About Us
about
Dr. Linzi
Hi, it’s so great to connect! I’m Dr. Linzi Saigh-Larsen and I’m honored to guide and support patients on their journey toward vibrant health and wellness. As a board certified naturopathic doctor (ND), and certified nutrition specialist (CNS) with my Masters in Acupuncture (MSAc) I’ve dedicated my career to addressing the root causes of illness and empowering individuals to reconnect with their bodies for long-lasting, transformative healing.
Much of my passion for natural medicine stems from my personal health journey. I entered naturopathic medical school while on six pharmaceutical medications. Through deep exploration, lifestyle changes, and naturopathic therapies, I was able to reclaim my health and step away from those prescriptions—an experience that shaped the compassionate, whole-person approach I bring to each patient. Through my personal experience of overcoming these challenges and removing these medications, I learned firsthand that health goes beyond just the physical. This is why my approach to healing includes nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, while also emphasizing the importance of relationships and personal growth in overall well-being.
I earned my Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Acupuncture from the National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) in 2017, after completing my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Marquette University in 2009. I also hold a second major in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2011), which enriches my understanding of the mind-body connection. In 2018, I became a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), allowing me to merge evidence-based nutrition with natural therapies to optimize health.
At Upper Peninsula Natural Wellness, my goal is to create personalized healing plans that address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of wellness. I incorporate helpful diagnostic tools to provide tailored solutions for optimal health and vitality. I also specialize in providing root cause therapies that stimulate healing at the cellular level. I work with patients both locally and remotely.
When I’m not in the clinic, I love to share my expertise on the legendary Telephone Time with my radio segment, “Wellness Wednesday with Dr. Linzi,” where I educate listeners on a wide range of health topics.You can tune in live every Wednesday at 9:15AM CST on 99.1 WIKB or on WIKB.com. I also find inspiration in nature and enjoy taking hikes and exploring the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan with my husband Jake, sweet basset hound Olive and my family. I believe in the healing power of the outdoors and incorporate my connection to nature into my approach to wellness.
I look forward to partnering with you on your wellness journey!
Education:
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NUHS) 2017
- Master of Science in Acupuncture (NUHS) 2017
- Certified Nutrition Specialist 2018
- Second Major – Psychology (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) 2011
- BS in Biomedical Sciences (Marquette University, Milwaukee) 2009
Meet the Team
Cathy Austin, LMT
Cathy is our massage therapist and brings a deep passion for health, wellness, and helping others on their healing journey.
Raised in Iron River and a proud Yooper, Cathy has always had a love for the outdoors, running, and holistic wellness! She graduated from the Bay Community College Massage Therapy Program in June 2023 and went on to complete an apprenticeship program to expand her knowledge in various massage techniques and modalities. Over the past year and a half, she has gained extensive experience in understanding the anatomy of the human body and how the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected in overall well-being.
Cathy is excited to now bring her expertise to Upper Peninsula Natural Wellness. She has decided to incorporate Core Stone Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy and therapeutic cupping into her practice—three incredible techniques that enhance relaxation, release tension, and promote deep healing.
Core Stone Therapy uses heated volcanic stones to melt away muscle tension, improve circulation, and create a grounding, restorative experience.
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that helps balance the nervous system, relieve stress, and support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Cupping Therapy uses suction to gently lift the skin and fascia, increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, and helping to release deep-seated muscle tension and toxins.
Cathy’s goal is to empower each client to take control of their well-being, live a mindful life, and experience true healing from the inside out. We couldn’t be more excited to have her on board!
Jenny Roberts, Patient Coordinator
Jenny has been a cherished part of the Upper Peninsula Natural Wellness team since August 2023. With a heart full of faith and a passion for helping others, Jenny brings warmth, grace, and genuine care into every interaction.
A devoted wife to her high school sweetheart and homeschooling mama of three energetic boys, Jenny is deeply rooted in family, faith, and purpose. She loves encouraging others through God’s Word, staying active outdoors, playing volleyball, and relaxing with watercolor painting in her spare time.
Known in the office as our “prayer warrior,” Jenny has an extraordinary gift for knowing exactly when someone needs encouragement or spiritual support—often offering heartfelt, powerful prayers that uplift patients and team members alike. Her presence sets a tone of love, compassion, and peace throughout the clinic, making it a place where true healing can unfold.
Jenny is not only skilled in the wide array of therapies offered in our office, but she approaches each patient with gentleness, professionalism, and sincere attentiveness. Her honesty, insight, and unwavering positivity have made her a beloved member of our team.
Megan Strom, Patient Coordinator
Driven, creative, and deeply passionate about physical movement, Megan is a key member of our team at Upper Peninsula Natural Wellness. Her background in athletics, coaching, and now certified personal training brings a powerful layer of support to the work we do—reminding all of us that movement is medicine.
With a degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point in graphic design, Megan brings a valuable blend of creativity and strategic thinking to our practice. From developing marketing tools to contributing fresh ideas in team meetings, she plays an important behind-the-scenes role in helping our clinic grow and thrive.
Outside the office, Megan lives and breathes motion. She coaches and plays soccer, stays active in the gym, and is working toward goals to increase recreational activity in our community. She’s passionate about creating more opportunities for people to stay active through Michigan’s long winters and believes that accessible movement is a vital key to both physical and mental health.
Since joining our team, Megan has grown in her role—earning her personal training certification to help patients connect their movement goals with their health journey. She’s especially passionate about body composition, strength, and using the InBody scan to help patients optimize muscle and metabolic health—key factors in aging strong and living well.
We are grateful to have Megan on our team. Her consistent presence, solution-oriented mindset, and unwavering dedication to movement make her a valuable asset.
Kalee Hernandez, Patient Coordinator
Kalee is a vibrant and multi-talented member of our team who brings creativity, kindness, and heart to everything she does. Since joining us in August 2023, she has been an absolute blessing—faith-filled, optimistic, and always ready with a smile.
Outside the office, Kalee is a professional commercial model and actress, as well as the Music Director at her church, where she shares her gift for piano and worship. She also loves treasure hunting at thrift stores and bringing her passion for fashion to life.
Kalee is known for her patience, warmth, and unwavering professionalism. Whether she’s answering the phone or assisting a patient in person, she offers exceptional customer service and genuine compassion. Her problem-solving mindset and joyful spirit make her an irreplaceable part of our team—and someone patients love to see when they walk through our doors.
Our Values
Patient-Centered
Your story is the most important piece of the clinical puzzle. We create time in all our visits to hear your experience.
Patient Education
The word doctor is derived from the Latin word docere, which means teacher. At Upper Peninsula Natural Wellness, we take the time to educate you about your current health complaints, answer your questions, and present you with all your options.
Professionalism
At Upper Peninsula Natural Wellness, we maintain an environment that is both welcoming and professional. We hope to place you at ease with our friendly and accommodating service.
Prevention
Our goal is to provide you with the tools to not only avoid disease but also to thrive. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” -Benjamin Franklin
Personalization
No two individuals are exactly alike, and we think modern medicine should reflect that. At Upper Peninsula Natural Wellness, we do not perform prescriptive medicine. Rather, we provide you with an individualized treatment plan tailored to your health history and goals.
Partnership
We cannot get you well without your help; nor do we want to! At Upper Peninsula Natural Wellness, we are honored to partner with you to find the solutions for your best health.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
We cannot accept insurance as the state of Michigan does not recognize Naturopathic Medicine at this time. Many people use their HSA or FSA to cover the cost. Full payment is due at time of service. Cash, checks & all debit/credit cards are accepted.
Dr. Linzi runs a cash practice, as she thinks it is the absolute best way for her to determine the quality and time she will spend with those who come to see her based on their needs, not simply what an insurance company dictates. She spends a great deal of time (over 1.5 hours total for the first 2 appointments to fully understand your health history and discuss a comprehensive, customized care plan). Insurance companies would never cover that amount of time. Many are coming to Dr. Linzi because the current medical model isn’t serving them (15-20 minute appointments, covered by insurance), and they want a different approach.
Do you prescribe medications?
No, we do not prescribe pharmaceuticals. We do recommend herbal medicine, homeopathics, vitamins, and minerals when indicated. We will also have you work with your primary care to likely decrease or get off medications as your body continues to heal.
Can you order tests?
Yes. We choose to run functional lab tests to complement what other standard labs may be performed by your primary care doctor. We also provide a handout of recommended labs to share with your primary care provider to see if you can get them covered by your insurance. We may perform food intolerance evaluation, salivary hormone testing, stool evaluation, and/or comprehensive DNA evaluation. We can also assess iodine status via a 24-hour urinary excretion test.
Where are Naturopathic Doctors currently licensed and trained?
Naturopathic doctors are currently licensed in 23 states, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and 5 Canadian Provinces. In these states and provinces, naturopathic doctors are required to graduate from a four-year naturopathic medical school and pass an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license. There are five accredited naturopathic medical schools in the U.S., and two in Canada, with the number of graduates growing annually. Dr. Linzi graduated from NUHS, one of the accredited schools, and is NPLEX board-certified.
What kind of training and education does a naturopathic doctor have?
A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) attends a four-year graduate-level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all the basic and clinical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and microbiology. In addition to the basic sciences, an ND takes four years of training in nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, counseling, and natural manipulation therapy. Two to three years of seeing patients in the clinical setting is a critical component of ND’s professional training. An ND takes two sets of professional board exams to become licensed as a primary care physician. Since Michigan is not yet a licensed state for naturopathic medicine, Dr. Linzi holds a license in the state of Minnesota.
Click here to view comparisons between the education of NDs and MDs.
What is the difference between a naturopath, Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic Physician and NMD?
The term naturopath is unregulated and may be used by anyone promoting natural therapies with or without clinical education.
A Naturopathic Doctor is an individual who has successfully graduated from one of the 6 accredited medical programs in North America and is eligible to sit for the Naturopathic Medical Boards (NPLEX). Dr. Linzi is a Naturopathic Doctor.
A Naturopathic Physician is a Naturopathic Doctor who holds a license to practice medicine in one of the 23 licensed states. Dr. Linzi holds her license in Minnesota.
A Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) is a Naturopathic Physician practicing in Arizona. NMD is a unique identifier for NDs used in Arizona.
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a homeopath or an herbalist?
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care physicians, which is not true of homeopaths or herbalists. Naturopathic doctors have been trained in homeopathy and herbal medicine, which can be used along with other modalities as mentioned above.
Can you be my primary care doctor?
No, we are unable to be your sole primary care provider at this time. As mentioned in the previous question, Michigan is not yet a licensed state for naturopathic doctors. We will work together with any other health care providers that you may be seeing so that you receive the best, integrated care. We recommend that you maintain care with your current primary care physician, as naturopathic doctors cannot be your primary care doctor in the state of Michigan.
What kind of modalities can I expect a naturopathic doctor to use?
- Nutrition/Diet and lifestyle counseling for your individualized needs
- Herbs
- Nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, etc)
- Homeopathy- a very gentle, non-toxic way of stimulating the body’s innate ability to heal itself
- Hydrotherapy- the use of water to restore health
Why is the licensure of Naturopathic Doctors in Michigan important?
Licensure of naturopathic doctors in Michigan would provide you with additional options to choose from for your health care provider. Licensure also ensures public safety, as there are various online programs and uncertified individuals who may claim the title of ‘Naturopath’ or ‘Naturopathic’, but have not graduated from an accredited medical school. If you want to help license naturopathic doctors, please visit https://michng.org and become a supporting member.