Dr. Molly Niedermeyer (Linton), ND, LM
I graduated in 1984 from John Bastyr
College of Naturopathc Medicine with my doctorate degree, and completed my midwifery degree in 1985. I have wanted to be a doctor since I was  6 years old and am grateful to have found my  profession. I believe that becoming a doctor is  a 'calling' and I hold myself and my staff to the highest standard of quality and compassionate health care. Each day I am delighted to help coach my clients to reach their highest health  goals and obtain the appropriate tools to take  responsibility for their own health. My practice style is to be a true 'family practice' doctor, intimately aware of each of my client’s health goals and issues that inhibit them from reaching these goals. I attend families in labor, guardianship the growth of my pediatric clients, and guide women and men in their course of health through their adult lives. I am honored to be part of their health team.

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. Molly Niedermeyer was recently honored as one of Seattle's "Top Doctors" for 2011 in Seattle Met Magazine, and has been featured on "The Naturopathic Perspecitve," a Bastyr produced television production. To watch her interview and learn about her "Five Point Health Plan," please click on the following link: 

Dr. Molly's Five Point Health Plan.

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 Fam ily Practice Associate with Dr. Molly Linton in the Crown Hill neighborhood of Seattle where I will continue to grow and learn.

Dr. Tamara Dickson, ND

My interest in medicine grew from personal ailments as well as my studies of persons, behaviors and mental health.  While studying Psychology at State University of New York at Purchase College, I first began to see how every individual has a different story and a unique set of factors that influences the development of a disease.  At that time,  I had also been suffering from eczema and upper respiratory allergies for many years, and naturally grew to prefer botanical, homeopathic and other natural therapies. Although I had taken pre-med courses while earning my Bachelor's Degree, I hesitated when it became time to apply to medical schools.  It was not until I was introduced to the field of  Naturopathic Medicine through a friend, that I understood that hesitation. I felt strongly that Naturopathy would be the best way for me to assist people on their paths towards wellness. The principles of Docere (Doctor as Teacher), Vis Medicatrix Naturae (Healing Power of Nature) and Tolle Causum (Identify and Treat the Cause) aligned with my personal beliefs.

I graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2009, specializing in diet and nutrition, botanicals and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I enjoy getting to know my clients, educating them about their bodies and needs and identifying the obstacles to health so they can make better, informed decisions in the future.  I still hold an interest in treating mental health issues especially because Naturopathy has so much to offer for mental-emotional ailments. Additionally, I have completed training in NAET allergy treatment, Reiki, Cranial-Sacral Therapy and teaching Hatha yoga. 

Dr. Gretchen Imdieke, ND

Ever since childhood, I have been passionate about educating and sharing my knowledge with those around me. What better way to share this passion than by teaching people about disease process and prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices? It is my mission to provide guidance during my patient's journey through disease and healing.

Naturopathic medicine was not a term I grew up with, but entered my vocabulary soon after high school. Throughout my childhood I struggled with my medical experiences, rarely received an explanation for my complaint, and was never taught how to prevent the reoccurrence of illnesses. After working at a health food store and being introduced to alternative medicines, I knew I wanted to teach people about health and disease. I wasn't set on any particular field of medicine, but I knew I wanted to provide people with a different quality of health care than I had received. In my undergraduate studies, I was given the opportunity to live with a Yachak of the Sarguro people in Ecuador which sparked my interest in healing with foods and plants. Soon after returning from Ecuador, my father told me about Bastyr University and Naturopathic medicine, and I felt blessed to have found my path in life.

I am not only passionate about educating and guiding people to better health, but I am very passionate about enjoying life and making sure to laugh several times throughout each day. I understand the difficulties of finding balance and achieving optimal health in our hectic and demanding lifestyles, especially here in the city. I feel my best when I am able to find balance in my weeks by mixing yoga, running, surfing, and cooking with my eventful days here at Emerald City Clinic. I am drawn to primary care because it allows me to use several modalities and treatment stategies, along with the challenge and excitement of not knowing what I will encounter each day. I have had an amazing journey thus far in becoming a naturopath and look forward to working with the dedicated, talented, and fun-loving team at Emerald City Clinic.

Dr. Cynthia Castillo, ND

My desire to pursue a career in medicine, while rooted in early childhood, has had several twists and turns throughout my life. I have always been interested in the natural sciences, particularly in learning how the body works. My fascination for human anatomy and physiology began during middle school in my biology class when I delivered my first class presentation on the digestive system. I was captivated by learning how the body operated in a complex but very elegant manner, in a series of intricate physiological reactions that harmoniously created life and a state of health. However, my desire to become a physician was not felt will full force until I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. 

I was a very inquisitive student involved in basic science research, learning through my undergraduate courses and bench work experience about nature’s tiniest living organisms, when my younger brother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Literature research allowed me to discover that for some diseases like MS, doctors not always have a definite cure. Yet, this was one of the many things I found so interesting and challenging about the practice of medicine; that the physician alone is not going to solve the problem for the patient. The physician, with clinical knowledge and wisdom derived from cumulative practicing experiences, works together with the patient in discerning the most appropriate course of action to assist the patient in overcoming their health challenges.

I decided to pursue a career in medicine that took into consideration all aspects of the human being: the physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social, as well as the interaction of the person with its environment. I obtained my Naturopathic Doctorate degree from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, and I am currently in my last year of clinical training in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

I love working with people of all ages and different cultural backgrounds to address their health concerns, both acute and chronic. I like to take time to listen and learn about people’s personal stories, understanding their individual needs. I like to form a partnership with my clients by assisting them in identifying and addressing internal body imbalances and encouraging them to be proactive about their own health. My goal is to support them through their own journey in fining balance on all levels of healing.

Through time I have discovered that the most important thing humans can achieve in life lies in our capacity to love and care for others. Therefore, I want to give humanity my dedication and knowledge since helping others is something I believe is a personal calling.

 
Amanda Zuluaga, Clinic Manager

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 hands-on health care, 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, as I will tend to your needs with a compassion that every being deserves.

Roberta Mitchell, Property 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.

Kelyn Johnson, Medical Administrator

Greetings everyone! My name is Kelyn. I'm fairly new to Emerald City Clinic as front desk staff, but not new at all to Naturopathic medicine. I have been  treated by Naturopathic doctors since I was just a baby. My father, who some of you may know of, is Dr. Robert Gordon Johnson Jr. He, next to Dr. Molly, is one of the greatest NDs in the country to me. Many times growing up I received acupuncture along with natural treatment and Chinese herbs as my main form of health care. I believe in naturopathic medicine, trust it and have been connected to it all my life. I'm very excited and happy about working with this family of Emerald City staff and I look forward to meeting all of you as well!