Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Pivec.
Hi Dawn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During my undergraduate years, I worked as a paraprofessional at a high school for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. That experience made it clear to me: I loved working with people in a helping capacity. It felt natural, meaningful, and deeply rewarding.
Motivated to deepen that path, I received my first master’s degree and began working as a therapist at places like Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, Pride Institute, and Lino Lakes Prison. While the work was powerful, by 2012 I found myself burning out—these environments, while important, were emotionally demanding. I knew it was time to explore a new direction.
Around that time, I quit smoking with the help of acupuncture. The experience was transformative. I was blown away by the power of this medicine and the way it supported healing on every level—physical, emotional, and spiritual. It inspired me so much that I chose to pursue a second master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Now, as an acupuncturist and herbalist, I get to help people heal in a way that empowers their own bodies. I love being part of a process that doesn’t rely on systems or drugs, but instead honors the body’s natural ability to restore itself. I
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a long road, but one that’s felt smooth and full of joy. Every twist and turn has led me exactly where I’m meant to be—and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an acupuncturist and a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and I consider myself a well-rounded generalist. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of treating thousands of people for everything from pain, cancer support, and digestive issues to autoimmune conditions, allergies, addiction, and those complex, hard-to-pin-down cases that no one else can quite figure out.
Women’s health and fertility hold a special place in my heart. I’m especially proud to share that I had my daughter at 43, naturally and without the assistance of IVF. Even though she was breech and I was labeled “high risk,” I was still able to give birth to her naturally—an experience that continues to inspire my work with others.
And of course, with my background in therapy, I have a deep love for treating mental health, addiction, and stress-related issues. Supporting people in finding balance in both body and mind is truly the heart of my work.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck played a huge role in shaping the vibe of my clinic. In 2021, I moved to the small, rural town of Scandia, where rental spaces are few and far between. My husband and I ended up buying a beautiful, historic brick building from 1920, full of charm, natural woodwork, and large, light-filled windows—a perfect space to practice in. Funny enough, the building wasn’t even for sale, but I bought it on a whim. One day, while walking through town, I noticed the owner—a local realtor—was inside. On a whim, I walked in and said, “Hi, I’d like to buy your building.” and he replied, “sure”. A couple of months later, it was ours.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loonholistichealth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loon_holistic_health/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
