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About Us

At the Tortoise Clinic, we believe in the wisdom of the tortoise—steady, intentional, and focused on the journey, not the race. Just like in the story of the tortoise and the hare, true wellness is achieved over time through care and dedication. Our approach blends the ancient healing methods of Eastern medicine with the innovations of Western medical science to offer holistic, personalized care. After all, wellness is a marathon, not a sprint.

For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served the 30A and surrounding communities, offering a wide range of integrative services—from acupuncture and massage therapy to primary care and holistic health consultations. We are also home to the largest Chinese Herb dispensary in Northwest Florida, with a full Apothecary featuring medical-grade supplements, Eastern and Western herbal formulas, and customized raw herbal prescriptions.

At the helm of the Tortoise Clinic is Dr. Karen DeVore, a passionate and dedicated Naturopathic Doctor with a Doctorate in Medicine from Bastyr University. Dr. DeVore is deeply committed to sustainable health practices for the entire family. She focuses on education, empowerment, and the integration of evidence-based nutrition, botanical remedies, and lifestyle modifications to create individualized wellness plans for every patient. By addressing the root causes of illness and exploring the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors, Dr. DeVore is honored to guide patients through their unique health journeys.

We’re also proud to offer Neuro-Acupuncture with Dr. Lisa Forsythe, the only specialist of her kind within a 300-mile radius. This cutting-edge technique integrates traditional Chinese needling with modern neurology, effectively treating conditions like stroke recovery, nerve pain, and other central nervous system disorders.

At The Tortoise Clinic, we’re not just treating symptoms—we’re walking alongside you, helping you achieve lasting health and vitality, one step at a time.

East

We embrace the ancient wisdom of Eastern Medicine to support your body’s natural healing process. Our offerings include various styles of acupuncture, customized herbal medicine prescriptions from the largest Chinese herb dispensary in Northwest Florida, medically oriented massage therapy, and personalized dietary recommendations rooted in traditional Chinese Medicine. Each treatment is tailored to your unique needs, blending time-honored techniques with modern insights for a holistic path to wellness.

West

We integrate the best of Western Medicine with a holistic approach to health. Our services include primary care, aesthetics, medical-grade supplements, massage, and body work—all designed to support your overall well-being. Our compassionate team is here to provide personalized care that focuses on both treating symptoms and addressing the root causes, helping you achieve lasting health and vitality.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Karen DeVore

Dr. Karen DeVore

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR

Dr. Karen DeVore received her Doctorate in Medicine from Bastyr University. She is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on education, empowerment and integration. She is passionate about sustainable health practices for the entire family, and works to create individualized wellness plans to support each client in their health journey using evidence-based integration of nutritional, botanical, and lifestyle modifications.


Dr. DeVore received her doctorate from Bastyr University and she is honored to be a part of the global movement toward integrative medical care. As a result of Dr. DeVore’s extensive education and training, she focuses on the root cause of illness and the influences of diet, lifestyle and environmental contributions in relationship to the whole person.

Lisa Forsythe

Lisa Forsythe, MSOM, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), L.Ac.

TCM & NEURO ACUPUNCTURE SPECIALIST

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Lisa is a seasoned primary care acupuncture physician and a highly sought after practitioner, specializing in Neuro-Acupuncture. Dr. Lisa practices an advanced form of acupuncture that balances the central nervous system, treating a wide variety of aliments such as pain, mood disorders, long haul COVID, chronic illness, and nerve based pathologies.

Amber Hunter

Amber Hunter

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Bio Coming Soon

Gwen Anthony

Gwen Anthony

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Gwen is a local legend in the massage world, with over 20 years of experience. She began her training with the internationally acclaimed Hanna Tachashiegi at age 16 and has amassed a vast amount of experience and training. Throughout her years of studying the intricacies of the body, she has earned certifications in most massage techniques; deep and therapeutic bodywork, prenatal, Shiatsu, acupressure, Swedish, reflexology, breath work, and Japanese facial massage, just to name a few. Gwen's passion for the comprehensive and holistic approach to health permeates into each aspect of her massage sessions. Her calm and gentle approach is an ideal compliment for her to her ability to locate and release deep rooted muscular tension.

 June Sinnott

June Sinnott

BODY WORK SPECIALIST

Over twenty years of practicing massage and accrediting an array of bodywork modalities, June has a multitude proverbial ``tricks up her sleeve``. June's massage philosophy is, no one bodywork technique fits all body parts and body injuries. With an emphasis on deep tissue and Thai massage techniques, along with myofascial stretching she is able to help clients reach their health improvement goals.

Drew Smith

Drew Smith

MASTER HERBALIST & ACUPUNCTURIST

Graduated from the Tai Sophia Institute (TSI), the oldest and only Middle States accredited acupuncture school in the United States. Since graduating from TAI, Drew has studied extensively with some of the most famous practitioners of the modern era.

Michele Yoshikawa

Michele Yoshikawa

OFFICE MANAGER

She first came to the Tortoise Clinic as a patient and was immediately taken with the peaceful atmosphere. It wasn’t just the success of the treatment that kept her coming back but she loves the positive energy and serene feeling at the clinic and hopes to provide the same experience for everyone she comes in contact with.

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