Meet the Team

Preferred Provider: PacificSource, First Choice First Health, Providence, BlueCross BlueShield, Moda

It has long been said that practicing medicine is an art. In much of today’s western medical practice the art has been lost to protocols and treatment flow charts. The art, however, is where the power lies. The art to see each person as an individual, to recognize the life factors and experience that have lead them to where they are now, sitting across from me. Through my practice I have learned to honor each person and to understand that their story holds so much of the critical information needed to help break through the layers of disease that surrounds who they really are.

Utilizing this approach allows only targeted supplements, medications, and interventions to be used in order to restore or support function. This prevents the unfortunate experience many have had, where they are asked to take and pay for a large quantity of supplements and/or medications or change an excessive amount of their lifestyle in a short period of time. While affecting real change does require work and often lifestyle change, the changes that can be integrated are different for each person and each circumstance. While this may seem slow at times, the effects are lasting and life giving. There in lies the goal of my approach to medicine: To compassionately meet people where they are at, affect real change, and help restore their quality of life.

In today’s world it is harder than ever to be healthy. Over the past 3-4 generations the pollution of our planet has impacted our epigenetic structure in ways that cause us to pass on increasingly altered genetic coding, which for some people, mandates significant effort and motivation in order to reclaim their health. But it can be done. I have been honored to watch many people re-write their lives and those of their children.

The work I am so fortunate to do with the inspiring people who walk into my office touches my heart daily. I work extensively with women, men, and children to address everything from maintaining wellness to treating chronic complex diseases, with the latter making up a majority of my practice. In this vein, I note all too often that people have been subject to varying levels of traumatic experiences and this plays into their physical health in a significant way. After seeing this continually ignored or left unaddressed, I found Peter Levine’s work, Somatic Experiencing. I completed the extensive training required to be a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and have found it extremely useful in regulating the nervous system and integrating the experience of trauma in a way that leaves people feeling empowered and resilient.

Dr. Asbill received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2013 from The Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ. She is a licensed physician in the state of Oregon and an active member of the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Medicine.

Preferred Provider: PacificSource, First Choice First Health, Personal Injury Protection (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

Dr. Smith was originally inspired to seek out alternative medicine after being repeatedly told by her primary care provider that chronic symptoms of fatigue and frequent respiratory infections were “normal” and that she was “overreacting.” Knowing there must be other options, she sought help from a naturopathic doctor in her hometown of Anchorage, AK. That naturopathic physician helped change her life by working to identify the most important diet and lifestyle modifications she could make, gently supplementing these changes with herbal medicine. At the same time, after spending the better part of 12 years in the remote Alaskan wilderness as a fisheries biologist, she was looking for a new adventure and intrigued by the profound improvements this medicine had made in her life and overall well-being.

While completing her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Masters of Acupuncture at Bastyr University, Dr. Smith’s passion for these medical modalities deepened and she completed additional training in gastrointestinal healing, craniosacral therapy, homeopathy, biofeedback, and hydrotherapy. These modalities, along with nutritional therapy and botanical medicine, enable her to work with patients to identify what interventions are likely to work best and make sustainable, profound changes in their lives. She is especially interested in working with people to improve gastrointestinal health and nervous systems regulation as these are foundational for addressing the underlying causes of a wide variety of chronic illnesses.

Dr. Smith is committed to working with patients towards improving health and vitality with individualized, intentional lifestyle modifications while supporting healing with minimal and precisely targeted botanical, nutraceutical, and other medical support. Finding the balance of implementing change without overwhelming and supporting without over-supplementing is crucial for long-term, sustainable improvement in health and vitality.

Dr. Elizabeth Smith earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in 2020 and Masters of Acupuncture in 2021, both from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist in the state of Oregon and an active member of the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Medicine, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and American Herbalist Guild.

Preferred Provider: PacificSource, First Choice First Health, Moda, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare Non-Participating Provider, Personal Injury Protection (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

Mackenzie is native to a small town in upstate New York and moved to Bend with her husband, dog, and cat to pursue their love of the great outdoors. She is a nationally certified Family Nurse Practitioner and began her career as a nurse almost a decade ago, fascinated by the anatomy, physiology, and health of the human body. She is a graduate of SUNY Binghamton in New York State and has educational and professional backgrounds in nursing, acute care, and family/preventative medicine.

Although she was very passionate about her time as a nurse in the intensive care unit, she desired a path to help prevent disease and illness. Mackenzie decided to further her studies and become a nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine and primary care. During her time spent as a primary care provider, she realized the benefits and limitations Western medicine alone can provide. Knowing there was more she could provide her patients, she began pursuing functional medicine training.

Mackenzie values the relationship between herself and her patients and takes the time to listen and discuss health goals and priorities. She understands healthcare needs to be individualized to allow a person to achieve optimal health.

Mackenzie’s specialties include primary care, chronic and complex medical conditions, and preventative healthcare for women. She is currently working toward her certification in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Mackenzie is dedicated to being a healthcare provider who is genuine, compassionate, and takes the time to listen to her patient’s concerns.

Outside of her career she loves spending time with her family, practicing yoga, listening to 90s Hip Hop music while cooking, being in nature, hiking and jogging.

Preferred Provider: PacificSource, First Choice First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Moda, Medicare Non-Participating Provider, Personal Injury Protection (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

Like many of us, it may be no surprise that my own personal experiences and ailments have played a major influence on how I arrived at functional and alternative medicine. As a life-long athlete, my own personal encounters with injury and hurdles in health have sincerely helped me understand the hardships that are bred from chronic injury and suffering. This has given me a deeper desire to acknowledge what others are going through and to be compassionate to them in my practice.

I’ve always been in pursuit of my own health goals and wellness, and this was the original impetus that sparked my interest in functional medicine. This model focuses on an individualized, patient-centered, and science-based approach that can empower patients and providers to work collectively in order to address the underlying causes of disease while promoting health. With this philosophy of care, my goal is to obtain a detailed understanding of each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors to direct personalized treatment plans that lead to improved patient outcomes. With the foundations of functional medicine and wellness, I serve to treat a wide array of health issues such as chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal concerns, metabolic dysfunction, depression, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, and many others.

Additionally, with my interest and background in athletics, I also hope to apply this model in optimizing athletic performance in athletes among all age groups. With an additional focus on athletic optimization and sports performance, my objective will be to address underlying factors such as gastrointestinal health, environmental toxicants, nutritional deficiencies, and others.

I started my career as an RN at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY in 2011 where I worked primarily in Med-Surg for 5 years. After graduating as an NP from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in 2016, I then worked as an RN on a cardiac/stroke unit at Saint Peters Hospital in Albany, NY while securing an NP Hospitalist position there. I worked as an NP Hospitalist for over 4 years where I gained a wide array of experience treating complex and acute medical issues. Although I truly enjoyed this work and found it very fulfilling, I became increasingly alarmed at the prevalence of severe chronic disease. It was remarkably obvious that these chronically ill patients who were put on over 20 medications were only becoming more ill, and less healthy. It was during this time that my interest in functional medicine grew, and I took a personal aim at learning more about this field of health and wellness. Since moving to Bend, I have become certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM). I’ve also trained in courses that target Sports Medicine and performance from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).

In August, 2021 I moved to Bend from upstate NY out of love for the mountains and the outdoor access here. I’m also working part-time as an NP for a home hospice agency here in Bend, which is another fulfilling devotion of mine. I love to mountain bike, backcountry and nordic ski, trail run, travel, and recreate in all things outdoors with friends. Hope to see you out on the trails!

Preferred Provider: PacificSource, First Choice First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Moda

In Progress: Providence

Dr. Tarbet found naturopathic medicine while trying to help her daughter with gastrointestinal, sensory, and motor issues as a newborn. Her daughter’s illness didn’t have a neat diagnosis – it was hard to make sense of the symptoms that affected her in so many different ways. Naturopathy not only offered alternative treatments, but also a different way to think about illness. Through this process Dr. Tarbet came to appreciate the complex connections between the mind and body, gut and brain. Bringing these ideas together made healing possible.

As her daughter got better, Dr. Tarbet decided she needed to learn more about naturopathy and share it with others. She earned her Doctorate from the National University of Natural Medicine, a four-year accredited program that included a two-year internship at the school’s Portland clinic. It was during a preceptorship through the University that Dr. Tarbet first learned about neurofeedback – a gentle, non-invasive technique for addressing ADHD, anxiety, depression, stress disorders, sensory disorders, and other chronic conditions. 

Her excitement about this therapy led Dr. Tarbet to study neurofeedback at the EEG Institute with Sue and Siegfried Othmer, the pioneers of Infra-low Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback. This safe and effective treatment relies on neuroplasticity to develop new neural connections that allow the brain to achieve better self-regulation and improve function. It is a treatment that those all across the life spectrum can benefit from. 

Dr. Tarbet is a board-certified and licensed Naturopath in the state of Oregon and an active member of the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Medicine.

Preferred Provider: PacificSource, First Choice First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, PacificSource Medicare, MODA, Personal Injury Protection (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

In today’s confusing and challenging times, it more important than ever to take a moment to assess what is really important to each of us and those around us. In his adult life, it has become clear to Joel that health and wellbeing top the list. Driven by a love of nature, science and a desire to create a better world, Joel pursued and received a degree in Biology from UC Santa Cruz and followed with a teaching degree from Santa Cruz State University. During his time as a high school science teacher he was encouraged by his physician to study and practice Qigong to mitigate the stresses of his work.

The study and practice of Qigong had a profound effect on his health, psychology and awareness. This also introduced him to the paradigm of Chinese medicine, which galvanized a decision to change career paths. Joel continued his study of Chinese medicine at Five Branches University receiving a Master’s degree with an emphasis in Sports Medicine and a National Diplomat of Oriental Medicine.

Joel’s background in western science and eastern medicine has led him to an integrated and collaborative approach to helping his patients achieve their health goals. Over the past 15 years he has had an opportunity to work closely with yoga instructors, naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, massage therapists and nurses, all of which has increased his knowledge of what these other modalities have to offer and how best to collaborate for his patient’s optimal healing.

Joel has come to specialize in Orthopedic and Sports Acupuncture. This approach incorporates orthopedic assessments and an anatomical focused technique without compromising the paradigms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. During his career he has had experience working with elite athletes, injured workers, car accident victims, chronic pain sufferers as well as people at the end of life. This experience has led him to an understanding of what specific techniques lead to the fastest recovery and improvement in quality of life for his patients.

Joel prides himself on listening to his patients and meeting them where they are as this can hold the key to better, swift improvements. He believes in the healing potential of all of his patients and helps guide them so they can become “their own best doctor”.

When Joel is not in the clinic you can find him enjoying time with his family or in the mountains biking, hiking, snowboarding, paddle boarding or on the coast surfing, tide pooling or building sand castles.

Preferred Provider: PacificSource, First Choice First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Moda, Providence, PacificSource Community Solutions (OHP), PacificSource Medicare, Medicare Non-Participating Provider, Personal Injury Protection (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

Dr. Aislinn Cassels-Hyde began her studies at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where she studied Biology, Chemistry and Musical Theater. She then went on to receive her D.C from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida Campus where she focused on structural correction techniques such as Pettibon, CBP and scoliosis correction. Structural correction goes a step beyond pain relief and injury care. It focuses on the overall shape of the spine, and uses a combination of Chiropractic adjustments, traction and exercises to reshape the spine into its optimum positioning. By removing the interferences from the body, be they physical, chemical or emotional, the brain is able to send messages efficiently through the nerves to the body, telling it how to function and heal properly. Dr. Aislinn is passionate about treating a wide variety of patients, from the very young, to professional athletes, to the very old, and everyone in between, always customizing care to the individual and their needs and goals.

Dr. Aislinn is very fitness and health oriented and has a great respect for and love of science. She spent many years a dancer, primarily ballet, but also studied Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, African and Swing dancing. She spent 5 years as a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and is also an avid yoga enthusiast. This diverse history makes her very cognizant of the ways the body can be weak or strong, and consequently how it may become injured. It is her belief that injury can often be avoided with proper understanding of anatomy, proper technique and preventative treatment. These are the things she sincerely hopes to be able to provide to her patients

When not in the office, Dr. Aislinn spends much of her time outdoors, enjoying all that beautiful central Oregon has to offer. She loves and misses the beaches of Florida but has found a new love of the mountains and all the skiing, biking, hiking and other activities they bring to her door.

Dr. Aislinn is an Oregon licensed Chiropractic Physician and is looking forward to all she can do to help.

Oregon License #20779

Preferred Provider: First Choice First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Personal Injury Protection (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

Sarah is a native to Central Oregon. As a young adult Sarah moved to the UK and traveled through Europe learning and experiencing many new cultures. The pull of the northwest brought her back to Bend in 2008 to begin her schooling in the Massage Therapy program at Central Oregon Community College, where she graduated with highest honors. Sarah truly found a calling to channel her distinct skill of therapeutic massage. The diversity of her work includes principles in Therapeutic, Neuromuscular, Prenatal, Oncology, Cupping, and Sports massage. She is passionate about finding the right solution for each client and believes every body has a unique story to tell. Sarah believes in spreading knowledge of the body and giving her clients the opportunity to learn to facilitate healing within themselves.

Forever the student and traveler, Sarah spends most of her time studying Biology and Chemistry at Oregon State University, reading as many books as she can get her hands on, participating in workshops, and traveling the world with her partner Josh. She also has a deep love for nature and animals and tries to combine those elements into her life whenever possible.

Oregon License #24992

Preferred Provider: First Choice First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, PacificSource, Personal Injury Protection (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

A lifelong Bendite and graduate of Central Oregon Community College, Jordan has been practicing Massage Therapy since 2019. With an educational background in Exercise Science and Emergency Medicine, Jordan has pursued her passion for human physiology and function since 2014. She offers therapeutic massage with a focus on holding a safe space for clients to reach deep relaxation, as healing occurs in a body at rest.

Jordan compassionately applies massage as a tool for reflecting the body back to itself in order to rewire the nervous system for optimal functioning. In this process, she enjoys helping clients to increase their body awareness and exchanging knowledge about how our bodies work. She spends time addressing specific areas of need with intention and targeted techniques so that you can leave your sessions feeling a functional difference in your tissues.

Other offerings from Jordan include Reiki and Vibrational Sound Therapy for those seeking clothed or hands-off bodywork, or any combination of the above. She will meet you right where you're at!

Jordan enjoys helping clients relieve stress, recover from injuries, and correct postural dysfunction in order to participate fully in their activities of daily living and hobbies. When she is not working with her clients, you can find Jordan at the climbing gym, in a dance gathering, or getting crafty!

For services that are not covered by insurance, Jordan offers a 10% discount for Educators, First Responders, Military Service Members and Veterans. Please bring a valid ID for verification to your first visit.

Learn more about her work on Instagram @jswag.lmt.

Insurance billing not currently available.

Bend has been Kelli’s home for the last 20 years. She and her husband have raised two girls and continue to enjoy Central Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle. Like many practitioners, Kelli came to Functional Medicine through her own health journey. Once working in a high stress job as an Emergency Room Nurse, alongside being a busy mom, she experienced the damaging effects of stress on her body. Experiencing chronic symptoms of fatigue, hormonal imbalance, digestive and neurological issues; conventional medicine had no answers. She was told that “all her tests were normal” and she was “fine”. After years of frustration with the conventional medicine approach, she found a Functional Medicine practitioner that uncovered the root cause of her health issues. Through implementing Functional Medicine principles, Kelli learned that food, sleep, movement, connection and stillness are medicine. She also learned that the Mind-Body connection is powerful and that self-compassion and prioritizing self-care are key to experiencing wellness. Her experience ignited a passion to help others heal by partnering with individuals to optimize their health through sustainable lifestyle change in the areas of Diet, Movement, Stress, Sleep and Relationships.

Kelli earned her Functional Medicine Health Coaching Certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine/Functional Medicine Coaching Academy in 2021 and holds an additional certification in Functional Nutrition. Kelli believes in listening to people’s stories and meeting them with compassion. She understands that change can be hard and overwhelming at times and partners with clients to co-design an individualized wellness plan consisting of bite-sized steps. Providing a safe, supportive space, Kelli honors her clients as whole, resourceful and creative individuals. She gently guides them to explore values, motivations and goals to create sustainable lifestyle changes.

Using a Mind Body Spirit approach to wellness, Kelli believes that bodies are wise and have inner wisdom and “know what they need to be healthy”. She works with individuals to create space and quiet to connect mind and body, becoming aware of their needs and how they can best support their health. Her goal is to not only help individuals implement healthy lifestyle habits, but to help them develop practical tools and care for themselves with intelligence, intention and grace through the many seasons and stages of life.

Kelli specializes in helping perimenopausal/menopausal women reverse symptoms of chronic stress and burnout, hormone imbalance, and digestive issues.

In addition to being passionate about helping people reclaim their health, she is a food lover, an adventurer, who enjoys biking and xc skiing with her husband and enthusiastic dog, Ru and spending time laughing with friends and going deep in conversation over a shared meal.