Staff

Lisa Dugan, RN

Lisa earned a Master's degree in Nutrition Science and a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Syracuse University in New York. She is a certified Reiki Level two practitioner. Lisa was a travel nurse for many years, specializing in Critical Care nursing: ICU, CCU, ER and Cardiac Catheterization. She worked at hospitals in New York, Colorado, and Arizona.

"I value holistic medicine, preventative care, and support of the body's innate ability to heal itself. I seriously considered becoming a Naturopathic doctor, but I came from the East Coast where natural medicine lags behind the West Coast. I am thrilled to be working at the Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine which is so aligned with my passions. In my practice as a Registered Nurse, I have always embraced the connection between mind, body and spirit. I am fortunate that I find my work as a nurse to be so fulfilling."

Jenifer Martin

Jenifer earned her Bachelor of Science in biology at University of Puget Sound, Washington. She apprenticed with a naturopathic doctor while learning colonics. She subsequently became a GPACT and I-ACT certified colon hydrotherapist. GPACT is the Global Professional Association of Colonic Therapists. Certification requires 100 hours of study in the fields of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.

"I enjoy helping people learn how the digestive process works. Even if they come to lose weight, they leave with enough information to treat themselves better and understand how nutrition impacts their bowels, what is healthy and why. Sometimes people actually see that they are not chewing their food – and they had no idea. It is interesting to see the light bulb come on."

Julie Rasmussen, RN

After Julie completed her undergraduate studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, she completed nursing school at Winona State University, Minnesota. Upon graduation, she accepted a Medical/Surgical position at Samaritan Havasu Regional Medical Center in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

"I learned quickly that although allopathic medicine played a role in helping people, the spectrum of healing options did not empower people to find either their own health or their ultimate happiness. While I worked in hospitals for 14 years, I gathered as much information as possible about other forms of healing. I have a genuine thirst for integrative healing techniques. I visited Indian hospitals and briefly worked in a Tanzanian hospital. I learned and experienced many modalities of healing techniques including Native/Indigenous ways and energetic healing.I am excited to be part of the Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine with its open-door approach to many forms of healing."

In 2000, Julie became a Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher and more recently, a certified Reiki Level two practitioner.

Lucy Swerdfeger, Front Office Manager

When you call us, chances are you will reach Lucy Swerdfeger. Your phone calls, your details upon arrival, are her priority.

Lucy graduated from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in May 2008, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration. She is the middle daughter of Dr. Grout and Steven Swerdfeger, and is happily engaged to her Australian fiancé, Alex.

"Being part of the family business is a dream come true. I believe in service with a smile. Whenever you call or approach the front desk, you can count on me to make your day better. Being treated with love and respect is a big part of the healing process, and I enjoy my job to its fullest. Coming to work every day is a joy and I want to share my happiness with you."

Outside of work you can find Lucy snuggling with her kitty Fluke or hanging out at Sweet Republic, her favorite ice cream shop.

Sarah Swerdfeger, Medical Assistant

Sarah will work with you in the allergy room as we determine what foods, chemicals, pet dander, and other substances are causing your allergic reactions.

Sarah is a licensed massage therapist in the state of Arizona; she completed her training at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in 2005.

Sarah also keeps our back office operating seamlessly. She maintains the inventory of supplements, supplies and test kits. She prepares charts for the nurses and files a vast amount of paperwork.

Malcah Yehuda, RN

Malcah earned her Advanced Degree in Nursing from Compton Community College in 1988. She joined the staff of William Richardson, MD in Atlanta, GA, where as a nutrition counselor, she worked with people with eating disorders. She was also in charge of natural childbirth education. Malcah is a licensed nurse with 30 years experience working in the natural health arena. She has extensive experience with raw and natural food preparation. Malcah moved to Arizona in 2006, and joined the Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine in June of 2007.

She developed an interest in holistic medicine because she realized that conventional medicine had no way of treating chronic illness, or of teaching people how to live a healthy lifestyle.

"After watching my mother have operation and after operation, and seeing her suffer so after each procedure, I wanted to do something to make a difference. As a nurse, I wanted to bring a different perspective to people."