Kristen began an exploration of healing arts and science at an early age while training for state championships in track and field and water polo at Louisville high school. After graduation with athletic and academic honors, Kristen followed her heart where the redwoods meet the ocean to UC Santa Cruz. She studied abroad with Mayan midwives in Guatemala, forming a thesis on childbearing practices.

 

Kristen graduated with a BA in Community Studies and went on to attend the Ashland school of traditional midwifery, which led her to the studies of Acupuncture and herbs. She has a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and completed the doctorate of Oriental Medicine program with specialization in women’s health and pain management.

 

With over 900 clinical hours, she was licensed by the CA Acupuncture Board in 2012. She started her practice at Santa Cruz CORE Fitness and Rehab and Summit Estate addiction recovery. Kristen has been in private practice for over 11 years in her hometown of Santa Barbara and is the owner of Santa Barbara Chinese Medicine.