowering them with the belief that they are not “broken” but capable of healing and restoration. In doing so, I always address the nervous system and gently connect any unresolved trauma(s) as core obstacles to healing. I share in my patients’ frustrations, having also experienced being told everything was “normal’s as well as profound personal loss. Although the only validation one needs is from within, I remind each and every one of my patients that I am their unwavering ally, navigating them through a health care system that is not designed to address an entire person’s wellbeing nor understand the interconnectedness of our systems.
I use a toolbox of personalized approaches including hands-on bodywork, nutritional, botanical, homeopathic, lifestyle, nervous system and pharmaceutical interventions when necessary to guide my patients’ health journeys. I do not adhere to long term restrictive diets, constant biomarker chasing, or endless protocols. My goal is for patients to leave feeling empowered in their health journey, not feeling helpless and reliant long term on anyone else.
Originally from Excelsior, I am thrilled to bring naturopathic medicine and my combined coastal experiences back to my hometown. In my downtime, I enjoy moving my body outdoors, dancing, strength training, spending time with my young daughter, our German Shepherd, and being Olive’s Pizza’s most frequent customer.