Meet The Team
The wellness team of Sanctum Med + Wellness is there to provide individualized wellness plans with monthly memberships, to ensure the best results and outcome. Our team of experts are well-versed in areas including functional and integrative medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, sports medicine, massage, aesthetics, and skin care.
Our team collaboratively offers a holistic approach with every individual’s needs and goals at heart.
Dr. Jessica Shepherd
Dr. Jessica Shepherd, voted as one of Dallas’ best doctors, is a board certified OB/GYN, fellowship trained Minimally Invasive Surgeon and women’s health media expert, and has completed formal training with The Institute For Functional Medicine, expanding her knowledge and abilities to care for a diverse patient population.
As a health care expert, she strives to educate people on their bodies and how to address their physical, sexual, emotional health in addition to the incorporation of wellness.
MeET THE TEAM
Dr. Edison Tai
Ed.D, MBA, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist
Dr. Edison Tai, Ed.D., L.Ac., serves as the licensed acupuncturist at Sanctum Med + Wellness, bringing a wealth of expertise and qualifications to his practice. With a Doctoral degree in Sports Management, specializing in Exercise Science, and accreditation as a licensed Acupuncturist, Dr. Tai is a board-certified practitioner renowned for his proficiency in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, particularly in the domains of pelvic floor dysfunction, sports injuries, and reproductive health.
Drawing from over a decade of dedicated experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dr. Tai’s expertise extends beyond sports injuries to encompass a comprehensive array of conditions. Notably, he specializes in reproductive medicine and infertility issues within women’s health, offering tailored treatments to address the unique needs of his patients. Moreover, Dr. Tai focuses on the holistic treatment of diverse ailments, including body stress management encompassing pain, headaches (including migraines), and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as mental stress alleviation covering depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Additionally, his practice includes enhancing immune system function to combat allergies and chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, alongside offering supportive care for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Emily Anderson
Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist & Registered Dietitian
Emily Anderson, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) situated in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex, specializes in providing nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy to individuals grappling with various health conditions, including hyperlipidemia, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. With a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and comprehensive clinical residency training at Baylor University Medical Center, Emily has garnered extensive expertise in clinical nutrition, particularly in treating patients with critical illnesses such as cancer, disordered eating, organ transplants, weight management, neonatal intensive care, and diabetes mellitus. Her dedication to the field was sparked by her sister’s recovery from a life-threatening ailment through dietary interventions, propelling Emily’s unwavering commitment to promoting health through informed dietary choices.
Dr. Alexia Harrigan
PT, DPT, C-MLD, PCES
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Alexia Harrigan, a distinguished physical therapist, holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Science, a Master’s degree, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California.
With over 15 years of experience in the field, she has demonstrated her proficiency in treating orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, chronic pain management, oncology rehabilitation, women’s health, and pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Her journey into pelvic health commenced after undergoing pelvic floor physical therapy following the birth of her 10 lb 1 oz son. Pursuing specialized training, she obtained certification as a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist through Texas Women’s University in Dallas, Texas, and acquired a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate of Advanced Studies in Women’s Health Physical Therapy. Driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, she also became certified as a Postpartum and Pregnancy Corrective Exercise Specialist and a Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner.
Her overarching mission remains to educate and empower her patients, enabling them to achieve their highest quality of life.
Porsha Strong
Lead Master Aesthetician
Licensed Esthetician
Porsha Strong is a distinguished Skincare Specialist renowned for her unwavering commitment to clean, sustainable products coupled with cutting-edge, minimally invasive technology to deliver optimal and safe results. Strong embarked on her professional journey by obtaining her licensing in Texas at Tint School of Esthetics in 2013, supplemented by ongoing education and certifications from The International Dermal Institute. Her illustrious career commenced in luxury spas, where she honed her expertise before transitioning into the role of an Influencer Educator in clean beauty in 2016.
Throughout her career, Porsha has collaborated with esteemed brands such as Arcona, Tata Harper, Kopari, and Dr. Loretta, showcasing her profound knowledge and passion for the industry. Today, Porsha remains dedicated to both educating and serving her clientele. With each client encounter, her overarching intention is to contribute to their enhanced “Best Quality of Life,” epitomizing her commitment to holistic wellness and skincare excellence.
Oracle Batie-Smith
Mindset & Well Being Coach
Certified Life Coach
Oracle Batie-Smith is a revered figure in the wellness community, residing in Dallas, Texas, and renowned for her multifaceted expertise as a yoga-influenced, heart-centered, holistic teacher, and MIND + WELL-BEING coach. With a profound focus on inner healing, Oracle specializes in offering comprehensive coaching services and conducting workshops meticulously designed to foster self-inquiry, self-care, and a diverse array of universal wellness practices.
Operating within the esteemed setting of Sanctum Med and Wellness, Oracle’s overarching mission extends beyond conventional coaching paradigms. Her purpose is to empower individuals to connect with their inherent potential and navigate life’s journey towards a state of heightened joy and fulfillment. Through her insightful guidance and transformative teachings, Oracle strives to equip her clients with the tools and wisdom necessary to cultivate holistic well-being and lead lives imbued with profound meaning and purpose.
Joi Bass
Massage Therapist
Licensed Massage Therapist
Joi Bass, a Dallas native, brings over 20 years of diverse experience to the Health, Wellness, and Beauty industry. With a background in luxury spa management, collaborative work with chiropractors, and specialized care for post-operative plastic surgery patients, Joi has honed her expertise in various facets of wellness.
Her tenure at Equinox gym, where she served on wellness teams for elite athletes, further augmented her skill set. A certified massage therapist specializing in Prenatal massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and Thai Yoga massage, Joi also excels as a Doula and holds licensure as a Massage Therapy and CPR instructor.
Her commitment to holistic well-being and professional excellence has established her as a respected authority in the field, making significant contributions to the health and wellness landscape in Dallas and beyond.
Keri Gassaway
Yoga Instructor & coach
Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach & Yoga Instructor
Keri is a Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Yoga Instructor, whose dedication to holistic well-being is fueled by a lifelong passion for utilizing food as medicine, movement, meditation, and the transformative power of nature. With a profound belief that true health, success, confidence, and joy are attainable for everyone, she leverages her expertise to provide compassionate guidance and practical tools to empower individuals on their wellness journey.
Specializing in helping individuals overcome barriers and achieve breakthroughs in their health, Keri is deeply committed to facilitating the discovery of each person’s most authentic and vibrant self. Her motivation stems from both her innate talents and personal experiences, including navigating challenges related to mental, physical, emotional, and hormonal health within her own family.
Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Keri is on a mission to raise awareness and promote proactive approaches to mental health care. As a wife, mother of four, and proud Texan, she finds joy in spending time with her family, immersing herself in outdoor activities, traveling, and cherishing the blessings of life and friendship. Whether personally or professionally, Keri’s ultimate goal is to leave others feeling valued, understood, and empowered to embrace their well-being journey with love and resilience.
Sasha Vialdores
Registered Nurse
Aesthetic Nurse Injector
Sasha is a seasoned Registered Nurse based in the Dallas area, boasting 14 years of diverse experience across various medical domains, including Emergency Medicine, urgent/ambulatory care, Nutrition & Disease Management for eating disorders, acute and post-acute case management & utilization review, and integrative IV infusion. Over the past two years, she has transitioned her focus to the aesthetics industry, where she holds certification as an injector specializing in facial balancing. Notably, Sasha adopts a distinctive approach to aesthetic injecting, integrating holistic principles to ensure comprehensive treatment of the entire body as a unified system. Driven by her fervor for holistic aesthetics, Sasha is committed to promoting overall wellness from within while enhancing her clients’ innate beauty.
Shakelle Oneal
Personal Trainer & LMT
Shakelle O’Neal, affectionately known as “SHAK,” is a Houston native and an alumna of the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology. Driven by her passion for promoting health and wellness, she furthered her education by obtaining a certification as a Registered Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine.
With an impressive 20-year career in her field, Shakelle has garnered extensive experience as a corporate wellness exercise physiologist, wellness health coach, and professional personal trainer in both commercial and private settings. Over the past decade, she has expanded her expertise into orthopedics, serving as an orthopedic casting technician, non-registered certified radiologist technician, and orthopedic medical assistant.
Drawing from her comprehensive knowledge in kinesiology and orthopedics, Shakelle is embarking on a new chapter in her career by venturing into massage therapy. She is particularly interested in specializing in reflexology and restorative stretching techniques, aiming to offer clients a holistic approach to wellness and recovery.
Excited to join the Sanctum Wellness family, Shakelle is poised to integrate her wealth of experience and passion for wellness lifestyle, personal training, and restorative stretching into her practice, enriching the lives of her clients and contributing to their overall well-being.
Keisha Henderson, Ed.D.
Yoga Instructor & Sound Healing-Keisha's yoga journey began in 2007 as a refuge from societal pressures and personal struggles with self-worth, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. A transformative moment during a yoga class while pursuing her doctorate sparked her commitment to the practice, revealing its power to cultivate mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Upon relocating to Texas in 2013, Keisha found her yoga community and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, guided by mentors who introduced her to holistic yoga philosophy. Formal training followed, including her 200 RYT, 500 RYT, and mindfulness certification, enabling her to share her passion for yoga through teaching. With compassion and dedication, Keisha invites others to join her on the mat, offering a space for self-exploration and growth.
Yolanda Banks
Nutrition Coach- Yolanda Banks is a devoted mother and a passionate advocate for holistic wellness. With nearly a decade of experience as Executive Director of Child Nutrition in the Charter school sector, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and families. Yolanda is also a Certified Nutrition Coach and RYT200, specializing in Restorative and Vinyasa yoga practices, channeling her expertise to promote holistic wellness. Beyond her professional roles, she actively engages in community service, partnering with initiatives like YesDallas to provide yoga and culinary instruction to underserved communities. Yolanda's personal health journey, including challenges with infertility and a subsequent Graves disease diagnosis, has fueled her mission to empower others on their journey to optimal health through holistic approaches.
Desmond Shepherd, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor - Desmond Shepherd, MA, LPC, is a highly experienced Licensed Professional Counselor based in Dallas, Texas, boasting over two decades of dedicated service in the mental health field. Throughout his extensive career since 1996, Desmond has provided compassionate care to individuals and families across diverse settings, including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health agencies, and private practice. With a focus on addressing mood and anxiety disorders, depression, anger management, and various traumas, Desmond specializes in assisting clients, particularly those who have endured childhood traumas such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, and severe neglect. Furthermore, Desmond offers Christian counseling for those seeking faith-based support. He is trained in evidence-based therapies like Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Brainspotting (BSP), and Trauma Systems Therapy (TST), enabling him to effectively support trauma survivors on their journey to healing. Committed to strengthening relationships, Desmond also provides marriage and family counseling, utilizing proven techniques such as Training in Prevention and Relationship Enhancement and Gottman Method Couples Therapy to promote positive change and relational harmony.
Pothos Health at Sanctum
Kayla Meyer, LCSW, serves as the Co-Founder and Lead Clinician of Pothos Health, collaborating closely with the physician services at Sanctum Med + Wellness. With a focus on trauma-based diagnoses, particularly PTSD and dissociation, Kayla brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She holds advanced certifications in Brainspotting and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, allowing her to provide comprehensive and specialized care to her clients. Operating within the framework of Sanctum Med + Wellness, Kayla ensures seamless integration between mental health services and physician oversight. This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive holistic care that addresses both their psychological and physical well-being. Kayla's dedication to client well-being is evident in her empathetic and professional demeanor. She works tirelessly to empower individuals on their mental health journeys, guiding them towards healing and resilience. Through her compassionate guidance and expert knowledge, Kayla helps clients navigate through challenges, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment.
Jasmine Hunt
Yoga Instructor- Jasmine Hunt is a renowned wellness leader and entrepreneur known for her expertise in yoga and diversity advocacy. With a focus on mindfulness strategies and cultural empowerment, she has impacted numerous professionals and individuals. In 2011, Jasmine founded LIFE ON A MAT, a Dallas-based cultural advocacy and yoga education business. As a pioneer, Jasmine developed a law enforcement and first responder course on mindfulness and cultural intelligence, making her one of the first women of color to do so. She has shared her insights with countless agencies, uplifting communities of color nationwide. Jasmine's commitment to balance and harmony, influenced by her dual heritages, inspires her work and lifestyle, drawing from her love for martial arts, island culture, and green tea.
