About Me
Since 2004, I have used both western nutrition and Chinese medicine in support of my clients’ health goals. I understand that rather than stating “I know how to fix you”, the advanced practitioner identifies where to focus in order to elicit the most suitable next step(s). Additionally, I have seen that lasting, effective changes in habits are most often a result of compassionate self-awareness and conscious attention to motives.
During my years in clinical practice, I have seen the impact of diet on the ability to focus and take action, for strengthening “willpower”, for reducing insomnia, and alleviating prolonged fatigue. These symptoms are often associated with depression, anxiety and ADHD. I work with clients to improve metabolic health (including prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol and PCOS). I help reduce inflammation and increase immune resiliency (particularly important for people with autoimmune conditions). I help restore optimal hormone health.
In addition, I focus on identifying physical and psychological stressors because they play such a critical role in disease. Effective stress management is essential to good health outcomes.
Finally (although certainly not least!) I am passionate about supporting clients in their quest for sustainable weight loss and management. Weight loss is far more complex than “calories in, calories out”, it is vital to know how to support the complex physiology that impacts weight which does include mindful attention to calories, but also hormones, sleep and stress. Changing mindset and cultivating a peaceful relationship with food (and the scale!) are essential for lasting change.
Whenever possible, I enjoy being outdoors! While it’s easy to find places to be outside in the Pacific Northwest, my favorite places are in the garden right outside my door, or anywhere my mountain bike will take me. When weather isn’t as permitting, I can be found inside knitting and spinning. I have visions of bringing a small, travel-sized spinning wheel on my mountain bike for a mountain vista filled spinning session!
Education & Certifications
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MS Nutrition || Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
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MS Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Bastyr University, Kenmore WA
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Certified Nutritionist Washington State
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Licensed Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Practitioner Washington State
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Diplomate of Acupuncture National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
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Certificate in Female Metabolic Weight Loss Jade Teta Metabolic Renewal
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Certificate in Metabolic Thyroid Health Jade Teta Metabolic Renewal
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Extensive study in Essential Oils and Acupoints Peter Holmes and Tiffany Carole
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​Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Coach
Affiliations
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Washington Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Association
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American Society of Acupuncturists
Heather’s Approach
Growing up in a household with strict food rules, however well intentioned, had a significant impact on my relationship with food for the rest of my life. The gift I found in this is that rather than seeking the “right” diet, the question of “What” to eat transformed into “How” to eat.
This means eating for satiety and vitality sometimes looks like eating a salad, and sometimes looks like eating a cookie. It always involves paying mindful attention to hunger signals.
I utilize every tool when working with a client. I use western nutrition and physiology as well as the systems thinking framework imparted from Chinese Medicine. Even though I don’t use needles, I still use “acupuncture” in the form of energy management (essential oils, breathing exercises, and Qigong practice), herbal medicine (I have extensive training in Chinese Herbal medicine), and the framework of diagnosis of Chinese medicine that laser focuses on the origins of imbalance. Not only does this help in understanding the exact specifics of your symptoms (for highly personalized medicine), but can help remedy the conditions that allowed the symptoms to arise in the first place (a deeper level of healing).
My role is expert educator and collaborator in your health. I cannot simply tell you what’s wrong or what to change and have that be the end of the story. Lasting change comes when you embrace action consistently. And when you learn how to keep focused on your health goals while you manage the ebb and flow that is a normal part of life, rather than getting tossed around by the waves (only being able to take action when it’s easy or convenient). What balances your health today will likely not be the same exact thing that balances your health tomorrow because your health is a dynamic process and it’s supposed to change. Let’s increase your resilience to change so you can move forward in your health with confidence.
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