In 2010, I enrolled in the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine after deciding that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. Having been raised in a household that valued complementary medicine in addition to the more standard Western approach, I found Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to be a good fit.
While at school, I was drawn to women’s health issues after being offered an internship with a prominent local TCM gynecologist during my first year. Since graduating in 2013, I have taken over 20 continuing education credits in the field. Though I enjoy treating a wide variety of conditions, I am especially fascinated by menstrual irregularities and other period and pregnancy-related health problems. Women shouldn’t have to suffer from the cyclical fluctuations of their bodies, and as a practitioner, I greatly appreciate being able to offer help.
What I love about acupuncture and TCM is that it gives people additional tools to deal with what ails them. As someone who enjoys walking, gardening, hiking, and living an active lifestyle, I find acupuncture and herbal medicine helpful in managing my chronic knee and foot pain. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I suffered from fatigue, anxiety, and swelling of the feet and ankles. Being able to treat myself with acupuncture provided relief in what was to me a difficult time of life.
My undergraduate education at the Evergreen State College instilled in me a curiosity about the world and the ways in which seemingly unconnected things intersect, and I like to bring this into my practice. I am NCCAOM-certified in acupuncture and herbalism and have my Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Additionally, I am always seeking to improve my skills and gain knowledge. I currently work part-time at Bastyr University, where I assist exceptionally experienced acupuncturists as they guide students through their clinical rotations. I also volunteer with the climate change non-profit, 350 Seattle.