Hi! I'm Dr. Doctor - that's right, "Doctor Doctor" (but you can call me Dr. Deanna or Dr. D if you prefer). I am a licensed naturopathic doctor and I pride myself in practicing medicine with heart, compassion, creativity, and skill.  I highly value my time with my patients and pay attention to every detail in order to offer the highest quality of care. 

 

It is my joy to help people with all kinds of symptoms or conditions. I especially enjoy helping those who experience constipation, diarrhea, IBS, GERD/acid reflux, gastrointesinal discomfort, fatigue, chronic pain, arthritis, headaches, skin issues, hormonal issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety, low mood.  I also often find that I can help  those who just don't feel their best but have been told by their doctors that they are healthy and there is nothing else that they can do...

 

I take the principles of naturopathic medicine to heart and believe that the body has the innate ability to heal itself when supported by healthful choices and natural remedies.  My approach is to use the most natural and gentle forms of medicine and lifestyle counseling in order to promote genuine healing. I love to use homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutrition, and massage. 

 

I discovered naturopathic medicine when I was only 16 years old and have since known in my heart that my true purpose is to help others heal genuinely and naturally.  I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR.  I have additional certifications in homeopathy and yoga.

 

In my free time, I love to relax in my hammock, go on long walks by the river with my dog, and move my body with all forms of exercise (yoga, barre, jogging, hiking, dancing, etc). I also enjoy drawing, poetry, and creating new recipes in the kitchen!

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My Story...

I was born to practice medicine...

 

And with a last name like mine, it is hard to argue! I grew up in northern New Jersey in a small suburb town just 25 minutes from NYC. I thought I wanted to be a clothing designer and took pride in my creations at my sewing lessons.. then I learned about naturopathic medicine when I was 16 years old. My father had always provided natural remedies when I got sick with a cold. My mother always offered the remedies that were passed down from her mother in Colombia when my belly ached. I was surrounded by natural medicine, only needing to go to the local doctor on rare occasion when my cold was getting worse much quicker than the remedies could have time to work their magic.  Around this time, I learned about antibiotic resistance in my high school biology class. Understanding that these medications were overprescribed, I went home and asked my father why no doctors ever instruct their patients to take natural remedies instead. He told me, "There are doctors who do that. They are called Naturopathic Doctors." Being the internet-savvy kid that I was, I researched naturopathic medicine and its philosophy and principles.  From that moment my life trajectory completely changed. Nothing made more sense to me than the logic behind naturopathic medicine. I knew that it was my purpose for being here. I knew I was meant to guide others into genuine healing using natural therapies. 

 

I then attended my undergraduate school, Ramapo College of New Jersey, and received my Bachelor of Science in Biology with "summa cum laude" distinction.  I spent my time there with the understanding that it was a stepping stone to get me to my bigger life goal and dream - naturopathic medicine. I enjoyed every moment of learning all the sciences, which actually fueled my curiosity in spirituality. Toward the end of my undergraduate career I also completed a 200 hr yoga teacher training which further shaped my spiritual practice and understanding of life and the Universe.

 

After graduating undergrad and being accepted to naturopathic school, the National University of Natural Medicine, I moved across the country to Portland, OR to fulfill the "end" of the journey to my dreams. I was told to be prepared to give up my social life - and at 22 years old, I was more than motivated for it. Nothing could stop me from doing this meaningful work. During the 4 years I spent at this school I learned more than I have in my lifetime before it and have become more humble than I ever was. In addition to all of the medical science and clinical knowledge, I learned how precious life is. I learned about what stress truly is and how it affects the body. And more importantly I learned how self-care and lifestyle habits are crucial to living a quality and genuinely healthy life. I also learned that I love lifestyle counseling and helping others create happier, healthier lives in which they feel better than ever on both the inside and outside. It is safe to say that I am living my dream!

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Why health from the "inside - out"?  Well, just as the gut is the physical core of our bodies, I believe that the gut is also the core of true health.  Without a healthy gut, true health in any other realm cannot exist at its prime. The gut and its ability to function (digest foods, absorb nutrients, eliminate toxins, maintain a microbiome) affects all other systems like skin health, mental health, immune health, heart health, liver health, and even genitourinary health amongst the rest of them.  With all cases, I consider gut health and healing. 

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