Mission Statement:
My personal mission is to be a catalyst for positive health transformations. I am dedicated to assisting as many people as possible in finding natural solutions tailored to their unique needs. I aim to educate the public about the benefits of acupuncture through Neighborhood Acupuncture and equip them with practical self-care techniques, fostering a proactive approach to well-being through Wisely Living.
Vision Statement:
I envision a future where my influence extends far beyond the walls of my private practice.
My focus is on pioneering a dynamic shift towards widespread education and empowerment. Through innovative publishing, primarily via video content, I aspire to create a world where individuals easily access information on natural treatments using East Asian Medicine (EAM), yoga, western herbology, and dietary therapy. I aim to guide people toward multiple safe and effective tools for home-based health and healing.
I see myself helping individuals navigate a world where intuition harmoniously coexists with scientific evidence, historical wisdom, and empirical knowledge. My ultimate vision is to equip people with the tools to find effective healthcare treatments, embracing a holistic approach that combines self-awareness, intuition, and evidence-based practices. In this envisioned future, individuals are empowered to take charge of their health journey with confidence and knowledge.
Education and Experience:
I have spent the past twenty-five years studying various aspects of traditional and alternative medicines. My primary focus is in Traditional Oriental Medicine and I am a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM), and Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.). My degree was earned from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine New York. I am board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). I am licensed to practice acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Qi gong, massage, and Asian body therapy in Utah.
Personal History and Education
Born and raised in Sandy, Utah, I spent my childhood and teenage years doing the things most people do in this amazing area… camping, boating, and hiking. I knew early on what I wanted my focus to be. Upon my graduation from high school, I attended the Utah College of Massage Therapy in Salt Lake City from 2000-2001. I completed both the Professional and Clinical tracks. The program involved 1125 hours of training in over 20 bodywork modalities. These included an introduction to acupressure and the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Upon receiving my massage therapist license, I moved to Vail, Colorado. I worked in Vail at various day spa’s performing massage for 2 years. I began, at this time, to independently study different areas and types of alternative healing. These included aromatherapy, flower essences, astrology and yoga. I quickly realized that I wanted to expand my practice outside of the day spa realm and become formally educated in Asian clinical medicine. My decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine was heartily influenced by my massage education. The philosophy and science of Chinese medicine was emphasized and I really embraced it.
In the summer of 2005, I moved to New York City to continue my education. Over the next 5 years, I studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. I immersed nearly every aspect of my daily life into the study and practice of Chinese Medicine. I completed extremely challenging academic courses and with almost 3,500 credit hours of theory and clinical practice to earn my Master’s of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
In 2007, midway through my academic career, I took a semester to travel to China. This wonderful experience deepened my practical experience with the medicine. During my 3 months abroad, I studied in two Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals, Ji Nan Hospital for TCM in the city of Ji Nan and Dong Zhi Men Hospital for TCM in Bei Jing. While I was in the hospitals, I engaged in and observed hundreds of treatments, learned advanced techniques, and studied the application of external and internal therapies related to Chinese medicine.
As I entered my last year of school in New York City, I studied astrology and Reiki and was attuned in all of the Reiki levels through master teacher level.
Prior to returning home to Utah to start my life and career as a practitioner of Chinese medicine, I stayed in India to study and practice yoga. During the summer and fall of 2010, I completed my 500 hour yoga teacher training in the gorgeous state of Goa, India. I learned the science and philosophic teachings of yoga including the postures, breathing techniques, meditation, chanting and prayer. I also studied Hindu, Buddhist, and Tantric teachings and philosophies.
I came home to Utah in the winter of 2010 after spending almost 10 years away. Soon, I met my husband Stephen and we started our clinic Neighborhood Acupuncture. I have been in private practice ever since and have performed over 20,000 treatments that blend acupuncture, herbal remedies, yoga therapy, meditation, and energy work.
