Katharine had always known as a child that she would become a doctor someday, although the type of doctor was always changing.
During her early college years, both her mother and father were both stricken with systemic conditions. A family member suggested a holistic approach to their health, including chiropractic care, nutritional support, detoxification, exercise rehabilitation, and massage therapy. Due to these lifestyle changes, she saw a dramatic improvement in her own health as well as the health of her parents, which further intrigued Dr. Randall's interest in chiropractic medicine.
“The most significant reason why I chose to become a chiropractor over another health care provider is because I wanted to see people as they were getting better, not only when they were at their worst," Dr. Randall said. "The non-invasive, yet effective care provided by chiropractic treatment allows for a specific, patient-centered approach that is rewarding for both the patient and the doctor.”
Dr. Randall graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then made a cross-country venture to San Jose, California where she received her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer West in December, 2008. As of October 2008, she became certified in Graston Technique, an instrumented-assisted soft-tissue therapy. She also attends continuing educational seminars in the field of Nutritional Medicine.
Dr. Randall has on-field medical training as a member of the Palmer West Sports Council, including the Dew Action Sports Tour, San Francisco Half-Marathon, and Sea Otter Classic. She has also provided on-field care for the San Francisco Fog Rugby, Berkeley All Blues Rugby Team, AAU Taekwondo, and San Francisco Gaelic Football Association. As well as being a member of the California Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Association, and National Business Association for Chiropractors. Dr. Randall is currently the Vice President of the San Francisco District of California Chiropractic Association.
Kristi Oshiro is a licensed Acupuncturist by the State of California, a primary care provider and staff Acupuncturist at Embrace Health. Her clinical expertise includes treating pain, gynecological, digestive, and emotional disorders through the use of traditional Chinese medicine.
Kristi provides a multi-faceted approach to wellness utilizing a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, therapeutic massage, exercise, and nutritional and lifestyle recommendations. She creates a warm, comfortable, professional environment so her patients can relax and focus on their healing.
As a graduate of American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, Kristi was recognized for her leadership in the Chinese Medicine community by receiving the Jade Dragon Scholarship. Kristi’s internship experience includes the California Pacific Medical Center Stroke Clinic and the Auricular Clinic and ACTCM Community Clinic.
Before immersing herself in Chinese Medicine, Kristi worked for San Francisco non-profit Shanti, training volunteers in the Shanti Model of listening and supporting men and women suffering from HIV/AIDS or breast cancer. She loves travel and has traveled extensively in the East, spending six months in Asia on a Buddhist pilgrimage. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Humboldt State University in Environmental Communications and Buddhist Studies.
Kristi also has the pleasure of volunteering at the Berkeley Suitcase Clinic where she provides acupuncture at a Women's Shelter to underserved women. She loves her work and is proud to have the honor of serving her patients.
Somewhere between studying Tango in Buenos Aires and English Literature at Reed College, Melinda discovered Pilates. Within a few weeks of regular practice, the changes she both felt and saw within her own body, let her know she had found a good thing. A few years later, her first official Pilates teacher encouraged her to pursue her certification. Serendipity, then led her to certify through Pilates Academy International on all the apparatus.
For Melinda, the value of Pilates is its versatility. She has a deep appreciation for the invigorating flow of the classical choreography, but also adapts the exercises to each individual. As an instructor, she tries to find a balance of both depth and flow, humor and poetry. The result of which leaves her clients feeling connected with their bodies, while having fun and getting a great workout.
Beyond her basic training, Melinda has also completed The Center for Women’s Fitness Prenatal and Postpartum Pilates Specialist Program. She has also studied Janda’s Neuromuscular Re-patterning techniques under Lizz Roman. She continues to study anatomy and other movement forms such as Feldenkrais, Yoga, and dance as a way to further develop her teaching skills
James has been trained in a variety of modalities including Shiatsu, Swedish, Thai and Deep Tissue at the National Holistic Institute in San Francisco, CA. he integrates these and other methods to offer therapeutic and relaxing bodywork with a focus on releasing deeply held tension and the unproductive holding patterns that can lead to chronic pain.
Anthony brings 17 years of bodywork experience to Embrace Health. He specializes in the interaction of the physical, mental, and emotional responses of the human body. He approaches his clients with a deep intuitive sense of compassion during his sessions by melding together the expansive bodywork styles of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Sports Massage, Cranial Sacral, Cryotherapy, and with the intent of balancing one’s central nervous system that promotes the alleviation of chronic pain and fatigue.
In 1994, Anthony began teaching Iyengar and Bikram yoga in the Bay Area. From there he was accepted into New York University-Tisch School of the Arts receiving his B.F.A. as a director and actor for the stage. While at NYU he would continue teaching yoga and begin the study of Cranial Sacral massage, the Alexander and Linklater movement techniques, which assist in the opening of the body, mind and voice connection.
Since 2007, he has practiced massage for chiropractors, spas and privately as well. Anthony received his massage certification at the National Holistic Institute in San Francisco. His training has provided him a diverse blend of western and eastern modalities which promotes his dedication toward preventive medicine.
He is married to a beautiful, supportive and talented body worker. They make their home currently in Oakland with their Persian cat who enjoys shedding 24 hours a day.
Christina Amar’s love of movement as well as her extensive background in gymnastics, dance and strength training have led her to Pilates. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i, where she received her bachelors in business and minor in music and dance.
Christina is certified to teach Pilates through the PhysicalMind Institute, ITT Integrated Teacher Training of the Bay Area and through Im=X Pilates of New York city.
Some of Christina’s rehabilitation experience includes working with PT Ada Wells, and rehab patients at Kaiser Permanente, where she learned how to work with a variety of injuries and conditions. Additionally, Christina trained world class athletes and Olympic coaches at the 2006 Century Golf Tournament in Lake Tahoe.
Christina’s love for body movement and healing will continue as she explores other genres. Christina loves adventure travel and enjoys a variety of activities such as playing the drums, singing, surfing, kayaking, going to the ballet, and belly dancing.