About Me

I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and moved to California at the age of 18. I took a gap year before starting college and at this time I followed my passion for female physiology and reproductive rights and volunteered at Planned Parenthood. Aside from basic clinical skills, I witnessed how compassionately and assuredly the staff there held their patients. I learned invaluable lessons about vulnerability and humanity.

 

I attended college at UC Santa Cruz (BS, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) where I shifted my pre-med major to marine ecology in order to become a scientific diver and conduct field research underwater. My senior project was expanded to a NSF-funded research endeavor and I stayed in the university’s employment, traveling to Europe to work in the field and laboratory.  Over these years I gained scientific literacy through research and writing. 

 

After chilly years in the field, I decided to pivot back to healthcare. Santa Cruz is home to one campus of the esteemed Five Branches University. My familiarity with Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, began early - earlier than I can remember - as my parent’s used acupuncture and herbs for preconception care. In honor of and with curiosity about this circumstance, I entered graduate school in TCM. Towards the end of my degree, my partner (a fellow acupuncturist) and I conceived and I went through the end of the program pregnant. Undergoing a pregnancy in the program was an amazing learning experience and I attribute the TCM care I received to my incredible home birth experience. 

 

With my background in a western clinical setting, scientific research and writing, and a dual Doctorate/Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, my practice is infused with heart, analysis and wisdom. TCM is a foundational part of my family’s health. My understanding of our medicine as a comprehensive system for a wide variety of issues helps me address each of my patient’s complaints with confidence and curiosity.

Outside of the clinic I am a devoted rock climber, reader and cook. You are sure to run into me around town at the library and farmer's market with my daughter, Imogen, partner, Rusty and mother, Liz.