Michael Cooper, LAc

Since last fall, Healing Horizons has been actively searching nationally for a practitioner of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) to compliment and accentuate our clinical atmosphere. After having interviewed several practitioners, we are proud to introduce you to Michael Cooper, LAc. Having graduated from one of the leading AOM institutions in the country, and after operating his own AOM practice, Michael’s qualifications are plentiful. Dr. Schulte-Barclay is elated to be able to combine her expertise with that of Michael’s to provide the best care possible for our clients.

Michael was inspired toward the helping and healing professions by his grandfather, a fireman and lifelong ski patrolman. He began his path to healing in high school with training in search and rescue, EMT courses, and mountain medicine. Before college, Michael spent time traveling in Asia and studied a number of styles of martial arts. In 2001, he graduated from Saint John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he studied philosophy and the history of math and science. Michael decided to pursue a master’s degree in AOM because of his long-time interests in healing, biology, philosophy, and the energetic aspect of martial arts.  He attended the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in Portland, Oregon, where he developed his specialty of acupuncture treatment for hot flashes due to menopause and breast cancer treatment.  At OCOM, Michael earned his certification as a qigong instructor, received intensive shiatsu massage training, and worked in the research department participating in studies of endometriosis and temporomandibular disorder.  After graduating from OCOM in 2006, Michael operated his own practice in Louisiana, and then moved to Denver where he worked in a multi-modality clinic.  Michael and his lovely wife, Olivia, are excited to be living in Grand Junction where they feel comfortable raising their beautiful daughter, Clementine.  Michael shares the goal of Healing Horizons to provide effective and nurturing treatments tailored to the needs of each patient.

Paula King, PhD

As a psychologist and life coach, Dr. Paula King, PhD, specializes in helping people create the behavioral patterns associated with accomplished and effective living.  Whether working with a couple on their relationship, a CEO on developing additional management skills, a person on managing a diagnosis of cancer or dealing with chronic pain, an athlete on performance enhancement, or an artist on connecting with their muse, Dr. King encourages a deeper and broader appreciation of their current; strengths while identifying new possibilities for growth and development.

Dr. King relies on her profound belief in each person’s unique inner wisdom to guide the individualized discovery and growth process.

Dr. King brings to her work a varied background which includes:  A doctorate in Psychology and Adult Education from Arizona State University, coaching certification from the Hudson Institute, certification as an interactive imagery guide from the Academy for Guided Imagery, a bachelors degree in physical education, over 25 years exerience in a general psychology practice and 10 years as a performance specialist working with professional and amateur athletes.  In addition, Dr. King authored "A Trust Walk: Mindful Golf", and her articles have often appeared in The Arizona Republic (the Phoenix daily newspaper), and a variety of national magazines.

Kirk Apt, RMT, GSI

Kirk is a certified bodywork therapist with over 15 years of experience.  He did his initial training at the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe.  Four years later he trained at the Guild for Structural Integration in Boulder where he earned a diploma in Rolf Structural Integration.  More recently he trained in pedorthics at the International School of Pedorthics, where he specialized in the design and fabrication of custom foot orthotics.

Kirk's work draws heavily on his 20 years of ongoing experience as an ultramarathon runner to better understand the relationship between structure and function of the body.  Utilizing techniques from traditional Swedish massage, myofascial therapy, and Rolf Structural Integration, he offers a unique and effective bodywork therapy.  For a more intensive, whole body therapy, he also offers the "10-Series" of Rolf Structural Integration, as developed by Dr. Ida Rolf.  Custom foot orthotics therapy is also available.    

After relocating his practice from Crested Butte in 2008, he is honored to join the staff at Healing Horizons.  He looks forward to working with the dedicated professionals to create individualized programs to help you meet your wellness goals.

Christine Gallagher, PhD

Dr. Gallagher received her doctorate in Natural Health and has been in private practice for many years.   A former hospital chaplain with a Master’s in Theology, Dr. Gallagher focuses on the mind/body/spirit connection.  Christine is a certified Acutonics practitioner, massage therapist, and yoga instructor.  Acutonics is similar to acupuncture, but it uses sound vibration instead of needles. 

She incorporates Acutonics with Bach Flower Essences, homeopathy, herbology, and nutrition in her integrative practice.  Dr. Gallagher enjoys her family, private practice, professional writing, and leading workshops around the world. 

Nan Keith Frates, RMT

Healing Horizons welcomes Licensed Massage Therapist Nan Keith Frates to our practice.  As an avid runner, Keith first became interested in massage as a tool to help her train harder and recover faster.  After her first deep tissue massage, she immediately noticed a positive change in her running abilities.  She continued running and receiving massages for eight years before attending the Mountain Heart School of Massage in Crested Butte, Colorado.  There she completed an 850 hour program in massage therapy, and she continues to receive continuing education on a regular basis.  After living for 17 years in Crested Butte, Keith moved to Fruita in 2008.  She is enjoying the beautiful Western Colorado scenery as she continues to run 40-60 miles a week on roads and trails, is an avid bike rider, and also pursues Nordic skiing.  Keith recognizes the value of regular massage to not only improve athletic training and performance, but to prevent chronic imbalances that can occur through every day living as well.  Through the art of massage, Keith enjoys aiding the body in spiritual and emotional healing as well.

Katherine Story, LE

Healing Horizons welcomes Katherine Story as our licensed esthetician on staff. Katie grew up in this valley and attended Palisade High School. Katie loves the summertime and anything to do with water. She spends much of her summer on the lakes and rivers of this state. She is elated to be married her high school friend, Brian Story! Katie first became interested in skin when she got out of high school. When her skin began to have problems she wanted to know why. As a result of her curiosity she decided to attend the Artistic Beauty College in Littleton Colorado and graduated in 2005. Katie has worked all over Colorado in various spas, has studied with a board certified dermatologist, and was trained in laser therapy.  She combines her passion for natural skincare and holistic treatments into her services to provide the best results.  Katie also provides makeup applications appointments and performs consultations with makeup that is pure and chemical free.