During my childhood, my Grandmother taught me to drink lemon and honey tea for a common cold and to take naps to soothe an episode of chronic stomach aches. These are just a few examples, but her message to me was to use natural alternatives to typical drug prescriptions.  

 

During Undergraduate Studies at Miami University of Ohio, I did a research report and presentation on the benefits of acupuncture. Every since then, I have been intrigued by the history, techniques and theory of Oriental Medicine. I received my Bachelor of Science in Health and Sports Studies in 2003, from Miami University of Ohio, minoring in Nutrition. I began my career by working for Health Fitness Corporation as a Fitness Specialist, Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. In addition to routine group fitness classes and personal training sessions, I piloted and led the company’s running club and coordinated tournaments while providing training to FedEx employees regarding the principle of fitness in relation to work place safety and injury prevention.  In 2004, I began the Oriental Medicine Master’s Degree Program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago. 

 

After receiving acupuncture treatment, it has been the only relief and prevention for chronic stomach aches that I have suffered from since childhood. In 2005, I was mobilized for active military duty. In 2012, I was accepted by National University of Health Sciences (NUHS)  in order to resume my studies after a seven year military leave of absence. While at National I had the opportunity to Intern in the School Whole Health clinic alongside Chiropractic and Naturopath Interns. I also Interned at Chicago's Stroger Hospital Pain Management Department. Since graduating from NUHS in 2014, I have licensed in Illinois, Texas, and Virginia. I attended Advance Intensive Training in  Acupuncture Techniques at Gansu University in  Lan Zhou, China in September 2016  and completed an Advanced Facial Acupuncture Certification in September 2023, becoming uniquely qualified to perform Microneedling due to in-depth knowledge of Chinese Medicine. Combining this ancient medicine with modern technology to enhance health and beauty from the inside out. 

 

Studying and practicing acupuncture has provided a sense of purpose for me. I am an advocate for integrating acupuncture in the military as an option for Service Member treatment. I have always hoped to contribute to the human pain management process after helplessly witnessing both my Grandmother and Father suffer in excruciating pain during their final moments of terminal cancers in the '90s. Through the years I have continued education in order to also be a resource in fitness and have been utilized to provide fitness training to deploying troops and fellow service member during my 24 years of military service.