Our Team
Dedicated to your health & wellbeing
Dr. Gary Dreger
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN, ACUPUNCTURIST
Dr. Gary Dreger, a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist, has practiced medicine for more than 35 years. His breadth and depth of experience and knowledge have allowed him to excel at treating many types of complex cases. His patients appreciate his warmth, genuine interest, relaxed style, and natural curiosity. He engages with patients with a whole person approach, with the goals of increasing their ongoing health, sense of well being and vitality along with focused attention on recovery from chronic and acute illness. Emphasizing the use of natural medicines and methods, Dr. Dreger provides a broad spectrum of treatment options tailored individually for each patient, including acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicines, spinal manipulation, homeopathy, and iv nutritional therapies. He may also employ information gained from lab tests, ranging from standard profiles to the most up to date and innovative tests available, which can help provide an overview of health and inform the design of the most effective treatment plan. Dr. Dreger graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland. He regularly attends advanced trainings in both eastern and western medicine. He loves to keep up to date, research new approaches, and expand his knowledge.
Dr. Joanne Gordon
NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN / CLINICAL GENOMICS CONSULTANT
Dr. Joanne Gordon specializes in precision medicine, using advanced lab testing, genetic insights, and personalized treatment strategies to help patients achieve lasting wellness. With over 25 years of expertise in nutrition, metabolic health, natural hormone replacement, orthopedics, and clinical genomics (DNA assessment), she focuses on uncovering the root causes of health concerns and creating targeted solutions for optimal well-being.
Dr. Gordon doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re struggling with hormone imbalances, menopausal symptoms, metabolic disorders, joint pain, or chronic fatigue, she designs customized health plans that deliver real results. By combining the latest advancements in functional medicine, regenerative therapies, and natural treatments, she helps patients restore balance, improve energy, and enhance longevity.
Her background includes a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Boston University, a master’s degree in orthopedic and sports physical therapy from Quinnipiac College, and a naturopathic medical degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. She has also completed extensive post-graduate training in clinical genomics, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, regenerative medicine techniques such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and musculoskeletal ultrasound, as well as osteopathic manipulative techniques and prolotherapy.
At Natural Health Works, Dr. Gordon is committed to helping patients live healthier, more vibrant lives by integrating science-backed functional medicine with natural therapies. If you’re ready to feel better, restore balance, and take a proactive approach to your health, schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward lasting wellness.
Zachary Nelms, LAC
ACUPUNCTURIST
Zach is a licensed acupuncturist with a master’s degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. Zach received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy the University of Nebraska and a massage degree from the School of Healing Arts of San Diego.
Over the past 12 years, Zachary has performed thousands of acupuncture and herbal treatments and has over 20 years experience in the general healing arts. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings including private and community clinics, San Diego Hospice, and Rady Children’s Hospital.
Zach’s extensive training includes several acupuncture styles including Japanese acupuncture, Balance Method, and Orthopedic Motor Point Acupuncture. His most influential teachers include Kiiko Matsumoto, Matt Callison, Richard Tan, and Yoshito Mukaino. He has over 20 years of experience in the healing arts of Yoga, Qigong (Chi Kung), Taijiquan (Tai Chi), and other mind-body awareness practices.
Zach’s acupuncture style is gentle and painless, yet very effective. It is so effective that many patients feel an immediate improvement in their symptoms. Zach treats a wide variety of conditions including sports injuries, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, intestinal disorders, and general pain management.
When not practicing medicine, Zach loves to be outdoors and frequently finds himself entertaining his children, bicycling, gardening, reading, and enjoying music.