By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
In January of 2019, a new face joined the Team of Allegheny Holistic Health Care in Thomas. Barbara Weaner, Family Nurse Practitioner, will be working out of her new office one day a week for the local residents and patients of the facility. Weaner has been an FNP for 28 years; incorporating nutrition, counseling, patient education, and lifestyle modification into her program to help her patients. She holds a certification from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association which has been known to assist with addiction and trauma. In addition, Weaner has studied plant based medicine, stress reduction techniques, meditation, yoga, and is certified in contemplative healing.
Weaner and husband Scott have resided in Tucker County since 1976 when the couple purchased a small farm in the Moore area. After the second birthday of her third child, she completed her nursing degree at D&E College in 1987. In 1988, she graduated from West Virginia University before continuing her studies at Yale University, earning her Master’s Degree and becoming certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Nurse Midwife. In 2006, Weaner graduated again, this time from Clayton College, with a Doctorate Degree in Naturopathy for Healthcare Professionals. Naturopathy is defined as a system of alternative medicine based on the theory that diseases can be successfully treated or prevented without the use of drugs, by techniques such as control of diet, exercise, and massage.
For 12 years, Weaner worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner before accepting a position through WVU Medicine working in the Elkins Dialysis Unit. Her tenure there lasted 15 years where she said she was mentored by several talented physicians and formed work and patient relationships she will continue to treasure.
In December of 2016, Weaner left her position with WVU Medicine to help care for her mother who is suffering from dementia. Along with her father and siblings, it is their goal to continue in home care for her mother, therefore Weaner is only seeing patients on a part-time basis at this time. She also works one day a week at the Jivaka Wellness Center offering her services in the Elkins area. As a caregiver, she strives to help patients understand and find solutions to their issues, assist in patient research along with coming up with a plan to meet their needs and wishes. She is happy to be able to serve the locals in her home county. Walk-in patients are welcome, but due to her part time schedule, appointments are preferred.
