Clients often ask me how I came to practice acupuncture. It was always my intention to become a doctor. I received my Bachelors of Science from the University of Oregon in Women's and Gender Studies with an emphasis in Preparatory Medicine. After graduating I became a nurse at All Women's Health Services, a holistic clinic in Eugene, Oregon. The clinic utilized an integrative approach; medical doctors, a naturopathic doctor, an acupuncturist and nurses all worked side by side to provide basic health services. Truthfully my intention was to follow and learn from the naturopathic doctor, but after receiving my first series of acupuncture treatments I decided to change course. I applied for and was accepted into the 4 year Masters degree program at American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM). I moved to San Francisco three days before my program of study began.
I graduated from ACTCM with a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Certification in Tui Na Massage Therapy. I fulfilled my clinical residency studies in diverse, integrative settings including the California Pacific Medical Center's Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit, St. James Infirmary for Sex Workers, The ACTCM Auricular Clinic, and The ACTCM Community Clinic.
In 2006, I took a semester away from my degree program and traveled to China in order to gain experience in holistic gynecology. I trained at Zhe Jiang University affiliated hospitals in Hang Zhou, China. Chinese Medicine practice in China more closely mirrored my nursing experience. Clients saw the acupuncturist for not only herbs and acupuncture, but their annual pap smear, fertility and abortion services. While there I also completed advanced training in the dermatology, cardiology, and pediatrics.
