My journey with Chinese Medicine began early. I had my first acupuncture treatment at the age of five, and the experience stayed with me. Throughout my life, I’ve returned to Chinese Medicine during times of need, but it was after a traumatic head injury that its healing potential became profoundly clear.
Acupuncture was the only treatment that offered lasting relief from the severe post-concussive headaches I was experiencing, without side effects.
Before becoming a practitioner, I worked as a middle school math and science teacher. I’ve always loved working with people in dynamic and supportive environments. After my injury, I realized I needed to find a more sustainable pace of life. I began attending community Chinese Medicine classes at the local acupuncture school, and within a few months, I was enrolled as a full-time student. This marked the beginning of a deep and ongoing engagement with the study and practice of Chinese Medicine.
During school, I was introduced to Qigong and completed a year-long intensive in medical qi gong. Since graduating, I’ve continued this path, practicing Jin Jing Gong with Laurie Regan and participating in a small group mentorship in Wild Goose Qigong with Margit Galanter. Over the past few years, I’ve also facilitated group qi gong sessions, most recently offering support at a week-long metta meditation retreat.
I’m currently pursuing a doctorate at Five Branches University and have completed all coursework for a certificate in Chinese Medicine Psychology and Trauma. My practice is trauma-informed, and I bring this lens into all aspects of patient care. To deepen my understanding of the classical roots of Chinese Medicine, I studied Classical Chinese medical translation with Dr. Sabine Wilms and completed her “Triple Crown” program in 2023.
My professional clinical work began in 2018 at Tucson Community Acupuncture in Tucson, AZ, where I provided thousands of treatments for conditions including acute and chronic pain, stress, digestive concerns, reproductive health, autoimmune disorders, and the emotional and spiritual impacts of trauma.
In recent years, I have also run a private Chinese Medicine practice with a focus on complex chronic conditions such as autoimmune illness, chronic inflammation, and post-traumatic stress. My clinical experience includes working with patients managing Ehlers-Danlos/hypermobility syndromes, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, POTS, chronic migraines, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, long COVID, severe mold allergies, and more.
I enjoy collaborating with patients to find the most supportive mix of modalities for their healing journey. While acupuncture is often a central part of treatment, I am experienced in treating patients who are sensitive or apprehensive about it. Treatments can include other modalities such as cupping, moxibustion, guasha, teishin (non-insertive needles), herbal medicine, essences, medical qi gong, and lifestyle guidance.
I’m now leaving my longtime home in the Sonoran Desert for a new chapter at Watershed Wellness, where I will be deepening my practice through mentorship with Eric Grey. I look forward to connecting with the ocean and building meaningful relationships with the land, plants, and community of this new place.