Dr. Deborah Gleisner

Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Midwife

A Seattle native, Dr. Deborah Gleisner graduated magna cum laude from Western Washington University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and a minor in music.  After many years in the health insurance industry, she decided that healing people was more important to her than helping them with paperwork, so she returned to school.

Dr. Gleisner earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University, an institution renowned for its science-based approach to natural medicine.  She trained under a number of respected doctors in the area, including Dr. Molly Linton, ND, Dr. Joseph Wessels, ND, and Dr. Kimberly Kelley, ND.

Dr. Gleisner’s clinical rotations at Bastyr Center for Natural Health included working under Dr. Jane Guiltinan, ND, the  dean of Naturopathic Medicine, and Dr. Sheila Kingsbury, the chair of Botanical Medicine.  Dr. Gleisner’s electives and clinical rotations were focused on women’s health and pediatrics.  She also trained as a doula, and earned a certificate in midwifery by catching or helping to catch over 120 healthy babies.

Dr. Gleisner serves as Secretary of the California Naturopathic Doctors’ Association and works on the Legislative committee.  She is also a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the California Association of Midwives, and the Midwives Alliance of North America.

Dr. Gleisner’s background in the health insurance industry stimulated her interest in naturopathic medicine, which empowers patients to participate in their own personal health and well-being through dialogue and education. She views the care of a patient’s health as a long-term, collaborative partnership between doctor and patient.  She feels privileged to guide each patient on their individual path to wellness.

Dr. Gleisner lives on the west side of Los Angeles with her husband, her baby daughter and many plants.

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Sara Shirrell Howard

Student Midwife

Sara is studying to be a midwife through the National College of Midwifery and apprenticing under Dr. Deborah Gleisner.  She has a BA in Creative Writing from Beloit College and a background in communications and advocacy. She has worked for several nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles, and most recently for four years in reproductive health care. She is dedicated to being part of a health care movement that provides choice and support for women as they plan their families.

Sara is a doula, an avid Willie Nelson fan, and hails from the south side of Chicago.