It's hard to get an idea of who someone really is without a face-to-face meeting, and finding a good match with a practitioner is important. Below I have outlined my training and background, and sprinkled it with a few personal tidbits in order to help you to get some idea of who I am.

 

I've come to realize that the single most important fact about me as a practitioner is that my medical practice is sacred to me, and serves as a spiritual folcrum. What this means is that I put my all into every single person who comes to see me, and respect your particular place on your journey. If I believe there is someone else, or another modality, that can better serve you, I will let you know and provide referrals. 

 

The other important thing about me is that I like to balance serious with silly. I firmly believe laughter is one of the best medicines!

 

My Education and Training

 

I am a licensed acupuncturist in California and the owner, acupuncturist, and herbalist of Crow Heart Acupuncture & Herbs. My practice is located in Albany on Pomona Avenue, right off of Solano Avenue.

 

I earned a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

 

I am also a graduate of Dr. Suzanne Friedmanʼs certificate program in Medical QiGong, a deep and effective healing energy work based on the principles of Chinese Medicine. 

 

Since 2011, I have been extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to study under a mentor, the renowned acupuncturist and herbalist Dr. Robert Levine, who specializes in both Chinese and Tibetan medicine. Since 2014, I have also been highly fortunate to begin studying under my mentor's mentor, Dr. Kalsang Wangyal, a doctor of Tibetan medicine and a Buddhist monk. 

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In addition to studying under two wise mentors, I have completed advanced training in Classical Chinese Medicine, Daoist medicine, nutrition therapy, herbology, fertility and reproductive health, pain relief, gastrointestinal disorders, dermatology, and endocrine disorders.

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Astrology and DNA also inform my practice!

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I have extensive training in Western Astrology, including Medical Astrology, and utilize astrological principles and natal charts to inform my practice. In addition I also often utilize personalized genetic health information to provide insight into underlying conditions and variants that can indicate if targeted supplements and / or dietary changes may be helpful.

 

Alongside my private practice, I have worked part time as a clinical supervisor at outreach events for my acupuncture alma mater, AIMC, Berkeley.

 

My Background / Interests

 

Prior to my studies in traditional medicine, I earned advanced degrees in Education and Medical Anthropology and have worked as a teacher, writer, fertility counselor, art and film exhibition coordinator and fundraiser, and as a Western lowland gorilla researcher and caregiver.

 

I am of Italian, Serbian-Croatian, and Hungarian descents, with my ancestors all immigrating to the United States around 1900. My ancestral roots and my family history are important to who I am. In my spare time, I have assisted many people to create their family trees, find lost ancestors, solve mysteries, and to reconnect with living family. 

 

I grew up in northeast Ohio and currently live in Berkeley with my husband and one cattle dog. I take many long walks, enjoy riding my bike, and like to grow food, flowers, and herbs in our garden. I am in the love with the natural world. I also spend a great deal of time in the kitchen cooking. Moving meditation is central to my life, my practice, and my well being.