Get To Know Jessica Baker, MTCM, Dipl O.M., LAc
Jessica Baker, LAc., has had an avid interest in herbal and plant medicine for over a decade. She began a more formal study with herbal folklore and medicine making with Jane Bothwell at the Dandelion Herbal Center in Kneeland, CA in 1999. In 2001 she had the opportunity to complete a Community Herbalist Certification with Christopher Hobbs, LAc in Southern Oregon where she began to learn both a scientific and folklore approach to herbalism. She was introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic techniques, theories and herbs. This was the catalyst for her study of TCM at Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, CA where she received a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine. While at 5 Branches, she had the honor to study herbalism, along with classics and theory with master teachers Yanzhong (Kevin) Zhu, Susanna Shen and Sharon Feng, along with many others. Jessica is also a certified Medical Qi Gong Practitioner. She studied Medical Qi Gong at the first Medical Qi Gong clinic in the United States, where both clinic and class hours are taught by master teachers Jean Vlamynck, LAc and L. Francesca Ferrari, LAc at the 5 Branches campus in Santa Cruz, CA.
Get To Know Marina Pilgrim
Reiki Master, Shamanic Healing Practitioner, Herbalist, Creator of Herbal Pilgrim Flower Essences.
After receiving my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Zoology from Iowa State University in 1995, I began my study of meditation, shamanism, herbalism, and energy work with crystals, chakras, and plant spirit medicine in Seattle, Washington learning the basics of these practices from various teachers, sources, and views. In 2001, after meeting S.N. Goenka’s teachings of Vipassana Meditation, I began to deepen my meditation practice and experience participating and serving in 10 day mediation retreats in the Pacific Northwest. Since then, I diligently practice meditation daily continually expanding my knowledge and experience of my Buddhist study and practice in my daily life.
In 2006, I began studying with shamanic teacher Michal Mugrage and her teachings of cross cultural shamanism and journeywork in Northern California. As Michal’s student in the Shamanic Practitioner Training Program and Shamanic Mentoring Program, I studied and practiced shamanic techniques with the opportunity to apply the teachings in clinics and community healing and journey circles. Since Shamanic Initiation in 2007, I have been developing my skills and practice of shamanism from my home based shamanic healing and reiki practice and continual work and study with Michal. Through Michal’s teaching lineage, I had the opportunity to receive healing and experience the shamanic practice of Aama Bombo, one of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers.
In 2008, I completed the Professional Herbalist Training Program taught by Christa Sinadinos at the Northwest School of Botanical Studies. I studied intimately with the medicinal plants developing a close relationship with their uses and creation of medicine. Meditating with the medicinal plants and their healing energy along with my visionary shamanic journey skills gave me proficiency with Plant Spirit Medicine and creation of my Reiki Attuned Herbal Pilgrim Flower Essence singles and formulas designed to energetically transcend body and mind and available to the community.
At the Northwest School of Botanical Studies, I resonated with the theory of Chinese Medicine inspiring me to learn more about Chinese herbs and the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2008, I interned with published acupuncturist and herbalist, Althea Northage-Orr at the Chicago College of Healing Arts in Chicago, Illinois assisting in the Foundations of Herbalism Program and acupuncture clinic. During this time, I continued to develop my shamanic journey work, shamanic healing techniques, Herbalism, and reiki healing with clients and students at the healing arts college.
In Chicago, I began my study of Mahayana Buddhism and service at the Vajrayana Buddhist Center. As a student of the Vajrayana Foundation Program, my participation and service in retreats, empowerments, and continuous close relationship with the resident teacher and the sangha helped me develop my goal and purpose of benefiting others by helping to find freedom from suffering. In 2009, I traveled to the Kadampa Manjushri Meditation Center and main teaching school in Ulverston, England where I studied and received the Highest Yoga Tantra Empowerment from renowned published Teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. I continue to practice and study Mahayana Buddhism as a student of the Mahakaruna Buddhist Center Teacher Training Program in Petaluma, California training to teach meditation and Buddhist classes.
Returning to Arcata, California in 2009, I received my reiki master training from teacher Denise Payne-Ollivier and began practice of herbalism at Jade Dragon Medical Spa along with my shamanic healing and reiki. In July 2011, I worked closely with a shaman and herbalist in Peru studying shamanic healing traditions and the medicinal plants of the Amazon. I maintain my passion for healing and the study of the mind in nonordinary reality with healing practice and education in holotropic breathwork.
In the community, I volunteer for Hospice of Humboldt as a facilitator for the Arcata grief support group, for the Distance Healing Network, offering daily reiki healing to people in need internationally, and Isis Scrolls Healing Center donation reiki, offering affordable reiki healing. Currently, I am training my Chihuahuas to become certified pet assisted therapy dogs to spread joy to those people who may be lonely and suffering.
My purpose for my skills and talents within healing energy work is to be a healing light and joy to help people find relief from suffering by removing the energetic obstacles that stand in the way of full expression of one’s authentic self and living the glory of one’s life purpose.
Get To Know Lupine Wread
Lupine is currently practicing a Japanese form of Acupuncture as taught by Kiiko Matsumoto and David Euler. In this style of treatment we work with the physical body to release blockages that have formed from illness, injury, repeated stress, surgery, toxins, and emotions. As the blockages are released the body is able to come into balance and access the inner healer and homeostasis. In this style of acupuncture we expect to see immediate results with each treatment, building into long term health and vitality over a course of treatments. Japanese style is an extremely gentle form of acupuncture using the most refined tools to comfortably encourage the flow of energy required for vibrant well being.
Health issues that can be addressed by acupuncture include: pain (both acute and chronic), digestive disorders, energy issues, adrenal exhaustion, trauma, systemic detoxification, autonomic nervous system imbalance, blood pressure disorders, hormonal imbalances, scars both postsurgical and from trauma, structural imbalance (including scoliosis), headaches, organ problems, neurological disorders (neuropathies), orthopedic disorders, cardiovascular support, gynecology, psychological disharmonies and immune system challenges.
Lupine Meredith Wread is a California Licensed Acupuncturist and herbalist trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element medicine, and Japanese Acupuncture. Previous to practicing Acupuncture, Lupine was an Iyengar Yoga teacher for many years. She is a passionate gardener, and is currently studying how to farm Chinese herbs in the US, to address the invisible price of importing herbs and the multiple environmental concerns of using herbs.
Get To Know Molly Leuthner
Molly Leuthner, Natural Therapeutics Specialist and Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner,
has been studying and practicing Natural Therapeutics since 1995. After graduating
from the University of New Mexico with a B.A. in Anthropology, she attended the
New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics, graduating in1996. In 2002, Molly
apprenticed in Sonoma County with DeAnna Batdorff at the Dhyana Center
for Health Sciences. She studied Ayurveda and became a Pancha Karma Specialist
in practice at the Dhyana Center for seven years.
Molly has studied many aspects of Natural Therapeutics and many massage modalities.
These include: Ayurvedic Pulse Assessment, Polarity Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Deep Tissue massage, Prenatal massage and birth assistance, Lymphatic Drainage, Oncology massage, Hot Stone Therapy, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, and Aromatherapy. The system of
Ayurveda has provided a comprehensive five element theory that Molly uses to
assess clients and choose modalities.
Molly’s ultimate goals for her clients are to empower them to take charge of their
health and to use preventative measures. In the realm of bodywork, the goal is to
bring the client to a place of deep relaxation where they can experience their essence
and feel their deep energetic flow. Through this they can release deep emotional,
physical, and mental trauma.
Get To Know Sheridan Richardson, Licensed Acupuncturist
Traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Tuina massage, Qi Gong, cupping, moxibustion and other techniques to balance bodily systems for optimal health. I also practice Shiatsu, a Japanese style of massage.
“Your health is your best asset.”
Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years to maintain health and treat illness. Traditional Chinese medicine incorporates acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine, and Qi gong or T’ai Chi. It is based on the theory of yin/yang, where everything is in balance. Chinese medicine focuses on the whole individual and all of the factors that make up one’s experience of health.
I believe that quality of life is an essential component to health. There are many people suffering unnecessarily and many options to enhance daily comfort and wellbeing. Every patient has a unique health history that I treat accordingly, and work with him or her to find a balance that they can maintain. I believe that it is a process to learn and grow with the body’s changing needs.
I specialize in treating pain, musculoskeletal issues, stress, anxiety and women’s health. I feel that it is a commonly held misconception that women need to suffer through puberty, monthly cycles, or menopause. Chinese medicine offers many choices and relief for these phases in a woman’s life, and offers effective treatment for fertility issues, pregnancy, childbearing, breastfeeding, and beyond.
I moved to Arcata in 1993. I attended HSU, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Psychology. After years of studying Western herbology, I successfully ran a small herbal products business, Fairy Dirt Formulas. I went on to receive my professional training at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR. I have a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with extensive training and clinical experience.
I truly value our unique community and I enjoy working and raising my family here. I hope to bring my knowledge, enthusiasm and vision to help this community thrive with the aid of Chinese medicine. I strive to support people in finding an adaptable balance of health that is affordable and functional for their lifestyle.
Get To Know Samantha Dudman
Specializing in Swedish techniques focused with grounded intention toward meeting each client’s needs in the moment, Samantha Dudman practices an integrative approach to healing. Her technique facilitates the release of muscle tension, thereby activating the nervous system’s natural relaxation response. The use of 100% pure therapeutic grade Young Living Essential Oils helps to balance the mind, body, and spirit. Her menu options also include Rain Drop Therapy, Hot Stone Massage, Prenatal massage, and Spa Treatments, such as aromatherapy wraps, body scrubs, & mud wraps,. Samantha is a graduate of the Arcata School of Massage, a National (NCBTMB) and California State (CAMTC) Certified Massage Therapist and a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).
