G. LUKE GONZALES, ND
I am a licensed Naturopathic Physician and graduate of the National College of Natural Medicine. I have specialized training in body-mind psychotherapy, natural childbirth, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and soft tissue manipulation with nationally and internationally renowned experts in the field. I believe the practice of medicine boils down to two primary acts. One is the removal of obstacles that get in the way of the natural functioning of the organism. The second is a biological nourishment of the organism that supports social, physical, mental, and spiritual growth. I use various modalities to meet you appropriately according to your needs and goals, but most importantly I believe that healing depends on a relationship of honesty, empathy, knowledge, and example. In my own experience, the once unimaginable first becomes possible, and then second-nature as this journey unfolds.
I grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California and the Willamette Valley of Oregon. My education at Dartmouth College was an important time in which I became aware of a disconnection from my own health and body, and became inspired to learn and change. My three children have been my greatest teachers and inspired my passion for medicine. Originally planning to attend conventional medical school, I was led to the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where I quickly felt at home. There the blend of science, conventional medical diagnostics, and clinical skills with a comprehensive education in natural therapeutics provided me with exactly the right knowledge and experience to meet my goals as a physician.
DESIREE LEFEVER, LMT
Two years ago I took a risky but important step to follow my heart into the healing arts. So I left my job in corporate sales and began massage school at the Oregon School of Massage. I knew right away that it was the best decision I had ever made. Working with my hands brought me great joy and I immediately noticed the positive impact that massage was having in the lives of the people I worked with. My vision is to help people connect with their bodies by working with the physical, energetic, and emotional aspects to promote balance and healing. I have a passion for Reiki, am beginning my training in Craniosacral therapy and am in the process of becoming certified in pregnancy and postpartum massage. Women’s health massage is of great interest to me and over time I will incorporate Mayan abdominal massage, Myofascial release, and visceral manipulation as I gain those skills.
Throughout our lives, our bodies do quite a lot! They carry us through all our joys and adventures, as well as all our injuries and traumas. At times our bodies take in and hold trauma and emotions in our muscles and energetic systems as a way of protecting us from or “pushing through” difficult situations. This can create painful holding patterns that affect how we move and feel in our bodies. When our bodies aren’t free to move and express themselves completely, energy stagnates, muscles can develop chronic spasms pulling our bones and organs out of alignment, and disease and chronic pain may set in and keep us from living the full beautiful healthy lives that we deserve. We may start to disconnect from our bodies because we’re tired of feeling uncomfortable. This is where I come in. With regular massage, I work with you to help your body to relax and let go of things that it’s holding on to, free up your energy so that it can flow through your body the way it’s meant to, and help you create a healthy connection with your body. This will allow your body to heal itself. And as your body begins to feel better and healthier and more mobile, you may find yourself feeling happier and more alive and able to handle challenges in a whole new way. This is my goal for my patients, and I feel blessed to be a part of their healing journey.
Samantha Evans Rayack, ND, CPM
Dr. Samantha Evans Rayack, ND, CPM, was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Oregon State University. She graduated from Bastyr University with degrees in naturopathic medicine and midwifery.
Though she is not currently attending births, she loves assisting families on their journey to wellness. She knows every person is unique, therefore physical examinations are thorough and treatment plans are individually formulated.
In addition to her expertise in women's health issues, fertility pregnancy preparation, and pediatrics, Dr. Samantha has vast experience with patients with digestive complaints and chronic diseases.
Dr. Samantha also offers CranioSacral Therapy (a very gentle, hands-on energy medicine).
Dr. Samantha strives to create a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable, respected, listened to and empowered. She is also passionate about traveling, hiking, healthy cooking, gardening and spending time with her family. She is a proud member of the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OANP) and the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP).