Meet ICM's Physicians & Support Team
| Eileen Stretch, ND | Kim Celmer, ND |
| Erica Oberg, ND, MPH | Janci Karp, ND, LAc, LMP |
| Mandy Risley, ND | David Deichert, ND |
| Chad Aschtgen, ND, FABNO | Annette Sacksteder, ND, EAMP |
Eileen Stretch, ND
Dr. Stretch, naturopathic physician, has practiced naturopathic medicine since 1993. Her primary areas of focus are women's health, mental health and family medicine. She works with patients to establish healthy habits that will prevent future health problems and maximize patients' time and effort. Dr. Stretch specializes in botanical, homeopathy and nutritional medicine as applied to autoimmune, endocrine, digestive, metabolic disorders and mental health issues.
She also focuses on preventative medicine and sees patients for wellness exams including gyn exams and pap smears. She treats adults and adolescents suffering from a variety of acute and chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, menopausal symptoms, cervical dysplasia, infertility, fibromyalgia, PCOS, uterine fibroids, hypothyroidism, endometriosis, Graves' disease, insomnia, depression, eczema, IBS and more. Dr. Stretch strongly believes in each individual's ability to heal on all levels and works to foster wellness in her patients and the environment. She takes a holistic approach looking at every aspect of the patient.
"The highest ideal of therapy is to restore health rapidly, gently, permanently; to remove and destroy the whole disease in the shortest, surest, least harmful way, according to clearly comprehensible principles." - Samuel Hahnemann.
She is a member of the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians and member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and served on their board of directors, including as Treasurer (1997-2001, 2004-2007). She testified before the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy and has been active in supporting access to naturopathic medicine in a variety of venues. She is a public speaker for continuing medical education events for both naturopathic doctors and other medical professionals.
Dr. Stretch obtained her doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine from National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon (1993) and completed her residency at Bastyr University, Seattle, Washington. She, along with Dr. Cindy Phillips, established the Institute of Complementary Medicine in 1994.
Kim Celmer, ND
Dr. Celmer, naturopathic physician, is a graduate of Bastyr University and has been practicing Naturopathic Medicine at ICM for 13 years. As a primary care provider, she sees patients with issues varying from the common cold to more chronic conditions that are not otherwise well helped in the more traditional medical setting.
Kim specializes in standard gynecological care, digestive disorders, allergies, and depression. Her approach with each patient is to identify and eliminate causes of illness while supporting the patient's individual biochemical needs in the most practical way for each patient. She utilizes both standard and functional laboratory testing to assess and treat her patients.
"I enjoy working with patients to help them avoid the need for pharmaceutical medications, whether that be helping them eliminate their need for an existing medication or avoid the need to start a medication in the first place."
Erica Oberg, ND, MPH
Dr. Oberg's specializes in identifying and treating the underlying causes of disease, especially chronic diseases. For many people with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, this often means fine-tuning lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical activity, or stress. For people with chronic pain or other somatic symptoms, this can mean using mind-body techniques like craniosacral therapy to release underlying patterns of tension. Dr. Oberg conducts clinical research in addition to working with patients. Her research focuses on healthy aging, holistic approaches to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and understanding what help patients and healthcare providers adopt healthier behaviors. She has presented her research at numerous national conferences. One of her recent studies related to diabetes discovered that HOW we eat may be more important than WHAT we eat for better blood sugar control (Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011). This finding forms the foundation of her monthly group visit program for patients working on making lifestyle changes to prevent or reverse chronic diseases. As a clinician and a researcher, Dr. Oberg's approach to healthcare strives to bring together science-based knowledge with the internal wisdom of the body and spirit. Dr. Oberg completed her doctorate and residency at Bastyr University in 2003 and also holds an MPH degree in Health Services from the University of Washington. Her approach to medicine combines the latest scientific research with the timeless wisdom of our bodies and spirits.
"My goal is to find ways to make health fit into your life and I work with you collaboratively to set goals, find practical solutions, and regain balance and wellness in all dimensions of your life."
When not practicing medicine, you can find her promoting her own health in the garden or kayaking in Puget Sound.
Janci Karp, ND, LAc, LMP
Dr. Karp completed her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Masters of Science Degree in Acupuncture (MSAOM) from Bastyr University in Seattle Washington. She is board certified by the NCCAOM in Acupuncture. She is certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) utilizing acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for detoxification, addictions and mental disorders. She received her massage degree from Brenneke School of Massage in Seattle, Washington. She received post-doctorate Acupuncture training in China at Ruijin Hospital through Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Karp was chosen in 2010 by her peers as one of "Seattle Top Docs" for Integrative Medicine in an annual issue of Seattle Metropolitan Magazine.
"It is my honor to facilitate and be present with a patient as he/she embarks on his/her journey towards optimal health, encouraging empowerment of patient responsibility and promotion of wellness.”
Dr. Karp works with various conditions providing an integrated approach to wellness utilizing acupuncture, diet and lifestyle counseling, botanicals, and physical medicine. She specializes in preventive medicine and Women's Health with a focus in pre-conception care and fertility for both women and men, digestive and endocrine disorders, pain management, allergies and depression. She has additional training in counseling having worked as a staff counselor in the Counseling Department at Bastyr University for one year. She believes strongly in fostering the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Dr. Karp enjoys developing a partnership with her patients to identify the root cause of distress within the body, remove obstacles to cure, and empower patients to play a predominant role in their health and well-being.
Mandy Risley, ND
Dr. Risley focuses her practice on preventive medicine and has a special interest in digestive health.
Dr. Risley treats conditions such as chronic fatigue, thyroid disease, migraine headache, eczema, insomnia, weight issues, autoimmune disease, anxiety, depression, chronic sinus issues and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), among others. She received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. Dr. Risley offers food and environmental sensitivity testing for adults and children.
In addition to practicing naturopathic medicine, Dr. Risley enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and dog, traveling, gardening, playing tennis, skiing and boating.
"I really enjoy helping patients identify food sensitivities, allergies and intolerances. This can be a very empowering process for my patients. Most people can fine tune their health or even dramatically change their health by identifying specific sensitivities. Food sensitivities can affect many areas of the body beyond the digestive tract and can manifest in symptoms ranging from chronic sinus congestion and eczema to fatigue and even mood disorders.”
David Deichert, ND
Dr. Deichert received his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and completed a 2-year accredited residency program in naturopathic medicine at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. He received his advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) degree from Seattle University and is board certified as a family nurse practitioner.
Dr. Deichert blends his training in naturopathic and conventional western medicine to offer a holistic, integrative approach to practicing family medicine as well as specialty care. He acknowledges the personalized nature of medicine and partners with patients to find the most appropriate, effective therapies to provide customized treatments for each individual. These therapies may include naturopathic or conventional treatments or a combination of the two. He also believes strongly in the role of doctor as teacher and the body's innate wisdom in restoring health.
Dr. Deichert welcomes patients of all ages and of all states of health including acute and chronic conditions as well as those seeking preventative health care to his practice. He has a special interest in treating physical complaints, gastroenterology, thyroid disease, endocrinology, autoimmune disease, allergic disorders, ADHD and cardiovascular and chronic diseases. Dr. Deichert specializes in nutritional and lifestyle counseling and support, medical nutrition and supplements, botanical medicine, physical medicine and other therapeutic modalities.
Dr. Deichert has worked as the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physician's representative to the Health Information Infrastructure Advisory Committee for Washington State where he served as co-chair for two years. He is also adjunct faculty at Bastyr University where he enjoys teaching medical students during their clinical rotations as a supervisor on an ADHD specialty rotation. In addition, he enjoys traveling and spent several months touring through out Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.
Chad Aschtgen, ND, FABNO
Dr. Aschtgen specializes in integrative oncology, providing expert naturopathic care for patients with cancer or interest in cancer prevention. He welcomes patients at every stage of diagnosis and treatment. Whether newly diagnosed, currently receiving conventional treatment (including chemotherapy, biological therapies, radiation and pre-/post-surgery), in remission or with advanced disease, individuals facing the difficulties of cancer have a great resource in Dr. Aschtgen.
He works closely with his patients to create customized and dynamic integrative treatment plans that take into consideration all aspects of an individual’s health and medical care. Dr. Aschtgen’s patients receive safe and effective natural therapies specifically designed to improve health, decrease symptoms and aid in fighting disease. Additionally, with a commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Aschtgen is available to engage in communication and close coordination with other elements of an individual’s care team, including family members, general physician, medical and/or radiation oncologists, surgeon, care manager and other health practitioners.
Board certified in naturopathic oncology (Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology – FABNO), Dr. Aschtgen received his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Subsequently he completed a two-year, hospital-based naturopathic medical residency at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) – Midwestern Regional Medical Center, outside Chicago, Illinois. Following completion of his naturopathic oncology training, Dr. Aschtgen remained on staff at CTCA until his relocation back to the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Aschtgen is an active member of numerous professional organizations: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP), Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians (WANP).
A former instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Dr. Aschtgen continues to enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, camping, skiing and kayaking. He lives in Seattle with his wife, Christina, and their two young children.
In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, Dr. Aschtgen is available for introductory consultations to discuss the possibilities of incorporating integrative naturopathic medicine into your life and care.
Annette Sacksteder, ND, EAMP
As a primary care physician, Dr. Sacksteder recognizes the importance of establishing a safe therapeutic relationship as the first step in supporting individuals on their journey of wellness. Drawing on one of her greatest strengths - the ability to be present with love and respect as an individual tells her or his story – she creates an environment of acceptance with her patients. Through this process she is able to better understand patients' needs and work with them to develop practical treatment options that promote success. Areas of special interest include addressing imbalances that contribute to disordered eating patterns, and the use of acupuncture to release emotional and physical trauma energetically held in the body.
Dr. Sacksteder graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) where she earned a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. She is board certified by NCCAOM in acupuncture and is licensed as an East Asian Medicine Practitioner (EAMP) in Washington. She utilizes both naturopathic and Chinese diagnostic methods and treatment modalities. Areas of focused training include cardiology, diabetes, adjunctive cancer care, addiction and women's health.
Prior to her medical education, Dr. Sacksteder earned a Bachelor of Arts in Women Studies from the University of Washington and gained extensive experience in community organizing and social justice work. She then worked in the substance abuse field in Hawaii becoming a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). These experiences richly inform her work as a physician, giving depth to her intuitive understanding of the multitude of factors that can impact an individual’s health.
ICM's Office Support Team
"The staff and I are very interested in helping you to be as healthy as possible. Please call 206-726-0034 between 9am-1pm and 2pm-5:30pm Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment or order dispensary" - Muriel Anderson