Dr. Erin Smith, DACM, L.Ac.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Dr. Erin is the founder and medical director of Mindful Medicine. She has been providing holistic acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatment since 2011 for patients with a wide variety of health conditions. Dr. Erin graduated with highest honors from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, where she received her Masters of Acupuncture in 2011, and earned her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine through the Pacific College of Health Science in 2018. Prior to moving to Oregon, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Stevenson University in 2006. She is licensed in Maryland and holds a national board (NCCAOM) certification in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She founded 501c3 non-profit Mindful Medicine in 2014, opening the current location in 2018 with a mission of making holistic modalities more accessible, and creating an abundant community of holistic healers and people on a journey of self improvement and growth.
Dr. Erin utilizes acupuncture and custom Chinese herbal medicine formulas to help her patients increase functional physiology and circulation, decrease inflammation, and improve their overall quality of life. Her primary interests are in the ongoing study and practice of Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine, and expanding the impact Mindful Medicine can have for the community. She also enjoys spending time with her 3 sons, knitting, being in nature, cooking, gardening, and spiritual development.
Dr. Alexander Achenza, DACM, L.Ac.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, QEEG Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback Therapy
Dr. Alex graduated with high honors from East West College of Natural Medicine with his Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine and from Pacific College of Health Science with his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in 2018. He is a Licensed Acupuncturist specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain management and rehabilitation, scalp, ear, and Master Tung method of acupuncture. His also focuses in neurological and psychological conditions and disorders, as well as sleep conditions. He also has Advanced Certification and is a practitioner of QEEG Brain-Mapping and Neurofeedback Therapies. He has also worked as a Licensed Massage therapist utilizing craniosacral therapy, myofascial mobilization, visceral manipulation, and other deep tissue techniques.
Dr. Alex's goal as a practitioner is to provide the absolute premium and optimal care possible to patients. His philosophy as a healer and education in neuroscience has granted a unique and integrated perspective as a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In clinical practice, he strives to offer the best quality acupuncture by finding the balance between the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine, with the validity and results of evidence-based practice and western medical science. He works to not only help those who come to see him for care, for anxiety, depression, pain, headaches, etc., but to also inspire them to help themselves. Learn more about Dr. Alex and his practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, here. He has also been writing more about acupuncture and Chinese medicine on our blog.
Deborah Woodend Stenger, LCPC
Individual and Family Counseling
Deborah Woodend Stenger is a licensed clinical professional counselor. She graduated from Walden University in 2021 with an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has been in practice for three years. For Ms. Stenger, mental health therapy is a second career, but her first love. Personal and professional life experiences helped her make the choice to become a mental health therapist. She builds on experience as an educator working with children with high needs, including autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Ms. Stenger taught swimming lessons, volunteered, and taught in the elementary classrooms of K-5, including special education.
Ms. Stenger specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and trauma-based concerns. Ms. Stenger acknowledges diversity in all forms and strives to continue personal and professional growth. She is an ally, an advocate, and a helper. Her respect, acceptance, and kindness guide her interactions with clients. She incorporates evidence-based techniques and interventions into her work with clients including strengths-based, mindfulness, and trauma informed practices. Ms. Stenger is a wife, mother, dog-mom, breast cancer survivor, and avid crocheter.
Beth Thompson, LMT
Holistic Massage Therapy- Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage
Beth Thompson is a Licensed Massage Therapist and is experienced in deep tissue and Swedish massage. She has practiced in many different settings, including corporate locations, wellness and fitness centers, assisted living communities, and spas. She graduated from the Potomac Massage Therapy Institute of Maryland in 1995. She completed coursework in sports massage, myofascial release, reflexology, Thai yoga massage, Kinesio taping and aromatherapy. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics at the University of Maryland in 1985. She believes massage therapy can be an important component of a successful wellness routine.
Holistic Massage Therapy- Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage
Beth Thompson is a Licensed Massage Therapist and is experienced in deep tissue and Swedish massage. She has practiced in many different settings, including corporate locations, wellness and fitness centers, assisted living communities, and spas. She graduated from the Potomac Massage Therapy Institute of Maryland in 1995. She completed coursework in sports massage, myofascial release, reflexology, Thai yoga massage, Kinesio taping and aromatherapy. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics at the University of Maryland in 1985. She believes massage therapy can be an important component of a successful wellness routine.
Aimee Kotzker, RMP
Holistic Massage Therapy- Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage
Aimee Kotzker is a Registered Massage Practitioner who specializes in client-centered massage. She utilizes Swedish and deep tissue massage techniques with the ultimate goal of making her clients feel more connected to their body, mind, and soul.
Aimee graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute in 2015. When Aimee is not practicing massage therapy, she works as a full time dental assistant in Columbia. She looks forward to helping her clients experience greater well-being through individualized massage therapy.