Meet your Acupuncturists!
Heidi Vanderpool, LAc, LMT
I’ve always been drawn toward the connection and interplay of different factors related to well-being. When I was 15 years old, I wrote a research paper about the mind/body connection (not easy to do in the days before the internet in Smalltown, OH). Little did I know what my life-path would bring. Fast forward to 2007: I became a student at The American Institute of Alternative Medicine studying massage therapy. I fell in love with the academic study of the body and of using touch as a healing modality. During that time period, I began receiving regular acupuncture treatments. I was astonished at the effects!
After a few years of practicing as a licensed massage therapist full-time, I decided to further my studies and return to AIAM for my Masters in Acupuncture. I found that as I studied this medicine the simplicity and sophistication of Traditional Chinese Medicine captured my heart and mind. After a few years of school and a stint of interning at the Beijing Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Beijing, China, I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2014.
I am currently back in graduate school studying Traditional Chinese Herbs at Daoist Traditions School of Chinese Medical Arts in Asheville, NC and will be finishing that program in April 2026.
Aside from my love for medicine, my interests include growing the garden of my dreams, DIY everything, cooking, adventures big and small, voraciously reading, meditation of many forms, and soaking up some Vitamin O (vitamin outside).
2002 BA in Sociology and BA in Criminology The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH
2007 Associate Massage Therapy, American Institute of Alternative Medicine. Columbus, OH
2014 Master Acupuncture, American Institute of Alternative Medicine. Columbus, OH
2026 (coming soon!) Master Chinese Herbal Medicine, Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts. Asheville, NC
Maryam Moghaddas, LAC
For a long time, I have been fascinated with the body's ability to heal. This led me to learn healing and wellness modalities such as reflexology, hypnosis, and reiki which I have been practicing for several years.
When I learned about the ideology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I knew I had to dive in head first and learn everything I could about it! I attended the American Institute of Alternative Medicine where I received my Masters of Acupuncture. The joy felt when helping people regain their quality of life through acupuncture was enlightening.
It quickly became clear that helping others through this medicine was my purpose. The passion I have for the medicine of acupuncture ensures I keep the goals and needs of my patients at the forefront of each and every treatment.
Meet your Meditation TeacheR!
Kayel Carroll
For the last 20 years, I have been curious about Buddhism and meditation. I began my studies in high school at the same time as I began receiving reiki attunements. After quite the wild ride of life, I began more formal training and practice in 2013
I have studied meditation and yoga with Kelly Morris of the Conquering Lion Yoga Teacher Training program and completed Yoga on High’s 2014 Ashtanga Yoga Immersion. In June of 2015, I started Equanimity Unlimited (now Make Space Meditation + Care), teaching meditation classes and coaching individuals in mindfulness practices in Columbus, OH and online.
Inspired by a family loss, I started my chaplaincy path in 2021 with Upaya Zen Center’s Buddhist Chaplaincy Training Program. My time in chaplaincy training was transformational. After presenting on my final project about the importance of animal chaplaincy, I graduated in March 2024. My hope is to bring my chaplaincy work to those dealing with situations like grief, pet loss, and life transitions especially.
I believe whole-heartedly in the ability of meditation and mindfulness to change lives for the better. Because wellness is not just about the mind, but about the connection of mind-body, I have continued to also share reiki and am working toward my acupuncture licensure.