Our Practitioners
Sutter Integrative Health

The Downtown Sacramento Integrative Health team is made up of professionals to provide services to patients. The eclectic team represents multiple healing paths and brings a wealth of experience and information to Sutter patients and the community at large.

Maxine Barish-Wreden, M.D., Medical Consultations | back to top
Max has been a practicing internist in Sacramento since 1988. Her long-term passion for a holistic approach to healing led her into the medical profession. That interest also led her to combine her medical training and Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition with studies in medicine that encompass the mind-body-spirit connection. In working with her patients, Dr. Barish-Wreden views illness as a teacher and looks at symptoms as signposts that can direct our attention to areas that may be out of balance in our lives. Together with her patients, she strives to create a healing partnership that treats the illness while restoring balance and wholeness.
Dr. Barish-Wreden is board-certified in Internal Medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in 1985 and completed her internship and residency at UC Davis Medical Center in 1988. In addition to her busy medical practice, Max is a popular speaker and has made numerous appearances in print and on radio and television in the northern California area. To schedule a private consultation, call her office at 733-8713.

Deborah Cohen, M.F.T., Transpersonal Therapy | back to top
Deborah is a licensed Transpersonal Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in spiritual counseling, life purpose counseling/coaching, trauma and abuse recovery, eating disorders, and chronic and life-threatening illness and accompanying depression.

Deborah has a private practice in Sacramento and in Davis. She sees individual adults, couples and families; she also offers group therapy for women with anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating (compulsive eating). Deborah periodically offers groups on "finding your life purpose". She works with her clients in helping them heal through an integration of mind, emotions, body and spirit. Deborah uses various experiential techniques in this endeavor, including EMDR, guided visualization, hypnotherapy, and body-oriented therapies including breathwork and a process of helping her client access dysfunctional core beliefs. Deborah assists her clients in connecting with their authentic selves and discovering/uncovering what their soul is wanting for them.

Deborah received her Transpersonal Counseling Master's Degree from John F. Kennedy University in the Bay Area. Her spiritual path of the past 20 years has involved studies with both Eastern and Western oriented mystics and teachers. Deborah has completed a seven-year spiritual teacher training course with an enlightened mystic from South Africa, and has been very involved with a program organized by this teacher to help South African children orphaned by parents infected with HIV/AIDS.
To schedule an appointment with Deborah, call (916) 491-1216.

Fran Fisher, RN, Ph.D., AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor | back to top
Whether you or your loved one is recovering from a physical trauma or dealing with personal sexual issues that worry you or seem insurmountable, Dr. Fran offers a private, confidential, comfortable space for you to unburden yourself of your worries and stresses and begin to regain your inner wholeness. Sexual Spiritual Harmony is her motto, in her opinion one cannot be spiritually whole if there is discordance within your sexual self. Working through long standing concerns frees a lot of energy to help heal your mind, body and spirit, enriching your life and your relationships not only with your partner but with all your loved ones.

Dennis Godby, M.A., N.D., Naturopathic Doctor | back to top
Dennis is a California-licensed naturopathic doctor. He earned his medical degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Godby is the founder and director of midtown-located Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center/Diabetes Natural Path Center - a professional primary care natural medicine clinic committed to helping all people reach their full health potential – mind, body and spirit. Patients receive an individualized and practical treatment program that addresses the causes of the dis-eases and the obstacles to cure and stimulate the body’s healing using evidence-based, non-toxic therapies and specific preventative lifestyle changes for a healthier, more energetic and balanced life.

Dr. Godby also holds a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology and nutrition. After receiving his M.A. in Theological Studies in 1990, Dr. Godby taught social justice and non-violence at the high school level for seven years, and has been a community activist since 1981. He is an avid runner, completing more than 40,000 lifetime miles, including a 3,006 mile run across the U.S. for peace in Central America in 1984-1985.

Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center is located at 2530 J St., Suite 100, 95816. To schedule an appointment or free 15 minute consultation with Dr. Godby, call (916) 446-2591, or E-mail DrGodby@SacND.com. Web: www.YourPathwayToHealing.com.

Peggy Gulshen, M.A., Art Therapist | back to top
Peggy is a board-certified, registered art therapist and a California-licensed marriage & family therapist. Peggy received her Master of Arts degree with a concentration in art therapy from California State University, Sacramento under Dr. Donald J. Uhlin, ATR. She has been employed by Sutter Medical Center since 1981, and her clinical art therapy experience began with child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients. That year, she was also recruited to join the Sutter Hospice team, serving the child/teen members of hospice families. Out of her hospice work, Gulshen developed the Children's Bereavement Art Group (CBAG) in 1985. Peggy is the current director of CBAG, a nationally recognized program that serves grieving children of the Sacramento area through peer support groups integrating art therapy and grief theory. In 1991, CBAG was given the Point of Light award by President George Bush.

In addition to her work with children and other grieving patients, Peggy founded, developed, and currently facilitates an art therapy group for adult cancer patients called "Healing Images". Peggy also co-developed the Children's Art Therapy Support Group (CATS), a peer support group for children and teens facing cancer in their families.

To register for, or to receive more information about any of the art therapy programs, please contact Peggy at (916) 454-6555.

Sue Hazeghazam, R.D., Clinical Dietician | back to top
Sue received her Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from the University of Eastern Kentucky and completed her internship at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. She began working for Sutter Health in 1988, working first in psychiatry and then with cardiac intensive care patients. In 1990, she changed her specialty to oncology nutritional care and has been providing nutritional care to cancer patients ever since. She has helped develop the nutritional standards of patient care for Sutter Cancer Center's Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and medical and surgical oncology units, as well as establishing the Oncology Outpatient Nutritional Counseling Service. Presently, she provides individual nutritional counseling and monthly group nutrition classes to Sutter oncology patients at the Sutter Cancer Center, 2800 L Street, Sacramento. Sue is a registered dietician (R.D.) and is a member of the American Dietetic Association and is on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society. Her office hours are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and she can be reached by calling (916) 454-6867.

Kandeel (Kay) Judge, M.D., Medical Consultations | back to top
Kay is a board-certified Internal Medicine specialist who brings her interest in traditional practices to her patients. Her goal is to help her patients find balance between mind, body, emotions and spirit so that they can attain their fullest potential as human beings. Dr. Judge received her medical training at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. She was a senior staff physician and teaching attending at Henry Ford Hospital prior to joining Sutter Medical Group in 2003.

During her office visits, Dr. Judge believes in creating a supportive environment which empowers her patients to search for their own healing process. This is achieved by giving recommendations based on a combination of conventional (western) medicine, health and lifestyle modifications and alternative treatment options. Since all treatment modalities do not fit all illnesses, a combination of conventional medicine as well as alternative modalities are applied to optimize the process of healing. To schedule a medical consultation, call Dr. Judge at (916) 733-8713.

Brett J. Lemire, D.C., C.S.C.S. | back to top
Brett is a graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic-West and has been a practicing chiropractor specializing in manual therapy and rehabilitative exercise since 1989. He is the founder and owner of Universal Chiropractic & Functional Rehabilitation. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Lemire has been driven to improve the effectiveness of the care he provides to his patients. He has sought out specialized training from leading authorities in the field of manual therapy and rehabilitative sciences. His integration of traditional manual therapy (chiropractic) with reflex locomotion, soft-tissue therapy and advance stabilization techniques have allowed for better outcomes for patients suffering with acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

Brett has over 500 hours of post-graduate training through Southern California Health Sciences University with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of functional pathologies of the locomotor system. He is currently board eligible as a diplomat through the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board. Additionally, Dr. Lemire is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lemire, call his office at (916) 683-3900. His website is: www.universalchiro-rehab.com.

Risa MacDonald, D.P.T., Physical Therapist | back to top
Risa has over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist and is co-owner of East Sacramento Physical Therapy. Risa's longtime interest in women's health led to the founding of Physical Therapy for Women in 1992. Physical Therapy for Women is a separate clinic adjacent to East Sacramento Physical Therapy, dedicated to the treatment of women only, both in the management and in the prevention of painful and/or embarrassing conditions that affect women throughout their life span; Risa is passionate about breaking the silence around incontinence, pelvic and sexual pain. Since 1992, she has further developed her expertise in women's health issues as well as pelvic floor dysfunction in men, women and children. Pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain affect bowel, bladder and sexual function, which have a significant impact on one's quality of life. Risa recently completed her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy at Boston University and guest lectures at California State University, Sacramento.

The out-patient clinics of East Sacramento Physical Therapy (treating chronic pain and incontinence in men) and Physical Therapy for Women (women and children) treat the whole patient, emphasizing patient education and empowerment while utilizing many modalities including standard physical therapy for acute and chronic pain conditions. Biofeedback is also used for re-education and relaxation training for chronic pain conditions and pelvic floor dysfunction. Manual therapy procedures including myofascial release and trigger point massage identify and release fascial restrictions which may be referring pain and inhibiting function. Therapeutic exercise and functional activity retraining are also emphasized. Lymphedema management is offered as well. Our clinics are dedicated to enhancing the physical health and quality of life for both women and men suffering from pain, elimination disorders and incontinence. To schedule an appointment with Risa at East Sacramento Physical therapy or Physical Therapy for Women, call (916) 457-8802.

Millie & Hazel | back to top
are our two "facility dogs" – trained animals that help our hospitalized pediatric patients to recover more quickly from their illnesses. Millie and Hazel have been working in the pediatric unit at Sutter Memorial Hospital for three years now and are considered by most pediatric patients the greatest part of their hospital stay. They have been credited with helping children speed up their recovery process by providing companionship, acceptance without limitations, a calm temperament and unconditional love. These two highly skilled service dogs were trained by Canine Companions for Independence in Santa Rosa. In her free time, Hazel enjoys swimming, playing fetch and running with her handler Tracy Auble, CCLS. Millie is happy doing anything, as long as she is with her handler Jennifer Johnson, CCLS.

Reverend Lisa Nordlander | back to top
is a certified supervisor with the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and has been the Director of Spiritual Care Services at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento since 2001. Lisa received her Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She is an ordained United Methodist clergywoman, with six years of parish experience. She completed clinical training at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, The Texas Heart Institute/St. Luke's Episcopal/Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, The University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center, The Veterans Administration Hospital in Martinez, California, and at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento; she has done inpatient work since 1987 and has been employed at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center and Woodland Healthcare in addition to Sutter Medical Center Sacramento.

Lisa also provides clinical training to countless ministry students and has been an ACPE supervisor since 1991. To reach Reverend Lisa, call (916) 733-8848.

Nelson S. Ong, D.C. | back to top
is a California Board Certified Chiropractor. Dr. Ong was first introduced to chiropractic in 1992 while working as a chiropractic assistant at Universal Chiropractic Center. That same year, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident and became a chiropractic patient himself. Chiropractic care helped him maintain his ability to pole-vault, weight train, swim and wrestle. He continued to learn more about the "nuts and bolts" of the human body while working at Sierra Eye and Tissue, recovering tissue from organ donors, before enrolling at Palmer Chiropractic College West in 1998. He graduated in winter 2001 and became a California Board Certified Chiropractor in March 2002.

Dr. Ong practices a blend of techniques that integrate traditional chiropractic care with postural stabilization, rehab and manual therapy techniques developed in the United States, the Czech Republic, and Canada. He specializes in the treatment of musculo-skeletal and extremity-based injuries/conditions while consulting with local businesses on how to reduce job related injuries. He is also one of the three chiropractors involved with Sacramento's Downtown Sutter Integrative Health program.

In addition to practicing full time, Dr. Ong remains active volunteering for his community. Sierra College, Apple Computers, Palmiter School, North Western Technical College, The Greenhaven Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Unified School District and The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life are a small list of organizations that he has performed volunteer work for.

Dr. Ong's hobbies include digital photography, computer technology, graphic design and motor sports. He also enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Katie and their two kittens.

To schedule an appointment please call (916) 683-3900.

Duane J. Paterson, DC | back to top
is originally from Canada and spent 13 years in the construction industry. A significant back and neck injury landed him in a chiropractic office, and as they say, the rest is history. He graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in 1992 and has been specializing in manual therapy, postural restoration, and rehabilitative exercise since then. His integration of specialized training in manual therapy (chiropractic), soft tissue therapy, and balance and stabilization techniques produce better outcomes for patients experiencing joint and muscle pain, as well as the postural and movement dysfunction that aggravates and accompanies pain.

Personal:

Dr. Paterson practices what he preaches with a regular routine of stabilization training, weight training and aerobic fitness. He is a former competitor in kick-boxing and martial arts, and is a nationally ranked water-ski racer and boat driver. He currently resides in Elk Grove with his wife Julie, three dogs and two cats.

Professional:

  • Pre-Medical Education – Red Deer College. Alberta, Canada, 1988
  • Doctor of Chiropractic – Palmer College of Chiropractic- West, 1992
  • Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist- National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • Recipient - Clinical Excellence Award, Palmer College of Chiropractic-West, 1992
  • Certified Pain Reflex Release Technique, Super Spine Institute, 2004
  • Former Chiropractor for the Northern California and National Water Ski Racing Association

Miles J. Roberts, L.Ac., Licensed Acupuncturist | back to top
is a California and Japanese-licensed acupuncturist. He is a graduate of the Meiji College of Oriental Medicine in Osaka, Japan, receiving his degree in 1978. He worked for two years at the Kyoto Pain Control Institute in Japan before returning to the United States in 1980. He is the founder and director of Holistic Health Care in Carmichael, where he has been practicing for the past 25 years.

His primary treatment focus is pain. He views pain as one means through which the body, and sometimes the soul, communicates its needs. He sees therapy as a cooperative effort aimed at addressing those needs in an environment and manner that empowers both the patient and the therapist.

Miles is also a certified yoga instructor, an accomplished martial artist, and a musician whose skills, unfortunately, do not yet adequately reflect his enthusiasm. Miles' office is located at 3504 Walnut Avenue in Carmichael, California; to schedule an appointment or to register for a yoga class, call (916) 483-0743.

Robert Robinson, Advanced Rolfing Practitioner | back to top
is a skilled practitioner of a system of deep structural body work known worldwide as Rolfing®, named after Dr. Ida Rolf, who began developing this system of healing in the 1940s. Robert started his training under Dr. Rolf in 1974, and has taken thousands of additional hours of advanced training in Rolfing®, as well as in CranioSacral® techniques, muscle energy techniques, and movement training. A Certified Advanced Rolfing Practitioner, Robert is also an instructor in Myofascial Bodywork, and is an active member of the Rolf Institute of Boulder, Colorado, the National Guild for Structural Integration, and The International Association of Structural Integrators. In addition to his private practice, he is an instructor at The Healing Arts Massage School in Sacramento.

Rolfing® involves direct, manual manipulation of the muscles and connective tissue of the human body in order to restore structural integration – the proper relationship among the elements of the body's structure. Rolfing® allows clients to regain their resilience and physical potential. It is the Rolfer's ability to work with the whole body as a structural system that gives Rolfing® its reputation for improving the quality of life among clients who have suffered body misalignments due to lifestyle habits, personal stress, or injuries.

Additional information about Rolfing® can be found at www.rolf.org. To schedule an appointment with Bob, call (916) 447-4329. Bob's web page is www.sacramentorolfer.com.