Cat is NCCAOM certified and a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine in New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociocultural anthropology from Northern Arizona and graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College Santa Fe with her Master of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization in 2022. She considers herself a lifelong student of the medicine, continuing to learn not only from each and every patient and their stories, but also from experienced practitioners at regular practices with the High Desert Hari Society.
Cat’s treatment approach in the community clinic is highly informed by Japanese Meridian Therapy and Five Element theory as well as Chinese channel therapeutics. Community acupuncture strongly resonates with Cat’s belief that treatments should be affordable and accessible to all patients regardless of their background, and that by sitting for treatment in a group setting, we help to heal each other together as a community. In her private practice, Cat mostly provides gentle Japanese style treatments.
In addition to continually improving her knowledge and application of acupuncture and herbs, Cat is passionate about travel, exploring and protecting the nature across New Mexico, and language, and is always looking for opportunities to practice and improve her Spanish.
Melissa has been in the healing profession since 2000 when she graduated from Oregon School of Massage and practiced as a licensed massage therapist for 16 years.