NWHSU Student Commencement

Student Speakers:

Kobina Taylor–Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology-College of Health & Wellness Graduating Class

Kobina is a long suffering and resigned MN sports fan, most notably of the Vikings.  He is active in the local ultimate Frisbee and dodgeball communities, an avid movie lover and a self-professed nerd.  Before enrolling at NWHSU, he received his Bachelors in Biology from Augsburg University; while determining his long term aspirations he worked in various service, sales and retail roles including almost a decade at Costco.  While at NWHSU, Kobina was a proud member of the Student Ambassador Club.  After graduation, Kobina is excited to organize a long overdue group Wisconsin Dells trip, catch up on sleep, travel to a few of the growing list of locations on his list and finally watch Severance and Ted Lasso.  Kobina is excited to return to where he started clinicals; he has accepted a job with RAYUS Radiology starting in January as a CT/X-Ray Technologist.

Dr. Nathalie Crowley – Doctor Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization – College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Nathalie began her journey in the acupuncture doctorate program in the fall of 2021. During her time at NWHSU, she was an active student leader, serving as co-chair of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance for several years. She also gained valuable experience as a student worker in the Herbal Dispensary and as a Clinic Assistant at NWHSU’s Integrative Clinic of Minnesota (ICM). A highlight of her studies was her numerous internships in the community, where she provided free acupuncture to patients through ICM, Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center, the YMCA, and Progress Valley Substance Use Treatment Center.  Nathalie also traveled to Vietnam with the George and Friends Foundation’s annual mission trip, where she and other students provided free care and resources to patients, including victims and survivors of Agent Orange, and learned traditional Vietnamese acupuncture techniques and herbal remedies from fifth-generation acupuncturists and herbalists.

Before pursuing an acupuncture degree, Nathalie spent over 20 years in healthcare administration and advocacy. Most recently, holding leadership roles at Family Tree Clinic in Minneapolis, including Associate Executive Director during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a queer and trans woman of color, she has combined her professional expertise with her lived experience to actively advocate for increased access to culturally competent and inclusive health and wellness care for trans, queer, and BIPOC communities across Minnesota.

When she is not studying or working, Nathalie enjoys spending quality time with her partner and their two cats and engaging in creative activities that nourish her spirit, such as cooking, baking, gardening, painting, making handmade books, and playing the banjo.

Following graduation, Nathalie will offer acupuncture and herbal medicine services at her new practice, Anansi Acupuncture, in South Minneapolis. She is deeply committed to ensuring that individuals who traditionally face barriers to wellness care, whether financial or otherwise, can access the life-changing healing she and other practitioners provide.

Lindsey Rutherford – Doctor of Chiropractic with Sports & Rehabilitation Emphasis – College of Chiropractic

Dr. Lindsey Rutherford was raised in Holland, Manitoba, where she developed a lifelong passion for sports and health. Drawing from her family’s experiences with pain and illness, she chose to pursue a career in healthcare. She began her academic journey by earning a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a major in Athletic Therapy while collaborating with the University of Manitoba men’s hockey team. She received her certification in the summer of 2022.

Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Rutherford earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree with an emphasis on Sports and Rehabilitation from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota. Throughout her education, she demonstrated dedication to her studies and peers. She completed her doctorate with summa cum laude honors and actively participated in multiple student organizations. Her roles included serving two years on Student Senate as Secretary and later as Vice President of Chiropractic, where she contributed to organizing and volunteering at various events. She also served as a club leader and president for the Rehab2Performance club and as Secretary for the SACA Sports Council. Additionally, she supported prospective student recruitment as a member of the Student Ambassador Club and contributed to Discovery Days. During her time in school, she worked in the campus bookstore, served as a teaching assistant, and provided peer tutoring. In her final year, she pursued a Master’s in Exercise Sciences at Concordia University, Saint Paul.

Upon graduation, Dr. Rutherford plans to return to her community in Manitoba. She aims to offer comprehensive assessment and treatment options tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Her approach combines her expertise in Athletic Therapy and Chiropractic care to deliver movement-focused examinations and treatments that extend beyond chiropractic adjustments. This includes movement screening, manual joint manipulations and mobilizations, cupping therapy, manual and instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques, taping, and therapeutic exercises. She is committed to providing evidence-based, movement-oriented care to facilitate faster recovery and optimal performance for her patients.