Born and raised in California, I spent my childhood growing up in Berkeley, where I was exposed to Chinese & Ayurvedic medicine and Acupuncture. I always had a deep interest in the healing arts and loved to dance, especially ballet. Due to my interest in health and exercise, graduated from Chico State University with a dual Masters Degree in Sports Medicine (Exercise Physiology) and Nutrition. I’ve been a certified personal trainer & Pilates Instructor and did many years of working in gyms, being a health coach and teaching nutrition before I started Holistic Bodyworks, in Altadena. I had experience in Rolfing, Feldenkrais, and Alexander Technique. In 1998 I began pursuing other aspects of alternative medicine including the use of essential oils and homeopathy. My curiosity lead me to more types of energy medicine, as well as kinesiology testing. I then learned about NAET (allergy remediation testing) from my chiropractor at the time.
In 2007, I was introduced to Quantum Reflex Analysis (QRA). I fell in love with the quantum physics of this type of muscle testing, which is based on the Chinese meridian system. I practiced and studied, went to classes and seminars to learn this amazing technique that I eventually incorporated into my practice. My love for complementary and alternative medicine kept growing, and I went on to get a Ph.D. in Naturopathic Medicine through Kingdom College of Natural Health. While working on my degree, I was able to study the ancient practice of Chinese medicine and because of my childhood experience, I knew I needed to go back to school to pursue Eastern medicine.
I went on to graduate from Alhambra Medical University (AMU) in Alhambra, with a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine. While at AMU, I had the pleasure of working in the Student Clinic for 2.5 years as well as doing a brief Internship at Garfield Hospital in the stroke unit. I am a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist by the State of California as well Nationally licensed through the NCCAOM. I am currently finishing a doctorate in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine at Alhambra Medical University, by the end of 2020.
I’m very excited to be working with Dr. Maria in her Integrative Health practice with the use of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and the use of modalities such as Acupuncture, cupping, etc.