Curator of Curiosity & Lifelong Learner

Hey, I’m Kristen, online persona, Groovy Gal! If there’s one thing I know, it’s that learning is the best part of life. I’ve always asked “why” a million times and love learning new things and exploring new ideas. Whether I’m exploring how things work or figuring out how I can make something better, curiosity has always been my fuel. It’s the driving force behind everything I do—whether it’s in my practice, my hobbies, or the courses I create. I’m always looking for new ways to grow and learn, which is one of life’s most important parts. The moment you stop learning, you stop growing; growth is a lifelong journey for me.

That curiosity led me to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where I spent years helping people feel their best as an acupuncture physician at Axis Natural Medicine. I wasn’t just fascinated by the treatments—I wanted to know why they worked the way they did. Why does a certain point heal a specific condition? What makes one formula more effective than another? These questions kept me diving deeper, learning more, and loving every minute.

My practice has always been about more than just treating the symptoms—it’s about understanding the root cause of each patient’s issues and finding the best way to help them achieve balance. That discovery process has been so rewarding, and it constantly fuels my desire to learn more, both for myself and my patients.

Homeschooling: A Surprise Shift into Teaching

Then came a surprise turn in the road—homeschooling my son and teaching at a large co-op. I never imagined becoming a teacher, but it didn’t take long before I loved it. I should have known it was in the blood – my mother and uncle are both teachers. Suddenly, I was taking everything I had learned and breaking it down into bite-sized, fun, and interactive pieces. Deep inside, Groovy Gal began to come to life. It felt like discovering a whole new world of learning—exciting and energizing for me and my students.

While teaching young kids, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed connecting in a way that helped them understand and engage with what they were learning. Whether guiding my son through lessons or teaching a group at co-op, I found joy in helping others explore new concepts and watching their faces light up when something new or difficult finally clicked.

The best part was that my comfort with being myself—pink hair, glitter eyeshadow, and all—helped the kids feel at ease. I realized that embracing my authentic Groovy Gal self made it easier for kids and teens to open up and trust me. This created a space where learning was fun, and asking questions felt natural, because I wasn’t a “normal” adult. Homeschooling, at its core, encourages curiosity, where no question is too small and every voice is heard. Seeing how much kids could learn and grow when they felt comfortable being themselves was empowering—for both them and me. It’s an experience that has stayed with me and continues to shape my teaching style today.

From Practitioner to Teacher: The Groovy Gal Shift

That love of teaching grew naturally, and before I knew it, I transitioned from full-time practitioner to Groovy Gal at Hippie Helper Creations. I began developing Continuing Education (CEU) courses that blend the wisdom of TCM with modern medical insights. Moving from seeing patients full-time to teaching others about TCM was a huge shift, but I welcomed the change with open arms. The transition was fluid and natural—what began as a passion for learning grew into a desire to share that knowledge and make it accessible to others.

I combine my knowledge and creativity to create courses that are clear, practical, and accessible. While I still practice acupuncture, my world now beautifully blends treating patients with sharing knowledge in an engaging and straightforward way. With the spirit of Groovy Gal, I focus on making each lesson easy to understand and actionable—no fluff, just clear, useful information.

My number one goal is for you to walk away with a deeper understanding that you can immediately apply in your practice without confusion or guesswork. I don’t just teach for the sake of teaching—I want to help you transform your understanding of TCM and how it combines with Western medicine, providing you with tools you can use immediately in your clinic. I’m committed to making learning accessible and enjoyable for all students. With Groovy Gal, I ensure that everyone—whether excelling or facing challenges—has the support they need to succeed.

Bringing Learning to Life

Whether it’s creating TCM courses or homeschooling, my approach is all about making learning come alive. As Groovy Gal, I bring creativity to every lesson, helping you connect with the material in a fun and practical way. Learning doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it should feel like a journey of discovery!

My courses are designed to be flexible and easy to navigate, packed with real-world applications. Whether you’re here for a quick refresher or an in-depth study, I want you to learn at your own pace. Everything I create is meant to fit into your life seamlessly. No stress, no confusion—just a clear path forward that makes learning feel effortless. The goal is to ensure that when you leave a course, you feel smarter and more confident in your ability to apply what you’ve learned.

When I’m Not Groovy Gal

You’ll probably find me exploring other creative adventures when I’m not busy writing courses. I love playing video games with my son (because, let’s be real, games are a great way to learn too!), designing crazy scavenger hunts, and planning themed parties that go way beyond the ordinary. Life is better when you have fun with it, and I try to bring that sense of fun and excitement to everything I do. The same creativity I bring to teaching extends to everything in my life—whether I’m crafting a game or planning a lesson, I approach it with the same enthusiasm and excitement.

I’m also into a lot of creative projects—whether it’s working on jigsaw puzzles, crafting diamond art, or dreaming up my next big idea. Creativity is like air to me; it’s what keeps me going, what fills my space, and what makes every day feel new. It’s about bringing color and life into everything I do. And of course, I’m never without my cats and dog, who keep things lively and add their own special brand of chaos to my day. Whether I’m working on a new course or brainstorming a new project, they are always there—either helping or causing a little bit of trouble.

Looking Ahead

Who knew that homeschooling my son and his friends would spark my love for teaching? It opened up a whole new world for me and changed the way I saw education forever. Today, as Groovy Gal, I continue to blend my love for acupuncture with my passion for teaching. It’s not just about learning—it’s about making that learning fun, accessible, and something that feels as natural as breathing. I want to continue to create a space where learning is never boring and curiosity is always encouraged.

At Hippie Helper Creations, I’m here to help you on your learning adventure, whether you’re diving into TCM for the first time or taking your practice to the next level. Let’s explore, discover, and learn together—where curiosity, creativity, and knowledge flow as easily as a springtime brook. We are just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us.

Let’s Connect

Have a question? Want to collaborate? Looking for something unique? Browse the shop or reach out with custom ideas! I’d love to hear from you!