Practitioners
Debra Kuhn, L. Ac., Dipl. OM, FABORM
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Botanica Owner, Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Debra Kuhn, L. Ac., Dipl. OM is a board certified and licensed acupuncturist/herbalist in Colorado and California, a nationally recognized Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, and a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine. She is a magna cum laude graduate of New York University and a cum laude graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine where she trained in both Western and Eastern Medicine.
Debra’s inspiration to learn and practice Chinese Medicine grew out of her personal belief that every human actively influences his or her own health physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her internal medicine treatments work to alleviate physical symptoms as well as the underlying root of each disorder.
Debra’s practice consists of acupuncture, acupressure, massage, herbal and nutritional therapies, as well as lifestyle counseling including stress reduction and breathing exercises. She is Clean Needle Technique Certified and has done rotations with multiple hospitals in Southern California including Rady Children’s Hospital and San Diego Hospice Acute Care Center. Additionally, she has been interviewed by SELF, Woman’s World, First For Women, and Vegetarian Times for her expert advice in natural healthcare.
Debra opened Botanica Wellness Sanctuary to offer Denver a true full-scale wellness center equipped with the best health practitioners possible. She invites you to experience the benefits of Botanica and assures the utmost level of care for all of your needs.
Nichole Freeman, D.C.
Botanica Chiropractor
Dr. Nichole Freeman is a graduate of Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas and is board certified and licensed in Colorado. She completed post-graduate education in Public Health, Woman’s/Pediatric care and Functional Neurology and is Webster-Technique Certified. She previously received a Bachelor in Science degree in Public Health from the University of Kansas. Prior to pursuing chiropractic education, she was a counselor in several medical research studies involving both addictions and cancer patients at the Kansas Medical Center. She ultimately pursued chiropractic studies due to personal experience with injuries and chronic pain. Dr. Freeman studied chiropractic techniques which address many ailments including back and joint pain, disc problems, fibromyalgia, PMS, infertility, cerebral palsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, asthma, allergies, and ADHD.
Dr. Freeman possesses a strong passion and understanding of biomechanics and its vital influence on holistic health. She utilizes multiple chiropractic techniques combined with personalized nutritional counseling, myofascial techniques, and rehabilitation programs. As a results-driven doctor, she puts each patient’s best interest first and understands that patients have different goals and motivations for seeking care. After a brief consultation and thorough exam, she will develop a treatment plan based upon each patient’s personal needs. Dr. Freeman welcomes the opportunity to help you and your loved ones address physical problems and improve quality of life.and licensed in Colorado. She completed post-graduate education in Public Health, Woman’s/Pediatric care and Functional Neurology and is Webster-Technique Certified. She previously received a Bachelor in Science degree in Public Health from the University of Kansas. Prior to pursuing chiropractic education, she was a counselor in several medical research studies involving both addictions and cancer patients at the Kansas Medical Center. She ultimately pursued chiropractic studies due to personal experience with injuries and chronic pain. Dr. Freeman studied chiropractic techniques which address many ailments including back and joint pain, disc problems, fibromyalgia, PMS, infertility, cerebral palsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, asthma, allergies, and ADHD.
Nicholas Smith, DC
Botanica Chiropractor
Nicholas Smith, DC is a licensed chiropractor in the state of Colorado practicing in-network with many insurance companies. Common problems covered by insurance include low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, disc herniations and many other painful conditions.
Nicholas’ drive to practice comes from one simple goal: to be of benefit to humanity. While experiencing his own complex health problems as a track and cross country runner at the University of Missouri, he developed a strong interest in natural healthcare solutions. After competing professionally under Bill Dellinger of Eugene, Oregon he began his education to become an expert doctor in alternative medicine. He completed his chiropractic studies at Logan College of Chiropractic.
For the past several years Nicholas’ central focus has been on the study of Functional Medicine, which can be summed up as applying medical nutrition to health problems detected by laboratory testing. This is a unique approach to assessing one’s health with the end goal being to support those with disease, improve quality of life, and maintain optimal health throughout life.
Jessica Graves, M.A., L.P.C., B.C.I.A.C.
Botanica Biofeedback Therapist and Psychotherapist
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Jessica holds a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jessica specializes in cognitive and behavioral evaluations and interventions for myofascial pain, repetitive motion injuries, tension and migraine headaches, closed head injury, insomnia, anxiety, depression and difficulty coping with stressful life events such as job loss, loss of a loved one, and divorce. She combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and biofeedback to offer thoughtful, present-centered, and goal-oriented care to each individual in a safe, comfortable environment. She believes, and has received consistent feedback from her clients, that the use of self-regulation and awareness through attention to our physical bodies, thoughts, emotions, behaviors and even our spiritual nature not only addresses a specific concern, but also improves our well-being and quality of life in general.Economics and French from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated magna cum laude. She is a Certified Biofeedback Therapist (BCIA-C), and has been working in the biofeedback field for almost 15 years. She completed a Biofeedback Apprenticeship at the Center for InnerChange in Denver, where she worked for three years treating individuals with head injury, sensory integration difficulties, depression, and anxiety. She has given numerous presentations on biofeedback and psychophysiology at conferences in California, Nevada and Colorado.
Jessica is also trained in psychometric testing, and administers psychological and neuropsychological test batteries as needed for psychologists in the Denver metro area. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.
Jessica specializes in cognitive and behavioral evaluations and interventions for myofascial pain, repetitive motion injuries, tension and migraine headaches, closed head injury, insomnia, anxiety, depression and difficulty coping with stressful life events such as job loss, loss of a loved one, and divorce. She combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and biofeedback to offer thoughtful, present-centered, and goal-oriented care to each individual in a safe, comfortable environment. She believes, and has received consistent feedback from her clients, that the use of self-regulation and awareness through attention to our physical bodies, thoughts, emotions, behaviors and even our spiritual nature not only addresses a specific concern, but also improves our well-being and quality of life in general.
Katey Parsons, MED, LPC, NCC
Botanica Counselor
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Katey Parsons is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her Master of Education and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri in Columbia after obtaining her undergraduate degree in psychology at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. As an undergrad at MSU she also participated all four years as a member of the Cross Country and Track team.
Katey has been working in the mental health field for over ten years and has worked with young children, adolescents, and adults; clients with serious mental health issues; and culturally diverse clients. Currently she serves adult/young adult clients with issues relating to anxiety, depression, and trauma. She works predominantly from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) perspective and is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). CBT has proven to be effective in working with clients struggling with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders while EMDR can be an effective treatment for clients suffering from trauma, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, disturbing memories, post traumatic stress and many other emotional problems. Individual client variables may also call for techniques from other forms of therapy be integrated into treatment as well.
As a college athlete and in the years following her athletic success, Katey realized the important link between a healthy mind and a healthy body. She has seen first hand how exercise and nutrition can greatly impact moods and anxiety and she has witnessed in clients the impact mental health can have on one’s physical health, body sensations, and pain regulation. Clients who suffer from anxiety and/or trauma many times experience physical pain or frequent discomfort in parts of their body. Along with CBT and EMDR, a variety of relaxation techniques and meditations can often reduce, if not eliminate, these physical symptoms. Katey is excited to be a part of the clinical team at Botanica Wellness Sanctuary so that she can also offer alternative forms of therapy for clients working through deep seeded issues that may indicate a more holistic approach to treatment.
Erica Viggiano LCSW, CACIII, RYT, RD
Erica has been using mindfulness-based approaches to help people develop healthy relationships with body, mind and food for over 20 years. Her journey as a clinical nutritionist led her toward integrative work as a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, addictions counselor and mind body health coach. Erica studied clinical nutrition at the University of Connecticut, became a certified fitness instructor with the American College of Sports Medicine and soon after sought her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work at Smith College. Erica’s career path and multidisciplinary training is largely a response to listening to her clients and discovering the integrated level of support they have needed beyond conventional western treatment modalities. Since the start of her career in 1987 she has seen the research base for complementary and alternative healing choices grow and become more accessible and available to clients. She is thrilled to be a part of the team at Botanica Wellness team of skilled practitioners providing integrated western and alternative care. Erica believes that all individuals hold profound healing potential within their own body and mind. The process of healing and growth involves uncovering the pathway back to this source within each of us. She is honored to be a partner and guide with her clients as they discover new ways to take care of themselves and live life with ease and joy.
Erica has been full time faculty at the University of Colorado Medical School and Metropolitan State College of Denver where she developed innovative treatment programs for youth and families. She has worked with adults, adolescents and families in medical, inpatient, outpatient and home/community based settings. She continues to guest speak in academic and community settings and trains other professionals throughout the country in various treatment modalities.
Through Integrative Life Services she uses western and mindfulness based approaches to help adults, adolescents and families find rich and balanced ways to live. Erica’s practice includes, general psychotherapy, mindfulness and yoga based psychotherapy, addictions counseling, life coaching and mindful eating coaching. She is available for private or group yoga instruction and teaches public classes at Pearl Street Yoga. She also facilitates a monthly “Mindful Eating- Mindful Yoga” workshop monthly at pearl street yoga Please see the services page in this website or visit www.integrativelife.net for more information about Erica’s services and approach.
Jan Taylor, CMT, Reiki Master, Reflexologist
Jan Taylor, CMT, Reiki Master offers a variety of nurturing and therapeutic Bodywork and Energy techniques. Jan has been offering Reiki since 1994 and has been a Reiki Master in 1998. She is also offers , Reflexology, Raindrop Therapy, Chakra Balancing, Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing, and offers Deeksha/Oneness Blessings. Jan has a deep level of presence and allows the body to communicate it’s needs, then provides services that are individualized to meet those needs.
Jan also teaches Reiki and empowers clients by providing resources, support, and nutritional consultation to help clients learn to listen to and trust their intuition and body’s wisdom, and deepen their understanding of the Mind-Body-Spirit connection.
Christine Straley, Master Nutrition Therapist
Christine Straley holds a certificate as a Master Nutrition Therapist from Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver CO. Her focus is in holistic nutrition where she uses food as the foundation to her practice, supplementing when appropriate and necessary. Her interest in alternative health started at a young age but her passion for nutrition intensified when her aunt and father were diagnosed with cancer. It was through these events in her life that she learned the amazing power of food and its ability to prevent and heal illness and disease. Years later with both her aunt and father living cancer free, she knew her calling was to help others find this amazing power of food.
Christine uses a mind body approach that recognizes food is emotional and deeply connected to ones entity. She enjoys working with a variety of conditions including but not limited to, digestive disorders, autoimmune disorders, food allergies, ADD, ADHD, childhood nutrition and women’s health and fertility.
Melissa Foster, Certified Massage Therapist
Melissa Foster, Certified Massage Therapist, has over 10 years of experience in massage therapy. Originally educated in Austin, Texas in 2000, she moved to Denver in 2004 and went back to school to learn additional techniques and modalities in her field. Melissa has in depth experience with all the modalities she specializes in and takes an integrative (East meets West) approach to her client’s well-being. She also holds a professional membership with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), an organization that requires their members to uphold strict ethical and educational standards. In addition to practicing MT, Melissa is currently studying Integrative Therapeutic Practices, a Bachelor’s of Science program at MSCD, and believes that the curriculum will provide for an even greater understanding of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Melissa takes great pride in what she does, and comes from a place of love and strength in every session she gives. Although her energy plays a large part in how she assists her clients, she’s also well educated in her field. Melissa says, “I feel that my hands do the listening while my head keeps me in-tune with the anatomy and physiology of the human body; this provides a well-rounded session for my client.” Her specialties include Swedish, Trigger Point Therapy, Reflexology, Prenatal Massage, and Aromatherapy.
Stacey Levno, Certified Massage Therapist
Stacey feels grateful to have been able to travel to Belize in 2008 and study with Rosita Arvigo to become a certified practitioner of the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage TM. She came to this massage through a desire to improve and heal her own monthly cycles. After one month of taking the rainforest remedies her PMS was almost unnoticeable. After receiving only a couple ATMAM treatments and eight months of performing regular self care massage that is part of the Maya Abdominal massage training she received, she went from almost 3 days of pain to nearly pain free. Since that time she has helped other women relieve painful cycles, conceive, improve uncomfortable digestive issues as well as help improve a few other health concerns.
She is also trained in a number of other modalities including: Swedish, Trigger point, Active and passive stretching, Hot Stone Massage, Prenatal Massage (both western and Maya), Raindrop Therapy and Reiki. Her somatic education includes over 600 hours of training and 15 years experience in the field.
Stacey’s sessions are intuitive, focused and nurturing. She has a deep respect for the body’s innate wisdom and for its strong connection to the mind. She tends to utilize or and include breath awareness exercises, visualization and energy work as part of any session. She may also recommend stretches and other supplemental material to help empower clients to decrease the tension and help reach their health goals.
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Amanda Hoover, Certified Massage Therapist
Amanda Hoover, CMT, knows from first-hand experience how therapeutic massage can be, on many levels, and finds it deeply rewarding to be able to offer her service to clients. She decided to follow a path in holistic healing after seeing friends and family members having great success with treatments involving acupuncture, massage and herbal therapy. After completing her massage training in Pennsylvania in 2003, she has gained experience while working in a variety of settings including a day spa, wellness center and in home care. In 2007, Amanda’s fascination with alternative therapies called her to relocate to Colorado, where more natural healing methods are widely accepted and practiced. She is an excellent communicator and empathetic listener, and upholds the highest standards of discretion and professionalism at all times. And because the world of health care is ever changing, she seeks to continually build on her education to ensure that she is giving every person the best care possible.
She approaches each session with a sense of compassion and healing which she feels radiates through her touch. Amanda enjoys being able to offer expectant mothers relief from aches and stress associated with their pregnancy. And besides specializing in relaxing Swedish Massage and Hot Stone, Amanda uses other modalities such as Deep Tissue, Sports Massage and Reflexology to help address more specific problems. She enjoys assisting clients in putting together a wellness plan to manage chronic issues and may suggest self care techniques which clients can use at home.