Integrative Health and Wellness Division

Richard Printon, DC

I have been a Chiropractor at Hennepin Healthcare since 1999 and Medical Director for the Division of Integrative Health and Wellness since 2016.  I was drawn to Hennepin Healthcare to be a part of a larger health system.  The Integrative Health and Wellness Division is a group of dedicated acupuncturists, chiropractors, and holistic physical therapists. We work and consult with Integrative Medicine Family Practice and Internal Medicine providers.  We also refer to and get referrals from providers in dozens of other specialties.  The Integrative Health and Wellness Division partners with patients, students, and the broader community to address the full range of physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, structural, and environmental influences that affect a person's health for improved wellbeing for everyone.  My chiropractic practice style includes manipulation, mobilization, posture improvement, soft tissue work, and home care exercises.

Education and training

• Certification with McKenzie Institute, mechanical diagnosis, and therapy
• Certified chiropractic sports physician
• Certified impairment rating
• DC, Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
• Biology, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul MN

Recent Publications

• Chiropractic treatment of hand and wrist pain in older people: systematic protocol development. Part 1: informant interviews
• Chiropractic treatment of hand and wrist pain in older people: systematic protocol development Part 2: cohort natural-history treatment trial

Grants

Evidence Based Opioid Response Services Program, Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC), administered by Minnesota Department of Human Services

Charlotte Alvarez, MOM

I am an Acupuncturist and Practitioner of Chinese Medicine joining Hennepin Healthcare’s Integrative Health and Wellness Division in September 2022, after thriving in private practice for eight years. I am honored to be part of an integrative system of care that values both individuals and the community. My work, alongside fellow acupuncturists, chiropractors, holistic physical therapists, and while partnering with Integrative and Internal Medicine, aims at vitality and balance in all aspects of health — physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, structural, and environmental. I am dedicated to providing exemplary care with hands on services, as well as by coaching and partnering with my patients in their commitment to their health. My mission is to share and teach the cultivation of vim and vigor through accountability, encouragement, education, and resources for vibrant living.

Education and training

• AIHM Fellowship of Integrative Medicine - Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine. La Jolla, CA
• Classical Chinese Medicine Student of Daoist Master Dr. Jeffrey C. Yuen. New York, NY
• International Studies and Clinical Education with focus on stroke rehabilitation - Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tianjin, China
• National Board Certification in East Asian Herbal Medicine - National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
• Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN

Benjamin Backus, DC

I have been practicing at Hennepin Healthcare since 2013.  I have taken many additional courses to advance my knowledge base in soft tissue therapy and in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.  I enjoy treating soft tissue injuries, headaches, acute and chronic back and neck pain as well as extremity injuries.  I employ gentle manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue therapy and exercise rehabilitation in my practice.  I take special interest in giving patients exercises tailored to rehabilitating their specific injuries.  My goal is to try to empower every patient to take charge of their own health. 

Education and training

• Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
• BS in Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Ulrich Beyendorff, LAc, DiplCH

I have been an Acupuncturist (and licensed Chinese herbalist) since 1989 and at Hennepin since 1993. My early interest were gastroenterology conditions treated with Asian medicine and led to the publication listed below, in the Archives of Internal Medicine, on symptomatic hepatitis C and herbal medicine. Since then I have pursued further studies in medical acupuncture, orthopedic and neurology focused acupuncture.

Education and training

• Continuing Education - multiple courses on orthopedic, neurologic acupuncture, San Diego, CA
• Biomedical Acupuncture Course, Boulder, CO
• College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chrngdu, PRC
• Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi yuan Hospital, Beijing, PRC
• San Francisco College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, San Francisco, CA

Recent Publications

• Jakkula M, Boucher TA, Beyendorff U, Conn SM, Johnson, JE, Nolan CJ, Peine CJ, Albrecht JH. A randomized trial of Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of symptomatic hepatitis C.
  Arch Intern Med, 2004 Jun 28;164(12):1341-6. doi: 10.1001/archinte.164.12.1341.

Grants

• Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC), administered by Minnesota Department of Human Services

Jessica Brown, LAc, DiplAc, MOm

Lead Advanced Practice Provider (APP), Division of Integrative Health and Wellness, Hennepin Healthcare 

I have been an Acupuncturist at Hennepin Healthcare since January 2013 and the Lead APP for the Division of Integrative Health and Wellness since 2017. The greatest privilege of this work with patients is having the opportunity to develop relationships built on trust and compassion. I am grateful to be a part of the Integrative Health and Wellness Division, a stellar group of professionals with the shared goal of bringing these specialized, evidence based, gentle and effective care modalities to the population that HHS serves.

I have clinical interest in multiple areas including but not limited to oncology support, palliative care, women’s health, and orthopedic acupuncture.

Education and training

• Certified Provider through National Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Oncology and Integrative Health Advanced Acupuncture Training Levels 1 and 2
• Certificate of Study specializing in stroke rehabilitation, First TCM Teaching Hospital of Tianjin, China
• Ac., Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
• of Acupuncture – National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
• BS, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

Jack Carver, LAc, DiplCH

Offsite Program Coordinator, Hennepin Healthcare

I have been an Acupuncturist at Hennepin Healthcare since 1993.  I was drawn to Hennepin Healthcare to be a part of a larger health system.  The Integrative Health and Wellness Division is a group of dedicated acupuncturists, chiropractors, and holistic physical therapists. We work and consult with Integrative Medicine Family Practice and Internal Medicine providers.  We also refer to and get referrals from providers in dozens of other specialties.  The Integrative Health and Wellness Division partners with patients, students, and the broader community to address the full range of physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, structural, and environmental influences that affect a person's health for improved wellbeing for everyone.  My acupuncture practice style includes traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis, needling, and electric acupuncture.

Education and training

• Degree in Acupuncture Northern School of Chinese Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
• Degree in herbal studies from Minnesota Institute of Acupuncture and Herbal studies, Minneapolis, MN
• Certified NADA ear acupuncture detox
• Certified in acupuncture and herbal studies by NCCAOM, Bloomington, MN

Robert Crane, LAc

I have been a licensed Acupuncturist in the state of Minnesota since 2014 and working at Hennepin Healthcare since 2017. I am licensed by the State of Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and nationally certified by the NCCAOM for acupuncture and herbal medicine. While I do see a wide variety of conditions, my practice tends to center around sports medicine and orthopedic conditions. I also have a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community, often providing support for people dealing with depression/anxiety surrounding sexuality, gender identity, transitioning, etc.

Education and training

• Continued Education – Chengdu College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
• MAOM – Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
• BS – Luther College, Decorah, IA

Natalie Giacomini, DC

I have been a Chiropractor within the Integrative Health and Wellness Division since May 2014. I was drawn to work at Hennepin to be able to treat patients in a larger health system, and the ability to collaborate with other specialties to provide the most patient centered care possible. I have a clinical interest in treating pregnant women.

Education and training

• Doctorate of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences, Bloomington, MN
• Primary Spinal Practitioner certification, University of Pittsburg, PA

Catherine Justice, PT, DPT, CST, C-IAYT, E-RYT

Program Manager, Integrative Health and Wellness Division, Hennepin Healthcare

I began working as the Program Manager for the Division of Integrative Health and Wellness at Hennepin Healthcare in 2021. Previously I had worked at Hennepin as an Integrative Physical Therapist since 2014. My current role allows me to continue to work in the clinic with patients two days per week and then supporting the development and growth of the Integrative Health and Wellness Division the other three. My background includes training as a yoga therapist, experience with yoga research, training and certification in CranioSacral Therapy, and graduated from the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine’s two-year Fellowship Program in the Fall of 2022. From 2011-2020 I taught at the University of St. Catherine in their Masters of Holistic Health program. I am currently the Associate Editor for the International Journal of Yoga Therapy.

Education and training

• Integrative Medicine Fellowship, Academy for Integrative Health and Medicine, San Diego, CA
• CranioSacral Certification, Upledger Institute, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
• BA, Carleton College, Northfield, MN
• BFA, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London, England

Recent Publications

1. Int J Yoga Therap 1 January 2021; 31 (1): Article_1. doi: https://doi.org/10.17761/2168-5835-31.1.Article1
2. Justice C, Cheung C, Samson-Burke A. Development and Evaluation of a Yoga Intervention for Parkinson’s Disease. International Journal of Yoga Therapy. 2018
3. Justice C. Reflections on Yoga Therapy for Disadvantaged Populations. Yoga Therapy Today, Summer 2018. pg 44-46
4. Justice C. A User's Guide to Developing a Yoga Research Intervention. Yoga Therapy Today, Spring 2017. pg 18-19
5. Cheung C, Justice C, Pedon-McAlphine C. Yoga adherence in older women six months post-osteoarthritis intervention. Global Adv Health Med. 2015 May; 4(3): 16-23
6. Cheung C, Justice C, Wyman J. Designing and implementing a therapeutic yoga program for older women with knee osteoarthritis. International Journal of Yoga Therapy. No. 32 (1). 2013 (Abstract Only)

Grants

• GRK_210363 (MN-DHS): Heals on Wheels. 4/7/22 – 6/30/23; Program Manager
• Weil Foundation: TIE – Embodied Learning. 7/1/22 – 6/30/23; Program Manager and Co-Curriculum Director

Lindsay Policano, DC

I have been a Chiropractor at Hennepin Healthcare since 2016.  The Integrative Health and Wellness Division is a group of dedicated acupuncturists, chiropractors, and holistic physical therapists. We work and consult with Integrative Medicine Family Practice and Internal Medicine providers. We also refer to and get referrals from providers in dozens of other specialties. The Integrative Health and Wellness Division partners with patients, students, and the broader community to address the full range of physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, structural, and environmental influences that affect a person's health for improved wellbeing for everyone. My chiropractic practice style includes manual manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue work, home care and postural exercises.

Education and training

• DC, Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
• BA in Biology, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul MN

John Sampson, DC

I came to Hennepin Health Care in 2019 after being in private practice for the previous 37 years. I was looking to continue my career in a larger health care system that would allow the opportunity to grow as a provider by working alongside different specialties, I work directly with fellow chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists to provide the highest quality of Integrative Health Care. I provide traditional spinal manipulation as well as light force techniques and home exercises.

Education and training

• Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Logan College, St. Louis, MO
• Undergraduate Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
• Certified Acupuncturist, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN

Jamie Schafer, LAc, MAOM, Dipl. OM

I have been an Acupuncturist at Hennepin Healthcare since 2018, and have been in the field since 2013. I truly love serving our diverse patient population here at Hennepin, and the ability to collaborate care with a wide range of providers. I have a special interest in acupuncture for prenatal care and postpartum recovery, and I am also passionate about nutrition.  I love to incorporate ancestral based nutritional guidelines into my practice, based on the healthy habits of indigenous cultures worldwide over the last 100 years.

Education and training

• Continuing education, primarily in pre and postpartum care and nutrition
• Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN

Tara Schug, DC

I joined Hennepin Healthcare at the North Loop clinic in 2018. To me, Chiropractic has largely been inaccessible for a large majority of the population and Hennepin really drew me because we serve a large population of people who may otherwise not have access to care. The Integrative Health and Wellness Division has been fantastic about creating a collaborative approach, not just to pain management, but to individual wellness. The main focus of much of my post-graduate education has been on lifestyle and nutritional changes that can really help assist in reducing acute and chronic pain along with the manual therapies that chiropractors are more widely associated with. The approach to care is about empowering people in their goals to reduce pain and feel better. I like to introduce lifestyle shifts in small increments so they become easy habits and don't seem like a long laundry list of inaccessible to-do's.

Education and training

• Doctor of Chiropractic DC, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
• BS, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN

Jess Siers, LAc, DiplAc

I have been a licensed Acupuncturist since 2007. I joined Hennepin Healthcare in 2015, excited to join a healthcare system whose values align with my own. My clinical interests include chronic pain, oncology support, and smoking cessation. I completed my yoga teacher training certification in 2019, and I enjoy integrating yoga teaching into my visits.

Education and training

• Yoga for the Cancer Patient, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
• Fundamentals of Oncology Acupuncture Training, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
• Yoga Teacher Training Certification, The Yoga Center Retreat, St. Louis Park, MN
• Masters of Acupuncture, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN

Ghazala Usman, DC

Leader with the Muslim Collective, Health Equity Department

Team Member, Office of Equity and Social Justice Advisory Council, Department of Medicine

I have been a Chiropractor at Hennepin Healthcare since 2017.  I was drawn to Hennepin Healthcare to be a part of a comprehensive health system accessible to everyone. The Integrative Health and Wellness Division is a group of dedicated acupuncturists, chiropractors, and holistic physical therapists. We work and consult with Integrative Medicine Family Practice and Internal Medicine providers.  We also collaborate with providers in dozens of other specialties in order to provide optimal care for patients.  The Integrative Health and Wellness Division partners with patients, students, and the broader community to address the full range of physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, structural, and environmental influences that affect a person's health for improved wellbeing for everyone through our Holistic approach.  My chiropractic practice style includes manipulation, mobilization, posture improvement, soft tissue work, and home care exercises. I also draw on techniques with roots in Healing Touch, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Education and training

• Training on mechanical diagnosis, and therapy of Lumbar Spine, McKenzie Institute, Syracuse, NY
• Certificate in Kinesiology Taping, Rock Tape
• Certificate in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization-Smart Tools
• Certificate in Chiropractic Acupuncture, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
• DC, Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
• Biology, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL

Grants

• Minnesota Department of Health for Non-narcotic Pain Management (partial funding): “Growing Resilience in Chronic Pain” Group Medical Visits led by Dr. Katherine Shafto; Chiropractic Facilitator

Nicole Zaret, DC

I have been a Chiropractor since 2011 and at Hennepin Healthcare since 2019. As a chiropractor, I am trained in care for back pain and neck pain. I have a clinical interest in chiropractic care for the perinatal period. I believe in the patient taking an active role in their care with me through positive lifestyle factors, postural improvements, and home exercise.

Education and training

• Chiropractic Internship, Veteran’s Administration Outpatient Clinic, Redding, CA
• Webster Certified Chiropractor, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
• DC, Doctor of Chiropractic Degree, Palmer College of Chiropractic West, San Jose, CA
• Mass Communications, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN