Recent endeavors:
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Molly Allison
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Jennifer WongCredentials:
MOTR/L: Master's of Occupational Therapy SMS: Structural Medicine Specialist Graduate of Institute of Structural Medicine Board Certified International Association of Structural Integrators Bowenwork Practitioner I acquired my Bachelor of Science in Biology (with an emphasis on Physiology) and Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Washington. I am specialized in Structural Medicine (a four-year Structural Integration training program) and have used that knowledge to create self-release techniques. I am also a Bowen Therapy practitioner and am trained in Kinesiotaping methods. I have had the opportunity to advance my Bowen Therapy knowledge with international instructors to focus on multiple assessment techniques, TMJ treatment, spinal treatment, pelvic alignment, scar tissue release and other treatment methods. In particular, I have trained with the following international Bowen instructors: Graham Pennington, Ron Phelan, Alistair McLoughlin, Margaret Spicer and Anne Schubert. When addressing an issue (injury, pain, etc.), I strive to improve symptoms primarily through changing myofascial holding patterns and habits of movement. This change in holding patterns of the body can literally be viewed as “molding” the body into a more optimal structure for improved range of motion, alignment, nerve conduction, fluidity (blood-flow, lymph drainage, etc.) and efficiency in movement. Pain relief also tends to correlate with these improvements. To remodel the body from its current state, I manually treat the body and utilize neuromuscular re-education to train a person to maintain and/or continuously improve one’s structure. I strongly believe that the best outcome of treatment is with the participation of the client. Due to the nature of orthopedic problems, “treatment” should be done both in the clinic and outside of the clinic. I assess each client’s activities and environments to produce a program that he or she will be able to independently follow and continuously work on their own structure. The ultimate goal is to not only improve function and pain, but to also leave the client with skills to prevent the same problem(s) that they arrived at the clinic with. In “taking my own medicine,” I continuously look at how I can balance my life and maintain/improve my health. This is not only good for me, but educational in gaining perspective to better work with people from various backgrounds. |
Specializing in work and recreation ergonomic simulation
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Karen SzielCredentials: MOTR/L: Master's of Occupational Therapy CHT: Board Certified Hand Therapist PBP: Professional Bowenwork Practitioner & Instructor My philosophy is to incorporate whole body treatments into my practice that allow me to apply both my science background as an Occupational Therapist, as well as my creative side to guide clients through their recovery. While specializing in hand and upper extremity conditions, it became apparent that focusing on one body part was only successful with a certain percentage of clients. Therefore, I assess the whole person and individualize treatment, and draw from a variety of skills. These include: emerging manual therapy, postural re-education, customized home exercise programs, ergonomics, Bowenwork®, and pain reduction strategies. Giving clients the tools to maintain the benefits achieved in therapy is also an integral part of my treatment philosophy. I have been practicing as an Occupational Therapist since 1999. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL and my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Governor’s State University in IL. I also became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2005 and a Professional Bowenwork Practitioner in 2013. In my free time I enjoy hiking and mountain biking with my husband and dog Wrigley, getting out of the city in a tent or cabin and getting a peek at the local whales when I'm lucky. Oh and I'm a die hard Cubs fan (hence my dog’s name is Wrigley). |
Jean LehmanCredentials:
OTR/L: Occupational Therapy Advanced Craniosacral Therapy from Bastyr University Reiki Master since 2007 I am a 1996 graduate of University of WA's Occupational Therapy Program. Practice areas have included-in-patient rehabilitation for both physical and psychological disabilities, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, and chronic pain. I have practiced in a variety of settings from local hospitals to skilled nursing facilities to out-patient clinics. I also developed a home practice where I saw clients for stress management and relaxation techniques. Community outreach has included creating and teaching "Well Body Mechanics to New Moms" classes, as well as providing Reiki to women in Adult Family Homes on hospice. My philosophy as a therapist is based in bridging western and eastern medicine practices in order to treat the whole person. 22 years of experience as a therapist has informed my blended perspective. Our emotions, how we think, what we eat, and how we move in our bodies all play crucial roles in how we feel. It is my goal to help clients identify areas that are out of balance to develop improved self-care routines at home to best support health, function, and well being. Postural assessment with an emphasis on fascia and its role in spinal alignment, our nervous system (specifically our sympathetic and parasympathetic branches), and our emotions are all key players in overall health and balance in our bodies. Guiding clients through touch, movement, and dialogue helps facilitate improved outcomes in recovery from various injuries. My husband and I have lived in the Seattle area for 31 years and enjoy raising our 2 boys in the PNW. Some favorite activities include gardening, hiking, and camping with our family. I have a background in dance, both Ballet and Modern, and have practiced yoga for 30+ years. Dancing, listening music, and supporting local art are also passions of mine. A true nature lover, I seek the outdoors any chance I can get, for paddle boarding in the summer and skiing in the winter. |
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Merideth MacRaeMarketing and Operations Manager
I am a health nut that specializes in Marketing, Communications, and Event Production. I happily joined Molly and the Holistic Orthopedics team in the beginning of 2015 and have found kinship with their philosophy towards whole, balanced well being. Earlier, my work was in family development resources and education, producing over twenty full-scale events in a calendar year throughout the Greater Seattle Area. Prior to that I worked in the Renewable Energy Sector, executing Wind and Solar events throughout North America, Europe, Asia, India, and Australia. I can also make a mean cocktail and conduct unruly crowds with ease, thanks to my extensive bartending career in some of the trendiest bars, clubs, and music venues throughout Seattle. When I am not exploring the hidden corners of the world with my husband, I am traipsing around the city with our two kiddos and Boxer, or plucking produce from our urban garden. |
Kayla ZachariasOT Aide
I am a future Masters in occupational therapy student that graduated in 2016 with a B.S. in Human Biology from Seattle Pacific University. I love learning about the full-body approach to rehabilitation therapy, and look forward to applying that knowledge to my future as a therapist. My goals at Holistic Orthopedics are to provide both therapists and patients with a comfortable, clean, and welcoming therapy environment. I am eager to learn and experience as much as I can. As part of the administrative team at Holistic Orthopedics, I truly love the patient interaction and the opportunity to be a part of people’s recovery process. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, cooking, camping, and taking day trips to new places. |
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Sophia CainOT Aide
I'm so grateful to be a part of Holistic Orthopedics; it's truly a special place. I grew up in Japan in a small mountain town and moved to the States when I was nine. I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor's of Psychology. Weeks after graduation I enrolled in the Baking and Pastry Certification program at Edmonds Community College, where I met my soon-to-be husband. I was a baker for 6 years before I decided to pursue a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. The foundation of occupational therapy aligns with my innate need to connect with and encourage healing in others. At Holistic Orthopedics, I'm committed to creating a warm environment that facilitates healing as well as gaining knowledge from our wonderful therapists. There are three things that drive me in life; compassion, harboring a sense of community, and the pursuit of knowledge and I'm so lucky to be able to practice these things at Holistic Orthopedics. |
Marley BraunRegistered Dietician and Nutritionist
I am a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Esthetician. I obtained my Master of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University and completed the esthetic training program at the Euro Institute of Skin Care. I founded Beauty Brains & Braun Nutrition to provide services ranging from nutrition counseling for clients who want to improve skin health to medical nutrition therapy for clients diagnosed with health conditions. I currently perform facials and other skin treatments at Nurture Skin. I am passionate about the connection between diet, digestion and skin wellness. I co-teach the nutrition classes at Holistic Orthopedics with Molly. We emphasize anti-inflammation to maximize health and minimize pain or discomfort in the body. |
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Jennifer Hersman |
Nancy MattheissWith an upbeat and accomplished teaching style, I deliver client appropriate Pilates training to a diverse group of people. Regardless of age, shape, or physical ability, they are united in their desire to optimize flexibility, strength, range of motion and increased vitality.
I believe there are many profound methods that contribute to healthy body mechanics. I explore and draw inspiration to improve my work through anatomy and kinesiology classes, advanced teacher trainings, and working in conjunction with physical and occupational therapists. The depth and breadth of my instruction is further enhanced by Heller work, Feldenkrais, facial release techniques, Bosu balance work, Barre classes, meditation, and yoga. Certified in 2005 through STOTT Pilates, I have a special affinity for those motivated to recover range of motion and strength due to lasting pain, illness or surgery, having overcome chronic back pain and sciatica myself. Personally, renewal and joy is found through many types of movement, including samba dance, tennis, cross country skiing, and hiking above the treeline. Using Pilates as the springboard, I intend to continue an active, engaged lifestyle for a very long while. Bre BurkOT Student
After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Exercise Science and Women's Studies, I moved to Boulder, Colorado to attend the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, where I received my 1000 certification in massage therapy. I practiced massage therapy in private practice for 10 years. With my background in exercise science, women's studies, massage therapy, esthetics, and yoga, I decided to further my education and learn more about the balance between health and lifestyle by enrolling in the Masters of Occupational Therapy Program at Colorado State University. I am passionate about helping people of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking positive change in their lives; and I see a strong connection between occupational wellness, a whole foods plant-based diet, daily life routines, exercise, and how they impact one’s quality of life. I graduated this past May of 2016, and moved to Seattle with my lab, Wynn. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling and cooking vegetarian food. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to join the team at Holistic Orthopedics. |
Massage and Ayurveda
I graduated from the Brian Utting School of Massage in 2007, and have since enjoyed working in a variety of settings around Seattle, from corporate office massage to private practice to a hydrotherapy spa setting. I am excited to bring my skills to Holistic Orthopedics where I can continue learning amongst a team of stellar bodyworkers, whilst being of service to clients where needed. I artfully blend my foundations of swedish, deep tissue, and myofascial release with Thai-Yoga, Visceral Manipulation, as well as Reiki and Ayurvedic principles. I am skilled at treating chronic injuries and structural imbalances. My work combines depth and anatomical precision with Thai-style stretching and a graceful, fluid touch. In addition to ongoing massage continuing education, my personal interests in Yoga and meditation also brought me to trainings in Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and different breathing practices to help bring clients toward a more lasting parasympathetic state. Further interests in skincare, herbal medicine and essential oils have led me into creating my own body care products which are a joy to make customizable for clients as well as myself When I'm not studying bodywork or adjunct health-related topics, I enjoy playing outdoors, seeing movies, writing, traveling, cooking meals with my boyfriend, and playing with my niece and nephew. Lauren Flanagan
Ashtanga Yoga Instructor
I have been a dedicated student of Yoga for the last eight years, the last three of which I have also been teaching classes. I have studied, practiced, and trained through the lineage of Ashtanga Yoga. I learned how to instruct this practice through a year-long internship with my teacher, as well as participating in a 200 hour intensive with Tim Miller a Senior Ashtanga Teacher. Through this practice of breath and movement, I strive to reawaken my student's relationship with correct posture inside of movement. Without going beyond what each individual body is capable of we will integrate movement that opens one's body to deeper levels of strength and flexibility. I have worked with individuals at all age levels and with different amounts of strength and flexibility. My adult life has been dedicated to learning about the health of the human body and mind through yoga, as well in my education path. I am currently attending Bastyr University for a degree in Herbal Sciences where I have had the opportunity to learn about the human anatomy in depth. I am inspired by each individual I have the honor of working to restore vitality with. 
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Danielle BurrOT Student
I’m a student at Holistic Orthopedics completing a Level II fieldwork.. I am an Occupational Therapy student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and I will be going back to Kansas to complete my final semester and graduate with my masters. I reached out to Molly after coming across her clinic, and she kindly welcomed me to move to Seattle to learn more about the unique approach she and her therapists practice. As a therapist, it is my goal to support individuals to become their best selves in mind, body, and spirit. I see a strong connection between occupational wellness, whole foods nutrition, exercise, self-determination, and quality of life. I want to work with people to find their own unique balance and happiness, and I believe I can most successfully promote this through a holistic approach. I’ve taught anatomy in human cadaver labs through my university in both undergraduate and graduate courses, and I’m so excited to deepen my understanding of the human structure at Holistic Orthopedics. |