​Born into a family in the automotive industry that valued hard work, cultural diversity, and connection through food and friendship, Kiara took her “ticket to ride” back to nature and into the world of spiritual cultivation. Her own healing journey led her to study with numerous master teachers across the healing and contemplative arts.

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She earned her B.A. in Sociology from Fordham University in 2003 and later received both Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Classical Chinese Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon, in 2019 and 2020.

At NUNM, she trained under:

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• Dr. Robert Quinn in Japanese Meridian Therapy, Shakyujyo Therapy, and Yin Sotai (a synthesis of Sotai, Qigong Tuina, and the Trager Method)

• Dr. Joon Hee Lee in abdominal palpation and Shang Han Lun herbalism

• Dr. Heiner Fruehauf, Classical Pearls founder and Jinjing Gong Qigong lineage holder

 

She also completed advanced studies with:

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• Michael McMahon and Carol Grey in Cranial Sacral Therapy for adults and infants

• Tami Lynn Kent in Holistic Pelvic Care®

• David Berkshire in Worsley Five Element Acupuncture

 

A devoted student of movement and stillness, Kiara spent 15 years teaching yoga under the guidance of Shiva Rea and John Friend. She has also studied with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, whose teachings continue to inform her presence and healing approach.

Internationally, Kiara has twice traveled to China on the Sacred Mountain Retreat with Dr. Heiner Fruehauf and the Heron Institute, where she received direct transmission from:

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• Prof. Wang Qingyu, Jinjing Gong Qigong lineage holder

• Dr. Liu Lihong, renowned scholar-practitioner of classical Chinese medicine

• Herbal masters Drs. Hu Chiangjiang and Deng Zhongjia

 

Kiara continues to cultivate relationships with Indigenous elders and communities across the Americas, honoring diverse healing traditions and the sacred threads that weave humanity together.