Joseph Shaw Jones, MD Medical Director, Substance Abuse, Cancer Program Board Certified Addiction Medicine Board Certified Internal Medicine Joseph Shaw Jones, MD is the medical director for Natural Horizons' integrative substance abuse program, Horizons of Hope. He also oversees the holistic comprehensive cancer care program, which includes IPT (Insulin Potentiation Therapy). Dr. Jones was Board Certified in Addiction Medicine in 2004. Forged from his own personal experience in recovery, he brings to the practice unique insight into the disease of chemical dependency. He is experienced in ambulatory detoxification from drugs and alcohol and the medical management of symptoms withdrawal. Dr. Jones also provides internal medicine services at Natural Horizons, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and high blood pressure. A native of North Carolina, Dr. Jones graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1984. He subsequently completed his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at Wake Forest University Medical Center, and practiced as a gastroenterologist for 10 years. Dr. Jones provides the following services at Natural Horizons: - Cancer treatment (low-dose chemotherapy) - I.V. Chelation therapy - Substance Abuse/ chemical dependency treatment - General Internal Medicine * Hypertension * Diabetes * Thyroid disease * Fibromyalgia * Chronic fatigue syndrome
	Sushma Hirani, M.D. Medical Director Women's Health and Family Practice Dr. Hirani is a board-certified family physician whose integrative medicine practice includes the best of mainstream and holistic medical care. She is the medical director at Natural Horizons Wellness center and heads up Natural Horizons' women's wellness program where she provides women's health care and holistic gynecology. Dr. Hirani helps restore and maintain her patients' good health by strengthening the body's own healing power to overcome cancer and other chronic conditions. She treats the root cause of illness, not just the symptoms. To help her patients achieve wellness goals and optimum health, Dr. Hirani provides thorough medical visits along with personalized recommendation plans based on nutrition, supplements, and emotional support. Specializes in diagnosis and natural treatment of various chronic illnesses including: •Hypertension (high blood pressure) •Cholesterol Regulation •Thyroid and Adrenal Imbalances •Fatigue •Asthma •Allergies/Sinusitis •Irritable Bowel Syndrome •Yeast Infections •Bladder Infections •Hormonal Imbalances •Menopause & Menstrual Irregularities Education/Training: •Kasturba Medical College, India •Wayne State University, Michigan - Family Practice Residency Organizations: American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
	Robert B. Johnson, DMD, ND Biologic Dentist Naturopath Dr. Robert Johnson is a Biologic Dentist who is certified in Naturopathy. He also has a Doctorate in Integrative Medicine from Capital University, a post doctorate program designed to further integrative healing skills of dentists as well as physicians. Dr. Johnson's extensive training encompasses a full spectrum of dentistry, including orthodontics. As the director at Natural Horizons Wellness Center, his passion is understanding and treating the extensive connections between the oral cavity and the overall health of the body. These connections include •Infections—periodontal gum disease, tooth abscesses, cavitational jaw infections and tonsils, which spread infections elsewhere in the body. •Unhealthy, bio-incompatible dental materials—including mercury, nickel palladium, aluminum, which lead to damage of cells and tissues elsewhere in the body. •Tooth and jaw imbalances, which affect the structure of the head, neck and rest of the body. •Improper chewing and swallowing leading to chronic pain and poor digestion •Electrical interferences from metal restorations (electrogavanic reactions) leading to interferences in the nervous system including the brain. In addition to treating the dental components of these problems, Dr. Johnson works extensively with physicians, naturopaths, chiropractors, Chinese medical practitioners and others to treat more involved illnesses, which involve multiple systems of the body. Known for his compassionate chair-side manner, Dr. Johnson helps involve patients in their own health care to resolve chronic health issues or to help relatively healthy patients achieve optimal health. He lives with three children and his wife Lauren with whom he practices the lifestyle he advocates to his patients. Education/Training •Bachelors Degree, Boston University, 1975 •Dental Degree, University of Pennsylvania Dental School, 1979 •Doctorate Degree, Integrative Medicine, Capital University, 1998 •Served in the US Navy Dental Corps 1979-1981 •Hospital Residency, Worcester, Massachusetts, 1981-1982 •7000+ hours of continuing education from 1987 to present
	Vishal K. Verma, DC Chiropractic Physician Dr. Verma is a board-licensed chiropractor whose integrative and holistic style of practice bring about true corrective change and balance to the body. A graduate of George Mason University and Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Verma is a recognized chronic pain expert by ABC News Medical Reports, New Channel 8 and numerous print media. In addition to chiropractic, he is extensively trained in spinal decompression therapy, flexion/distraction therapy, cold laser therapy, and core training and rehabilitation. Dr. Verma utilizes both manual therapy as well as light force Impulse adjusting procedures for spinal and joint care. Dr. Verma utilizes the Structural Correction Program at Natural Horizons Wellness Center that combines accurate structural diagnosis with comprehensive treatment for optimal results. Using the Gait Analysis Digital Footprint and Postural Analysis, he is able to assess the body from head to toe leading the whole body correction and wellness. Dr. Verma specializes in the treatment of: - Chronic Pain Conditions - Bulging/Herniated Discs - Sciatica (leg pain) - Degenerative Disc Disease - Spinal Stenosis - Shoulder/Arm Pain - Fibromyalgia - Arthritis - Sports Injuries - Scoliosis
	Karen M. Davis, N.D. Naturopathic Healer Dr. Karen Davis is a licensed naturopath who specializes in the prevention and treatment of disease through the use of natural, non-invasive therapies. She focuses on supporting the body's inherent ability to heal itself from acute and chronic conditions of all kinds. Dr. Davis considers the interaction of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the individual when developing a customized naturopathic wellness plan. Among her specialties are nutritional counseling, detoxification including colon hydrotherapy, herbal and homeopathy therapies, lifestyle counseling, stress management strategies, flower essence therapy, weight loss management, and craniosacral therapy. Karen is keenly interested in helping healthy individuals stay healthy, employing strategies to reinforce wellness and prevent disease. She recommends a variety of functional assessment tools using, among other things, saliva, hair, blood, and urine as well as analysis of conventional lab work to determine health status and to help monitor changes based on implementation of individual wellness plans. She has extensive experience addressing a variety of health challenges. Dr. Davis is an active member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (www.naturopathic.org) Education/Training Graduate, Bastyr University, 2000 Bastyr University is a globally recognized leader in the education and scientific study of natural medicine.
	Karen J. Taylor Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Patient Coordinator As patient liaison at Natural Horizons, Karen helps facilitate a smooth, comfortable visit for everyone that comes to the center. Karen's nursing career began twenty-eight years ago and includes work in neurology, emergency medicine, high-risk infant care and cancer research. Her career in alternative and natural therapies began in 1972. Karen has initiated health programs and lectured on nutrition and wellness throughout the United States and Europe, and she continues to lecture throughout Northern Virginia for businesses and non-profit groups. She is a member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP), American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) and The American Holistic Health Association (AHHA). Her vision is to improve the wellness of individuals through education and motivation, addressing Lifestyles, Nutrition and Fitness. Karen has raised three children in a holistic-lifestyle environment while providing natural, preservative-free nutrition for her family. Education/Training • Master's Degree/Honor's Graduate, Holistic Nutrition & Natural Therapies, Clayton College of Natural Health, 2004 • Currently working on Doctorate Degree in Naturopathy, Clayton College of Natural Health
	Aldred Williams, DDS, MPH General Dentistry Dr. Aldred Williams is a 1981 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Recently retired as an officer in the United States Army Dental Corps, he has continued the practice of dentistry as an associate clinician at Natural Horizons Wellness Center. During his tenure of military service, Dr. Williams was rewarded for heroism, by the Department of Defense, for his role as a first medical respondent to the scene of the Pentagon 9/11 tragedy. Additionally, while in the military, Dr. Williams was competitively selected and completed Clinical Fellowships in Endodontics (Root Canals) and Oral Surgery. Dr. Williams received a Master's Degree in Public Health awarded by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1999. Dr. Williams provides numerous dental services at Natural Horizons, including oral surgery and root canals. His chair side manner is tempered with the proper degree of enthusiasm, professionalism and compassion. The addition of Dr. Williams to the clinic staff has provided countless instances of positive feedback from both clinical personnel and patients.
	Donna Carole King, B.S., C.M.T. Bioenergetic Therapist Specialty Areas include: •Applied Physiology •Allergy Elimination •Kinesiology A Functional Health Evaluation is used to design comprehensive strategies incorporating naturopathic and homeopathic principles and bioenergetic techniques. Stressors are analyzed through the use of muscle function. This evaluation is not used as a medical diagnosis for disease identification. Health services are designed and delivered in order to manage stress, increase energy and optimize performance. Education/Training •Bachelor's Degree, Biology & Environmental Management, George Mason University, 1996 •Allergy Elimination Technique includes Ellen Cutler's BioSet and Pat Omiecinski's Metabolic Protocol for NAET, 2000 •Certified Massage Therapist, Board of Nursing in Virginia, 2002 •Touch for Health Instructor certification, 1977 •Potomac Massage Training Institute in 1985, Certificate •Applied Physiology Certificate, 2006
	Laura Kowalski, CMT Certified Cranial Sacral Therapist Trained in massage at California's highly regarded Harbin Hot Springs School, Laura Kowalski learned a sensitive touch integrating many modalities, along with a deep flow to her work enhanced by the Watsu (water shiatsu) training she also received there. She assisted in teaching many classes in massage and Watsu to deepen her knowledge. Practicing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where she maintained her own massage therapy business for many years, she soon found Cranial Sacral therapy to be a natural extension of her work, and began using it with all clients for gentle but incredibly effective injury/pain relief. Known for her effective, compassionate touch, Laura is now practicing exclusively with Cranial Sacral therapy, and is grateful to be able to work from the heart with this powerful but light work. Cranial Sacral work is a wonderful way to work lightly with the body, while having deep and profound results. Using 5 grams of pressure (the weight of a nickel), a session begins with cranial rhythm assessment and myofascial release throughout the body. Laura then begins work on the cranium, gently moving the bones, releasing patterns, and stimulating all that is contained there. The session is received fully clothed, lying down, and in a relaxing atmosphere. Most people fall asleep while receiving, even if they do not traditionally relax for bodywork. No oils or lotions are used, and the work, which continues to complete itself for 24 hours, is very effective. Due to the nature of injury and life, cranial sacral therapy is usually best received repeatedly. Often this work alone will help release many symptoms of chronic pain or impact injury. While cranial sacral is wonderful for everyone, this therapy is especially effective for: • Those who do not usually receive bodywork therapies well • Children, Seniors, or those who prefer light touch • Chronic pain sufferers • Whiplash • Impact injury (falls, car accidents, etc.) • Sinus issues • Ringing in the ears • Stroke • TMJ / Discomfort from dental work • Headaches • Parkinsons Disease • Emotional and physical shifts Education/Training •Bachelor's Degree, Political Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 1993 •Massage Therapist Training, Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, CA 1994 •Certified Watsu Practioner, Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, CA 1995 •Cranial Sacral Basic Training, Progressive Therapeutics, Edwards, CO 1997 •Cranial Sacral Intermediate Training, Progressive Therapeutics, Edwards, CO 1998 •Cranial Sacral Advanced Training, Progressive Therapeutics, Edwards, CO 1999 •Doula Training, DONA, 2000
	Lizette Ayala, C.Ht. Body Centered Hypnotherapy Mind/Body Coach Lizette Ayala is a certified Hypnotherapist with The International Association of Counselors and Therapists. She has designed programs to empower people to live with intent and improve their quality of life. With experience in the movement arts, body psychotherapy, and energy medicine, Lizette offers: Body Centered Hypnotherapy Mind-Body Coaching Active Meditation These techniques are designed to fit into any schedule and are commonly used to: - Relieve excessive eating, drinking, etc. - Improve Focus - Alleviate Anxiety/Panic Attacks/Phobias - Improve Body Image - Enhance Sports Performance - End Test Anxiety - Public Speaking - Chronic Pain - Post-Op Healing Liz believes that achieving what we desire takes a mind-body collaboration, and that anyone can improve their quality of life when given functional and practical tools. Education/Memberships International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association International Association of Counselors and Therapists National Guild of Hypnotists PhysicalMind Institute DC Area Body Psychotherapists Guild DC Integrative Practitioners Group
	Nancy C. Mele, CSAC Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Nancy is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, having received her certification from the National Council of Alcohol Abuse. She has been certified in New Jersey, North Carolina and is certified in Virginia by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health Professionals. Nancy is also a member of (NAADAC), the Association for Addiction Professionals. Nancy has over 20 years of experience in the field of addictions. She has expertise in individual, family, and group therapy, working with adolescents, adults and geriatrics. Nancy has worked in inpatient, outpatient, private practice and methadone maintenance treatment facilities, and also has experience with facilities specializing in treatment for the addicted homeless population that has led to a broad expanse of expertise in the field of addictions. She is also fluent in sign language. Nancy was born and raised in New Jersey. She relocated to Northern Virginia from Charlotte, North Carolina.
	Nicole I. Mires Licensed Acupuncturist Traditional Chinese Medicine Ms. Mires is a nationally certified and licensed acupuncturist, and has extensive experience using the body's energy systems in order to help balance and restore the body's natural flow of energy. She incorporates energy work and massage into her sessions to bring additional peace and tranquility during your treatments. Ms. Mires believes that acupuncture is but one key to optimal health, and a lifestyle that integrates multiple modalities within natural wellness and holistic medicine will have a greater success in achieving harmony and balance. Ms. Mires specializes in the treatment of: -Mental and emotional disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress management -Chronic and acute pain, headaches, and injuries -Menstrual/Fertility disorders -Gastrointestinal disorders -Allergies Education/ Training Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Rainstar University of Integrative Medicine, 2005 Diplomat of Acupuncture: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 2005 Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies with a specialization in Psychology: George Mason University, 2000 Reiki Certification, 1998
	Teresa Owens Colon Hydrotherapy, Ion Detox Footbath Therapy Teresa Owens is a certified colon hydrotherapist who also works with ion detox footbath therapy. She specializes in detoxification and weight loss. Her goal is to help effectively eliminate toxins from the body in a natural way so you can experience optimal health. With the increasing exposure of toxins, petrochemical, heavy metals and other chemicals in the environment, a regular detoxification program including colon hydrotherapy and ion detox footbath therapy is beneficial to everyone. Colon Hydrotherapy, also referred to as colonics, is a therapeutic procedure that uses filtered water to gently cleanse the large intestine or colon. It helps remove accumulated waste, mucus, bacteria, gas, and other toxic matter by hydrating, softening, loosening and rinsing the walls of the colon. The Ion Detox Foot Bath gently detoxifies the body of pesticides, heavy metals, nicotine and other toxins through a unique and relaxing 30-minute foot treatment. After cleansing the body it is equally important to help your body to rebuild healthy blood cells and boost the immune system. Teresa believes that when the body has been cleansed and rebuilt with healthy foods, the pounds melt away and we have the tools to ward off disease.