Beth Leatherman, L.Ac., MSTOM, Founder of Twelve Rivers Acupuncture
Beth Leatherman is licensed to practice acupuncture and herbs in New Jersey. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York, NY, and is nationally accredited by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is the recipient of Kamwo Herbs Valedictorian Award.
Beth founded Twelve Rivers Acupuncture in 2010, as a solo practice in New York City. After moving to Long Valley, NJ in 2012, she worked for three years as an associate acupuncturist at Princeton Integrative Health Center, where she was the women’s health and infertility specialist. In 2015 she opened Twelve Rivers Acupuncture in Hackettstown, where she treats all types of chronic and acute pain, respiratory health and allergies, women’s health, and internal medicine.
Prior to starting the graduate program for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2006, Beth had been trained both as a visual artist and classical pianist. She received her Bachelor of Fine Art degree in painting from Tyler School of Art / Temple University in 1999. She also studied classical piano privately in New York with several well-known pianists.
After injuring her wrists and hands with a repetitive strain injury and suffering from chronic pain for several years, Beth turned to Asian medicine and Chinese martial arts. She found profound healing through Taiji (Tai Chi) at Moy Yee San Jong in Brooklyn. Her experience of healing and health that she experienced from practicing Taiji inspired her to commit herself to the study of Chinese Medicine. Beth continued to be a member of Moy Yee San Jong and student of Sifu Henry Moy throughout her studies of Chinese Medicine, until 2012 when she moved to Long Valley. She resides there now, with her husband and two young daughters.
Karen Zuidema, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and Holistic Nutrition, Associate Acupuncturist at Twelve Rivers
Dr. Karen Zuidema has been practicing Holistic Medicine for more than 30 years. She is Nationally Board-Certified Acupuncturist and a Holistic Nutritionist Certified in FirstLine® Therapy, a powerful state-of-the-art nutrition program recognized by the NIH (National Institute of Health).
Dr. Zuidema received her degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Natural Medicine in 1991. She earned a Ph.D. with honors in Nutrition from the American College of Natural Medicine in 2000. She additionally received her Master’s degree in acupuncture from the Eastern School of Acupuncture in 2005 and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine specializing in Reproductive Health from the College of Alternative Medicine in 2012. More recently, she has completed a Research Doctorate in Acupuncture from the Pacific College of Health and Science in 2020.
Dr. Zuidema is NAET and Mei Zei certified, specializing in allergy desensitization, facial rejuvenation techniques, and certified in Micro-needling to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, as well as, scars, and stretch marks.
Dr. Zuidema offers an integrative and functional approach to medicine that has helped patients with various health issues including pain, infertility, weight loss, menopause, stress, digestive disorders and autoimmune related issues.
Dr. Zuidema’s approach to treatment and healing is tailored to each patient’s health needs and she is committed to continue researching novel, innovative techniques that will help enhance and improve patient outcomes.
Jennifer Hicks, L.Ac., MSTOM, Associate Acupuncturist at Twelve Rivers
Jennifer Hicks is a licensed and nationally board certified acupuncturist and herbalist through the NCCAOM. She specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, acute and chronic pain conditions, mental health, and stress management.
Jennifer graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2011 with a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). While studying in both NYC and in San Diego, she completed over 3,500 hours of theory and clinical practice. She also had the opportunity to study abroad at the Chengdu University of TCM in China, where she studied alongside prominent doctors and completed rounds in the hospital’s Endocrinology, Gynecology, and Acupuncture units. Additionally Jennifer completed a post-graduate yearlong training program in sports medicine acupuncture. Jennifer is also certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and has had extensive training in using essential oils with Aroma AcuPoint Therapy™.
Jennifer has had years of experience in pain management while working at integrative medical practices. Whether managing chronic pain, reducing stress, or enhancing fertility, Jennifer is dedicated to providing compassionate evidence-based care to support her patients on their journey to optimal health and wellness. She is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and using her knowledge of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy and lifestyle modification to educate and empower patients. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, practicing yoga, hiking, dance and music. Jennifer loves exploring new places and learning new things.
Caterine Harris, Office Assistant and Front Desk Receptionist
Cathy Harris joined Twelve Rivers Acupuncture in 2020 as Office Assistant and Front Desk Receptionist. She lives in the Hackettstown area with her husband and two kids. She enjoys family life very much and cherishes her time with them.
Prior to joining Twelve Rivers, Cathy was the General Manager of 3 Planet Fitness locations in NJ for over 5 years. She also has experience working in the medical field, and received her Medical Billing and Coding certificate in 2009 from Sanford Brown Institute. Cathy’s combined experiences in customer service and medical billing make her a great fit at Twelve Rivers Acupuncture!