Our Team
Welcome to Healing Response, where our team of four highly qualified practitioners are here to provide you with proper assessment and a plan of care unique to your needs. Each provider at Healing Response is trained in highly specialized techniques, ensuring that your unique needs are met with precision and skill. If you are looking for options outside of surgery and more prescription medication, we have the answers. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with us by clicking the Book Now button.
Get to Know Us
About Me
Ayla Wolf is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and the clinic director of healing response, specializing in neurological disorders, chronic pain, and concussion recovery. She is an Associate Professor of Acupuncture at the Carrick Institute and an international speaker on topics in applied clinical neuroscience, functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and biomedical mechanisms of acupuncture.
Dr. Wolf is a contributing author to the award-winning book Concussion Discussions: A Functional Approach to Recovery After Brain Injury. She was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2022. During her time in Dallas, Texas she was the team acupuncturist for the UFC and Legacy fighters training out of Fortis MMA and Octagon.
Education
Credentials:
Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Masters of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness
Licensed Acupuncturist
Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Post-doctoral Training:
Carrick Institute: Clinical Neuroscience Program
Carrick Institute: Traumatic Brain Injury Program
Carrick Institute: Mastering Migraine Program
Carrick Institute: Vestibular Rehabilitation Program
Sean
I am a Boxer and Mixed Martial Artist and I’ve been competing professionally since 2009. As much as I try to train hard but also train smart I’m always going to sustain some type of damage or injury in this sport. Since I’ve been receiving treatment from Ayla Wolf at Healing Response I notice immediate relief in the new injuries I sustain. She’s also been working on my old injuries and over time I’ve noticed that I have less pain and more mobility in those particular areas as well. Adding this treatment to my routine has been a blessing to my career and life.
Tasha
I have been thrilled with my experience with Ayla and Healing Response Acupuncture. Ayla is one of the most knowledgeable people I have met, and I fully trust her with my health. As opposed to many practitioners who treat one specific aspect of a person’s pain or disorder, Ayla sees the person as a whole system, and works to heal underlying causes of any issue.
Jonna
Ayla Wolf is an exceptional practitioner. I have seen several acupuncturists for repetitive use injuries associated with my training as a competitive Crossfit athlete over the last 5 years. I found some relief, but it wasn’t until I began seeing Ayla this year, that I was finally able to heal some long term afflictions that no other acupuncturist, chiropractor, or naturopath could help me with.
About Me
Sophia is a licensed acupuncturist with an undergraduate degree in neuroscience and post-graduate training in functional neurology through the Carrick Institute. With a strong educational background in neuroscience and her own personal experience with traumatic brain injury, Sophia is passionate about helping support others to optimize their brain health, traumatic brain injury recovery, neurodegenerative disorders and finding relief from pain. She is highly involved in acupuncture research at the Health Partner’s Neuroscience Center.
Rich B
In December, 2018, I underwent emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor. The tumor was benign, but far from harmless. It left me with a host of lingering symptoms, from intense pain in my left hip to depression and anxiety to chronic digestive trouble.
Across the entire spectrum of these problems, the acupuncture I’ve received from Sophia Bouwens has provided dramatic assistance, both physical and psychological. As someone who has herself experienced a brain injury from a car accident, she possesses an intuitive and experiential understanding of the connection between my now excised tumor and the rest of my physical and neurological systems. She is not just an outstanding practitioner of this powerful form of treatment, she is also a thorough, patient, insightful and empathetic individual. Sophia excels at making it clear that she and her clients are engaged in a personal as well as professional relationship in our mutual quest for relief and well-being.
DJ
I did not believe in Acupuncture until I experienced it first hand with Sophia. Ever since I was young, I have always been afraid of needles. I tried Acupuncture for the first time with Sophia and she helped me get over that needle anxiety as well as believe in the power of Acupuncture. Sophia helped address my work stress and tension in my neck from sitting at a desk and staring at a computer all day. I recommend Acupuncture with Sophia to anyone looking to address work stress and the tension/neck pain associated with it.
Rick
Sophia is an amazing practitioner! Last summer I hurt my back working on a retaining wall. I could barely walk or straighten up. Sophia did two treatments on me and it helped me heal greatly. Soon the pain had left my back and I was able to function again. The last treatment I had with Sophia was for a sciatic nerve pain. I had had pain for 2 weeks. I was going to be leaving the country to go to South Africa and could not bear the thought of a 23 hour plane ride in this condition. She treated me which lasted 10 minutes and only 5 needles. The pain was completely gone and did not return again. I can’t tell you how amazed I am by the results.
About Me
Michael is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in concussions, stroke rehab, neurological disorders and chronic pain. He owned a private clinic in the Chicago area for 12 years before relocating to the Twin Cities to join Healing Response Acupuncture & Functional Neurology. He has studied intensively with Dr. Clayton Shiu and his Nanopuncture methods for treating strokes and brain injuries, in addition to studying acupuncture and functional neurology through the Carrick Institute. In his practice he also utilized NeuroKinetic Therapy and Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex Therapy to address complex neurological conditions.
GP
Michael is just incredible. He is very professional, kind, patient and knowledgable about his art.
I had a problem with the left side of my lip appearing to be paralyzed when I spoke. I went for
two sessions and my lip is back to normal. two sessions and my lip is back to normal.
Morgan James, NY
Michael is the best acupuncturist I have ever been to! He does this because he cares. He goes out of his
way to help my mind and body. I am soooooooo grateful and thankful. I don’t know what I would do
without him as I have suffered so much in my life and he is the main reason I am getting better.
Thanks Mike!
Lisa Driver, MI
I had broken my foot was one step away from surgery and could barely move my foot. I went to
see Mike 2-3 times per week during my 6 week recovery. By the third session I could move my
foot with normal range of motion without pain. I kept going and every time it got better and
better. When I had gone back to the doctor he was very impressed by how great I had healed in
such little time and did not require me to get physical therapy or any more walking boot. I would
highly recommend Mike to anyone for anything.
About Me
Jason Lee is a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese medicine practitioner and certified massage therapist trained in therapeutic bodywork, orthopedic massage techniques, shiatsu, and Reiki. He completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training in CorePower yoga, and has studied Traditional East Asian herbal medicine and Essential Oil sciences. With his diverse training background and unique combination of techniques, Jason provides his patients with a one-of-a-kind integrative acupuncture and bodywork experience.
Whether people are coming in with complaints that are physical, mental, emotional, or energetic in nature, Jason’s integrative approach and wide range of therapeutic tools allows him to offer healing for a wide range of issues and conditions. For patients with acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain, Jason begins his sessions with orthopedic and range of motion testing that is also repeated at the end of the session to evaluate and objectively assess progress and pain reduction.
In Jason’s spare time he loves learning, especially topics regarding mental and emotional health, trauma & recovery, authentic and compassionate communication skills, as well as history, sociology, and philosophy. One of Jason’s favorite things in life is to go on road trips, and find new places to hike and forage. Typically, you may find him on his motorcycle, practicing archery, or hiking in wildlife refuges and nature preserves.
About Me
Tiina has been working with Healing Response Acupuncture since 2019 providing medical billing, back office support, graphic design and a necessary dose of humor as we navigate the complex jungle of insurance on behalf of our patients. She is a certified Functional Nutritionist and provides nutrition consulting through her private consulting company www.tinasnutrition.com
Tiina’s nutritional wisdom can be found on Instagram @tiinas.nutrition