Welcome to Element 7 Wellness.
Here, we believe in creating a safe space for you to share your healing journey with us. We offer services that help you maintain wellness in the midst of your busy life, including Counterstrain, Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture and Intravenous Nutrient Therapy.
We are committed to helping you thrive!
Holly Christy, ND, LAEMP, CACI, JSCCI
Dr. Christy co-founded The Bridge Back Project in October of 2017 and is the principal investigator and executive director. She is passionate about providing a research-based treatment to help ease suffering for those who have suffered from post-traumatic stress injuries.
Dr. Christy has been trained in the highly specialized technique of Fascial Counterstrain by Tim Hodges, LMP, JSCCI, CACI, and Brian Tuckey, PT, OCS, JSCCI, both of whom have been pioneering an effort to expand the methodology of Counterstrain to effectively restore function to the fascial systems of the body: Visceral, Neural, Cranial/Dural, Musculoskeletal, Arterial, Venous, and Lymphatic. She is an instructor for the Counterstrain Academy and the Jones Institute, and a graduate and clinical adjunct faculty member of Bastyr University.
“Of all the modalities I’ve been exposed to in my career, Counterstrain is the most evolved and astoundingly powerful. Counterstrain is based in science and applied anatomy, and through it, we are able to reach inside the body and restore function with very little effort. One patient described it as ‘invisible surgery’ – an apt description for this outstanding technique.”
A lifelong Washingtonian, Dr. Christy earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington, Master of Acupuncture from Northwest Institute of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She has been in practice since 2000.
Rachel Harmon, ND, LAEMP
Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine practitioner
Dr. Rachel Harmon is an Associate Physician at Element 7 Wellness. Rachel is passionate about working with patients to achieve their optimal wellness by removing obstacles to cure and establishing “foundations of health” – structural integrity, environmental health, nourishment, movement, stress-management, sleep hygiene, and spiritual and emotional well-being . She relies heavily on the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine and the Therapeutic Order, while integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fascial Counterstrain, IV therapy, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Kinesio Taping, and Western Diagnostic modalities for a truly individualized treatment approach.
A native to Western Washington, Dr. Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in Integrated Human Biology, Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. Rachel has taken all of the offered Fascial Counterstrain classes through the Jones Institute, four mastery programs with Counterstrain Academy, and continues to practice counterstrain under the mentorship of Dr. Holly Christy. She has been practicing medicine since 2020.
Prior to pursuing her advanced degrees, Rachel spent time working as a Child and Maternal Health Intern for Kore Timoun in Léogâne, Haiti, and remains a lifelong advocate of global and community health. During medical school, Rachel sought out a variety of extra-curricular experiences to enrich her didactic and clinical education including volunteering as a student clinician with downtown Seattle’s Alternative Healthcare Access Campaign, serving with Natural Doctors International in Ometepe, Nicaragua, completing a botanical field study in Costa Rica, conducting a collaborative research study with Bastyr University, Sea Share, and the YWCA on dietary seafood intake with cooking classes and lipid levels in resource-poor households, working as a research assistant to Dr. Laurie Mischley on Parkinson’s Disease, immersive learning of Kneipp Hydrotherapy and Botanical Medicine in Germany, studying Crevasse and Mountain Rescue with the Mountaineers, and participating in Bastyr’s Ragnar Trail Running Relay Team.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys mountain biking, ski mountaineering, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, foraging, painting, and cooking with her partner, Gregory.
Kristin Barnes, ND, LAEMP
Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Practitioner
Dr Kristin Barnes is an associate physician at Element 7 Wellness. She brings together a wealth of life experienced gained from 23 years of active duty in the US Navy with a passion for pursuing vitality and wellness. Kristin has a special interest in working with military veterans and any patient who wants to address chronic stress, optimize mental health and integrate trauma. She blends Traditional Chinese Medicine, botanical medicine, nutrition, physical movement, and Counterstrain to address both emotional and physical pain. Kristin is also trained in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. She focuses on patient education as well as journey preparation and integration counseling to facilitate the responsible, safe, sustainable and conscientious use of these medicines.
Kristin received her BS in Chemistry from the United States Naval Academy and is a graduate of the Naval War College. She holds a Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as well as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. Kristin has started the Fascial Counterstrain program through the Jones Institutes completing four of the classes in the curriculum. She has been practicing medicine since 2021 and completed her two-year residency in 2023. Kristin continues both in private practice in Port Townsend, WA as well as under the mentorship of Drs Christy and Harmon at Element 7 in Poulsbo.
Brianna Cardenas, DMSc, PA-C, ATC
Brianna is a kind and compassionate healthcare provider who is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal health and well-being. With her diverse background in pain medicine, athletic training, and fascial counterstrain, Brianna is a trusted and experienced professional who is committed to providing exceptional care to her patients. Brianna has her Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training and has been doing manual therapy since 2011. Brianna furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and became a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) in 2013. She later earned a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, and completed her doctoral paper on ketamine for pain, PTSD, and depression.
Her clinical background spans the specialties of pain management, gender-affirming care, primary care, academic medicine (working as a professor for physician assistant students), and ADHD specialty care.
As a person with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Brianna has dedicated the last several years to her own personal healing and has used this knowledge to help her patients with EDS and related conditions. She has extensive experience treating hypermobility and EDS, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), dysautonomia, long-COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), upper cervical instability, arachnoiditis, and spinal fluid leaks. She places an emphasis on whole-person healing, combining facets of allopathic, naturopathic, and functional medicine in order to create holistic care plans with her patients. Her compassionate, trauma-informed, and empathetic approach to patient care combined with her background in various specialties makes her a sought-after healthcare provider for patients seeking relief from complex, chronic conditions.
Jenny Weaver, BA, RN, BSN, Intravenous Therapy Nurse
Jenny believes in the power of connection with others and to the natural world. Raised in Alaska, Jenny pursued a degree in English at the University of Oregon and worked as a writer early in her career. After moving to Bainbridge Island in 2001, Jenny enjoyed raising her three children with her husband, Tyler, and worked for Bainbridge Performing Arts in non-profit management. Jenny changed career paths in 2017 and attended Olympic College to become a registered nurse. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2023. Her nursing career has included long term care, inpatient psychiatric nursing, and substance abuse nursing. These experiences reinforced her dedication to human connection as it relates to health and wellness. She practices patient-centered nursing by meeting each patient’s needs individually, using evidence-based, compassionate care. She is a member of the American Nurses Association.
When she is not being a nurse, Jenny enjoys spending time on her hobby farm with her animals, including sheep, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. Jenny still writes and is usually working on several projects. She also loves quilting and knitting, and plays the viola and piano.
Nettie McHenry, Clinic Manager
Nettie came to work for us in August 2019. She comes to us with a background in accounting, billing, medical office experience, and many years working with the public.
With her many skills and experience she keeps the clinic running smoothly, always with a smile & eagerness to take on new tasks. She is friendly and compassionate and has been a great addition to our team.
When Nettie is not at the clinic, she, and her husband love to take on outdoor projects in their yard, as well as camp, exploring Washington state and beyond. Her favorite (four-legged) friend is her Vizsla, Archer, whom she loves to participate in barn hunt trials with and explore the beautiful trails in our County.
Marlene Connolly, Front Office
Marlene joined Element 7 Wellness this past year. She brings her passion for health, wellbeing, and nutrition with her.
Bainbridge Island has long been home to Marlene, her three boys, their dog Trudy and their ever-increasing flock of chickens.