Credentials
Katherine graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in International Studies and Spanish with an emphasis in Human Rights. Chasing a deep need to help improve the lives of others, she shifted gears out of the realm of international politics to a more grassroots healing approach and moved to Portland to attain her Master's in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. During her schooling she interned at various clinics, including the pain clinic at Legacy Good Samaritan and Quest Clinic, treating low-income patients. Upon graduation she was board certified through the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) and holds a current Oregon acupuncture license. A year after graduation she was certified in facial acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha by Michelle Gellis, the leading acupuncturist in the field. Katherine found her professional footing at D'Vida within a few months of graduating and has been with the team since 2019.
Specialization
Katherine views herself as a multidisciplinary healer, ready to address whatever presents itself in the clinic. Her track record with the conditions listed below speaks to that range, and she especially enjoys treating sports injuries and neck and back pain.
Background
Katherine's background is an active one: her close family members are professional and Olympic athletes. She grew up running, alpine and cross-country skiing, hiking, playing soccer, ice skating, water skiing, swimming, and generally enjoying everything the Colorado outdoors had to offer. She loves being in motion and loves helping others stay in motion. She also loves spending time with family, friends, and especially her husband and their two chihuahuas, Atreyu and Falkor.
What patients have said
Patients value Katherine's approachable, personable demeanor. Visits with her feel nothing like a conventional doctor's office; the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. Alongside that warmth, her deep understanding of the body and her consistent, lasting results speak to her skill. Her goal is for each patient to relax, enjoy the acupuncture experience, and feel great going about their day.
Philosophy and approach
Katherine believes each patient should be treated as an individual. She customizes every treatment based on the patient's cues and what they need in the moment. She loves acupuncture because it uses the body's own natural processes to heal; she is simply the orchestrator. She leans toward gentle, pain-free treatment but is happy to go deeper for those who request it, and suggests cupping for anyone she feels will benefit from it.
