Certifications: Prescriptive Authority
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
My Mission:
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To provide a space of acceptance and compassion for your story and your health journey.
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To provide reflection, observation and insight into underlying factors that could be contributing to your loss of wellness or the onset of disease.
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To provide you with a systematic program for restoring integrity, balance and health on all levels that you choose to work on.
My Story:
I have always had a passion for helping others. After high school, I spent one year living in Ecuador volunteering at a school for indigenous children. Upon my return, I pursued undergraduate studies in Counseling and Social Work and began working with medicinal plants. Along the way I discovered Naturopathic Medicine and recognized it as the future of health care. Prior to attending medical school, I spent time working as a social worker for children/teens with Cerebral Palsy and developmental disabilities. This was a formative and impactful time in my life.
As so often happens, I have had a challenging personal health journey. After a long history of health problems, unanswered questions and disillusionment with conventional medical care, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a genetic autoimmune disease of the small intestine. With hard work, determination and a combination of plant medicines, pharmaceutical medication, diet change and much personal emotional/ mental growth work, I have reclaimed my health. In August 2019 I celebrated a “no evidence of Crohn’s Disease” colonoscopy result with a full discharge from gastroenterology care. This was an incredibly confirming moment for me and I look forward to sharing what I have learned during the healing process with others who are struggling with chronic disease.
I am the mother of two intelligent and talented daughters, and continue to learn so much from watching a young person unfold into herself. My time spent living in South America enabled me to become fluent in written and spoken Spanish and I enjoy providing care for Spanish speaking patients. I have an artistic spirit and have performed as a vocalist and a dancer throughout my life. In my free time I enjoy reading, being in nature, caring for my backyard birds, gardening, volunteering at a Horse Rescue Ranch and enjoying time with family and friends.
I studied Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University and completed clinical training at The Bastyr Center for Natural Health. I have been in private practice in BC and licensed by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia since 2005. Early on in my medical training I discovered Osteopathic Medicine. I began to immerse myself in the additional study of Craniosacral Therapy, Osteopathic Manual Therapies, Fascial Rebalancing, Visceral Manipulation, and Somato-Emotional Release with the Upledger Institute, The Integrative Bodywork Institute, and clinic rotations at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. In addition, I have independantly worked on the study and development of my own intuitive and energetic gifts, incorporating elements from Emotional Freedom Technique ( EFT), Chakra balancing techniques, Pranic healing, BioFeedback, Guided Imagery, Neurolinguistic Programming, and Linking Awareness classes.
These manual therapies pair beautifully with my training in counseling and intuitive healing techniques to provide me with a unique skill set for helping patients process and heal the body, mind and spirit.
My Practice Focus:
Because of my personal struggle with Crohn’s disease throughout much of my early adult life, I have developed a strong interest in helping others with their digestive health. It has become a central focus in my practice to help those who struggle with everything from simple IBS to complex chronic digestive disorders that have not been helped by mainstream medical treatment.
I also have significant experience managing women’s health concerns, chronic stress and adrenal dysregulation, thyroid disorders, skin conditions, mood disorders, and autoimmune disease, to name a few.
I enjoy working with infants, children and adolescents, particularly for digestive health and for osteopathic structural rebalancing.
My journey has brought me to a place of deep awareness of the interconnectedness of life and of the powerful role our mind and emotions play in our ability to be present and to be as healthy as possible. I enjoy working with patients on this level whenever there is indication and interest.
I have been in private practice in Vancouver, BC for 15 years