About me
I'm a licensed naturopathic physician and medical researcher specializing in women's health and functional medicine at all stages of life. Throughout my career, my mission has been to give women access to the information, education, and solutions they need to treat their health issues in the most effective, least invasive way possible. That means I work with you through comprehensive health analysis to understand the root cause of any issue and then create well-rounded individualized care strategies. The goal is optimal and sustainable health and wellness.
I grew up in California, and attended Smith College, where my studies focused on Medical Anthropology and International Relations. I came back west to live in Crested Butte, Colorado, where I worked as a mountaineer, rock climbing guide, yoga instructor, and owned my own outdoor gear and apparel business. I took a few sabbaticals during this time to work and live abroad in India, Australia, and New Zealand. Throughout this self-reflective time, I realized that my passion was for naturopathic medicine and evidence-based natural solutions.
I moved to Portland, Oregon, where I earned my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). My focus has always been on both sides of the equation: the patient and the research.
After receiving my degrees as a board-certified naturopathic doctor and medical researcher, I completed a 2-year accredited women's health residency with rotations in gynecology, general endocrinology, and reproductive endocrinology. On the research side of things, I completed a 2-year postdoctoral research fellowship, followed by a research and adjunctive faculty placement at the School of Research & Graduate Studies at Helfgott Research Institute and NUNM. There I mentored research students and taught courses such as Gynecology & Infertility, Women's Health Research, and Medical Anthropology. I continue to investigate on topics such as preconception and infertility in men and women, HPV, cervical dysplasia, and interstitial cystitis, and am published in medical journals such as Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Mental Health & Prevention, Naturopathic Doctor News and Review, and Townsend Letter.