Center for Integrative Medicine Team

Medical Director, Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine

Dr. Walker is the medical director for the Center for Integrative Medicine, and a passionate advocate for combining evidenced-based, integrative medicine with traditional western therapies to bring optimum wellness to her patients. As a board-certified radiation oncologist at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, she often complements her patient’s traditional cancer treatment plan with alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, yoga, diet and exercise. Her goal is to treat each patient as if they were a member of her family. 

An accomplished cancer researcher, Dr. Walker has studied the effects of the use of integrative therapies to help ease side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats and excessive sweating. She has also done research on the use of high-dose antioxidant therapy during cancer treatment, as well as the use of exercise during and after cancer treatment for breast and prostate cancer. Her research in this area led to the creation of the well-known ExCITE exercise program.  

Dr. Walker also serves as director of the Division of Breast Services in the Department of Radiation Oncology. She received her medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. She received advanced training at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and the University of Maryland Hospital in Maryland, where she completed a fellowship in radiation oncology. 

Functional Medicine Physician
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Dr. Elizabeth Swenor has been practicing functional medicine for more than 15 years and leads the Functional Medicine program at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. Her clinical interests include regenerative and metabolic medicine and weight management. She is devoted to her patients and passionate about providing patient-centered care.

Her goal is to empower her patients with the knowledge and health tools they need to achieve optimal health and wellness. She strongly believes that all patients can improve their overall health by reducing whole body stress and inflammation by correcting metabolic imbalances through good nutrition.

Dr. Swenor is board certified in Family Medicine and has received advanced certification in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine from the Metabolic Medical Institute and is also certified in Anti-aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Lauren Barhitte, NP

Nurse Practitioner, Functional Medicine

Lauren Barhitte is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner. She obtained a Bachelors in Nursing (BSN) from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and her Masters in Nursing from Rush University in Chicago. Lauren’s nursing career started as an intensive care nurse which led to an interest in the prevention of the chronic disease. After learning that at least 80% of chronic disease and 40% of cancers are preventable through optimal nutrition and lifestyle, she realized that applying lifestyle medicine was critical to providing patients with one the most powerful tools we -have to treat and prevent chronic disease.

As a diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Lauren uses evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle modalities to prevent, treat, slow progression, and in some cases even reverse disease. The pillars of lifestyle medicine which include nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep hygiene, social relationships and avoidance of risky substances, are applied on a personalized level to meet the needs of each patient. Through the application of therapeutic lifestyle medicine, Lauren helps her patients achieve total health transformation, through partnership that empowers them to make sustainable life changes that help the achieve optimal wellness, longevity and vitality. 

Ashley Houghteling, NP-C

Nurse Practitioner, Functional Medicine
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Ashley Houghteling is a board-certified nurse practitioner with the Department of Functional, Lifestyle, and Preventive Medicine within the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. She believes that patients benefit from an individualized, holistic approach to care. Her care plans include education and encouragement to help patients live the best quality of life possible. She is particularly passionate about a plant-based diet and its ability to help reduce inflammation and prevent disease.

Ashley is board certified in both adult and family medicine by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She received her nursing degree at Wayne State University and received her advanced training at the University of Massachusetts.

Erin Beattie, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Erin Beattie, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist. She works closely with other providers to develop individual care plans that help her patients meet health goals and improve wellness.

Erin believes that diet and nutrition is the foundation of good health and often root cause of chronic illness. She is fascinated by the role food has on health and is excited about empowering others with nutrition knowledge. Erin understands that changing our food choices is hard and enjoys helping patients along their wellness journey. Her clinical areas of interest include weight management, digestive issues, food sensitivities and support for patients during cancer treatment.

She focuses on plant-based nutrition and has worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of settings, including medical clinics, schools, and community events. Erin stays current on research in the fields of nutrition, food science and lifestyle medicine. She also keeps up with new policies in the food and in health care industries.

Erin obtained her B.A. in Nutrition and Food Science along with her B.S. in Dietetics from Wayne State University (WSU). She also completed WSU’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
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Maria Conley is a registered dietitian nutritionist and believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy eating. She enjoys working with patients in an individualized way—incorporating health status with personal food preferences, lifestyle and knowledge to develop a personalized treatment plan. Maria works closely with Dr. Elizabeth Swenor and the integrative team at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. Together, they examine lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that may be contributing to illness and chronic disease and develop a comprehensive care plan to improve overall health and wellness.   

Maria graduated from Eastern Michigan University’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Her professional experience includes providing medical nutrition therapy for children and adults, as well as advancing health and wellness initiatives in communities at-risk for poor health. 

Chiropractic Sports Physician, Section Chief of Chiropractic
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Dr. Orr received his Doctoral degree in Chiropractic Medicine from the National University of Health Sciences. He has been in private practice for twelve years. He is currently completing a program for certification in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. His holistic approach includes treatment using spinal manipulation and soft tissue techniques along with education about lifestyle changes which will support long term healing of musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Orr treats a variety of chronic conditions such as arthritis, low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, shoulder pain and chronic headaches. He has a special interest in the treatment of sports injuries in the young athlete.

Board Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician
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Dr. Betts is a full time senior staff physician for the Henry Ford Medical Group as member of the Center for Integrative Medicine team.  He is a graduate of the National University of Health Sciences and has been practicing chiropractic for 13 years.

His educational experience has been focused on caring for the human frame, he received bachelor degrees in both Exercise Science and Human Biology and then continued on to ultimately receive his Doctor of Chiropractic degree.  Dr. Betts is certified in Manipulation Under Anesthesia and is a board-certified chiropractic sports physician.

He uses his education and experience to address cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine pain, as well as headaches, extremity complaints, arthritis and sciatica.  Dr. Betts enjoys identifying the cause of the problem and working towards finding a solution, as well as instructing the patient on how to make corrections from proper work station ergonomics and sleep habits to implementing stretching and strengthening protocols.

Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine

Dr. Amanda Brown is a board-certified chiropractor at the Henry Ford Center of Integrative Medicine. She is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic–West and was one of the first five chiropractors selected into the Veterans Administration Chiropractic Residency Program through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. After completing the one-year residency in upstate New York, she worked as a Staff Chiropractor in the Comprehensive Pain Clinic at the Minneapolis V.A. Medical Center. She is very experienced in treating neck and low back pain and is certified in the McKenzie Method for low back pain.

Dr. Brown began focusing her practice on women’s health when she recognized a need for quality patient-centered care for women. She became especially passionate about treating women after having two children of her own. She became a birth doula, and is Webster certified to treat women during pregnancy and postpartum.

Dr. Brown uses manual spinal manipulation techniques along with soft tissue mobilization with evidence-based treatments while taking your preferences into consideration. She is a compassionate provider who makes it her priority to help her patients live more functional and fulfilling lives.

Linda Holland, DC

Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
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Dr. Linda Holland is a board-certified chiropractor at the Henry Ford Center of Integrative Medicine. Her focus is on family care, emphasizing spinal health and total fitness for achieving or maintaining wellness. An experienced practitioner, she has worked with patients of all ages, addressing all life stages of spinal mobility to help her patients achieve a higher quality of life. She has gently adjusted patients with various conditions, including: pregnancy-related back pain; toddler, adolescent and adult scoliosis; sports injuries; slip and falls; pinched nerve pain; and all afflictions of back and neck.

Dr. Holland also has experience in treating those with disc and spinal cord injury, stroke and various muscular dystrophy diseases, addressing the importance of exercise, stretching and spinal alignment. It is her top concern to make sure that every patient is adjusted comfortably.

She received her doctoral degree in Chiropractic from Life University in Georgia in 1990 and has been in private practice for 29 years throughout the metro Detroit area. Dr. Holland has extra training in the Cox lower back and neck disc management technique, activator technique, sports-injury management, and kinesiology taping.

Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Certified Sports Acupuncturist

Tom Betts is a board-certified and registered acupuncturist at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. He earned his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Illinois State University. Tom also completed his combined Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine.

Dr. Betts started his journey in health and wellness as a personal trainer. After experiencing the benefits of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine first hand, he decided to become an acupuncturist. In addition to his training as an acupuncturist, Dr. Betts completed a highly regarded Acupuncture Sports Medicine Apprenticeship Program.

He helps his patients achieve their optimal health through education, which includes instruction on self-care techniques and incorporates counseling on diet, exercise, lifestyle, awareness, and relaxation. This approach is very holistic and encourages patients to take an active role in their own healthcare, using Dr. Betts as a guide to maintain their health

Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
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Ryan received his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and has completed his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. He also has diplomas in Asian bodywork and massage therapy. Ryan completed his Doctoral Studies at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) with advanced clinical training in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Women’s Health, and research.

As a practitioner of natural medicine, Ryan believes that the path to healing begins within oneself. He utilizes the art of natural medicine to help his patients navigate their personal journey by means of a holistic approach. Ryan is a skilled and sensitive practitioner of Oriental Medicine who offers a wide range of healing therapies, including acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and bodywork.

Ryan’s treatment plan will work in conjunction with your other healthcare providers. This will allow for the greatest healing potential when dealing with your health concern. During a session, Ryan often shares self-care techniques that will allow his patients to enhance their overall wellness.

Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
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Zeyiad “Z” Elias is board certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. He received his Master of Science from Pacific College and his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University, specializing in supportive oncology and pain management. At Bastyr, he conducted laboratory research on Chinese herbs and cancer, focusing on triple negative breast adenocarcinoma.

In Seattle, Zeyiad worked with oncologist, Ben Chue, integrating Chinese medicine into conventional care. He also served as vice president of the Washington East Asian Medicine Association and board member of the Association of Integrative Oncology and Chinese Medicine. He continues work with state and national associations to educate the public about the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Zeyiad supports patients through their cancer treatment process. He provides adjunctive care that helps relieve side effects from conventional interventions, keeps patients on track and helps improve outcomes.

Acupuncturist
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Mathew is a NCCAOM board certified and registered acupuncturist in the state of Michigan. He received his Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, FL. Previously, he earned his dual B.A. in Psychology and Spanish while participating in clinical research benefiting Asperger Syndrome children.

Mathew has worked with many different patients since practicing in Florida, Illinois, and Michigan having specialized in palliative care, degenerative disorders, fibromyalgia, mental health, and both physical and mental trauma and pain. He firmly believes that acupuncture plays a key role in healthcare, acting as a bridge between our current health and the health of society and individuals for our future. He is passionate about helping patients cope with any medical condition they might present with, believing acupuncture treats the patient as a whole and not just symptoms.

Acupuncturist
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Ruth Lehmann is a board-certified and registered acupuncturist at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. As a practitioner of natural medicine, she believes in restoring the balance between mind, body and spirit using traditional Chinese medicine to help her patients live their best life possible.

She is dedicated to caring for and providing individualized support to patients by integrating traditional Chinese medicine with traditional Western modalities through a wide range of healing therapies, including acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and bodywork. Ruth Lehmann firmly supports evidence-based integration of the use of acupuncture to help with fertility, pain management, stress management and the reduction of side effects from Western medications.

Ruth Lehmann received her Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. Ruth Lehmann also completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Concordia University of Wisconsin, and is a certified oncology nurse with almost two decades of experience.

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
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Kathryn is a board-certified, licensed massage therapist who is dedicated to using massage to improve the lives of others. She has experience in both clinical and spa settings and offers a variety of massage styles designed to fit each patient’s unique needs. Her specialties include deep tissue, prenatal, oncology, aromatherapy, Thai, Swedish and reflexology.

Kathryn is passionate about the benefits of massage and feels its effects can be life changing. She enjoys working with patients to assess their individual health needs and determine how massage can help. As massage can be a great complement to traditional medical care, Kathryn often partners with other health care providers to help patients reach their treatment goals. She has a personal interest in using massage to relieve the effects of cancer treatment.

Kathryn is licensed by the state of Michigan and board certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She received her training from Irene’s Myomassology Institute – one of Michigan’s oldest and highest regarded schools of massage therapy. She has an additional certification in oncology massage through Beaumont Hospital.

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
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Erin Covert is a board-certified, licensed massage therapist and meditation instructor at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. As a seasoned practitioner of integrative medicine, she is committed to providing the best and safest treatments to support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. She believes that mental and physical relaxation can greatly contribute to anyone’s overall healing experience.

An experienced practitioner, Erin has been providing massage therapy for more than 15 years in a variety of settings. She caters each session to her patient’s unique needs and uses a variety of techniques to achieve the desired result. With advanced training in therapeutic work, relaxation, deep muscle, neuromuscular techniques, trigger point therapy, Reiki, sports massage, prenatal, and geriatric massage, her specialty is in treating neck and shoulder issues, pain conditions, and stress.

As a life-long wellness and natural-healing enthusiast, Erin began practicing yoga and meditation at age 14. She also currently teaches meditation classes to help promote mental and physical relaxation as well as mindfulness in her students.

Erin is licensed by the State of Michigan and board-certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She received her Bachelors of Applied Science in Massage Therapy from Siena Heights University. She is recognized as a Master Bodywork Practitioner by the Health Enrichment Center School of Therapeutic Massage. Erin is also a level II reiki practitioner. She is currently completing her meditation instructor certification from the American Institute for Health Care Professionals (AIHCP).

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
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Lamiita Cical, LMT is a board-certified, licensed massage therapist at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. As a practitioner of integrative medicine, Lamiita believes in the numerous health benefits of massage and is committed to promoting optimal wellness in all of her patients. Lamiita’s belief is that increased relaxation or stress and pain relief can be achieved through personalized massage therapy.

With more than 15 years of experience in massage therapy, Lamiita is very knowledgeable on a wide variety of massage modalities, including reflexology, Swedish massage, prenatal massage, sport massage, lymphatic massage, deep tissue massage, and geriatric massage.

Lamiita is licensed by the State of Michigan and board-certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She attended the University of Timisoara in Romania before graduating with academic excellence from the High Tech Institute of Minnesota, a health-career school that offers training programs specifically for massage therapists and medical assistants.

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

Camiron Andrews is a board-certified, licensed massage therapist at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine. She is dedicated to helping people improve their health and their quality of life. She believes massage therapy is a vital part of overall health and wellness.

Camiron believes small movements can promote great change. She applies this to her work by setting obtainable goals for her patients. She has a passion to help that every person realize, that they have an opportunity to learn and grow. She feels massage is a great way to increase self-awareness and initiate healing within the Mind, body, and spirit.

Camiron is a graduate of Irene's Myomassology Institute. She has training in Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, chair and Thai Massage. She is also a reiki level two practitioner. After Camiron finished her massage training she had the honor of doing apprenticeship with the school. This allowed her to further build on her skills.

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

Chenelle Wright is a licensed massage therapist at the Henry Ford Center for Integrative Medicine.
Her career began as a Patient Care Technician and Health Unit Coordinator, then her passion to help others guided her to Massage Therapy.

Chenelle is a graduate of Irene's Myomassology Institute in Southfield, MI and has skills in deep tissue, Swedish, prenatal, geriatric and triggerpoint massage as well as reflexology, stretching and other modalities. In Chenelle’s words, “Massage is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Massage has many healing benefits. I am truly glad that I chose this profession and find great satisfaction in making a difference in
patients’ lives.”