Get to know

Dr. Nelson

All of us are strong and resilient, even when we don't feel like we are. We all have struggles to overcome, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We also have the capacity to improve them with time and support. I am so honored to be able to be part of that support for my patients and my community.

MY PHILOSOPHY IS ONE OF INCLUSIVITY.

Health looks different for each of us. While we can influence of some aspects of our health, there are things that affect our health over which we have little to no influence. It is my goal to help my patients mitigate the things we cannot influence as much as possible and highlight each person’s individual strengths and abilities. Every single person will experience disease and disability at some point in their lives, especially as we live longer. However, with support, we can live our best lives.

It is important to me that my work include changing some of the systemic challenges that affect our health. This may mean supporting my patients when they see new doctors, recognizing that many people who have been poorly treated by doctors will have anxiety when they encounter a medical provider, and doing my best to put myself out there to educate other providers. While none of us can change those things by ourselves, working with community to make systemic changes helps to improve the health of everyone.

We live in a complex, often stressful society. Every one of us is impacted by the daily stress and that can impact our health. For those of us who do not easily fit into the mold that society considers “normal”, an additional layer of stress, known as stigma or oppression, can be added to the stress that life itself dishes out. We will work together to reach your health goals, and push back on oppression.

I PRACTICE FROM A HEALTH AT EVERY SIZE® APPROACH, WHICH MEANS THAT I AM NOT GOING TO ENCOURAGE WEIGHT CHANGE, BUT I WILL SUPPORT YOUR HEALTH GOALS.

A non-judgmental space to heal is one aspect of my practice that I take very seriously. People of every race, sexual orientation, gender, size, and ability are welcome. I am not perfect, but am always open to constructive criticism and will address it to the best of my ability.

I graduated with an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from Austin College in Sherman, Texas and with a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from National University of Natural Medicine (formerly National College of Natural Medicine). I also have a 15+ years of experience in massage therapy.

Check out Dr. Nelson’s article in the Willamette Week about Quarantine and Weight concerns below!