Heather smiling outdoors near a rocky river with cloudy sky and trees in the background.
Close-up of tall green cactus plants with vertical ridges, some with water droplets on them, in sunlight.

Meet Heather

Welcome! As a functional medicine family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of combined experience in nursing, integrative medicine, health coaching and massage therapy, I have developed a holistic approach to my practice with a strong belief in the importance of listening to the body to determine the root cause of illness and practicing prevention through nutrition and lifestyle choices.  I believe that the answers to all types of dis-ease lie within each persons’ unique story and partnering together with my patients is essential for any successful health journey.

Knowledge is power and education is a core piece of my work, as well as, bringing people together in community for support and accountability. In addition, I have been through my own health challenges relying on the wisdom and healing of functional medicine understanding first hand the feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty that come with health transformation. I also know that living your best, healthiest life is an ongoing process that is full of twists, turns and revisions.

I am currently embracing my own vision of health, living between Taos, New Mexico and Hood River, Oregon with my husband Jeff and pup Osita, enjoying all of the outdoor beauty each community has to offer.

Credentials & Background

  • SAFM Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner

  • Board Certified in Family Practice (FNP-BC)- ANCC

  • Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)- University of New Mexico

  • Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)- Bloomsburg University

  • Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach- Functional Medicine Coaching Academy

  • Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)- Boulder College of Massage Therapy

Testimonial

  • “If you're looking for a provider who truly listens with the intent to understand—not just to respond—I highly recommend Heather. She has been instrumental in helping me uncover the root causes of my chronic gut issues and years of unexplained symptoms. Heather is consistently supportive, thorough, and genuinely cares about her patients' well-being. When she doesn’t have an immediate answer, she takes the time to research and follow up, which speaks volumes about her dedication. After seeing many doctors over the years, working with Heather has brought the first real and lasting improvements to my health. I'm truly grateful for her care.”  C. Carter 

  • “It is my pleasure to recommend Heather as a practitioner and a partner in health. She engaged with me when I was in the darkness of anxiety and confusion about symptoms and pain. She was clear and direct about a path forward. She continues to be a lighthouse for me as I move into better balance. Heather's deep compassion allows me to listen to my own wisdom. And her decades of knowledge and practice give her confidence and experience to recommend tools/supplements and practices.” A. Conlee

  • “I would love to offer honest feedback about my experience. I loved the women’s package and through my experience with it was pointed towards my gut. My experience with Heather Bates is the best medical experience I’ve had.  I feel seen, heard and cared for. My relationship with my body and understanding how to listen to it, is strongly tied to all other areas and aspects of my life especially spiritual, mental and emotional. I’ve felt like there is space to express this other places, and again I’ve felt seen and heard by your team which is an entirely new experience for me. I’m so grateful to have found you all.”

  • “Here is my heartfelt testimonial: I can't recommend Heather Bates, FNP-BC highly enough.  She is incredibly caring, intelligent, and truly committed to her patients' well-being.  I've struggled with chronic, debilitating migraines for years, and she went ABOVE and BEYOND to research new and effective ways to help me manage and reduce them.  They are now almost non-existent.  

    Heather's dedication has made a real difference in my life, and I'm truly grateful for her support.  She is simply put, the best.” Tammy