Our team is here for you.

Dr. Shawnte Yates, ND, LAc
Naturopathic Doctor & Licensed Acupuncturist

My approach to medicine is to understand you and your journey so I can get to the root of your health concerns. I create personalized and practical treatment plans that are designed to fit your state of health, your busy schedule, and your budget. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been sick for as long as you can remember or you simply want to feel your best, we will work together to get you to your fullest potential so you can enjoy life on your terms.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, or an autoimmune disease or you have nagging symptoms with seemingly no underlying cause like headaches, digestive upset, or pain, your body is still working to move back into a state of optimal function. Through my training in naturopathy, classical Chinese medicine, and modern evidence-based medicine, I will help you discover the tools you need to regain your innate vitality. As a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist, I am trained to understand the changes that occur when someone moves from a state of health to a state of illness. This means I can treat a wide array of conditions and symptoms, even if you’ve been told “there is nothing wrong with you.” By treating patients as individuals as a whole, I am able to address functional changes in physiology and not just pathological states.

Using a combination of a thorough medical history, modern diagnostic tools, classical Chinese medicine diagnosis, and physical exams, we will find the underlying obstacle to your good health. By combining clinical nutrition with lifestyle modification, many common complaints can be addressed. Beyond lifestyle changes, I use acupuncture, massage and other physical medicine modalities to align the body and mind. I employ botanicals (Western and Chinese herbs), homeopathy, and nutritional supplements for many patients to support optimal health. I have advanced training in botanical medicine and regard herbs as one of our most powerful and safe medicinals.

It is essential to have a good relationship with your health care provider, which is why I offer a free 30 minute consult. During this time I will explain my philosophy of medicine and take the time to learn about you and how I can best help you. To learn more about my approach, education, and background, please visit www.drshawnteyates.com.

Dr. Molly Thelisdort, ND, LAc
Naturopathic Doctor & Licensed Acupuncturist

I became a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist in order to help others achieve and maintain optimal health in a sustainable way. I learned about natural medicine in high school while going through my own health issues, which were not responding to conventional treatment. After trying some “alternative” therapies, including changes to my diet, herbal medicines and nutritional supplementation, I was amazed at how quickly and easily my body regained its health without any side effects from medication. This personal experience ultimately lead me into the field of Naturopathic Medicine and Chinese Medicine, as I knew I wanted to be able to offer my patients the same type of care that played such a valuable role in my life.

I completed my medical studies at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), where I obtained my doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and master’s in Acupuncture. During the last 2 years of my training, I had the privilege of working along side Dr. Paul Kalnins ND, LAc and Bob Quinn PhD, who taught me how to effectively integrate Naturopathic and Chinese medicine into a modern, healing art that can act as alternative care or complementary to conventional treatments. I also had the opportunity to travel to Haiti on a medical volunteer trip during my 3rd year of medical school with Naturopaths Without Borders. This experience fueled my interest in global health and my passion for the importance of sustainable holistic medicine approaches to address the many health issues that are facing communities around the world.

My approach to healthcare begins, first and foremost, with getting to know you and your story. It is my goal to discover the root cause of your health concerns and to provide innovative tools and strategies to help you live a more balanced and vital life. In addition to modern conventional treatments, I utilize botanical medicine, classical Chinese and Japanese acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, and lifestyle modification to help support optimal health. Although trained as a primary care physician, I have a particular interest in treating fertility and preconception for men and women, endocrine imbalances, gastrointestinal complaints, mental/emotional disorders, women’s health and pediatrics/adolescent health. I am also trained in Japanese Pediatric Meridian Therapy and enjoy working with children to help support healthy physical, mental and emotional growth and development.

When I’m not at the clinic working with patients, I enjoy cooking (especially traditional Haitian recipes), traveling, practicing yoga and spending quality time with my husband. I am also an avid blogger and love sharing recipes and health related news with my patients and the community.

I look forward to hearing your story and working with you on your journey towards optimal health and wellness! As a bilingual practitioner, I am also happy to offer medical visits in French if needed. To learn more about my background, training and approach, please visit www.drmollyndlac.com.

Dr. Rachel Clark, ND LAc
Naturopathic Doctor & Licensed Acupuncturist

Dr. Rachel Clark, ND LAc is a Board Certified Naturopathic Physician and Licensed Acupuncturist. She graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) with a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and a Masters in Acupuncture. In her clinical mentorship as a student, Dr. Clark studied Japanese acupuncture and received a certificate in biotherapeutic drainage. Her post-graduate studies include craniosacral therapy, Tung acupuncture, spinal-realignment acupuncture, auricular therapy, and intuitive bodywork. She currently practices in downtown and southeast Portland, specializing in trauma recovery and pain management.

Through the influence of her grandmother, Dr. Clark was introduced to natural remedies at an early age. As a young adult, she enrolled in Willing Workers on Organic Farms where she was introduced to the grassroots healing practices of indigenous Central American cultures. This exposure to alternative methods of healing founded her belief in simple, natural cures that focus on treating the root causes of imbalance as opposed to the symptoms. She practices a study of intuitive healing methods, bridging a connection between the client's awareness and the body's healing ability.

Dr. Clark's philosophy emphasizes a mind-body approach by integrating clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, bodywork, and homeopathic remedies with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Like the needs of each patient are unique, so too are her treatment plans, individualized to comprehensively address ailments with compassionate and attentive care. Through education, relief, and lifestyle counseling, Dr. Clark empowers her patients to restore their body's natural vitality and improve their overall well-being.

Dr. Chelsea Eilts, ND, DSOM, LAc
Naturopathic Doctor & Licensed Acupuncturist

As graduate of the National University of Natural Medicine and the New England School of Homeopathy, I offer a range of holistic services to meet both primary care and targeted healthcare goals. Having background training in behavioral psychology, I emphasize sustainable, achievable steps when making recommendations for my patients. I am here to be an ally and supportive resource while simultaneously maintaining view of your goals. My toolbox is broad, ranging from diet, lifestyle, herbs, supplements, and East Asian medicine to pharmaceutical management and referral for specialized testing. This equates to more options for customized treatment.

It is truly a joy to be part of your care team at Essential Family Medicine. I welcome all patients. Please reach out with any questions.