Watching a brand new human emerge from another human... I've witnessed this over 800 times now, and it still feels like a miracle every time. It is a great honor and privilege to attend births.  I also love my work supporting couples through pregnancies and as new parents.  And I love watching tiny people gradually become bigger people. In my general family practice, I've seen some families for over 15 years- that continuity of care is very gratifying. My work as a Naturopathic Physician and midwife suits me well and is incredibly satisfying.

My own children, now in their 30's, led me to this path.  When I was pregnant the first time in Colorado, I learned about natural childbirth and breastfeeding, and that led me to La Leche League and other like-minded people who questioned many mainstream medical practices. When my daughter was a baby I didn't like taking her to the pediatrician because I didn't want to give her antibiotics or other strong medications, but I didn't know what else to do. I was thrilled when I took her to a Naturopath for the first time.

That inspired me to become a Naturopath myself. I had graduated from Mount Holyoke College with majors in Japanese and anthropology (I have lived in Japan and my husband is Japanese). I went back to school and completed medical school prerequisites. I also became pregnant again, and gave birth to my son, this time at home with an amazing team of midwives. My family then moved to Portland so I could attend the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. I graduated with honors and completed the natural childbirth program.

I've been in practice as an ND since 2000 and as a midwife since 2001.  I am a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OANP). I am the current President of the American Association of Naturopathic Midwives (AANM) and have organized many Naturopathic Midwifery conferences.  I am a former Board Member on the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine (OBNM). I am also licensed as midwife in Washington.

In addition to working I enjoy time with my family and my cat, kayaking, gardening, hiking, sewing, yoga, biking, visiting other countries, and learning languages (currently Spanish).