Hello

I grew up in Frederick, Maryland. I’ve always been a math and science gal. My parents are both scientists so perhaps it was in my DNA. In high school I took extra calculus and physics. Although I was more comfortable with things that I could see with my own eyes, I realized that many forces exist that are not seen with the naked eye.

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 I went to college at Washington and Lee University. I majored in chemistry (BA), always planning to be a healthcare provider. While studying at W&L I met my future husband volunteering in Rockbridge County.  We married after I graduated and moved away.  Our hope was to one day return to Lexington. We adore Lexington!!!!

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Western Medicine Training

I attended pharmacy school at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. I earned my Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD), Masters in Public Health (MPH) and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) there. 

Equipped with education, I commissioned in the United States Army to serve as a pharmacist (67E).  I was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. Being on active duty was extremely challenging but fulfilling. After completing my active-duty service obligation I remained working at the same military hospital as a civilian. I worked in an integrated primary care practice doing chronic disease state management.  I worked closely with patients to manage chronic health conditions (e.g chronic pain, diabetes, hypertension, tobacco cessation). I achieved my board certification pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), the highest distinction a clinical pharmacist can attain.

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During this time I became interested in “root cause medicine.”  It’s also described as functional medicine. I’m not as interested in managing sickness as I am in optimizing wellness by getting to the root cause of illness.  I’ve completed all of the Institute of Functional Medicine’s coursework. I also started studying Eastern Medicine in my free time. (That’s a little bit of a joke. We have 3 kids. Free time isn’t really a thing.). It quickly became clear to me that I needed more training. I understood the words but there was more meaning that I was missing.

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Eastern Medicine Training

I enrolled in the Institute of Taoist Education and Acupuncture (ITEA) earning a Masters of Acupuncture degree (MAc). ITEA is a Classical Five-Element Acupuncture (CF-EA) program. CF-EA evaluates level of health and disease by diagnosing the energetic balance of each person, which may find disease even before the distress signals of symptoms have presented themselves. I learned to use sensory cues in the same manner as the ancient Chinese. These sensory cues show the cause of an imbalance, unique to every person. Energetic imbalance can be treated facilitating an environment for the body to heal itself. I am honored to have treated clients using CF-EA in Colorado and Oregon. 

 

Combining Eastern and Western Medicine

So here I am. Back in Lexington, Virgina.  I’m frequently asked if I prefer Western or Eastern Medicine.  The answer is emphatically “YES!”  Both are beautiful and have a role to play.  I’m grateful for a career that has allowed me to explore both.  As such, I’m excited to have the opportunity to partner with you on your health journey. 

 

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” 

– from The Alchemist