We are Holistic Health Associates of Frederick

Ryan strives to help his patients resolve their health challenges and have a positive impact on the people in their lives.  He received a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Maryland, and studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, NM, where he obtained a Masters of Science degree in Oriental Medicine and completed an apprenticeship in acupuncture and herbology. He then completed a two-year integration course with prominent author and acupuncturist, Lonny Jarrett, Classical Chinese Medicine with Jeffrey Yuen and is one of only 10 certified teachers in the country of Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis, which he studied closely with Dr. Leon Hammer.

Ryan is co-founder and Director of Holistic Health Associates, a health facility located in downtown Frederick integrating acupuncture, herbal medicinals and supplements, massage therapy and detoxification programs.  In addition, Ryan serves as co-professor of advanced practice management for the PhD program at Maryland University of Integrative Health and sits on the board of directors for the Contemporary Oriental Medicine Foundation.

In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and friends, travel, various forms of exercise and meditation and is always up for a good movie.  

Ryan started practicing in December 2003, and co-founded HHA in June 2005.  He looks forward to helping your reclaim the best version of your health!

Priscilla was born in Baltimore, MD where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Towson University. After focusing on science of the mind, she became interested in the mind-body connection which lead her to Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she received her Masters at the Colorado School of TCM. She also studied Five Element Acupuncture which focuses on mental/ emotional aspects of healing. With the combination of Five Element Acupuncture, her degree in psychology, and TCM, Priscilla has a unique ability to treat patients with a broader understanding of the mind-body connection. Her clinical experience ranges from women's health to psycho emotional disorders to pain management.

Priscilla has traveled to over 20 countries in the past 3 years working as an acupuncturist at sea aboard cruise ships, helping hundreds of people along the way. She is excited to be settling back to her home state of Maryland, and coming aboard the wellness team at HHA.

Priscilla started practicing in 2007 and joined HHA in July 2012.

Caitlin is a Maryland native, who is dedicated to working within the community to support a better understanding of health and wellness. From a young age, Caitlin has been very passionate about helping others to achieve wellness without the use of medication. This passion led her to study psychology at Salisbury University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with a minor in business administration. An acupuncture patient herself since the age of 12, she became increasingly interested in the holistic approach acupuncture had to offer. She earned her Master’s in Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health, formerly the Tai Sophia Institute, in Laurel, Maryland.

With this strong foundation in 5 Element Acupuncture, Caitlin has continued to study TCM, 6 Division, and auricular traditions. She places a strong focus on mental health in her practice, treating a wide variety of issues from anxiety and depression, to working with women’s health and pain management, migraines and digestive disorders. Caitlin’s pro-bono work with veterans and active duty military has also led her to work regularly with PTSD.

Caitlin is very excited to join the Holistic Health team, and continue her work in the Frederick community, which she has called home since 2006. 

Caitlin has been practicing since 2011, and joined HHA in November 2013. 

Frank graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, with a Masters Degree in Political Science. After his undergraduate degree, Frank decided he wanted to dedicate his work to helping people, motivated by that, he graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in NY, earned NADA Certification from Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx and studied in China and Tibet. Frank has been practicing acupuncture since 1998, combining Traditional Chinese Medicine and western Acupuncture such as Battlefield Acupuncture, a program developed by the U.S. Air Force to treat wounded soldiers on the battlefield. 

Frank has studied martial arts since childhood, and currently teaches Taichi, KungFu, Qigong and Meditation. In his studies in China, Frank was one of the few westerners to be accepted into the ancient lineage of Laoszu, which includes many of the greatest masters of acupuncture, herbalism and martial arts spanning more than 1,000 years . 

As a practitioner, Frank seeks to balance and communicate the east and western sciences to empower patients in their knowledge and understanding of health and wellness.

Frank began practicing in 1998, and joins HHA January 2016. 

K.J. realized her interest in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine while dealing with her own health issues when traditional Western methods had failed to help her. From an early age she sought a holistic approach to medicine. She believes in individualized treatment, and found that Eastern medicine provides such treatment, either as a standalone therapy or combined with Western methods. She attended AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in Austin, TX receiving her Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.She was hired immediately after graduation to The Texas Center of Reproductive Acupuncture, where she worked closely with reproductive endocrinologists from within a fertility center, providing women and their partners with herbal formulas and acupuncture during both assisted and non-assisted fertility methods. She also opened her own practice in San Antonio, Texas where she treated fertility, insomnia, digestive issues, allergies, and pediatrics, among other issues with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

K.J. moved to Frederick from Texas in 2017 with her husband and two sons due to a military transfer and they are excited to make Maryland their new home. She is also thrilled to be a part of the Holistic Health Associates team and to help educate the community of the benefits of acupuncture and holistic healing and wellness.

K.J. started practicing in 2014 and joined HHA in 2017.

David graduated from Dragon Rises College with a Bachelor's in Health Sciences and a Master's in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Contemporary Oriental Medicine.  He holds undergraduate degrees in Journalism and Music Performance from the University of Florida.  David is a nationally board-certified practitioner of acupuncture and herbal medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed by the Maryland Board of Acupuncture and the Florida Board of Acupuncture.  

David’s journey to pursue a career in East Asian medicine is a personal one that bears a passion for the profession. Nearly 20 years ago, as a cancer patient, acupuncture was instrumental in easing the side effects of treatments and guided him through the maze of modern medicine. David is dedicated to combining this experience with the skills obtained in his studies to give all patients the relief that he received. 

This new path led to a hospital-based integrative practice where he was a part of an integrative team approach to patient wellness. David collaborated with doctors and specialists, utilizing the resources of an academic university hospital for the betterment of his patients. In this role, David treated a diverse population and a broad spectrum of health conditions. He also provided care for cancer patients during chemotherapy infusions at the UF Health Davis Cancer Pavilion. 

In concert with his work in an integrative hospital setting, David led a private practice, served as a clinical educator at Dragon Rises College, and continued his studies in an ongoing mentorship. In his role as a clinical educator, David found it rewarding assisting students in discovering the “ah-ha” moments and how East Asian medicine can heal the most complicated diseases. 

David’s advocacy for integrative holistic medicine has brought him before interest and support groups, medical students, and practitioners, promoting the benefits of acupuncture and East Asian medicine. 

“I continue to be amazed by the sophistication, elegance, and effectiveness of East Asian medicine and the ever-growing awareness and acceptance in our society.” “I am proud to practice a medicine that is centuries old that has stood the test of time.”

David is new to the Frederick area and is looking forward to enjoying his newfound home.  He is joined by his partner Kasey, daughter Ava and son Ethan. 

Kara is a licensed massage therapist in Maryland who has been practicing massage for almost 14 years!  Her journey to becoming a massage therapist is not a traditional one, as she spent her young life wanting to teach music.  She says, "My journey with massage has literally not been my intention, but has changed my life, my presence, my mindset to others and myself, and has been quite a gift that I wasn't looking for."  Kara graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage in 2006.

Kara's mission for people it to reach that feeling of "Ahhh - I needed that" after a massage service.  She says, "greater awareness brings greater healing.  Focusing on what i have to offer in helping that wellbeing process is where I aim.  Working with Swedish, deep tissue, and myofascial techniques help initiate that step forward.  Moving is a gift and I take pleasure in assisting customers to be able to do it better!"

She still loves both listening to and playing music.  When she is not working, you can often find her at sporting events, volunteering, or out on family adventures.  She loves people and serving others and is excited to be on the HHA team!  

Kara began practicing in 2006 and joined HHA in 2020.

Originally from Northwestern PA, Alex moved to Maryland in 2017 after graduating from Mercyhurst University's Physical Therapy Assistant program.  She spent the next 6 years working as a PTA predominantly with the geriatric population.   Over those 6 years, she worked with hundreds of patients with a wide variety of chronic and acute illnesses and began pursuing knowledge in preventing illness instead of just managing it.  

Using the knowledge from her PTA degree, she completed the Massage Therapy program at the American Massage and Bodywork Institute in Vienna, VA in 2023.  With her background, Alex gravitated towards a more treatment-based approach to massage while still providing a relaxing session.

When she's not at work, Alex is passionate about travel and family and enjoys spending her evenings with her husband and their parakeet, Dewey.

Kasey is a mom, an outdoor enthusiast, and a massage practitioner. She graduated from Florida School of Massage in 2010 with 1000 hours in education and a specialty certificate in orthopedic massage. Kasey takes pride in customizing her treatments specifically for her client's needs, using different modalities to achieve the best outcome for each and every patient. As a lifelong learner, she has developed skills in Neuromuscular, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, sports massage, scar tissue work, and prenatal.  Before joining Holistic Health, Kasey spent ten years in a comprehensive physical therapy office where she treated a wide range of conditions, from complex medical patients to elite athletes. Her patients have complimented her ability to perform deep tissue massage with a gentle approach to the body. She has been recognized for her passion, kind-hearted nature, and being "present" during massage sessions. Kasey is thrilled to be in Frederick and is looking forward to all that Western Maryland has to offer.

Kasey joined HHA in October 2021.

Jim has been a Massage Therapist since 2014, after training at the Institute for Therapeutic Massage in Morristown, NJ.  His massage style combines Medical Massage, Traditional Japanese Reiki, Myofascial Stretching and Acupressure.  By using the intuition gained from listening to the bodies of the many clients he has treated, he can create a truly unique experience for each individual.  It is his belief that therapeutic touch should be a part of everyone's healthcare routine.

As well as being a Registered Massage Practitioner, Jim is a Jikiden Reiki (Traditional Japanese Reiki) Practitioner and Shihankaku (teacher), a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist as well as a practitioner of the Arvigo Technique of Maya Abdominal Therapy.

Jim started at HHA of Frederick in September of 2023.

Ron graduated from the Central Maryland School of Massage in 2011 and comes to use with a desire to expand his potential.  He loves the challenge of discovering people's ailments and doing what he can do to make them feel better.  He is always looking for courses or classes that will teach him new things so he can provide the best massage for his clients.  He specializes in deep tissue, pre-natal, reflexology, Swedish and myofascial release massage.

Ron, a native Marylander, has been married for 28 years, and is a retired Navy Veteran.  He enjoys various sports and has pet snakes.

Ron joined HHA in January of 2024.

Originally from Baltimore, Aryn fell in love with the Frederick area when introduced by her husband. Aryn became interested in holistic healing during early adolescence while diagnosed with a chronic illness in the midst of attending baking & pastry school. She is a certified reiki master practitioner who enjoys supporting people through all phases of life, including birth care & death care.   

In her spare time, Aryn enjoys crafting, cooking & baking, DIY, reading, exploring new places with her fiancé & caring for her houseplants.

Aryn joined the HHA family in November 2020.

Amber is a 2006 graduate of Towson University and a 2012 graduate of McDaniel College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications and her Master’s degree in guidance counseling. Amber first came to HHA in 2006 as a summer job, home from college. After undergrad, she worked for Verizon Wireless for four years. This is where she learned that the corporate business world was not for her and what she really wanted to do was make a difference in people’s lives. This is how she chose to study counseling in graduate school.

Since coming back to HHA she has progressed from front desk associate to Office Manager and loves being a part of the HHA family. She is passionate about helping others and loves that her job allows her to work closely with a wide range of people every day. Since coming back to HHA in the fall of 2012, Amber has become much more interested in the mind/body, clean eating, and learning how to live a healthier lifestyle. She enjoys cooking, relaxing with yoga, reading, and spending time with her family and friends, and her dog Leo.

Lauren has always lived in Maryland and moved to Frederick in 2008 with her husband and two children. New to the area, she fell in love with Frederick's charming appeal and beautiful landscape with its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. She has maintained a passion for caring deeply for the wellbeing of others throughout her life. Through her motherhood journey, she discovered that a more holistic approach to life better suited her lifestyle and aligned with her beliefs.

Lauren has a background in community organization as well as medical billing and practices. She is a certified yoga instructor and understands the deep importance of maintaining a healthy connection between the mind and body.

Lauren is very excited to join all the wonderful minds at HHA and looks forward to a bright future of company growth and development. In her free time, Lauren enjoys laughing with her family, reading, cooking and anything involving animals or the outdoors.

Lauren joined HHA in November 2018

Originally from Potomac, MD, Stacey moved to Frederick in 2007. She has spent the last 15 years working in the insurance industry handling many different tasks from Relationship Management to Licensing, but most recently Marketing and Sales. Taking her experience, love for helping people and “making things pretty”, she joined HHA as the Marketing Manager and instantly felt at home.

Stacey came to HHA with very little knowledge of holistic health but an immense interest in learning. In a short time she has already learned a lot but realizes it is just the tip of the iceberg.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, going camping at their campsite on the lake, and watching her daughter play softball. You can also find her enjoying a great movie night with the family or friends, going on mini-adventures, or walking her dog Willow around.

Stacey joined HHA in October 2018.

Sara is a Hood College graduate excited to reconnect with the City of Frederick. As an aspiring social worker, she is interested in learning more about how holistic models of health and therapeutic care can heal and empower individuals and communities. She is thrilled to be a part of the HHA family and excited to bring her own brand of quirkiness to a table filled with so many caring and dedicated people.

As an introvert, Sara thrives on quiet time at home and cooking with her significant other. When she isn't “hermit-ing”, she loves potluck game nights with friends and going on adventures to coffee shops or walking trails. She is currently attempting to learn how to knit.

She joined the team in December of 2015 and is looking forward to a New Year of growing in health, knowledge, and friendships!