WHO WE ARE
Heather and Tracy are twin sisters sharing a passion for science and wellness and especially for living EbbTide Well. Both have their Ph.Ds in Psychology and began their careers researching how and why our brains and bodies do what they do and can be optimized. Like the complementary approaches each sister brings to the practice, Heather and Tracy believe in the balance of perspectives offered from conventional scientific knowledge and holistic wisdom.
Heather Rupp, Ph.D., CMT-P, RYT200 (Mindfulness Half):
Heather has spent the last fifteen years researching the mind from the outside looking in as a neuroscientist with a Ph.D from Emory University in Behavioral Neuroscience and post-doctoral work at Indiana University and the Kinsey Institute with a focus on hormones and behavior. Following training and certification with the Mindfulness Training Institute and International Mindfulness Teachers Association, she now combines her scientific knowledge with the practice of Mindfulness to examine the mind from the inside looking out. Her students are guided through her teachings to view their own minds as laboratories from which to experiment and learn about themselves, personal patterns, emotions, cognitions, and their own potential. She grounds the practice in scientific validity and real-world practicality to make it accessible and understandable so that people can learn to incorporate Mindfulness effectively into their daily lives.
Her background combines both academic behavioral neuroendocrinological research, as well as the application of scientific knowledge to the private corporate mission through consulting and neuromarketing. At both her academic and private sector research positions she used cognitive neuroscience research methods, such as brain imaging and implicit tasks, to investigate cognitive, behavioral, and neural processes related to motivated decision-making. Linking this experience with her training and passion for Mindfulness education allows her to communicate from scientific and business perspectives the value and validity of Mindfulness for individuals and organizations.
Her favorite things are nature and her dogs, both of which remind her to be in the present moment.
Tracy Rupp Hockmeyer, Ph.D. (Acupuncture Half):
Tracy addresses individuals' symptoms using acupuncture, cupping, essential oils, and lifestyle recommendations. Tracy received her Master’s degree in Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH; formerly Tai Sophia) and her Ph.D in Experimental Psychology from Brown University with a background in sleep research. Tracy has been active in research and teaching as an adjunct faculty member in the Integrative Health Sciences Department at MUIH.
Tracy believes there is an important balance and role for both Eastern and Western medicine in maintaining health. She uses Evidenced Informed Practice to use relevant research findings to guide treatment in conjunction with ancient theory. She believes that Acupuncture fills a void of Western medicine in treating chronic illness, serving as a preventive medicine and fostering self-care, and especially in treating an individual on a mind, body and spirit level. Her interest in research extends to bridging knowledge from many perspectives and treatment modalities and bring that to her patients. Tracy believes that acupuncture offers an opportunity for healing without the side effects of many medications and for building a foundation for optimal health.
As the mother of two young children, Tracy knows the challenge of incorporating self-care in a daily or weekly practice. She is excited to bring AcuPresent to help others incorporate mindfulness and wellness into their busy lives and experience the benefits.
