The possibility of becoming an acupuncturist first opened for me when I saw that while the Western medical establishment could do much to treat physical ailments and injuries, it lacked the ability to provide the deeper, lasting healing that comes from tending the spirit.

Initially,  I was interested in becoming a psychotherapist and was working at Montgomery General Hospital as a mental health counselor while exploring Master’s level programs in psychology.  While there at MGH, one of my coworkers told me about the Tai Sophia Institute’s Master’s program in acupuncture.  I was intrigued and the more I learned, the more the ideal of becoming an acupuncturist appealed to my own spirit.

Although I grew up in a religious family, it was not until I was making the transition from being a college student to entering the world as an independent adult that I began to truly explore and understand my own spirituality.  During this time, I read two books that had a profound effect on my spiritual development, The Power of Now  by Eckhart Tolle and The Key to Yourself  by Vernice Bloodworth.  The insights and perspectives offered by these writers allowed me to realize the power of my thoughts to determine my mental and physical health.  I also developed a much greater awareness of myself as a spiritual being.  I was beginning to see the healing process in an entirely new light

So when my coworker at MGH told me about the acupuncture program at Tai Sophia, I knew that I had found my true calling.  After completing the application and being accepted into the program, I knew I was in the right place.  As a student at Tai Sophia, I was part of a welcoming, energized, and supportive community of teachers and students dedicated to learning and promoting the art and science of Chinese medicine.  For the next five years, I immersed myself in a rigorous yet rewarding program of study and practice.  I was particularly struck by the understanding and power of the ancient wisdom traditions of China and added the study of herbal medicine to my program.

My personal, academic and professional experiences have repeatedly shown me that the body, mind and spirit do in fact exist as one being rather than as separate, individual parts of ourselves.  The treatment of what might seem a strictly physical injury or ailment can result in an improved mental and emotional state.  Or I might find that in treating a person for depression, the individual’s digestion improves.  When the spirit (or Qi, the life force energy) is depleted, then our mental and physical health is thrown off balance.  This understanding, along with continued study and practice, provides me with the ability to effectively treat my clients.

When I’m not at work, I love getting out in the woods and riding the trails on my mountain bike.  I also enjoy playing soccer and going skiing.  Knowing the pleasure and health benefits I gain from these activities, it is my desire to support others in their own athletic pursuits.  I am now participating in the Sports Medicine Acupuncture certification program, the most comprehensive program available for sports medicine acupuncture.  Many of my clients are already experiencing the benefits of this highly effective approach.

I love my work, and I especially enjoy seeing the sparkle return to my clients’ eyes after they’ve come in feeling pained and worn down by life’s many stressors.  Knowing that I can help my clients to heal themselves and to experience greater happiness and well- being is a real joy for me.