Map it
I’m Nicole Welsh, and I live in Los Angeles with my husband and our rescue dog.
I earned my master’s degree in Integrative Health & Nutrition and am currently a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) candidate, inspired by my own health challenges to give back to those seeking clarity, balance, and partnership in their health journey.
My life was flipped upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive hereditary GI cancer in my early twenties. This experience radically changed my life, and today I live with a newfound appreciation for my body’s capacity to adapt and heal.
Following this scary diagnosis, I was left overwhelmed, confused, and yearning for options beyond the limited scope of standard-of-care medicine.
Living in the “wellness mecca” of Los Angeles, I was tempted by every diet, healer, supplement, meditation, and alternative modality – and I tried them all, to my complete exhaustion. I began to wonder if there was a simpler way—one guided by evidence, yet rooted in my own intuitive knowing. What started as a glimpse of curiosity for what might lie “under the hood” that may have contributed to the expression of cancer so early in my life, evolved into a homecoming of sorts.
While my health journey is constantly evolving, I have become adept at deciphering information, weighing expert opinions, and deep diving inward – whether that be into biomarkers or emotional health.
Whether you are living with a chronic condition, hoping to prevent one, or simply dreaming of a long life in good health – I would be honored to join you on your journey.
Map it
Sheila Perkinson is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Maryland. She received her Master of Acupuncture degree from the Maryland University of Integrative Health in Laurel, MD, where she studied the Five Element teachings of J.R. Worsley, as well as the concepts and philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition to running her private practice, Sheila is the acupuncturist at the Wellness & Support Center at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, MD.
Jean Donati is a graduate of the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia Maryland, (now the Notre Dame of Maryland University). She obtained a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in 2000. She is Licensed with the Maryland State Board of Acupuncture. Since 1992, Jean has also been a skilled Certified Physician Assistant. She is Licensed with the Maryland Board of Physicians, and is certified with the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants. She maintains her physician assistant certification so she can better serve her patients, and fully understand the western medicine behind their disease processes, thus combining eastern and western knowledge to their individual treatment modalities.
In her Acupuncture Practice, Jean focuses on treating all types of musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, stress and anxiety, depression, neurological conditions and womens’ health issues. However with the whole body approach of Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, every medical issue has the potential to be addressed, so her practice is not limited to these aspects alone.
She has successfully treated low back pain and sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, neck pain, depression, rotator cuff injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, stress, anxiety, vertigo, dysmenorrhea, Achilles tendonitis, migraine headaches, and has assisted couples with fertility concerns.
She has a special interest in Caring for Caregivers (family caregivers, physicians, nurses, counselors, Fire/EMS, and police) and understands the need to be tended and healthy in order to give quality care to others. She has been using microneedling since 2023 for hair loss and facial rejuvenation, (also known as collagen induction therapy), to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, scarring and dark spots, and improve overall facial tone and skin elasticity. This journey began with her hair loss after covid, which she was able to fully restore in a few microneedling treatments.
When you come to see Jean, you can expect a calm, comfortable, healing atmosphere, attentive listening and a gentle, effective approach of providing therapy and care. You will receive her undivided attention during your session. Your care is her only priority. There is no double booking or leaving the room to attend to other patients during your session time.
In her spare time, Jean enjoys spending time with her family, figure skating, ballet, and yoga.
Jean chose to devote her skills and expertise to Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine after trying acupuncture as a last ditch effort for her own chronic low back pain.
Holly’s interest in nutrition began with a love of science and a deep curiosity about why some people thrive while others struggle with chronic illness. After working as a research scientist studying infection disease, she shifted her focus to nutrition to bring that information directly to empower people to use food as a tool for healing.
Her background as a scientist and training in clinical integrative nutrition have allowed her to help you sift through the nuance of the research and apply what matters for you personally. She has experience working as part of an integrative and functional medicine practice, and has experience supporting people with digestive disorders, cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, MCAS, POTS, EDS. Holly has a particular passion for mental health, gut health, and metabolism because of the foundational ways they impact energy, mood, and long-term health.
Holly believes that all people deserve personalized, compassionate nutrition care as part of their overall healthcare. She practices with a science-based, non-restrictive approach. She enjoys helping each client cut through the confusion around food and find flexible strategies that repair their relationship with eating and support sustainable health.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, followed by a Master’s degree in Molecular Medicine from University of Maryland Baltimore, and a second Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition and Integrative Health from Maryland University of Integrative Health. She is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN).
Outside of work, Holly enjoys making art, gardening, hiking, experimenting in the kitchen, and spending time with her family and pets.
In 2010 I completed a master’s degree program in Acupuncture at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MIUH), then called Tai Sophia Institute. My acupuncture training emphasized the fostering of intuition on every level, except when it came to food. As both the practitioner and the patient, there were more rules and guidelines around how we feed our bodies than anything else. I practiced Intuitive Eating personally, and kept finding a disconnect between what my patients were talking about in the treatment room, and how they had been taught to nourish their bodies. It became increasingly difficult to reconcile the two. I wanted to bring this work to my patients.
I sought professional help from an intuitive eating counselor for myself and cleaned up some loose ends from doing the work on my own. I was inspired to start the program to become an Intuitive Eating Counselor. I want to bring Intuitive Eating as an important component to Body Positivity to the acupuncture/wellness industry. In 2015 I started to find a community with podcasts and felt the support of strangers saying, “I’ve been there. I get it. It is a life that lacks joy.” If you see yourself reflected in my story, know that I am here to partner you on that journey. I have been a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor since 2022.
My professional work with acupuncture and diet culture have collided over the years. I have not found a blueprint to help me navigate this piece. And, here I am, offering you my own way. I am creating a blueprint to merge the worlds of acupuncture and intuitive eating to help foster a more positive relationship with our bodies. Body respect is at the top of my goals for myself and my patients, and I look forward to building this road together as we learn to cultivate a less negative relationship with our bodies.
I provide acupuncture for all bodies. All are welcome in my office. Strong LGBTQIA ally. Weight-Inclusive and Fat Positive provider.
Hello, and welcome to my acupuncture practice! I’d love to share how my journey in healthcare began.
I started as a Certified Physician Assistant in 1992 and became a Licensed Acupuncturist in 2000. My background in both Western and Eastern medicine allows me to approach patient care with an experienced comprehensive perspective.
Before becoming a Physician Assistant, I was involved in a serious accident that left me with chronic lower back pain and sciatica. Despite trying physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medications, nothing provided lasting relief. Surgery seemed like my only option—until a colleague suggested acupuncture. I had never considered it before, but I was willing to give it a try.
On December 15, 1995, my first acupuncture session changed my life and my approach to medicine forever. During that visit, I felt truly listened to, understood, and cared for as a whole person—not just another patient with back pain. That experience opened my eyes to what was missing in my work as a Physician Assistant: a personal, holistic approach that addresses the entire person, not just the symptoms.
With regular acupuncture treatments, the back pain I had struggled with for seven years disappeared within six months. My overall well-being improved too—I felt happier, less stressed, and more balanced. To this day, I use acupuncture to maintain my health and wellness.
I’m passionate about helping others experience the same care and transformation, addressing not just their pain but their full physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Integrative Nutrition Counseling
I’m Health and Wellness Coach, leaning into solid intuition to guide clients in building a better future. Life is very fluid and I believe in you!
I am a Licensed Acupuncturist and Reiki Master with a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. I use acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and herbal recommendations to address the particular requirements of each individual seeking treatment. When you come to see me, I’m going to work with you to understand your unique needs. I’ve had positive experiences treating patients with chronic pain, migraines, TMJ, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, autoimmune and neurological disorders, fertility challenges, women’s health issues, pediatric issues, digestive complaints, etc. There’s really nothing that acupuncture can’t help to some degree. As a licensed acupuncturist, my goal is to help you find relief and be able to view yourself in wellness- whatever that looks and feels like for you. Let me show you how I can support you as part of your healthcare team.