• LMBT #1067
• Acupuncture license #503
• Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
• NPI #1740432434 (National Provider Identifier Registry)

My interest in working with people began even as a child. With a handicapped sister, and as the oldest child in the family, I early on was involved in caring for and assisting her. Later on I volunteered with various organizations with which she was involved. In college I pursued these interests and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas. Years later I went to Social Work school at Hunter College in NYC. Overall I spent over 10 years working in the field of mental retardation, and working with emotionally disturbed individuals.

Wanting a different approach to working with people I went to massage school at the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville, Florida. After receiving my license in 1986, I established a therapeutic massage business in North Carolina, focusing on athletes and their injuries. In addition, living in the mountains in the Nantahala River Gorge, I also worked for the Nantahala Outdoor Center, working with customers on the river in rafting, primarily.

During this time period in North Carolina, I had some health concerns that eventually brought me to the use of Chinese Medicine. I then used it as a primary source of care for myself over the next 20 years. When an acupuncture school opened in Asheville, North Carolina, I decided to study there. I graduated from Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts with a Masters Diploma of Oriental Medicine in 2008, and joined the staff of the Chinese Acupuncture Clinic in Asheville, where I am employed two days a week as an acupuncturist and instructor of acupuncture at the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts. I also expanded my massage business in Bryson City to treat patients with Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and herbs.

I continue my studies in Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture with frequent trips to NYC and other locations to study with Jeffrey Yuen, a well-known teacher in the field of Classical Chinese Medicine studies.

In this area of the mountains, with athletes and others converging to pursue paddling, running, mountain biking, and other endeavors, I have focused on injury work, well-being, physical pain, and the imbalances that can result from stress on our bodies and minds. Also I like to work with those in transitions in life – emotionally, jobs, and in illness. I actively practice stretching and yoga, and encourage others to find ways to care for their bodies while doing what they enjoy doing. I enjoy working with all aspects of a patient’s health, including foods, exercise, and personal cultivation techniques.

• B.A. Psychology from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas.
• Masters of Social Work from Hunter College in N.Y.C.
• Therapeutic Massage and Structural Integration (rolfing studies) from Florida School of Massage in Gainesville, Fla.
• Daoist Traditions School of Chinese Medical Arts in Asheville, N.C.
• Advanced Acupuncture Training and Chinese Herbal Medicine Programs with Jeffrey Yuen in N.Y.C.

Employment

• Social worker in NYC with mentally and emotionally handicapped adults.
• Manager of the Rentals Department for river rafting with Nantahala Outdoor Center.
• Co-owner and therapist of Mountain Therapeutic Massage and Acupuncture Clinic.
• Acupuncturist with the Chinese Medicine Clinic in Asheville, N.C.

Professional interests

• Physical injuries, pain management.
• Women’s issues.
• Stress and its impact on the body and emotions.
• People in “transitions” in life. . . emotionally, job, illness.

Other interests

• Outdoor pursuits of biking, canoeing, birding, gardening.
• Enjoy dog agility training, watercolor painting, and yoga.