Aloha!
I am glad that you are considering seeing a naturopathic physician. I am very passionate
about this medicine and I love what I do. Since I was a young girl I have wanted to work in the
healing profession and indeed, my informal education began early on. Now I am excited to share
what I have learned with the community around me.

I completed my pre-medical requirements at Alfred University in Alfred, NY while obtaining a
bachelor's degree in biology. I completed a thesis for both biology and the honors program, which
compared traditional uses of several herbs with the current research. I graduated magna cum
laude with an honor degree. I then went on to Bastyr University, where I obtained my doctorate
degree in Naturopathic Medicine. This included two years of basic sciences and two years with
a clinical focus. After these eight years of education I was eligible to sit for the national licensing
exam, which was administered over a four-day period. In addition to this exam I also took and
passed a minor surgery elective exam. However, at this time minor surgery is not within the
scope of NDs in Hawai'i. In this state we are considered primary care physicians but are limited
in our treatments by the current laws. The extent of treatment options for naturopathic physicians
varies from state to state, depending on local stipulations. In some states we are not recognized
as primary care or general physicians; other states give NDs full prescriptive rights, as well as
the ability to do minor surgery as an outpatient procedure. Sometimes people without a medical
degree use the term naturopathic or ND without the proper credentials. It is often difficult to tell if
people using these terms have undergone the extensive training that my colleagues and I have.
When looking for a naturopathic provider, ask if they have graduated from one of the several
accredited schools (Bastyr University, National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Southwest
College of Naturopathic Medicine, University of Bridgeport, Canadian College of Naturopathic
Medicine). Graduating from these schools ensures a standard of quality in care.

Visits with a naturopathic provider differ greatly from standard doctor visits. The first time we
meet will generally last 45-60 minutes. I want to give you time to tell your story, plus get a
thorough history and do any necessary physical exams or body work. Lab work may also be
ordered if needed. Return visits last approximately 30 minutes. Longer return visits can be
scheduled if needed. The amount of time between visits varies, but generally it will increase with
the number of visits. I do not take insurance but will accept cash or check (credit cards may
be accepted at a later date).There are many treatment options available and they will vary from
person to person. Often times I will incorporate diet and lifestyle counseling together with other
treatments, such as botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, osseous manipulation, soft tissue work,
and supplements. I enjoy doing hands-on work with my patients and am especially interested in
chronic pain of all types. I focus on treatments supported by scientific or clinical evidence. I use
supplements that are high-quality and available to physicians only. Whether you are looking for
a general practitioner (primary care provider) or someone to supplement the care your doctor is
providing, communication is important.

Many people will see more than one physician and, for whatever reason, are afraid to say so.
Be assured that your best interests are being met by allowing your doctors to communicate.
Even if they don't always agree, they need to make certain that treatments are not going to
conflict with something that another doctor is doing or has prescribed.

I hope this information will help you in your decision. Best wishes in your search for better living
through health