Meet Our Practitioners


Christopher Bonnichsen, LAc

Christopher outside of the clinic with our iconic logo, the koi.

Christopher Bonnichsen, LAc MAOM, is a board-certified acupuncturist and practitioner of Oriental Medicine. Having first encountered acupuncture in a children’s book when he was eight (the gnomes were treating a badger with corneal issues), he has maintained a lifelong dedication to not just healing, but partnering with his patients to help them pursue lives free of suffering.


Paul Messersmith-glavin, lac

Paul smiling greeting patients

Paul Messersmith-Glavin, LAc graduated from the Swedish Institute: College of Health Sciences in NYC with a diploma in Massage Therapy in 1996. After practicing professionally as a massage therapist for eight years, he attended the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), receiving an M.A. in Chinese Medicine in 2004. Paul spent a year living and working in China, interning at the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital in Chengdu and taking seminars and classes at Chengdu TCM University. He also studied martial arts at a Taoist Temple while living and working in China for a year. 

Paul was a member of the Clinical Faculty at OCOM for seven years and currently is a member of the Faculty in the Classical Chinese Medicine program at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) where he teaches in both the clinic and the classroom. He does Chinese internal martial arts and Qi Gong and is an avid bike commuter. He also writes and organizes for social change, with a particular focus on issues of race, class, gender, and climate.


Dr. William Duarte DAOM, LAc, EAMP

Dr. William Duarte recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, where he maintained a holistic health practice for 25 years before moving to Kirkland, Washington.

In his youth, Dr. Duarte studied Native Traditional Medicine with several renowned healers in the jungles of Mexico, and is fluent in Spanish. As a professional healer, he has made numerous educational trips to China, and Central and South America. In more than 30 years of clinical practice, with a broad array of tools and experiences at his disposal, Dr. Duarte strives to educate and empower his patients with new choices and perspectives, and encourages them to be responsible for their own healing process.

He is a nationally certified and state Licensed Acupuncturist, as well as a Certified Homeopath from National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Duarte holds a BA in Chemical and Biological Sciences from the National University of Mexico, an MA in Psycho-physical Therapies from the Mexican Institute of Human Improvement and a PhD and MA in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine; where he subsequently served as a faculty member for many years.


Jennifer Willis
Office Manager

Jennifer Smiles while enjoying the warm weather on the Columbia Gorge


Angela Barco
Billing Specialist

Vera Brink, Lac

Vera shares a mushroom that measures bigger than a human head.

Mushroom maven Vera Brink is skilled at acupuncture and farming. What’s better than coming in for a treatment and leaving with fresh eggs? Vera is also our primary herbalist, concocting custom blends for our patients from the highest quality ingredients available.


Brena Fiorillo
Certified Reiki Practitioner, Healer

Brena taking a moment to reflect.

Welcome! I am Brena Fiorillo, a passionate and dedicated certified Reiki practitioner with a deep commitment to healing and wellness. My journey into Reiki began in 2008, when I received a Reiki session from a friend and remembered feeling moved by the subtle and gentle shifts through and around my body. I felt more centered and peaceful and was intrigued to learn more and to share it with others. In 2010 I met my Reiki teacher and with much excitement took Reiki 1, 2 and Reiki 3 master training classes with her. It's been a wonderful growing and fulfilling practice ever since.

Through the gentle art of Reiki, I offer a safe space for healing and relaxation, promoting balance and Harmony in mind, body, and spirit. My approach combines traditional Usui Reiki techniques with intuitive healing, tailored to each individual's unique needs.

I am greatly honored to facilitate the flow of universal life energy to support your well-being and personal growth. Whether you seek relief from physical ailments, emotional blockages, or simply desire relaxation, I'm here to support your healing journey. 

In addition to Reiki sessions, I also offer intuitive healing energy. This can happen alongside Reiki during the session to help open stagnant or blocked areas.


Kammy Barrett
Certified Reiki Practitioner, Sound Therapist

Kammy sits with many of her tools, including singing bowls

Kammy received her diploma from East West College of the healing arts in 1996 and began her career in the holistic health care field. She began practicing mindfulness very young and saw what an impact it has in our everyday lives. She believes when the mind, body and spirit connection is in harmony the body has the ability to heal itself. She has dedicated her life to walking in compassion and love with her mission being in helping others come to a state that is optimal for healing. Kammy understands it can sometimes feel overwhelming to take the first steps in our own healing. Her approach is gentle and compassionate as she meets the client where they are to help guide them to their desired state of wellbeing. 

Through Vibrational Sound Therapy {VST} she offers clients space to realign their own body’s innate wisdom and ability to heal itself. She offers one on one VST sessions using tuning forks, chimes and singing bowls to help with relaxation, stress and pain management, regulating the nervous system and balancing chakras. 

Kammy is a native Oregonian who spent much of her youth traveling. Her heart has always brought her back to the great Northwest where she has spent a lifetime with the trees. She enjoys caring for her family and many animals as well as urban farming. In her free time she enjoys being still in the forest, dancing to the Grateful Dead, practicing yoga and reading to refresh her own spirit.