Laura Christensen, M.A., M.Ac., L.Ac.
Laura Christensen is a graduate of Oberlin College, BA in Biology and premedical studies, 1984 Master's in Acupuncture (M.Ac.), New England School of Acupuncture, over 3500 hours of training in acupuncture and professional Chinese herbology. Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturist and Diplomate of Acupuncture (NCCAOM), Iowa Licensed Acupuncturist (current).
She also has a 1986 Master's in Holistic Counseling Psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge Massachusetts. Certified in Japanese Acupuncture by Miki Shima, OMD, certified in Chinese Herbology by Ken Morris, L.Ac. She has studied with Susan Johnson LAc, (Master Tong's Acupuncture) Sharon Weizenbaum LAp (4 yrs Graduate Mentorship in Chinese Herbology), and presently studies with Kiiko Matsumoto LAp and her colleague David Euler LAp (Kiiko Matsumoto style Japanese Acupuncture).
Laura is a long time member of the American Association of Oriental Medicine and is a member of the Iowa Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association. She receives ongoing training in Japanese acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapies. Laura has also been trained in a variety of other holistic approaches including Functional Medicine, deep tissue massage, Aromatherapy, Upledger Craniosacral therapy, Applied Kinesiology, is initiated to Reiki II, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, guided imagery, Hakomi therapy, Bodytalk, Healing Touch, and Reconnective healing, as well as Yuen Chinese Energetic Healing, and Matrix Energetics.
She also has ten years' experience in medical research and nineteen years private practice in oriental medicine in Iowa City. Laura is an Iowa City native and comes from a family background of doctors, scientists and classical musicians. She is trained as a musician, and her hobbies include gardening, dog activities, healthy cooking, and home improvement.
Laura McCoy, MS, LAc, ATC
Laura holds an MS in Acupuncture, 2004, from Bastyr University, a BS in
Exercise Science, 1995, from Seattle Pacific University, a BA in Political Science, 1990, from The Evergreen State College.
Laura worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer in the Seattle area for several years. When she witnessed how acupuncture enhanced the healing time on the injured athletes she worked with, she felt it necessary and prudent to add this important tool to her health care practice.
Upon graduation from the prestigious Bastyr University in Seattle, WA, Laura started work in one of the most successful acupuncture clinics in the US. In that environment, she trained exclusively in the Balance Method of Richard Tan, OMD, and soon developed a large following of dedicated patients. While honing her skills, Laura's mentor referred to her as a 'great acupuncturist.'
She is a "First Line Therapist", having studied Functional Medicine extensively with the Jeffrey Bland group in the Pacific northwest. Laura also studied at Ulan Nutrition program in Florida, and got advanced training in the use of Apex nutritionals. She is an expert in the use of muscle testing to determine physiological imbalances and their best treatment using nutrition. Using a comprehensive method of nutritional assessment and treatment, she grew a large nutrition practice in the Seattle area.
Today, through her use of acupuncture, nutrition and athletic training, she combines the best of Oriental Medicine theory and herbs with the best of Western Medicine ideas and whole food nutrition to treat the whole person - naturally.
Laura is an Iowa City native, and returns here to be closer to family after 30 years in the Pacific Northwest.
Kelly Kolberg, LMT
In June, 2001, while attending John F. Kennedy University, Kelley entered the health care field as a caregiver. This experience lead her to pursue additional training in massage. After earning an MA in Consciousness Studies at JFK, she completed 850 hours of massage training from Arizona School of Integrative Studies, with additional training in Cranio-sacral therapy and Polarity therapy.
Myofascial therapy and sports massage are some of Kelley's favorite areas to practice. These are especially good for people who have specific muscular, tendon, or ligament problems. She often uses stretching and range of motion exercises along with her massage to improve mobility. She will take time to teach the client a few stretches and exercises that can be done at home to further assist with their recovery.
Cranio-sacral utilizes light touch to enable the bones and connective tissues of the body to move together more harmoniously. Polarity therapy also uses light touch on certain areas of the body to bring the energy of the body back into balance. These are two very effective styles that are good for people who may not be able to tolerate or may dislike traditional massage. They are also very effective for pain and injury healing, as well as general health promotion.
Kelley also does conventional massage based on Swedish and other more commonly practiced styles. She is now Nationally Certified in Massage and Bodywork and isa Licensed Massage Therapist in Iowa. She enjoys working with people who have a variety of conditions, and is experienced in working with handicapped and senior clients.