Dr. Laila opened Asula Wellness in 2006 as the culmination of an upbringing and schooling dedicated to the healing arts. Dr. Laila received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Creative Writing from the University of Iowa, then went on to pursue a degree in Chiropractic from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. "I always knew that I wanted to help people achieve optimal wellness on all levels. When I discovered chiropractic, I knew that it was the perfect union of all my interests and aspirations."

While studying chiropractic, Laila trained for three years with the renowned Dr. Daniel Kalish, learning the intricacies of nutrition and hormone balancing. Dr. Laila believes that good health means finding balance. "We all have different goals regarding our health. My job is to educate my patients and help them to achieve what is right for them." In her free time she enjoys yoga, hiking and reading bedtime stories to her toddler Shea with her husband Galen.

Dr. Kara Giaier grew up in Brighton, Michigan and completed her undergraduate degree in biology at Denison University in Granville, Ohio.  Dr. Kara swam competitively throughout her entire educational career and learned, sometimes the hard way, the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind.  Through this process she discovered chiropractic, and it didn't take long for her to know she wanted to be a chiropractor.

Dr. Kara attended Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, OR, where she specialized in sports chiropractic and worked at many athletic events in the Portland community. Her move to Oregon also helped Dr. Kara discover her love for rock climbing, which she continues to pursue along with hiking, camping, fishing, ultimate frisbee, cross country skiing, and yoga. After graduating in 2010, Dr. Kara worked as an assistant teacher at Western States Chiropractic College before finding her perfect fit at Asula Chiropractic and Wellness. She is always excited to bring her knowledge and passion for the healing arts to her patients.

Dr. Grant Morlock developed his passion for chiropractic at an early age. Growing up in a family of chiropractic physicians he witnessed and experienced the benefits of holistic healthcare -- a foundation that would guide his life's work and lead him to Asula Wellness.

Dr. Grant attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota where he played competitive soccer. As a collegiate athlete, Dr. Grant relied on chiropractic care to help him reach his peak performance and maintain a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. "Having been involved in competitive athletics most of my life I tend to set high standards for myself in whatever I pursue. What I ask of myself as an athlete, I ask of myself as a doctor and I will give my patients nothing less than optimal care."

Upon graduating with a degree in Psychology, Dr. Grant migrated west to attend Western States Chiropractic College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic. Dr. Grant works with his patients to reach their health goals. Whether you are a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or one who simply wants to balance your body and mind, Dr. Grant looks forward to seeing you succeed. In his free time Dr. Grant enjoys exploring the Pacific Nothwest, from the trails to the tides.

Dr. Maria McNash (DeFranco) was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since a young girl, Dr. Maria has always seen her hands as tools to be used to create and to assist in helping people. She had planned to attend art school, but a turn of fate brought her to massage therapy school where she began to discover her passion for assisting the body in wellness and vitality.

After years of practicing massage therapy, Dr. Maria became highly intrigued by the nervous system and skeletal health. This newfound curiosity in the body is what led her to Portland, Oregon where she attended Western States Chiropractic College and received her Bachelor's degree in Human Biology as well as her Doctorate of Chiropractic.

Dr. Maria's philosophy in life as well as in the treatment room is to make each moment count. By being fully present with each patient she is able to see him or her with fresh eyes each and every visit.

Dr. Maria is an enthusiastic member of the Asula Wellness team and a passionate proponent of compassionate healing. Outside of Asula, she enjoys snowboarding, yoga, camping, gardening, dancing, playing ping-pong and biking.

Shahrzad Fakhravar L.Ac., Dipl. O.M grew up in Portland, Oregon as a first generation Iranian-American. As a child, her weak immune system led her grandmother to put together natural remedies from the "old country" to boost her health, introducing Shahrzad to natural medicine at a very young age.

During her undergraduate years at Portland State University, Shahrzad dealt with recurring migraines and seasonal colds that kept her in bed for several weeks each year. Signs of an autoimmune disorder began to surface and that's when she turned to acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM). AOM helped her deal with her weak immune system, but also helped prevent the worsening of illnesses that had the potential to debilitate her. Shahrzad was hooked, and knew that she wanted to pursue her graduate degree in AOM.

Shahrzad graduated from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Her internships at OCOM Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic, OHSU Family Medicine Clinic and Quest Center for Integrative Health allowed her to focus on her interests in women's health, pain management and auto-immune disorders.

Shahrzad finds great joy in helping her patient achieve balance and wellness, and empowers them to continue on their own healing path.   L.Ac # 152813

Amanda found a natural calling to massage in her early 20's while residing in Missoula, MT. She started school at the Montana School of Massage on September 10th, 2001 with little knowledge of the degree to which the world and all of its inhabitants would need healing. It soon became apparent to her that in order for herself to be healthy, that her community, nation and world also needed to be healthy. With this in mind, Amanda devoted her work to making this world a better place, one person at a time through massage.

Her decade plus experience has molded her treatments into highly intuitive bodywork sessions with a well-equipped tool belt of modalities ranging from Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy and Hot Stone Massage. With each treatment she hopes to make each client more comfortable, centered and grounded.

In an effort to gain perspective about health care, Amanda is also enrolled in nursing prerequisites at PCC and is excited about continuing her education and career path towards making a difference in the health of our community.

Amanda Corr LMT # 14579

Alicia was first introduced to the benefits of alternative care while living in San Francisco. She has used massage therapy and acupuncture for over 5 years to help keep her body and mind in balance. Alicia is currently working towards a degree in Health Studies at Portland State University. Following the completion of her bachelor's degree, Alicia plans to continue her schooling and obtain her Masters in Healthcare Management. In her free time, Alicia enjoys reading, biking and yoga.

Bethany learned at an early age the benefits of helping someone feel better through therapeutic touch. Her father was a carpenter and would often pay her a quarter to walk on his back and to rub his shoulders because of the pain he endured from his physically demanding job. This early imprint of making a difference through touch never left her mind, and in 2008 she enrolled at East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, OR to pursue a career in massage therapy. Bethany's massages are highly intuitive and draw from modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue & Hot Stone Massage therapies. She hopes that her massages will help people reclaim a balanced, vibrant, healthy body that is more aware and present. Before becoming a massage therapist, Bethany worked in the entertainment industry as a film manager and graphic designer. She earned her BFA from California Lutheran University in 2002 and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Painting & Drawing from Oregon College of Art & Craft in 2005. Outside of work she enjoys biking, cooking, gardening, yoga & traveling.

Bethany Garrison LMT # 16503

Chelsea is originally from the great state of California.  She lived in Tahoe for 10 years where she enjoyed the outdoors through photography and snowboarding.  She attended California State University in Sacramento receiving her degree in Family and Consumer Science in 2005. Chelsea’s love of family, travel and cooking lead her to Italy where she lived for 3 months after graduation.  While living in Tahoe Chelsea’s passion for the healing art of Pilates began to develop.  In 2006, her wonderful son Julien was born. Soon after his birth, she moved to Portland and decided to pursue Pilates not just as a hobby, but as a career.  Chelsea started Stott Pilates training in January of 2010 and is excited to be a certified instructor by early 2011.

Emily grew up in Anchorage, Alaska enjoying the outdoors her whole life. Through family camping trips, hiking, snowboarding, downhill cycling and spending long summers in remote Alaska villages fishing and exploring thousands of acres of untouched wilderness, Emily grew to have a love and appreciation for the power of the natural world. Even as a young child Emily was drawn to the traditional medicinal teachings of herbalism. Emily has been using holistic healing modalities exclusively for over five years and uses essential oils for daily preventative care for herself and her family.

In her free time Emily enjoys doing yoga, hiking, sewing and spending time with her daughter, partner, family and friends.

Emily is a licensed yoga instructor and massage therapist specializing in Deep Tissue, Swedish, Craniosacral and Traditional Thai Massage. In 2009 Emily studied abroad in Chaing Mai, Thailand when she completed training at the Sunshine Network, Loi Kroh School of Thai Massage and the Old Medicine Hospital. Her trip overseas confirmed her belief that our health greatly affects the way we see and interact with the world. Now settled in Portland, Emily is excited to apply her studies of Eastern medicine to Asula's practice, and to facilitate the body's natural inclination toward balance and vitality. In her free time, Emily enjoys many physical activities, from horseback riding to diving.

Emily Krug LMT # 15116

Erika found a natural connection to bodywork while studying Holistic Health at a small private college in Prescott, Arizona. Through this coursework, she discovered her calling for massage therapy and immediately enrolled at East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, OR to pursue massage studies. After graduating in 2006, Erika began working at a chiropractic clinic where she further developed her passion for injury rehabilitation and medical massage. "I believe that the body holds onto emotions, stress and injuries much more than we realize. To truly heal from any trauma we must first understand that subconsciously we may be holding ourselves back."

Erika's massages are intuitive, energetic and are developed to suit individual needs. Although injury rehab is her favorite type of massage, she also loves practicing Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy. Erika has studied under Carol Gray, a well know Portland-based midwife and Craniosacral Therapist for infants. She also performs Acupressure/Tui Na, Pregnancy and Hot stone massage. Erika finished her bachelor's degree at Portland State University and graduated in 2010 with honors. In addition to bodywork Erika can be spotted around town practicing a few of her other passions: walking her boxer Zion, playing disc golf at Pier Park and enjoying new restaurants with girlfriends.

Erika Best LMT # 13410

A Pacific Northwest native, originally from Northwest Washington, Katie has a deep passion for working with people. Katie's interests have led her to pursue travel, community activism, and service with AmeriCorps. Katie holds a MA in Environment and Community from Antioch University Seattle, and a BA in Parks and Recreation from Western Washington University. As the Office Manager at Asula, she is dedicated to keeping the practice running smoothly in order to provide an optimal caring environment for patients. In her free time, Katie volunteers at the Northeast Tool Library and enjoys bike commuting and long runs in Forest Park.

Hannah's love of movement began at age of four, when she started classical ballet classes. After dancing intensively in ballet, modern, jazz, flamenco, and ballroom dance until age fifteen, Hannah decided she wanted to start a career in exercise and movement education. She discovered Pilates through her ballet training, and in 2010 she decided to pursue her Pilates certification. Hannah is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor© in both Mat & Reformer through Pacific Northwest Pilates.

Hannah is currently studying Community Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University and will receive her Bachelor of Science in early 2013. In the future, she plans on becoming a nationally certified personal trainer, as well as pursuing her GYROTONIC® certification.

Hannah creates personalized workout plans and goals for each client and inspires her clients with her upbeat attitude. She loves helping everyone find their passion for movement and living a healthy lifestyle through Pilates.

Katrina Paulson grew up in Portland, Oregon and has been interested in movement and bodywork from a young age. After 2 years at Oregon State University, Katrina discovered a compelling interest in massage as a healing art. She then moved to Eugene where she earned her LMT license in 2008.

Katrina has worked as a LMT and Chiropractic Assistant (CA) in various chiropractic and injury rehabilitation centers throughout the Portland area. She enjoys Deep Tissue and Trigger Point work, but she is also skilled in Swedish, Hot Stone, Sports, Prenatal and Ayurvedic massage techniques. Katrina's massage sessions are always tailored to her client's needs and wants. Her work is goal-based and deeply relaxing.

In her free time, Katrina enjoys reading (she's a bookworm), trail running and learning as much about the mind and body as she can.

LMT #15547

Kim has been involved in the health care field for most of her life. She started volunteering at a hippotherapy ranch for physically handicapped children when she was twelve, she volunteered at a skilled nursing facilities throughout high school, and in college she worked as a cancer rehab specialist for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Now, in addition to working at Asula she volunteers at Outside In where she does massage for homeless youth.

After receiving a degree in exercise physiology at the University of Northern Colorado she enrolled in massage school at the East West College of the Healing Arts and specialized in deep tissue and trigger point therapy. Kim's passion is in applying her knowledge in exercise physiology and kinesiology to her massage practice.

In her free time Kim loves being outside, whether it is hiking skiing or rock climbing she is always happiest with no walls around her. A lifelong athlete, Kim recently took up triathlons, and believes that her experiences as an athlete help guide her practice. She encourages all of her clients to be an active participant in their massage sessions. She looks forward to meeting new clients and helping them along their path to wellness.     LMT # 17783

Laura Hill is a graduate of the Ashland Institute of Massage in Ashland, Oregon. Laura's massage is highly intuitive and draws from modalities such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Thai, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, Shiatsu, and hydrotherapy. Depending on the client's individual tastes and needs, she gives a challenging yet deeply comforting massage that strives to soothe the body, quiet the mind, awaken the spirit and educate the soul. We are our own best teachers, after all, and Laura believes that as a massage therapist, she is only the facilitator of your wellness. Prior to discovering her passion in massage therapy, Laura studied Musical Theatre and received a BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 2003. She has also worked as a behavioral therapist with children with autism. Laura's deep understanding of human behavior and movement, combined with her compassion for the human experience continues to fuel her passion for massage therapy.

Laura Hill LMT # 15656

Mandy's journey into bodywork started with over a decade of formal ballet training and long distance running. Over time, she began to research treatments and alternative therapies that would prevent injury, build strength, and increase an overall sense of wellness. Once she discovered massage, she knew she had found her calling. She attended the East West College of the Healing Arts and completed the 800hr program with focuses in Trigger Point, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, recently completed training for traditional Thai Massage at the Baan Jai Center with Allison Lurie. Her approach is focused on client education, whole-body awareness, and integrating unique treatment plans by using tailored touch, mindful movements, and smart and deliberate sequences. She enjoys helping her clients realize their own body's potential by fostering connections of the body, mind, and spirit. Mandy's massage is highly intuitive and developed to suit individual needs. It is her intention to create a safe space for each person. In her spare time, she can be found spending precious time with her husband and 6 year old son, camping, hiking, and knitting. She also has a dedicated Ashtanga yoga practice. Mandy is honored to be a part of the Asula Wellness family.

Amanda Ashlock LMT #19392

Noora is dedicated and passionate about supporting your health and well being through compassionate touch. She trained at The Maui School of Therapeutic Massage, The Pacific Center for Awareness and Bodywork and has over six years of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Noora's specialties include: Connective Tissue Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy and Swedish Relaxation Massage. She often incorporates Awareness-Oriented Structural Integration, Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, breath work and aromatherapy into her treatment sessions.

"Massage continues to show me the importance of sharing sacred, healing space with another while experiencing the many layers of healing that can occur when therapeutic techniques are applied. Through this process, it is my hope that the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self can be expressed and supported. Massage is beautiful and powerful medicine that has brought me much joy to witness and experience. The practice of massage reminds me of my interconnectedness with all of life, the wisdom we each hold, and the simplicity of it all."

Noora Via LMT#13130

Pamela discovered Pilates after a decade plus career as a professional dancer. Pamela began her classical dance training at the age of 7, and made her professional debut with the New Jersey Ballet Company at the age of 16. In 2001, Pamela graduated from Yale University with a degree in Architecture. She then moved to New York City where she was handpicked to join Ailey II, sister company to the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. In NYC she worked with many distinguished choreographers including: Sidra Bell, Scott Rink, Eva Silverstein, Dwight Rhoden, and William Forsythe. Pamela relocated to Portland in 2008 to pursue her Pilates career. She is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor© in both Mat & Reformer and has completed additional coursework in Injuries and Special Populations. Pamela continues to apply her passion for dance and body movement to her private Pilates instruction at Asula. She will guide you safely through the exercises, help you to find those elusive postural muscles, and encourage you to meet your wellness goals. Be patient and have fun! Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Teresa discovered a career in massage through her personal journey to find relief from pain. Originally from West Virginia, Teresa relocated in order to train at the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville. While in school, she felt drawn to the modalities of Neuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology and Connective Tissue Therapy but it was ultimately Teresa's love of exercise which sparked her current passions for Sports Massage and Deep Tissue. She believes her work is most suited to a chiropractic setting and enjoys treating injuries and working with athletes.

She recently finished taking nursing prerequisites at PCC and is fully committed to broadening her knowledge base with continued study. She has an adventurous side which has taken her to the top of Mt. Rainier and on to Class V whitewater. Her ultimate career goals include completing her RN training and working as a flight nurse. During the rainy season you will find her crew leading for the Friends of Trees, practicing Bikram and Pilates, or training for a climb. In the summer, she loves either to travel to new places, or stay put in our beautiful city. Balance, she believes, is the key to happiness and Teresa looks forward to working with you to restore balance in your body.

Teresa Collins LMT #13161

Theresa's dedication to pilates began with her first introduction to it's repertoire. She found the strength and balance it brought to her life to be an inspiration to pursue her pilates teacher certification. Dedicated to her self practice, Theresa completed her training in mat, reformer and equipment with Pacific Northwest Pilates, where she also worked as an apprentice instructor.

Pilates became a critical component of Theresa's daily life, influencing her teaching style of approaching movement with fluidity and purpose. By working collaboratively with clients to uncover their particular needs and abilities, Theresa creates individualized programs dedicated to their health and well being. While her approach and focus are serious, her patience and light hearted demeanor enable those who work with her to feel comfortable and inspired to achieve their goals.

Theresa is currently studying the Franklin Method; a body awareness approach that focuses on the use of imagery for efficient and effortless movement.

Zeyah has been dedicated to the health care field since she can remember. As a little girl she volunteered at soup kitchens, in high school she organized a campaign to end domestic violence, in college she coordinated the HIV prevention program, and later she worked towards improving health care access for Chicago youth. At age 17, Zeyah went to her first introductory massage training and shortly thereafter registered for 1000-hour medical-massage training at the Cortiva Institute in Seattle, WA. When Zeyah moved to Portland, OR, she attended a Hatha Yoga teacher training and became a certified yoga instructor. She believes that a combination of yoga (and other movement therapies) along with massage can be key for injury rehabilitation and maintaining whole-body well being. Zeyah encourages her clients to be active participants in the session and tailors programs to help them to help reach their goals. She looks forward to continuing her career in the healing arts as she pursues her education in pre-medical courses at Portland State University.

Alicia "Zeyah" Roge LMT # 15656