meet the providers
From the Latin word for “ever better,” the concept of meliora (meh-lee-OR-ah) informs everything we do. We provide a comfortable place for patients to receive the support and medical care they deserve from our compassionate providers.
DR. AIMÉE BONNEVAL
(pronounced "A-may")
She/Her
As a Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist, Dr. Aimée seeks to provide primary care services through a holistic lens while coordinating care among patients' care team members. She opened Meliora Clinic to provide access to quality care for all, including both complementary and primary care.
Dr. Aimée's interest in medicine began at an early age when a chronic condition introduced her to our current medical system. This experience showed her that relationship-based care is crucial to fostering trust and safety in the clinical setting. As a result, she strongly believes in informed consent, shared decision-making, and bodily autonomy while providing care through a trauma-informed lens.
While Dr. Aimée provides care for adults of all ages, she also sees minors who have reached adolescence and have a primary care pediatrician. She is focused on educating patients about their bodies, promoting their health, preventing disease, and individualizing care to meet each person's needs. She loves getting to know her patients on a personal level and welcomes anyone who shares these values to meet her at Meliora Clinic!
In her free time, Dr. Aimée enjoys reading, hiking, drawing, painting, and sailing with her partner and her Rhodesian Ridgeback "puppy," Sula.
NICOLE ASBAHR, LAc, MSOM
She/Her
Nicole Asbahr is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist who graduated with a Masters of Oriental Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health.
She first became interested in holistic medicine in her early twenties when she started to develop confusing physical symptoms. This initiated a long journey of exploring other approaches to manage chronic illness and to create wellness within. When she discovered acupuncture, she experienced a profound resonance with the medicine, and it has been the foundation of her own healing for the past two decades. The process of tuning into her body has been both challenging and deeply illuminating and is what inspires Nicole to want to help others.
Nicole began her formal acupuncture training in the tradition of 5-Element acupuncture, which is particularly effective at treating mental and emotional imbalances and is gentle in its needling technique. Since completing her initial education, she has deepened her study of Chinese medicine by learning other acupuncture styles, therapeutic approaches, and needling techniques. She often weaves lifestyle coaching, nutritional guidance, gentle inquiry, and complementary therapies such as moxibustion, Gua Sha, and cupping into her treatments.
At the hearth of Nicole’s work is deep listening and the philosophy that every person is a blend of unique experiences and characteristics, which are all asking to be seen and supported. From this place of curiosity, compassion, and service, she tailors individual treatments using the approach and technique that is best suited to the patient’s needs in that moment. She enjoys helping patients with emotional regulation, digestive issues, reproductive health, hormone balancing, stress reduction, mindfulness practices, as well as everyday aches and pains.
Outside of the clinic, Nicole finds joy in the simple things—cooking nourishing meals, relaxing in nature, listening to podcasts, reading, discovering new walking trails, and exploring Portland’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Nicole Asbahr, LAc will begin seeing patients in August 2025.
DR. MARIA RUSSELL
She/Her
Dr. Maria Russell is a board-certified naturopathic doctor. She graduated in 2015 from the National University of Natural Medicine and completed a one-year residency in Family Practice at Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle. Dr. Russell is passionate about naturopathic primary care and is comfortable treating anyone over the age of three. She offers preventive care as well as management of acute and chronic illnesses.
Dr. Russell’s journey into naturopathic medicine is rooted in family values and traditions. Growing up, her family’s diet primarily consisted of organic, whole foods, nurturing a foundation of health-conscious living. When Dr. Russell or her siblings fell ill, her mother would often turn to herbal remedies or homeopathic medicine at home. While Dr. Russell believes in the value of naturopathic medicine, she also recognizes when conventional care is appropriate, including using antibiotics or other pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Russell has embraced her mother’s holistic views on healthcare and carries them forward in practice. She understands the value of combining traditional naturopathic therapies with evidence-based medicine to create a well-rounded and personalized approach to primary care. Her commitment to inclusivity means that she strives to make naturopathic healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance.
But here’s a little secret: Dr. Russell has a sweet tooth and is not above indulging in occasional treats like fried foods or pizza. She believes a balanced approach to life includes enjoying the pleasure of food in moderation, even if it’s not always the healthiest choice. After all, maintaining a healthy relationship with food is essential to our overall well-being.
In her free time, Dr. Russell can be found enjoying snacks with her partner and two small children ages 3 and 5 years old. She also loves hiking, reading, and, of course, sleeping!
Dr. Russell is currently accepting new patients.
Don't see your provider listed? Please call the clinic to coordinate scheduling or a release of records.
meet the Admins
Dawn Oliver
They / Them
Dawn is one of the Patient Care Coordinators at Meliora Clinic. With experience in hotel front desk administration, their love for individualized service and care inspired them to move into the medical field. Their respect and preference for naturopathy stems from the important cultural influences that made them who they are today.
Outside of work; Dawn can be found playing Pokémon with their husband, enjoying their traditional tea sets, or cuddling with their dog Rory and their kitten Glados.
Kathy Smith
She/Her
With over 30 years in healthcare management, Kathy has dedicated her career to optimizing practice operations and enhancing patient care. Her journey began in traditional healthcare settings, where she honed her skills in practice management and administration. Along the way, she developed a deep interest in naturopathic medicine and its holistic approach to health, which led her to Meliora Clinic. Here, she focuses on creating an environment that blends conventional practices with naturopathic principles, ensuring our team delivers exceptional patient experiences.
In her free time, Kathy enjoys cruising in the Caribbean, attending concerts of all genres, and spending quality time with friends and family. These experiences fuel her passion for life and balance, both personally and professionally.