Another strong aspect of my practice is my knowledge of both fields of medicine: allopathic and naturopathic. I have one foot firmly planted in both arenas and shift weight according to the need. I provide the filter that most people need to navigate through their often confusing health decisions. I strongly believe that each person needs a Naturopathic Physician to be their primary care physician because we can help design the preventative course of action and interface with our Medical Doctor colleagues to design the most integrative treatment regime.

In addition to my private practice, I have served my community in a variety of capacities. From 1985-1991, I was a distinguished faculty member at Bastyr College, serving as Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Chair of the Midwifery Department. From 1987-1993, I was on the Board of the Midwives Association of Washington State (MAWS), and have served as Treasurer to the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians (WANP). I continue to teach as a guest instructor at Bastyr University, and publicly lecture and write articles. My philosophical bent towards “physician as teacher” permeates Emerald City Naturopathic Clinic (ECN). It is a cornerstone of the service we provide to teach and inform our clients not only about healthy lifestyles, but also about political activism, networking opportunities, and environmental and spiritual issues.

Dr. Loren Riccio, ND, LM
My passion for medicine developed when I was a young girl. During childhood my brother was often very sick. My curiosity and interest in understanding health and medicine grew from this experience. I became the little girl who sat in the doctor’s office asking WHY certain procedures were being performed, WHAT information that was going to give us, and HOW we were going to use that information. Encouraging those I work with to ask questions while helping them to learn and understand about their own health is very important. The Naturopathic principle Docere, doctor as teacher is my foundation for providing care.

The path to becoming a doctor led me to Binghamton University in New York where I graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychobiology. After graduating from Binghamton, I followed my heart to the Pacific Northwest. Living in the Wenatchee National Forest, I studied wildlife for the forest service and worked as a phlebotomist at a local hospital for three years.

Realizing the importance of how we enter this world and my desire to help make it a safe and sacred experience, I began studying midwifery at Bastyr University. I continued my midwifery training in the beautiful country of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. I have been catching babies in Seattle and surrounding areas ever since. I graduated from Bastyr University in 2004 with a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Certificate of Naturopathic Midwifery. In addition to these programs at Bastyr, I participated in an integrated medicine program in India and received additional training in reiki, homeopathy, UNDA, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation and NAET allergy treatment. Currently I am a Family Practice Associate with Dr. Molly Linton in the Crown Hill neighborhood of Seattle where I will continue to grow and learn.

Dr. Laura Walton, ND, LMP
I came to medicine through a very personal route, begun by my own need to heal from a critical motor vehicle accident injury. I was in Liberia, West Africa in 1989, studying anthropology with my professor when I was in a car accident that fractured my eye orbit, leaving me permanently blind in my right eye. After a week of little health care, I flew unaccompanied back to my family in Boston where I underwent intensive surgeries and extended hospital care. When I was completely physically healed in the eyes of the incredible allopathic team that cared for me, I knew there was more healing that needed to occur emotionally and spiritually. I found entry into that healing from an ND practicing homeopathy when I was living in Seattle a few years later. During the visit with this doctor, I found myself answering questions that I had been longing to answer. After I took the homeopathic remedy prescribed, my body began to heal the deeper wounds created by the car accident. As I experienced this healing, I knew that I wanted to facilitate this healing for other people and began to dedicate my life to serving others through naturopathic medicine.

I graduated from Bastyr University in 2005 with a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, specializing in homeopathy, physical medicine, women's health, and pediatrics. During my ND program of studies, I also trained to become a Licenced Massage Practitioner (LMP). I worked as an LMP for over 3 years, utilizing craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, myofascial release, deep tissue muscle work, reiki, flower essence therapy, and Swedish massage to help my clients find a deeper relationship to their bodies, to encourage self-knowledge and the healing that accompanies that knowledge. I am ecstatic to be a Family Practice Associate at Emerald City Naturopathic Clinic, and welcome you to our community.

Amanda Fenton, Medical Receptionist
Health care has long been a passion of mine- I have been fortunate enough to continually weave it into my life in one form or another. My degree in Human Physiology from the University of Oregon will one day propel me into the realm of graduate school, and presently has landed me here at Emerald City Clinic for a perspective on health that has always spoken to my spirit. Working in this holistic atmosphere- one that embraces all aspects of our beings- has opened my life up to so many new and inspiring opportunites, I cannot thank the universe enough for placing me here. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by the wonderful physicians who constantly open my eyes to greater knowledge, as well as all of the amazing people that come to our clinic for the quality care we provide. Feel free to let me know how I can serve you best at the front desk, as I will tend to your needs with a compassion that every being deserves.

Roberta Mitchell, Office Manager
I joined Emerald City Clinic in 1991 as Office Manger after working for 6 years in my husband’s Naturopathic medical practice. It’s my pleasure to serve you on the front desk, or by phone, to handle questions you may have about your account or to otherwise facilitate your care here. You may also find me giving injections and doing blood draws as the need arises.

Naturopathic Medicine and Midwifery are an integral part of my life. Having raised 4 'born-at-home' kids with natural medicine, I can personally testify to its effectiveness! I want your experience here at Emerald City Naturopathic Clinic to be the most excellent one you have ever had when it comes to medical care. To that purpose, we strive for a well-trained and responsive staff to meet your needs. If you have ideas about ways that we could serve you better, please share them with me.

Rachel Colburn, Patient Advocate
Growing up in a naturopathic family, I have seen the amazing power of natural medicine to work miracles in my life and in the lives of those around me. After spending many years working in the health care profession, I am happy to have found my place at Emerald City Clinic as the patient advocate. When we are unwell, even the most simple of tasks can seem overwhelming and can interfere with our ability to heal. I am excited to be available to each of you who may need some assistance in your journey to health.