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Meet

Dr. Janet Opila-Lehman, ND

Dr. Janet is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Occupational Therapist

She is a graduate of Bastyr University School of Naturopathic Medicine, a federally accredited 4-year naturopathic medical school in Seattle, WA. And she is a graduate of Boston University and Kansas University Occupational Therapy Programs. Her greatest joy comes from working with children with special needs and their families.

Dr. Janet was drawn to wholistic health care many years ago. She practiced and taught in the field of Occupational Therapy. She utilized many hands-on treatment approaches including Sensory Integration, Neurodevelopmental Therapy, Lymph Therapy, Massage Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Myofascial Therapy and Visceral Therapy. She then discovered Naturopathic Medicine as a discipline that incorporates a medical foundation with natural treatments. Her passion to help individuals attain their maximal wellness was re-ignited. So she “jumped” back into school to obtain her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a detective at heart and loves to search and discover the underlying mechanisms of health and wellness.

Her Approach

Dr. Janet’s approach to healthcare includes treating the whole person by providing patient-centered and individualized care. Her Naturopathic/Biomedical Approach utilizes lab testing, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, supplements, detoxification, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and lifestyle counseling. Her Naturopathic Physical Medicine practice focuses on individuals with developmental disabilities and those with chronic gut and immune issues. She values education as an essential component of empowering her patients to live healthy and happy lives.

Dr. Janet has a special interest in autism, developmental disabilities, gastrointestinal, thyroid, adrenal, and immune function. She is a life-long learner and is now continuing her training with the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs. This organization is a comprehensive training program for physicians at the forefront of medical treatment for pediatric neurodevelopmental challenges.

Serving Asheville, Western North Carolina, and Telemedicine worldwide

Dr. Janet is honored to be the Naturopath Doctor at Western N.C. Naturopathic Medicine in Asheville, NC. She is currently accepting new clients – children and adults on the autism spectrum and those with chronic health issues who are interested in natural medicine.

Dr. Janet is thrilled to have settled in Asheville after living in upstate New York for many years. She loves to travel and combine medical health care work in international countries. Recent adventures have taken her to India, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Guatemala. She spends her free time hiking, cooking, and keeping up with her husband and three children!

Education:

  • Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine: Graduate from Bastyr University, WA.
  • Doctoral Course work: Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Canada.
  • Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy: Boston University.
  • Massage Therapy Certification: Finger Lakes School of Massage, Ithaca, NY.
  • Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy: University of Kansas.

Professional Trainings/Certificates:

  • NATUROPATH PHYSICIAN LICENSE, WA STATE #60658783
  • Occupational Therapy NC License: inactive
  • Certification in Lymph Drainage Therapy and Lymphedema: The International Health & Healing Upledger Institute, Dr. Bruno Chickly, Dec. 2006
  • Certification in Orthopedic Medical Massage: OMERI, June 1999
  • Myofascial Release Therapy: John Barnes, PT, Coursework and Assisting 1998 – 2001
  • Craniosacral Therapy: Dr. John Upledger, Coursework 1998-2000
  • NYS License in Therapeutic Massage: 1997-2018
  • National Certification in Therapeutic Massage: Aug. 1997 to present
  • Certification in Bobath Neurodevelopmental Therapy: London, England 1986
  • NYS Occupational Therapy License: 1981 to 2017
  • American Occupational Therapy Registration: 1979 to present
  • Sensory Integration Training & Practice, Cincinnati: 1979-1981

Memberships:

  • National Autism Association
  • American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
  • North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
  • Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
  • National Association of Occupational Therapists.
  • North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association.
  • National Association for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Continuing Education

LAB RE-LOOK

Have you been told that your labs look fine, but you still don’t feel good? Dr. Janet uses tighter, functional lab ranges that “catch” problems before they become health concerns.

She keeps her skills fine-tuned and is constantly learning new information. Recent studies/training include:  Mold Certification with Dr. Jill Crista, ND,   TACA (The Autism Community in Action) Conferences, Toxicity Master Course with Dr. Kurt  Woeller, Integrative Medicine Academy, SIBO, IBS. H.Pylori training with Gastrointestinal doctors, Long-Haulers COVID with Dr. Kalish Institute and EMF Protection with Lloyd Burrell.

5/2022

THYROID FUNCTION

Is your thyroid function causing you concern?  Dr. Janet investigates “why” you might be experiencing an imbalance and provides safe, natural, treatment options.

Her training with Apex Energetics with Dr. Eric Dorninger, ND on Mastering the Thyroid, and other webinars keeps her abreast on cutting edge evaluations and natural treatments.

MAPS AUTISM DOCTOR

Are you looking for a MAPS Autism Doctor? (formerly DAN!) Dr. Janet attends this training yearly and is working towards her Fellowship position. This training keeps Dr. Janet abreast of new evidence-based treatments and provides her with access to other Autism Doctors around the country.