I am Dr. Maria Patterson LAc, DAc  and board-certified acupuncturist at Cactus Wren Acupuncture! Ever since I was in high school, I wanted a career where I could help people. Back in college, I got the privilege of shadowing an acupuncturist where I got to see all the benefits acupuncture has to offer. I enrolled at PIHMA where I received over 1,000 hours of clinical experience and graduated with my Master's in Oriental Medicine and Doctorate of Acupuncture. After being with so many amazing doctors, I decided to open up my own practice. I specialize in pain management because pain changes patients' overall quality of life. I truly care about my patient's pain and this has become such a rewarding career. I get so excited to go to work every day and get to see the results of my patients living life again!