Overview

I am a licensed naturopathic physician in the state of Arizona. I have a doctorate of naturopathic medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. I earned a master of science in plant biology from Arizona State University. My master’s thesis was based on research I conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ on the use of Scutellaria baicalensis, a Traditional Chinese Medicinal herb, as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. I earned a bachelor degree in chemistry and botany from the University of Florida. My background in scientific research helps me analyze a patient’s medical history and laboratory data, put it together like a medical puzzle and create innovative strategies for healing. My purpose as a physician is to inspire, serve and support women & men in overcoming complex, chronic conditions with simple, sustainable, non-toxic, practical actions and behaviors that will have a profound impact on their overall health and happiness. Together, we go beyond prescription drugs and go deeper than symptoms to integrate intuition with physiology, illuminate the path to healing and create innovative solutions that quickly shift the trajectory of health.

About

By the time I was 33 years old, my pain was constant and normal for me. I carried the following diagnoses: GERD, IBS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, restless leg syndrome, sciatica, insomnia, migraines, headaches, brain fog and degenerative joint disease. Eleven in total. I also had neuromas in my feet. I had an anal fissure that required a horrific surgery that I wanted to avoid. I struggled on and off with depression and had a few episodes of anxiety and panic attacks. I struggled with gas and bloating, often looking many months pregnant. I had also become very sensitive to chemicals and fragrances so I couldn’t go to places like the mall, for example, without experiencing more pain and getting a terrible headache. I was on several prescription medications and several over-the-counter medications. I wore expensive orthotics in my shoes, a night guard every night to protect my teeth from grinding, and a variety of special, expensive pillows in an attempt to relieve my neck pain so I could sleep. I couldn’t exercise without more pain and fatigue. Even walking was difficult. I couldn’t walk from the car to the store without the help of my husband. I couldn’t sit for longer than 10 minutes without needing to lie down. The brain fog was terrible and I was having difficulty finding words.

I had to pretend I was fine just to get through the day because if anyone asked me how I was, I would have broke down sobbing. According to my doctors, all my blood work was normal. Doctors would read my chart and tell me, well you have fibromyalgia and you are on all the medications we have for that, so why are you here? Obviously I was just wasting their time. I felt very depressed, hopeless and defeated by the conventional medical system.

Fortunately, my husband took the lead and continued looking for answers. In his search, he came across a naturopathic doctor who specialized in chronic pain and with that appointment my life changed forever. Words can not convey the gratitude I feel for having found naturopathic medicine. Even though I didn’t always feel it at the time, I knew deep down that pain and suffering were not my destiny and I could be cured of these incurable conditions. The naturopathic doctors agreed and they had the solutions I was looking for.

My healing with naturopathic medicine took time, effort and an investment because insurance didn’t cover alternative medicine visits or therapies, but it was worth every penny. I am happy to report that I no longer have any of those diseases or conditions that I had when I was 33 years old. I never required that horrible surgery to repair an anal fissure. Recent x-rays of my neck show no herniated disc and no degenerative disc disease. X-rays of my low back show only slight degeneration now. I am also off all prescription medications and take very few supplements. I no longer wear orthotics or a night guard and my pillow is a regular pillow. I can now go on walks and even hike without pain. I can now do yard work without being bedridden for days. I can now sit for hours at a time if needed.

I am living a life free of disability.

Areas of Speciality

• Hormone Health
• Menstrual Health
• Holistic Psychotherapy (for anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and stress-related illnesses)
• Digestive Health
• Microbiome Imbalances (IBS, IBD, Crohn’s)
• Fibromyalgia
• Pain Management
• Fatigue
• Food Sensitivities
• Thyroid Health
• Weight Management

Why I love being a Physician

I love being a naturopathic doctor because now I get to be the kind of doctor that I wish I had when I was sick. A doctor who takes time to listen to her patients attentively and respectfully. A doctor who understands and empathizes with what they are going through. A doctor who takes the time to think about their story and create a strategy that’s unique to them with plenty of options. A doctor who partners with the patient to advocate for their success, because not everyone has a supportive partner or family. I also love being witness to someone’s aha moments when they realize their own innate healing power and when they tap into their own wisdom to create change.

What I love outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting, baking, foraging for food in the desert and turning my yard into a food forest and pollinator habitat. I love spending time in nature, spending time with my husband, going to museums and attending cultural events or just relaxing watching movies and stand-up comedy.

Why I work at Wisdom

Wisdom has done an excellent job of supporting the fundamental principles of true health. They have created a platform that makes naturopathic medical care accessible and affordable. I love working here because it allows me to treat people in the ways I have seen be the most effective, without the constraints of the conventional medical model.

Professional Credentials

• Licensed Naturopathic Physician in the state of Arizona
• Trauma-Sensitive Heartmath Certified Practitioner
• Zyto Evox Biofeedback Practitioner
• Neuro Emotional Technique
• Emotional Freedom Technique
• Reiki Master