Thank you for taking the time to learn about naturopathic medicine, midwifery, and my pediatric & family practice.
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About Me
My philosophy as a practitioner is that each person, family, and community truly has the power to heal itself, and my job is to educate, guide, challenge, and provide counsel throughout that process. I am continually inspired by my work and am always looking for a way to offer compassionate, holistic care that truly allows people to heal and be well. Ultimately, my clients are in charge; I am here to provide expertise and safety as you and your family navigate the path towards better health. My foundation as practitioner was built by my past work experiences, the exceptional clinical and classroom education at Bastyr University, incredible opportunities to work alongside seasoned naturopathic doctors and midwives both here and internationally, and a dedication to service.
I bring my philosophy and dedication to Eastside Natural Medicine as a naturopathic pediatrician & family physician providing well-woman, well-child, and complete family care. My areas of clinical interest are pediatrics, women's and adolescent health, natural fertility management and family planning, craniosacral therapy, and therapeutic nutrition & exercise. I also practice alongside my colleagues and friends as part of Lake Washington Midwives at the Puget Sound Birth Center, providing out-of-hospital midwifery care to low-risk women.
For 6 years, I was an active board member of Midwives' Association of Washington State (MAWS), tying my love and passion for advocacy to midwifery. I enjoyed several years of being on the Conference Committee and planning successful conferences that allow midwives to connect, share and learn management styles, and continue to grow professionally. Additionally, I expanded my involvement on the board to include public relations, education, and building relationships with other maternity care-related professional organizations and groups.
In fact, the work we do here in Washington State has demonstrated the overall cost-effectiveness and safety of midwifery care, increased awareness of and access to midwifery care, and served as a template for advocacy across the nation. It has been a thrilling experience to be part of creating the world in which every woman has choices and excellent care. Recently my role in the profession has changed as a member of the Midwifery Advisory Committee to the Washington State Department of Health. The Committee reports to and works with the state Department of Health in matters pertaining to the education, licensure, regulation, and disciplinary action of current and prospective licensed midwives.
I started this journey after completing my undergraduate studies in Anthropology at the University of Chicago ('98). I actually began my professional working life as a corporate paralegal, and soon learned that I needed to serve my community differently. I then worked for several years in a residential program in Boston, MA for pregnant and parenting teenage women. I can honestly say that those women, their children, and my mentors taught me more about myself, parenting, and our broken health care system than I may have ever learned. They have been and continue to be some of my best teachers.
Inspired by my work in Boston, I found my way to Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. I graduated as both a naturopathic physician and licensed midwife, and am currently an adjunct faculty member teaching naturopathic midwifery students.
I am also a certified yoga instructor and love teaching meditation, prenatal, Mom & Me, and kids' yoga classes. And when I am not busy with all of these things, I enjoy life with my other half, Jean-Paul, our son, our two cats and three dogs, taming our yard into a bountiful garden, reading, hiking, and teaching myself how to knit or play clarinet.
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