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, running, reading, dancing and playing with Marley, her labradoodle.

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. Emilee Jansen grew up on the Southern Oregon Coast, where she discovered her passion for alternative healthcare. Dr. Emilee received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science from Oregon State University, then went on to graduate at the top of her class at Western States Chiropractic College with her professional degree, Doctor of Chiropractic. She received a second Bachelor of Science in Human Biology during her professional studies at WSCC.

As an avid runner, she experienced running-related back pain at OSU that was quickly managed with chiropractic care. During this time, she was taking courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Biology etc. It was then she learned that the principle "structure dictates function" works at all levels of life. She decided that everybody deserves to achieve optimal function through the chiropractic model of optimizing one's structure, and decided to dedicate her life to it. Dr. Emilee believes there are many aspects of health and will make an individualized treatment plan to meet many of your healthcare needs, allowing for complete wellness. She has a wealth of knowledge and is excited to share some of that with you to improve your life.

In her free time, she enjoys boating, camping, running, tennis, local concerts, and playing with her boston terrier.

Coming from two generations of Western doctors, Stephen Thompson L.Ac., was introduced to medicine at a very early age. His love for medicine flourished during his undergraduate program at Guilford College where he received his degree in Psychology with concentrations in Women's Studies and East Asian Philosophy. He graduated from Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, one of the top Oriental medical schools in the country, where his focus was on psycho-emotional disorders, Women's Health, and Herbal Medicine. Some of his mentors include master herbalists Dr. Li Zhang, Robert Newman, and Dr. Zhuo Yi Qiu.

Stephen has studied and practiced Tai Qi and Qi Gong for many years. He also brings the element of therapeutic bodywork to the practice and has training in structural integration and deep tissue massage. By incorporating all of his previous training, Stephen provides a truly complete healing experience.

Stephen Thompson L.Ac # AC150122

Shahrzad Fakhravar L.Ac., Dipl. O.M and Board-Certified Herbalist grew up in Portland, Oregon as a first generation Iranian-American. As a child, her weak immune system lead 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 cold and flu that kept her in bed for several weeks each winter. 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 and chronic pain that had the potential to debilitate her. Shahrzad was hooked, and knew that she wanted to pursue her graduate degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

Shahrzad graduated from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, one of the top Oriental medicine schools in the nation. Her internships at OCOM Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic, OCOM Hollywood Square Clinic, Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) Family Medicine Clinic, and Quest Center for Integrative Health allowed her to focus on her interests in Women's Health, Pain Management, chronic conditions, and herbal medicine.

Shahrzad believes that acupuncture and Oriental medicine should be an integral part of everyone's health regimen, as it balances the mind and body from inside out. Shahrzad finds a great joy in helping her patients achieve balance and wellness, and empowers them to continue on their own healing path.  Shahrzad Fakhrvar L.Ac # 152813

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.

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. 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.

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

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

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

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

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) Langsam LMT # 13410

Lavina received her training at The Boulder College of Massage Therapy, where there was an emphasis on a whole-body healing approach. She believes that working with and understanding the body is an incredible way to help individuals on their journey to optimum health. She is trained in Swedish, Shiatsu, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Integrative Therapy, hydrotherapy and Vibrational Medicine. Her massages are designed to support individual needs in a therapeutic and intuitive manner. Through massage therapy, her hope is to help facilitate, educate and promote healing in a safe therapeutic environment. Her passion is to help people recognize their own inner healing potential and in doing so, help to support healthy balanced lives.

Lavina Bowers LMT # 18333

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.

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.

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.

Jenn Schubert is a native of Chicago, who relocated to Portland with her husband. After four years of working in advertising and then surviving the worst snow storm to hit Chicago in 40 years (two feet in one hour!), Jenn decided she had enough. Within three months Jenn and her husband were packed in a tiny hatchback with two cats and a dream. The new location and career change paid off because Jenn soon found Asula Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

She is a 2007 graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy and is thrilled to have the opportunity to combine her background in HR, Art/Design and the Healing Arts into her position at Asula. When not working, Jenn enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga, sewing, art and learning about her new hometown of Portland, OR.

Her number one passion is exploring Powell Books. Her love runs so deep that search parties have been launched for her safe recovery from Powell's (true story).

Karah has always had a passion for song, dance and the great outdoors. She moved to Portland in 1999 to attend college on a choir scholarship. In addition to her studies, she also participated in college-level cheerleading. Karah loves the thrill of being out in the fresh air, whether through cheering, sky diving or traveling the world. Nowadays she spends most of her time exploring nature with her husband and twin girls in the great Pacific NW. Karah enjoys the serene environment of Asula and living life to its fullest every day.

Eric is a native Portlander who studied and worked in the Boston area before returning to PDX in 2011.  Having grown up in a family with doctors for parents, he has experienced all aspects of medical treatment and healing from the alternative to the traditional.  Eric has worked previously at medical clinics with an integrative model which combines treatment from medical doctors with massage, nutritional counseling, acupuncture and chiropractic. He is highly knowledgeable in these forms of healing and able to answer any questions you may have.

Eric is an avid biker, hiker and filmmaker with particular interest in history, music and political science. Eric hopes to study environmental and international law in the future and is currently applying to law schools across the country.