Meet Our Team
Personalized Service | Advanced Techniques | Comfortable Environment
Personalized ServiceAdvanced TechniquesComfortable Environment
Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist,Founder, and Clinic Director
Heather Romano is a nationally certified and New York State licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist. She holds a Master’s Degree of Science in Oriental Medicine and has been practicing both Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine since 2003. In 2004 Heather founded Pagoda Acupuncture & Herbal Healing Center. In 2014 she expanded to become Pagoda Acupuncture & Wellness. In 2022 she expanded again and is now offering services in a second location in West Islip. In addition to offering Acupuncture and Herbal therapy, the following services are now available as well:
- Massage
- Skincare
- Trigger Point Injections
- Reiki
- Audiology
- IV Infusions
- Weight Loss Counseling
- Kinesiology
- Nutrition
- Hypnotherapy
- Medical Art & Cosmetic Tattooing -nipple and areola tattooing-post breast reconstructive surgery - scar coverage - scalp micropigmentation - microblading -permanent makeup
As a practitioner, she is known for her intuitive and warm approach to Chinese medicine. She offers a relaxed and educational experience in consulting and treating her patients. In partnership with her patients, she develops a plan to treat the whole person and root of the problem, not just the symptoms. Heather believes in aiding patients to transform their lives by implementing dietary changes, herbal supplements when necessary, and stress management techniques. In conjunction with Acupuncture, all of these modalities can have a life-altering effect on one’s body and mind.
Licensed Acupuncturist
Licensed Acupuncturist
Nancie Forrest, M.S., L.Ac.
Nancie is a nationally certified and NYS licensed acupuncturist & Chinese herbalist. She received a Master's Degree in Oriental Medicine with a Bachelor's of Professional Studies in Health Science from the NY College of Health Professions in 2005. She has since been practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Nancie originally received a BA in International Business from the American University in Washington, D.C. in 1989. She traveled, lived, and worked globally. Holistic medicine was always her passion, and she ultimately went back to school after working 10 years in finance. Being a practitioner of Oriental Medicine is her passion, and she has fulfilled her dreams of helping others get well using a non-invasive, holistic approach to medicine. Among her many specialties are Fertility, Pain Management, Digestive Disorders, Women's Health, Stress, and Anxiety.
Licensed Acupuncturist
Laura Metzdorff-Rivera MSOM, LAc
Laura is a licensed acupuncturist and certified meditation teacher. She graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and is a Nationally Certified Diplomat of Oriental Medicine. She holds acupuncture licenses in both New York and California. With 20 years of experience in Chinese medicine and acupuncture she treats an array of physical, mental and emotional conditions. She has a strong focus on pain management and mental/emotional wellness. Laura believes knowledge is our greatest tool and dedicates her time in and out of the office to educating people about the benefits of alternative therapies and mindfulness practices. She teaches guided meditation and mindfulness to children and adults of all ages in both private and group settings.
Licensed Acupuncturist
Jennifer Ward, MAcOM, Dipl.OM, L.Ac., CAP
Jennifer Ward is an Integrative Women's Health Specialist, licensed acupuncturist, and herbalist with advanced training from Duke Integrative Medicine, The Ayurvedic Institute, Kripalu School of Ayurveda, and the Integrative Women's Health Institute. She is also a Functional Medicine Health Coach and has worked with two top online women's wellness clinics, helping thousands of women along the way.
Before turning to integrative medicine, Jennifer spent a decade in digital media and brand strategy, working with companies including Food Network, Yahoo, and The New York Times. Having navigated her own experience with stress during that time, she brings a deep personal understanding to her work and especially loves welcoming patients who are new to acupuncture, guiding them through their first steps with warmth and clarity. Jennifer will also help support you to integrate new wellness tools into your life outside the office.
OFFICE MANAGEMENT/BILLING PROFESSIONAL
Melissa Koch
Melissa is an experienced medical biller for over 20 years. She loves being in the office and helping patients with their discovery of how acupuncture can help them in their day to day lives. After many years of chronic spine issues acupuncture has become a part of her life and improved it greatly.
She is commited to make your experience here at Pagoda Acupuncture & Wellness a warm and seamless one. From your first phone call or email you can be assured that we will warmly accommodate all of your needs including insurance verification, commonly asked questions, and scheduling your appointments. Walk-in appointments may be available. Please download the attached patient form and bring it with you on your visit.
