112 Kala Square Place Suite 2, Port Townsend, Washington 98368
Meet the Hearth Team
Rebecca Sornson, ND, LMT
Dr. Rebecca Sornson (she/her) is a naturopathic physician and co-founder of Hearth along with her husband, Joshua Kraetsch.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology, Rebecca worked as an organic farmer, a massage therapist, a farm-to-table cooking class instructor, and helped run a summer camp for teenagers. Through these adventures, Rebecca's respect and interest in individuals' healing journeys grew and deepened.
This led her to Bastyr University where she completed her doctorate in naturopathic medicine. While in school, she co-authored a research study on the microbiome of organic farmers. She has had advanced training in herbal medicine, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, infant craniosacral therapy, biofeedback, yoga therapy, and whole foods nutrition.
Her specialty is treating people from an ecosystem perspective which means investigating how food, lifestyle, stress, psychological health, and spiritual health may all be playing a role in a person's wellbeing. Rebecca is also an avid cook and herbalist and relies heavily on food and plants for medicinal support. Rebecca is also passionate about supporting bodies of all sizes and uses a Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating approach to supporting people on their health journeys.
In her free time, Rebecca loves being on the beach, in the garden, or in the woods with Josh and their young children, Ada and Sol. She also loves to walk, swim, travel, read and have dinner parties.
*Dr. Rebecca is currently taking new pediatric patients and new craniosacral patients.
Krista Bennett ND LAc
Dr. Krista Bennett (she/her) received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA.
Prior to medical training, she received her BS Biology at Northern Arizona University, then went on to be a student of sustainable farming working at farms across the globe.
After her travels, Dr. Bennett was determined to return home to deepen her knowledge of medicine and healing. Her own health journey brought her to Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture, and was thereafter convinced these branches of medicine should be accessible to her community. She now blends both eastern and western philosophy to provide a unique perspective in promoting health.
She enjoys working with patients with chronic diseases, gastrointestinal complaints, autoimmune diseases, and reproductive health, among other health concerns. She has additional training in environmental medicine (determining which toxins are impacting health), visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, yoga, and Chinese herbalism.
In her time outside the clinic, you can find her playing volleyball, hiking, dancing, enjoying a hearty meal, and exploring the mountains with her partner and 2 huskies, Luna and Sol.
*Dr. Krista is currently taking new adult and adolescent patients for ND care, acupuncture, and bodywork.
Mary Schroeder ND LAc
Dr. Mary Schroeder (she/her) is a Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncturist, and Chinese Herbalist at Hearth Natural Medicine. Trained in both eastern and western medical approaches, she draws upon both lenses to provide holistic, comprehensive care. Her clinical specialties include menstrual and hormone health, digestive conditions and pelvic floor therapy.
Dr. Mary received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University. Prior to medical school, she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environmental Science at McGill University. She worked in the field of ecological restoration for a number of years, where she developed a passion for herbal medicine and a systems-based approach to healing.
As a clinician, Dr. Mary values personal choice, autonomy and deep listening. She is passionate about educating her patients on their full range of options so that they can feel empowered in their personal healing journey.
In her free time, Dr. Mary enjoys hiking and backpacking in the Olympic Mountains, gardening, soaking in hot springs, swing dancing, and making decadent, wholesome meals.
*Dr. Mary is currently taking new patients for women's health issues, acupuncture, and pelvic floor patients.
Kelsey McCleary ND
Dr. Kelsey McCleary (She/Her) is a naturopathic physician who received her Doctorate from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. Her medical interests are digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine and autoimmune conditions. She also has a passion for physical medicine such as craniosacral, visceral manipulation, and fascial counterstrain which allows her to use touch as a primary healing tool.
Prior to medical school, Dr. Kelsey received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology at Western Washington University. While there, she developed a deep appreciation for the complexities of the human mind and body. During her time in Bellingham, she also became aware of the vital role community plays in well-being, a value that eventually
drew her back to her hometown in Jefferson County.
As a clinician, Dr. Kelsey believes that patients are the best experts on their own bodies. She sees her role as a guide on their healing journey, providing knowledge and treatment options that align with their needs. Her approach is rooted in respect for the body’s natural healing abilities while recognizing the occasional need for additional support to reach the next stage of
wellness.
Outside of her practice, Dr. Kelsey enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, foraging for mushrooms and herbs, taking long beach walks, sailing on her family's wooden boat, preparing nutritious meals, and curling up with a good book, her husband, and their two cats.
*Dr. Kelsey is currently taking new adult and pediatric patients for ND care and bodywork.
Josh Kraetsch LMHC
Josh (he/him) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate and Art Therapist. He is also a co-founder of Hearth Natural Medicine.
Josh pursued studies in psychology, literature, critical theory, and art in his Undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota, earning a B.A. in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature in 2004. From there he followed his passion for connecting with natural systems to work that included habitat restoration, farming, landscaping and stewarding the medicinal herb gardens at Bastyr University. All the while he continued to develop his interests in psychology, spirituality, and the creative process through practices such as songwriting, collage, qi gong and meditation. Josh worked extensively with Michael Meade and Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, based on Vashon Island, WA from 2014-2017. This work included a training in the intertwining of story, art, ritual and nature to create powerful opportunities for healing. He then carried that knowledge into his graduate studies and practice as a mental healthcare provider.
Josh earned his M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Antioch University in Seattle. He pursued additional coursework in Internal Family Systems, Play Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Existential Counseling. He completed a yearlong internship at Jumping Mouse Children’s Center in Port Townsend, where he worked with children from ages 4-11 in a variety of creative, expressive therapies. Josh also gained clinical experience in art therapy and nature-based therapy with adults through work with Sequim Counseling.
His orientation to counseling is trauma-informed and anchored in deep listening and presence. He brings an awareness of the impact that family, cultural and other social systems can have on us as individuals, and works with his clients to develop their resources for personal empowerment in the face of life’s many challenges. Creative expression, meditation, and somatic awareness are some of the resources which he draws on regularly both personally and professionally.
When not practicing counseling, Josh enjoys playing music, walking/hiking, gardening, and dancing with his family and friends.
Karen Richards LMFT
Karen Richards (she/her), MA, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.
Karen completed her undergraduate studies in Cognitive Science at University of California at Berkeley in 1995. She had an initial career in Information Technology until realizing that her heart wasn’t in it. She then completed a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Seattle in 2005, and worked primarily in the greater Seattle area, doing intensive in-home family therapy, wilderness therapy with at-risk youth, and residential care. Beginning in 2008, she had a successful decade-long private practice specializing in couples and relationship therapy.
Karen closed her private practice and moved to Port Townsend over a span of 2017-2020. During this time, she took a break from practicing therapy and studied topics relating to holistic health, coaching, and human relationship with the natural world, earning certificates in life coaching, health coaching, and ecopsychology. Finding an alliance of like-minded therapists focused on mental health issues related to climate change inspired a return to practicing therapy. Karen is delighted to bring these talents and interests to Hearth Natural Medicine.
When she is not studying and practicing therapy, she enjoys hiking and backpacking, rowing, home projects, learning to garden, and daily walks with her partner and their dog, Boomer.
Belinda Jimenez; Admin Support
Belinda Jimenez joined the Hearth team in 2021 . She is the organizational genius behind Hearth, taking care of the space in many different ways.
Belinda has a deep love of plants and natural health which led her to study extensively in the fields of Hydrosols for Health & Flower Essences for wellbeing. She also is an avid gardener and you'll often see posies from her garden decorating the Hearth space. Our office plants also sing her praises!
When not working, she can be found playing the harp, hiking, gardening, and cooking gluten-free vegetarian meals.
Amy O'Shea; Front Desk
Amy O’Shea (she/her) became part of the Hearth Natural Medicine team in the spring of 2023.
With a background in libraries, she is excited to utilize her organization and communication skills in a holistic healthcare environment.
Raised in Jefferson County, Amy spent 25 years living and working in both Portland, Oregon and Madison, Wisconsin. She and her family moved back to Port Townsend in 2021, eager to be close to family and friends.
Happy to once again be settled in the Pacific Northwest, Amy can often be found in her garden, exploring one of the many lovely local beaches with her 9 year old, or volunteering for a local non-profit organization.