Our Practitioners
Dr. Calley Asbill, ND, SEP
Clinic Director
Naturopathic Physician
Preferred Provider:
PacificSource, First Choice/First Health, Providence, BlueCross BlueShield, Moda, Personal Injury Protection
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. Elizabeth Smith, ND, L.Ac.
Naturopathic Physician
Acupuncturist
Preferred Provider:
PacificSource, First Choice/ First Health, Providence, Moda, PacificSource Community Solutions (OHP), Personal Injury Protection
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.
Dr. Jennifer Paulson, DNP, FNP-BC, APHN-BC, IFMCP
Family Nurse Practitioner
IFM Certified Practitioner
Preferred Provider:
PacificSource, First Choice/ First Health, BlueCross BlueShield
Jennifer Paulson is dually board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse. As a lifelong learner, Jennifer is also a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Registered Yoga Teacher, certified HeartMath™ Practitioner, and Reiki Practitioner.
Jennifer received her graduate degree from Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin, and is currently a Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner candidate at the University of Arizona. Jennifer holds other positions outside of her clinical practice including lab education and adjunct faculty for the University of Western States Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition program.
Using a holistic, full-body systems approach to care, Jennifer partners with her patients to create individualized plans to achieve health goals while addressing the root cause of symptoms. Jennifer has six years of experience as a conventional medicine primary care practitioner prior to starting her journey into functional medicine which she believes is the best path to wellness and healing. Jennifer is licensed in Oregon and credentialed with most major insurance companies as a primary care practitioner, treating all ages. Specialty areas include environmental medicine, GI healing, hormone balancing for healthy aging, preventative care, and specialized functional testing.
When she’s not working, Jennifer loves to garden, cook nutritious meals for her family, spend time with her husband, kids, grandkids, and her cats and dogs.
Mackenzie Hartmann, FNP
Preferred Provider:
PacificSource, First Choice/ First Health, Moda, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare Non-Participating Provider, Personal Injury Protection
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.
Jordan Sirtoli, NP
Preferred Provider:
PacificSource, First Choice/ First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Moda, Medicare Non-Participating Provider, Personal Injury Protection
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. After moving here in Central Oregon last summer, my passion for the outdoors and love for the mountains have truly been fortified. As a professional mountain biker and life-long athlete, I sincerely understand the hardships that are bred from chronic injury and pain. In the same breath, I also appreciate the excitement and fervor that comes with pursuing one’s highest athletic aspirations. My own personal experiences with this have 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 my interest and background in athletics, I also hope to apply this model in optimizing athletic performance for all athletes among all age groups. With a 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 travelled the western US and Canada for several months for recreation which was an incredible experience. When I returned home, I 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 more 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. I’m now working on becoming functional medicine certified from 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. I mountain bike race at a professional level and love travelling to races in my DIY conversion van. I will be racing for the Dryve racing program this coming season which will be targeting UCI level races such as the US Pro Cup. Hope to see you out on the trails!
Joel Amezcua, L.Ac.
Acupuncturist
Preferred Provider:
PacificSource, First Choice/First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, PacificSource Medicare, MODA, Personal Injury Protection
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.
Dr. Sarah Allen, DACM, L.Ac., CCN
Acupuncturist
Preferred Provider:
PacificSource, First Choice/First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Moda, Personal Injury Protection
Deciding to end my 15-year career as an English as a Second Language teacher in Wisconsin and around the world to become a natural health practitioner was a long, interesting journey. The idea first came to mind when I was 28-years old, battling Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Upon diagnosis, I was told I would never run again and that the disease could leave me permanently disabled. I was prescribed methotrexate, a type of chemotherapy medication, indefinitely. Rather than continuing down this toxic path, I chose a different route. After much research and experimentation, I was able to put my disease into permanent remission using food as medicine.
Not only did I beat the disease, I became healthier than ever before and a better athlete. After two months of beginning my diet, my pain began to diminish. Within one year, I returned to training and won my first triathlon. In two years, all traces of the disease were gone and never returned.
Beating RA was one of the most empowering accomplishments of my life and inspired me to help others. My passion for natural health continued to grow. A decade later, I was introduced to Traditional Chinese Medicine while teaching in Brazil for treatment of a sports injury. I was amazed to discover that as well as alleviating my pain, acupuncture had a great effect on my entire body. I slept better, felt better, and had more energy. Even my immune system grew stronger. I found acupuncture so effective, I began recommending it to colleagues and friends, two who proclaim it changed their lives.
At this pivotal point, I decided to sacrifice my teaching career and pursue a Master of Oriental Medicine with certifications in acupuncture and herbology from Miami, Florida. My passion in this field led me to further my education and I later achieved a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a specialization in Integrative Health from Pacific College of Health Science.
Throughout my career, I have dedicated my time to expanding my skills and education. I also hold certifications in clinical nutrition, massage therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and am currently enrolled in a functional medicine certification program. Combining my skills, education, and experience, I have developed a unique multi-modality approach to address the physical, emotional and psychological needs of my patients. I work to help my patients uncover and treat the root of illness and ultimately obtain optimal health. Utilizing food as medicine continues to be my greatest passion and my personal belief in the foundation of health. Autoimmune conditions and musculoskeletal pain are my primary specialties, but I treat a wide range of conditions.
It is my mission to inspire, educate, and empower and help others heal naturally as I have healed myself. I am honored to serve my patients and will forever learn and grow to be the best practitioner I can be.
Dr. Sarah Allen is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Oregon. She speaks English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. When she is not working you may find her pursuing her love for travel, adventure, and being active in the great outdoors.
Dr. Aislinn Cassels-Hyde
Chiropractic Physician
Preferred Provider:
PacificSource, First Choice/First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Moda, Providence, PacificSource Medicare, Medicare Non-Participating Provider, Personal Injury Protection
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.
Sarah Reynolds-Jackson, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
OR License #20779
Preferred Provider:
First Choice/First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Personal Injury Protection
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.
Jordan Swaggerty, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
OR License #24992
Preferred Provider:
First Choice/First Health, BlueCross BlueShield, Personal Injury Protection
Jody DeLand
Certified Clinical Thermographer
Jody’s entry into thermography stems from an experience with the traditional approach to breast health. After a routine mammogram, she underwent a very painful, invasive and expensive biopsy followed by weeks of uncertainty about her future. Thankfully the outcome was not cancer.
Hearing others describe similar and worse diagnostic nightmares, she set out to investigate options and discovered thermography. She believes thermography will soon be recognized as the most reasonable tool for monitoring breast health, reducing the need for mammograms and biopsies.
Jody’s understanding and appreciation of thermography is heightened by her background in therapeutic massage because thermography provides a visual layer of information useful in treating injury and inflammation, trigger points and restricted ischemic areas of the body.
When not behind the camera, Jody might be found gardening, biking, or otherwise enjoying the Oregon outdoors with her husband, Dan and two dogs.
Elixir: A Wellness Collective
2146 NE 4th St #160
Bend, OR 97701
541.306.4471 phone
541.566.7493 fax
[email protected]
ElixirBend.com
Hours:
9am-6pm Monday-Thursday
9am-2pm Friday
To schedule an appointment login to the