Commencement/Graduation

Student Speakers:

Asia Snetter– College of Health and Wellness – Associate of Applied Science in Massage Therapy

I grew up in the West Suburbs of the Twin Cities where spend my free time exploring bakeries looking for different sweet treats to enjoy by the lakes and parks, we have in abundance. My passion for baking expands outside of my free time as I have been lucky enough to work as a Pastry Chef/ Cake Decorator. Baking is a passion of mine, and I’m lucky to have been able to practice and get paid for it.

I started my journey into Massage Therapy in Summer 2023. In Fall 2023, I joined the Student Senate as Massage Therapy Vice President and I have contributed my role not only to fully experience NWHealth but also to giving back to a program that has introduced me to such amazing people. I’m forever grateful that I found a community of friendly faculty and a loving cohort who encourage me daily to work hard on my studies.

Gretchen Forster – College of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine – Master of Acupuncture 

Gretchen Forster is working towards her Doctorate of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization. Gretchen discovered her passion of Traditional Chinese Medicine when she started receiving acupuncture and herbal treatments to address her own chronic pain and illness. She was astounded to have found that, with consistency in treatment, not only her symptoms were improved but her overall well-being was improving. The treatment of her whole being, and the positive results, sparked a passion and belief in this medicine and she knew she wanted to learn more in practice. Gretchen believes that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. She believes in working with her patients, as a team, with the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into balance. She is dedicated and passionate about supporting her patients in easing their dis-ease and regaining their health, so that they can be present for the life they want to live.

Gretchen has twenty years of experience working with pediatrics diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician and Mental Health Practitioner and supported her patients in the development of their mental, emotional and behavioral health. She also enjoyed supporting them in the development of their gross and fine motor skills, social skills, communication, and academic skills. She believes strongly in getting to know the patient first, building rapport and trust, and then incorporating treatment in ways that are fun and interesting to the patient. She has found that when her patients feel seen and heard, true healing and growth can occur. She is passionate about meeting her patients where they are at and bringing laughter, warmth, and lightness into the treatment space.

Following graduation, Gretchen is planning on having her own practice based out of Henderson, MN. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for this medicine with her patients and providing education to her community on the accessibility and effectiveness of this medicine. Gretchen has a special interest in learning more about the treatment of neurological conditions, mental health, and chronic pain. Additionally, she envisions herself integrating her experience and passion working with neurodivergent pediatrics and young adults with Traditional Medicine treatments.

When Gretchen is not learning about and practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine, she loves to adventure outside, explore novel places, fish, and camp with her husband and their Wirehair Viszla dogs. She enjoys gardening, harvesting home grown food and foraging through the woods. She enjoys movement in the form of yoga, qi gong, and hiking. She loves being creative through painting, drawing, and cooking. Her favorite peaceful places include the forest and any form of water.

Zach Harbaugh– College of Chiropractic – Doctor of Chiropractic with Sports & Rehabilitation Emphasis

Zach has dedicated years to the study of sports medicine, health and wellness. A board-certified Athletic Trainer, Zach earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Winona State University in 2018, followed by a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from South Dakota State University in 2020.

During graduate school, he served as the head athletic trainer for South Dakota State’s division I baseball team, while also assisting with their football program.

After earning his master’s degree, Zach married the love of his life, Danielle, and began working at TRIA Orthopedic Center as a clinic staff lead in their orthopedic urgent care and Acute Injury Clinic. His time at TRIA deepened his expertise in managing acute musculoskeletal injuries, further fueling his passion for patient care.

Eager to expand his clinical skill set, he pursued a Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU), where he completed a sports and rehabilitation emphasis. Through opportunities at the NWHSU Human Performance Center and Concordia Academy, Zach gained experience providing chiropractic care to both adult and student-athletes, refining his hands-on approach to movement-based care.

Beyond his clinical work, Zach served as Vice President of the NWHSU Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) chapter, allowing him to network with chiropractic students nationwide and attend the SACA Leadership Conference. Additionally, Zach’s involvement with the Minnesota Chiropractic Association has allowed him the opportunity to advocate for his future patients by lobbying Minnesota state representatives to expand patient access to chiropractic care.

Zach is eager to embark on the next chapter of his career, serving the Twin Cities area as a Doctor of Chiropractic. But he is even more excited to earn the title of “Dad” as he and Danielle anxiously await the arrival of their first child this April!