Commencement

Commencement Speaker:

Dr. Stephen Thompson, D.A.C.M., D.C., L.Ac., C.N.T.
Dao of Wellness Integrative Wellness
NWHSU Alumni

Coming from four generations of doctors, Dr. Stephen Thompson was introduced to medicine at a very early age. Dr. Thompson has been in the field of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for 14 years, Clinical Massage Therapy for 17 years, Nutrition Therapy for 6 years and finished his Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine in 2019. He has studied and practiced martial arts including Tai Qi and Qi Gong for many years.

Dr. Thompson consults and lectures on a variety of health care topics including self-care, health and wellness, burnout, chronic pain conditions, integrative medicine, and human performance. He has partnered with Cultural Chiropractic in North Minneapolis to treat and educate underserved and minority communities and has a second office in Bloomington where he practices integrative medicine. Dr. Thompson believes that wellness is not a destination but an ongoing lifestyle that promotes one’s best self.

Student Speakers:

Natalie Y. Briones
College of Health and Wellness Graduating Class

My name is Natalie Briones and I am a 36-year old single mom to an 8-year-old named Lorelai. While going to school full time, I also worked full time as a research analyst for Prime Therapeutics. The last 20+ years, I have spent working in the pharmaceutical industry as a pharmacy technician and as a research analyst for a PBM. Working in the industry, I saw what it could do to families and finances and it inspired me to want to learn more about how I can spread awareness about alternative medicine.

Massage Therapy was something I had always wanted to do but never thought I was physically capable of doing. My journey leading to Northwestern began when I became Reiki Master certified. My instructor let me know that massage was about more than strength and there were modalities available to suit my physical needs. After graduation, I plan on opening my own business where I will offer massage, Reiki, meditation, and more!!

Tatum Fjerstad
College of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Graduating Class

Tatum Fjerstad (she/hers) is a Diversity Scholar who will be graduating summa cum laude with her Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and has an undergraduate degree in print journalism and theatre. Before attending Northwestern Health Science University, she spent 10 years working in web and social media marketing at large corporations in Minnesota, wellness startups in New York City, and as a freelancer. She is the founder of MOVE SIT WRITE, an offering that combines movement, meditation and writing into a singular practice that helps individuals connect more deeply with themselves on a physical, mental, and emotional level. As a licensed acupuncturist, she will serve patients at Constellation Acupuncture and Healing Arts, a Minneapolis clinic owned by two well-respected NWHSU alumni. She also plans to work with Family Tree Clinic and Planned Parenthood to conduct research on the effects acupuncture can have on patients who are undergoing invasive, painful, and anxiety-inducing reproductive procedures and experiences like PAP tests, IUD insertion/removal, miscarriages, and abortion.  Tatum hopes this research will increase awareness of this medicine’s ability to holistically support the healing that is possible amongst some of our community’s most vulnerable members.

Samantha L. Joyer
College of Chiropractic Graduating Class

Samantha received her Bachelor of Science with honors from Drake University in Des Moines, IA. While at NWHSU, Samantha was elected as Student Senate Secretary and later as Student Senate President. During her time she also served as a member of the President’s cabinet, Board of Trustees, Board of Academic Affairs, Academic council, and Christian Chiropractic Association. Samantha is currently practicing as a Doctor of Chiropractic at Caron Chiropractic Clinic in St. Paul, MN with a special interest in pregnancy and pediatric care.