About
About My Work
The intention of my work is to support deep and lasting well-being on all levels so that the people I work with may live healthier and happier lives and, ultimately, the lives they dream of living.
The perspective of Alchemy that I share in my work allows for the empowering and inspiring view that all that happens to us in our lives can ultimately be transformed for our highest good. This often means addressing the way that trauma, of all kinds, throughout our lives, affects our Spirit, our Mind and emotions, as well as the functioning and balance of our Bodies.
Because our Bodies are greatly affected by the state of our Spirit and Mind and vice versa, I often combine treatments of the body with treatments that support the more emotional and psychological aspects of our being.
Although I focus my practice on Acupuncture and Alchemical Chinese medicine, my knowledge of Integrative medicine, Functional medicine, and conventional Western medicine, informs my treatments and enables me to better understand the circumstances and needs of the people I work with. This understanding allows me to make appropriate recommendations and referrals to enhance our primary work together.
I also use a number of adjunctive tools such as moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and electroacupuncture that each have a special place in treatment. Additionally, I am trained in both Acupuncture with needles and Energetic Acupressure without needles so that all may benefit from this medicine.
For details about the elements that I weave together in my treatments, please see my Offerings page.
About Me
My education in caring for people and their health began in Western medicine, starting with a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Columbia University in New York City. I continued my studies in medicine in New York City and graduated from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 2007. I then completed a year-long Internship in General Surgery in 2008 at the Columbia University Affiliate, Stamford Hospital, in Stamford, Connecticut and completed a five-year Residency and Fellowship program in Radiology, including a year as Chief Resident, at Montefiore Einstein, in New York City. Studying Radiology allowed me to learn to “see” inside the human body and understand its deep anatomy and the earliest anatomical appearances of dysfunction and imbalance, which represents a knowledge base that I continue to use in my current practice.
It was my own illness that could not be fully treated by conventional methods, that led me to look beyond the borders of Western medicine to what other avenues existed to restore health. I was able to find real health and well-being on all levels – Spirit, Mind, and Body – and the ability to fully thrive in my life through Acupuncture and Alchemical Chinese medicine. It was here that true healing happened for me, and I knew that I wanted to be able to provide this kind of care for others. I began my transition to a more spirit-based medicine through the nine-month-long Foundations in Contemplative Care program with the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, bridging Care and Spiritual Practice.
I began studying Acupuncture shortly after, starting with Five Element Acupuncture, a lineage which puts the patient’s Spirit at the forefront of treatment. I completed a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida. I also completed the Medical Acupuncture Course for Physicians through the Helms Medical Institute, the oldest coordinated program in North America for broad training of western educated physicians in Acupuncture based on French Energetics Acupuncture and Five Element theory combined with a Neuroanatomical approach.
I am always striving to expand and deepen my knowledge and understanding of this ancient and continuously relevant tradition of medicine. I am thankful to have been able to train in several specialized programs with master practitioners and teachers. I am a graduate of the Apprentice program in Alchemical Chinese medicine with Leta Herman and Jaye McElroy of the Alchemy Learning and Healing Centers and am now a teaching assistant for the program. I am certified in Neuro-acupuncture Levels 1 and 2 by Drs. Jason and Linda Hao and have studied Neuro-Meridian Integrative Acupuncture with Dr. Poney Chiang. I have studied Auricular therapy and am certified in SAAT Auricular Allergy Treatment by Dr. Nader Soliman. I have studied the Complement Channels, including the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, with Dr. Sean Tuten through his Classical Acupuncture Mentorship. I am grateful to have studied with Asha Woo the unique practice of Esoteric Acupuncture, a tradition devoted to spiritual awakening and expansion.
To supplement my work in Chinese medicine, I have completed training in massage in Boulder, Colorado as well as in Craniosacral therapy, leading to certification by the Upledger Institute. To add to my knowledge and background expertise in Western Medicine, I have studied Functional Medicine at the Institute for Functional Medicine and at the Kresser Institute. I am thankful to be able to travel regularly, since 2021, to Peru to learn from the Amazonian Shipibo Maestros and the wisdom of the jungle there.
Besides my work (which I love!), I am a dedicated yoga practitioner and pilates student, and I hold a fourth degree black belt in Kenshikai karate. I have hiked and trekked all over the world, including to the backcountry passes of Alaska, to Mount Everest Base Camp, and to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. And I have recently discovered pickleball! I do also love a good hot cup of coffee or cocoa with a good book or good conversation with good friends! Singing, dancing, drumming, and, most of all, laughing and connecting with others, bring joy to my life!
