WHO WE ARE
Our team is Dr. Rachel, Alyssa, Nicole and Melissa.
At the heart of our clinic is a team of passionate, highly skilled practitioners - each bringing deep expertise in women’s health and a shared commitment to personalized, integrative care.
Rachel Schaefer
Meet The Team
RACHEL
ALYSSA
NICOLE
MELISSA
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Founder
Dr. Rachel is the founder of Gingko Integrative Medicine (GIM). In practice over two decades, she is a multi-disciplinary clinician, with certification in as Functional Medicine clinician, licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in the State of California, completed her clinical doctorate focused on multi-modal care for women's health in 2026 and an expert in Women’s health across the full hormonal arc. A sought-after lecturer on topics of Women’s health and a true clinical detective, Rachel and her team specialize in the N of 1 study. Precision lab testing and evaluation from an optimization lens rather than pathology. GIM aims to illuminate patients’ unique physiology and administer treatment across modalities (acupuncture, nutritional medicine, HRT, herbal prescription and personalized dietary plan) to draft a care as unique as each woman we care for.
She is a founding member of NoCal fertility, a clinical cohort of providers in integrative medical care for infertility (www.norcalfertility.com).
She received her BS in Biology from Mills College in Oakland, California in 1999 and went on to a four Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute in 2005. Rachel's clinical doctorate was conferred in 2026 after two years of in depth scholarship on integrative medicine in Women's health. Rachel has since completed numerous certifications, a two year apprenticeship in Nutritional medicine, a fellowship in Reproductive medicine resulting in her diplomacy as an ABORM fellow. (www.ABORM.org) She is one of the first providers to complete the rigorous CFMC, a certification in Functional medicine from the prestigious Kharrazian institute.
Rachel has undergone extensive training in the personalized application of HRT, with trainings from A4M, Tori Hudson ND and Dr Rachel Rubin.
At GIM, we offer state-of-the art Functional medicine testing, alongside conventional serum analysis and clinical interaction focused on the "n of 1".
Rachel applies a highly developed Food-As-Medicine lens and prescribes dietary approaches to further optimize patient’ metabolic health.
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Alyssa began her certification process through the IFM towards becoming an IFM Certified Practitioner in 2021. She currently holds certification in Application of Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice, with full certification expected in 2025. She is also pursuing the CFMC certification through the Kharrazian Institute.
Always expanding her clinical knowledge base, Alyssa has already completed several courses in 2025, including the Rachel Rubin HRT course, Jackie Piasta’s BHRT course, and multiple masterclasses covering topics such as hormone imbalance, weight loss resistance, gut microbiome analysis, genetics in precision medicine, mood and mental health challenges in perimenopause, and more.
She is a skilled root cause investigator, dedicated to uncovering the underlying factors that drive health outcomes and providing personalized, N-of-1 programming to meet the immediate and long-term health needs of her patients. She employs a food-and-movement-as-medicine approach, utilizing advanced laboratory testing as needed and applying a nuanced lens to conventional labs. Her ability to listen to a patient’s entire story, combined with her extensive clinical knowledge, has helped many women improve their overall health metrics, quality of life, and sense of well-being. She has expertise in gut health, the microbiome and metabolism, adrenal and thyroid conditions, and hormone balancing throughout the lifespan.
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Nicole is a licensed acupuncturist, esthetician, and massage therapist dedicated to promoting health, balance, and holistic well-being. With a passion for integrating ancient healing techniques with modern skincare and bodywork, Nicole offers tailored treatments that rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Known for personalized care and attention to detail, she creates a space for rest and renewal. Her role at Gingko in leading the aesthetic acupuncture program will draw on her decades of experience in comprehensive aesthetics, applying microneedling, acupuncture facials and her unique fascia facial. Incorporating the release of tension in the jaw, neck and scalp, the technique deeply prompts skin with resilience cues to lift and glow while dissolving tension.
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Melissa brings 20+ years of experience in health and wellness to her work with clients, with a specialty in women's health, weight management, autoimmune conditions, and hormonal balance. A certified holistic nutrition consultant and lifelong fitness enthusiast, Melissa believes good nutrition is a lifestyle, not a diet, fad, or quick fix — something that evolves and grows based on your body's changing needs.
Melissa's approach grew out of her own journey through years of ups and downs with her personal health, which led her to a deep commitment to finding each person's own nutrition equation. She understands that no two people are alike, and that bio-individual needs can't be met with a one-size-fits-all plan. She is confident that every person has the ability to live a healthier life and, given the right tools, can successfully do so every day.
She received her B.S. in Nutrition Science from UC Davis and is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant (graduated with honors) from Bauman College, and is currently working toward her board certification in Holistic Nutrition, BCHN. She holds additional certifications as an AIP Certified Coach, NASM Personal Trainer, and Balanced Body Pilates Instructor, giving her a well-rounded, movement-and-food-as-medicine approach to care.
Together, we’re here to guide, support, and empower you through each phase of womanhood.
PERSONALIZED CARE FOR YOUR UNIQUE JOURNEY
Ready to Book a Consultation?
Book your appointment today and take the next step toward personalized, integrative care. Whether you're starting your wellness journey or continuing it, we're here to support you every step of the way.