I was intrigued by natural healing modalities from the young age of 12 years old. Witnessing the pain and poor quality of life of my father suffering from ulcerative Colitis was difficult. After being told his only option left was to remove his colon, he reached out to alternative therapies and natural medicine. With strict compliance to his treatment plan, he had a complete turn around with his health in just one year and he has not suffered from ulcerative colitis since! After witnessing the dramatic changes and his increased quality of life, I knew I would follow the path of natural healing as a career.
Knowing how important diet is to our health and wellbeing, I first obtained my undergrad degree in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta. I was then accepted into the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. After completing my first year of studies I found myself drawn to Eastern Medicine. No matter the ailment, there is a treatment. For every question, there is an answer. Traditional Chinese Medicine spoke to me in that it focused on the whole person to discover the root cause of the issue.
I graduated from the Alberta College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2012. After graduation I was accepted into an internship in Beijing China, at the prestigious Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, where I observed and worked with experts in the field. I have always had a passion for learning, and I am continuously studying sports and motor point acupuncture both in person as well as monthly webinars.
I have been practicing here in Kelowna for the past 8 years as a member of good standing of the British Columbia Regulatory Body for Acupuncturists (CTCMA).
Growing up I was always supported and encouraged with my athletic pursuits; getting heavily involved in fastball, volleyball, triathlon and rowing for the U of A. My excitement and passion for an active lifestyle still rings true in my life today. You will most likely find me training at the crossFit gym, snowboarding, paddle boarding, trail running, hiking, or doing any outdoor activity that sounds fun. The nature of my lifestyle and the communities that I am part of have greatly influenced my acupuncture practice that I have today. Although I have always enjoyed treating people for stress, anxiety and sleep issues, (and still do!) I have found my practice to evolve and transform over the years into an MSK (musculoskeletal) based practice. You might be asking, well what does that mean? Your musculoskeletal system includes your bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and connective tissues. Your skeleton provides a framework for the muscles and other soft tissues. Together, they support your body’s weight, maintain your posture and help you move. That’s what we do, we help you move better, feel better, reduce pain, and increase range of motion. I work with recreational athletes, elite athletes, weekend warriors, and the non-athlete as well! Whether you have acute or chronic pain, looking to increase your range of motion, or looking to increase performance in your sport, we are happy to help you with that.
I lead by example in the community - living an active healthy lifestyle and I encourage my patients to do the same. My goal is to get you back to doing the things you love to do!
I first became interested in Chinese medicine when I was a teenager on a journey to improve my mental health and autoimmune disease. I had tried many western modalities with limited success and experienced side effects I did not like from pharmaceuticals. I was amazed at the effects of regular acupuncture treatments, consistent lifestyle habits (meditation + movement) and proper nutrition had on my nervous system without adverse effects. This led to me enrolling into the Acupuncture program at Pacific Rim College from which I graduated with honours in 2020. I am also in good standing with the CTCMA - BC’s regulatory body for acupuncture. I enjoy treating a variety of ailments but most of all I enjoy helping my patients switch out of fight or flight and experience the power of their parasympathetic nervous systems through acupuncture.
I have always struggled with my skin - battling dermatitis, rashes, puffiness and dryness from high stress and food intolerances. I have found successful treatment through Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, Gua Sha, Facial cupping and LED light therapy combined. All relatively non-invasive modalities which focus on the cellular health of the skin. In a world where invasive cosmetic procedures are on the rise, I feel proud to offer a service which focuses on the health of our tissues that can soften the signs of aging while still looking like ourselves. I have completed two Facial Acupuncture continuing education courses - I practice Michelle Gellis’s Facial Rejuvenation protocol - who is a leader in the field. Facial Rejuvenation is my absolute favourite treatment to give.
I have always been active - from cross-country ski racing as a teenager, to becoming a surf instructor in Tofino, prior to becoming an Acupuncturist. I have been a yogi and pilates goer most of my life and I also enjoy snowboarding and trail running. I completed my first trail half marathon in 2022 and look forward to training for my next one! Becoming a part of the Koa team is allowing me to expand my knowledge in the area of MSK Acupuncture.
