About Jess

My personal journey to discovering acupuncture began when I received acupuncture treatments following a car accident. I was amazed at the relief I experienced not only from the direct effects of the accident, but also unexpected relief for pre-existing neck and shoulder pain as well as improvement to my emotional well-being. The acupuncture was transformative, and I had a revelation that this was the way I wanted to care for people. At the time, I was several years into my education as a Naturopathic Doctor, in the midst of clinic shifts and rounds, and also apprenticing as a homebirth midwife. I’d given birth during school, and my first daughter was only a few months old. Despite the challenges associated with making such a significant shift in my studies and career path and the timing, I followed my heart and intuition, and after finishing my third year of Naturopathic medical school I began my Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) training. From the first day I was in the CCM program I knew I was in the right place. Now I’m grateful for my comprehensive knowledge and experience in both western and eastern medicine, and for the amount of time invested in developing a deeply integrative approach.

Having grown up in Alaska surrounded by towering mountains, dense forests, extreme climate, and pristine wilderness, I have always felt a strong awareness of and connection with nature and the elements. My clinical mentorship focused in Five Element Acupuncture, which brings treatment into the realm of understanding how the elements affect us both internally and externally. The profound and broad reaching impacts of bringing those elements into balance through acupuncture addresses physical, mental, and spiritual health.

I’m happy to be raising my three children together with my husband on beautiful Whidbey Island. When I’m not practicing, I am spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, cooking, sailing, playing harp, or throwing on the pottery wheel.

I look forward to being able to share this powerful medicine with you!

Gentle Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body that have been determined to be effective over thousands of years as well as in modern day research.  These points restore the flow of energy, (also called qi) in the body to bring balance and allow innate systems of healing to optimize so that vibrant health may flourish. I specifically use extra fine and gentle needles not only for sensitive patients and children, but also for the most comfortable experience for everyone. I hope to help people feel relaxed and restored with an increased feeling of overall wellness.

I am able to address a wide variety of conditions from physical pain to emotional health. My special areas of interest are treatment of neurological conditions, mental health care, digestive issues, pediatric care, women's health in all seasons of life, and in couples work.

Training and Experience

  • Master’s of Acupuncture (MAc) -
    National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), Portland, OR 2015

    Graduate Studies - 3 years of Naturopathic Doctoral (ND) Program, NUNM, Portland, OR

    B.S. Biology - Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI 2007

  • Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) and East Asian Medicine Practitioner (EAMP) in WA State

    Board Certified with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

  • -Five Element Acupuncture Clinical Mentorship
    with David Berkshire, L.Ac., Portland, OR

    -Cranial (Craniosacral) Therapy I, II and III
    with Anne Hill, ND, Portland, OR

    -One Year Training in Traditional Western Herbalism
    with Matthew Wood, Registered Herbalist, Portland, OR

    -Seidr Nordic Shamanic Workshop
    with Betsy Bergstrom, Clackamas, OR

    -QiGong Training in the Jinjing Gong Lineage
    with various teachers at the National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR

    -Sotai (Asian Bodywork) and Japanese Meridian Therapy
    with Bob Quinn, L.Ac., Portland, OR

    -Training in National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol

    -Somatic Re-education therapy in Portland, OR

    -Midwifery Apprenticeship 
    Portland, OR

    -DONA Doula Training
    Portland, OR

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