Often I am asked how I got into acupuncture and I am happy to share my story. It all started years ago when my first son came into this world. At around age 3 1/2 we found out he had Tourette's Syndrome. As you can imagine my husband and I were completely devastated. Many nights were spent crying ourselves to sleep. At the beginning his tics consisted of eye blinking. It was so bad that he couldn't walk down the steps by himself because his eyes were closed too much to see well. They progressed from there to include odd vocal sounds and other jerky movements of his body. He was also displaying severe hyperactivity. It is not uncommon for children with Tourette's to have other neurological issues such as ADD/ADHD as well.

I searched day and night for answers. I knew I did not want to put him on drugs. They were only marginally effective at minimizing the tics, not eliminating them. I just couldn't imagine putting his tiny liver and kidneys through the stress of powerful Western drugs at the age of 3 1/2 (knowing what I know now... this probably saved him). Since I was a dietitian I approached the problem with nutrition first. I researched all the medical literature to see if these children suffered from any type of deficiencies or problems processing nutrients. After coming up with a list of nutritional items, I started him on a program of regimented supplementation. After one month I hadn't noticed a single change. So I continued to scour the internet for answers. The internet was fairly new at the time so there wasn't that much information available online.

After looking for weeks I came across some articles on a procedure called NAET. It was a natural allergy elimination technique. I found someone in the area that knew the procedure and started taking my son to two appointments a week. Within a month his tics disappeared. I was very impressed. So much so that I went to California to be trained in the procedure.

After a few years of practicing NAET with my dietetics license, I felt I needed to continue my education and learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It was the foundation of NAET. I enrolled in school and started on the path to becoming an acupuncture physician. I have never looked back. I fell in love with the power of this ancient medicine. It has been used for over 2500 years to help people heal their bodies, minds, spirits, and souls. I feel honored and priviledged to have learned these methods.

I look forward to helping many of you that read these pages. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding your health and whether or not I think that the protocols I have been trained in may benefit you.

My interest in alternative medicine began when I developed an embarrassing case of acne as a teenager. You can imagine I tried everything from prescription medications to over the counter products. Nothing seemed to work and I was left feeling hopeless. Out of desperation, I began to research the benefits of aromatherapy oils and herbs. I started to blend and create my own skin care products. To my surprise I started to see improvement in my skin.

Around the same time, my brother was diagnosed with severe allergies, Celiac disease, asthma, and eczema. His allergies were so bad that he spent more time in the hospital than at home. He would have allergic reactions which would always lead to his asthma and eczema flaring up. I remember his skin was so irritated and he had uncontrollable itching. I felt so powerless being unable to help him. It motivated me to embark on a journey of learning and education in natural skin care.

After I graduated from high school I attended Florida College of Natural Health, focusing on paramedical skin care. I learned how to manage acne and various other skin conditions (including eczema) and was able to help myself as well as my brother. It was an amazing accomplishment. The best part was that I loved my profession.

I practiced aesthetics for a number of years until one horrible day my life changed completely. I was in a horrific automobile accident. I had a severe neck injury which caused constant burning pain in my arms. I had never experience such pain and frustration in my entire life. I went through a series of various medical procedures but nothing helped. This ultimately propelled me to learn more natural healing techniques. I began meditating daily, studying Reiki, and started acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture was the only treatment that not only alleviated my pain but also lifted my spirits and allowed me to feel myself again.

Thus began my voyage into the ancient Asian healing traditions. I decided to study at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine. After three years of immersing myself in these foreign concepts, I came to understand how we are able to heal ourselves through manipulation of tiny metal needles. Nothing makes me happier than being able to impart pieces of my knowledge to my patients every day, helping them heal one step at a time.

I firmly believe that the capability of healing is a gift we owe ourselves. When the mind, body and spirit are in harmony true health can be established. It is an incredible honor to partake in this profession and to assist others in their time of crisis or need.

Currently, I am the only combined licensed Acupuncture Physician, Paramedical Aesthetician, and Reiki Master in the state of Florida. I specialize in acupuncture, pain management, medical esthetics, facial rejuvenation and Reiki treatments. I look forward to assisting you on your healing journey to live a happier and healthier life! Feel free to call our office and schedule a complimentary consultation today.

Throughout my massage career I was looking for a greater way to promote healing of the physical body and also the mind and spirit. This prompted me to embark on my education in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. After attending ATOM, I was inspired to focus primarily on Asian body work in my daily practice. My treatments are a custom blend of deep tissue medical massage, holistic relaxing techniques, and various Asian body work modalities. By combining these techniques, I believe the client receives a well rounded treatment with longer lasting results.

As a Reiki Master, I also enjoy incorporating energy work into my massage treatments. I have had amazing responses with my clients in releasing energy blockages from the side effects of long term pain and trauma.

I currently specialize in neuromuscular massage, lymphatic drainage, tui-na (Chinese Massage), acupressure, hot stone, reflexology, body scrubs and wraps, Swedish and prenatal massage, and Reiki treatments.

I look forward to meeting you and assisting you on your path to wellness. Be well and stay healthy!

My family noticed my interest in skincare very early on. I remember at around age 6 mixing together my moms' creams and applying them to my little sister. Mom wasn't too happy about that but she understood my innate interest in beauty and esthetics. In Ecuador where she grew up, a woman's inner and outer beauty is cultivated starting at a young age.

After High School I traveled a bit and attended various colleges and universities studying everything from laboratory technology to law. Nothing really seemed a perfect fit. I'd been away from South Florida for a number of years and was living in New York City when my mom asked me to come home. She needed my help. She told me that my dad had been diagnosed with late stage melanoma and had been given only 4 months to live. I quit my job at a law firm and moved back home. That was a very bittersweet time in my life. I'm so grateful that I was able to be with my dad in his final days but I felt helpless as I watched his health deteriorate. I read everything I could get my hands on about skin health and diseases, vowing to find out how to prevent this terrible illness.

I never looked back . I took a job with the Estee Lauder companies and became interested in naturally sourced and organic ingredients. I was transferred to their Origins line at a time when the concepts of "organic", " environmentally friendly" and " no animal testing" were new to the American public. I became a passionate advocate for safe , reliable ingredients in our sun and skincare products. I went back to school and earned my facial specialist license from the Florida College of Natural Health.

I have also earned certifications in Ayurveda facial rejuvenation, medical grade facial peels, Indian organic treatments and various body treatments. I firmly believe that to look good on the outside we must also feel good on the inside. My interest in total wellness has led me to become certified as a Reiki practitioner and Qigong instructor. I am honored to be a member of the Evolution Wellness team and my goal is to help all my clients realize their birthright of health and beauty.