About WDL

I have always been interested in nutrition but at age 47, I developed some conditions that had me searching for answers beyond going to an MD. Those answers eventually were found in the functional and integrative medicine fields, thus beginning an interest and a journey for me to become a licensed healthcare practitioner.

I have studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine (Austin, TX) for many years, working towards masters/doctoral degrees and spending 3 years as a student intern in community clinics, doing treatments with acupuncture and other modalities plus prescribing herbal medicines. I also now work on-campus as the Librarian supporting our students, faculty, staff and clinic clients.

I have not as yet finished my practitioner and educational journey. As with all of us, I faced some personal events and issues that took me on a healing path that academics could not mediate. I had to take time to sort through what was coming up and grow in new ways. I feel inspired to learn, be open and aware everyday, but also quite humbled at my own humanity. 

As I take my next steps, I would like to share how I accomplish my goals, grow my confidence and learn new skills plus show how I evolve my way at looking at what a "Well Design" lifestyle can be. I am all about healing, physically, mentally and emotionally, but also spiritually, much more than I was as a student involved in my studies. I enjoy making people feel better with treatments, interacting with my calm bedside manner (as I was told). However, what I learned about myself and being human, I believe that will make me a better practitioner to also serve and support others outside of the treatment room.

I truly believe in "love thy neighbor as thyself"...but you need to know, love and take care of you first...no matter what you do in life.

Rita Ramirez, MSIS, MAcCHM, L.Ac.