Jeff Olson, L.Ac, MAcOM, Acupuncturist, Owner
Jeff Olson is a licensed acupuncturist and East Asian Medicine practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Since 2005, he has dedicated his practice to alleviating pain and helping patients recover from injuries and manage chronic illnesses and complex medical conditions. Jeff skillfully integrates acupuncture with manual therapies such as cupping, gua sha, and herbal medicine to support patients in achieving their wellness goals.
A lifelong learner, Jeff focuses his continuing education on treating acute and chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, digestive and mental health issues. His approach is informed by both personal and professional insights, ensuring each patient receives individualized care.
Originally from Eugene, Jeff graduated from the University of Oregon before earning his Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles. His professional journey began in multidisciplinary clinics, where he worked alongside chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, and massage therapists.
In 2015, Jeff and his wife, Emily, fulfilled their dream of opening a dynamic wellness center in Washougal, where they offer multiple avenues for promoting health and well-being. Jeff’s vision is to create a harmonious environment for both patients and practitioners, fostering a space where profound healing is possible.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
BA Comparative Religions, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Master's Degree, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yo San University, Los Angeles, CA
A lifelong learner, Jeff focuses his continuing education on treating acute and chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, digestive and mental health issues. His approach is informed by both personal and professional insights, ensuring each patient receives individualized care.
Originally from Eugene, Jeff graduated from the University of Oregon before earning his Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University in Los Angeles. His professional journey began in multidisciplinary clinics, where he worked alongside chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, and massage therapists.
In 2015, Jeff and his wife, Emily, fulfilled their dream of opening a dynamic wellness center in Washougal, where they offer multiple avenues for promoting health and well-being. Jeff’s vision is to create a harmonious environment for both patients and practitioners, fostering a space where profound healing is possible.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
BA Comparative Religions, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Master's Degree, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yo San University, Los Angeles, CA
Kate Sydney, L.Ac., ND, MAcOM, Acupuncturist
Dr. Kate Sydney is a licensed Acupuncturist and East Asian Medicine Practitioner with a passion for holistic health. Since 2015, she has specialized in internal medicine, focusing on seasonal dietary therapy, circadian rhythm and sleep regulation, digestive wellness, pain relief, hormonal balance and mental and emotional well-being. Kate employs a comprehensive approach to treatment, utilizing acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, herbal formulas, and diet and movement interventions. She believes that optimal health is cultivated through the small daily rituals we practice consistently.
Originally from a small town in central Illinois, Kate has lived throughout the Midwest before making her home in the Pacific Northwest. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication/Theater and French from Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL, and spent nearly a decade in corporate and broadcast television before transitioning to a career in medicine in 2009. In 2015, she earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism from The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon.
In her free time, Kate enjoys hiking throughout the PNW, baking paleo cookies infused with Chinese and Western herbs, taking long walks, practicing yoga, and savoring fine teas. She is delighted to be a part of Ripple Wellness, where she offers acupuncture and Chinese medicine to our community.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
BA Communications/Theater/French, Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL
Master's Degree, Classical Chinese Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR
ND Naturopathic Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR
Originally from a small town in central Illinois, Kate has lived throughout the Midwest before making her home in the Pacific Northwest. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication/Theater and French from Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL, and spent nearly a decade in corporate and broadcast television before transitioning to a career in medicine in 2009. In 2015, she earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism from The National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon.
In her free time, Kate enjoys hiking throughout the PNW, baking paleo cookies infused with Chinese and Western herbs, taking long walks, practicing yoga, and savoring fine teas. She is delighted to be a part of Ripple Wellness, where she offers acupuncture and Chinese medicine to our community.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
BA Communications/Theater/French, Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL
Master's Degree, Classical Chinese Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR
ND Naturopathic Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR
Michelle Waneka, L.Ac., MAcOM, Acupuncturist
Michelle has been involved in healthcare from a young age, beginning her journey at her father’s dental practice as a teen. Although she initially studied pre-med in college, she ultimately earned a fine arts degree while continuing to explore her passion for health by apprenticing with midwives. Her dedication led her to serve as the Executive Director of a community health clinic for 20 years where she honed her skills in listening, problem-solving, and connecting meaningfully with others. It was during this time that Michelle truly understood the importance of both community and individual care, inspiring her to pursue a career in East Asian Medicine.
After spending 25 years in Alaska, Michelle moved to the Pacific Northwest to continue her studies, completing internships in China and Nepal. She has additional certifications in Sports Medicine and Toyohari Japanese-style acupuncture both of which have enriched her practice. Her diverse experience in small private clinics, large health centers, hospitals, and working alongside chiropractors and other practitioners has deepened her understanding of the medicine. Michelle treats a wide range of conditions, including pain, digestive issues, fertility, anxiety, depression and headaches. She loves using a variety of techniques and approaches to connect with each patient in her care.
Michelle considers herself well-rounded, enjoying a variety of pursuits outside of work. She loves to travel, whether camping or staying in five-star accommodations and has a passion for gardening, cooking, baking, arts, theater, and exploring food culture and the natural world. At home, she tends to her cats and chickens, works on remodeling her big old bungalow and cherishes time with her piles of books and grown children who visit from time to time.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
BFA in Studio Fine Arts with Minors in Psychology and Education, Colorado State University
Master's Degree, Classical Chinese Medicine, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, OR
After spending 25 years in Alaska, Michelle moved to the Pacific Northwest to continue her studies, completing internships in China and Nepal. She has additional certifications in Sports Medicine and Toyohari Japanese-style acupuncture both of which have enriched her practice. Her diverse experience in small private clinics, large health centers, hospitals, and working alongside chiropractors and other practitioners has deepened her understanding of the medicine. Michelle treats a wide range of conditions, including pain, digestive issues, fertility, anxiety, depression and headaches. She loves using a variety of techniques and approaches to connect with each patient in her care.
Michelle considers herself well-rounded, enjoying a variety of pursuits outside of work. She loves to travel, whether camping or staying in five-star accommodations and has a passion for gardening, cooking, baking, arts, theater, and exploring food culture and the natural world. At home, she tends to her cats and chickens, works on remodeling her big old bungalow and cherishes time with her piles of books and grown children who visit from time to time.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
BFA in Studio Fine Arts with Minors in Psychology and Education, Colorado State University
Master's Degree, Classical Chinese Medicine, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, OR
Melanie Budlong, L.Ac., MAcOM, Acupuncturist
Melanie Budlong is a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of East Asian Medicine dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal health. She specializes in treating acute and chronic pain, sleep disorders, fertility issues, neuropathies and digestive concerns. Melanie is a firm believer in the body’s innate ability to heal itself when provided with the right conditions and support. Her practice emphasizes a whole-systems approach to healthcare, treating the mind, body, and spirit as integral to true healing. She is passionate about meeting her patients where they are on their unique journey to becoming healthier and happier.
A true Pacific Northwest native, Melanie finds joy in backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing and soaking in the beauty of the natural world. She values the importance of connecting with the earth daily, feeling the sun on your face, and incorporating movement into everyday life.
With over a decade of experience as a caregiver for infants and children, Melanie's nature is rooted in care and nurturing. She has treated patients from all walks of life and looks forward to offering compassionate care to everyone who seeks it.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
Associates of Applied Science, Portland Community College, Portland, OR
Master's Degree, Classical Chinese Medicine, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, OR
A true Pacific Northwest native, Melanie finds joy in backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing and soaking in the beauty of the natural world. She values the importance of connecting with the earth daily, feeling the sun on your face, and incorporating movement into everyday life.
With over a decade of experience as a caregiver for infants and children, Melanie's nature is rooted in care and nurturing. She has treated patients from all walks of life and looks forward to offering compassionate care to everyone who seeks it.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:
Associates of Applied Science, Portland Community College, Portland, OR
Master's Degree, Classical Chinese Medicine, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, OR