Our Practice
Integrative Medicine
Our integrative medical practice values the relationship between practitioner and patient, is person-centered and informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches.
We are a physician-led team of experienced and board certified professionals who are passionate about promoting health and wellness. Our office is a clean, green and serene healing space in downtown Austin. We go paperless as much as possible. Handouts, prescriptions, records, referrals and lab orders are completed electronically.
Meet Our Team Of Healers:
Ashley Maltz, MD, MPH
Integrative Medicine Physician
Dr. Maltz was born and raised in Houston and is a proud Longhorn, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA, followed by her MD and MPH from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. She completed a combined residency in Internal and Preventive Medicine at UTMB, followed by a 2-year Clinical Integrative Medicine Fellowship at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT where she gained extensive training in medical acupuncture and natural pain management. She concurrently completed a 1000-hour distance Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona’s Andrew Weil Center For Integrative Medicine. Dr. Maltz is a member of the American College of Physicians, Texas Medical Association and the Travis County Medical Society. She served on the Board of Directors of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine from 2013 – 2015. AshleyMaltzMD.comWith backgrounds in various healing modalities, Dr. Maltz uses her knowledge of both complementary and mainstream medical traditions to offer up-to-date and individualized health care for her patients.
She offers integrative primary care, integrative medicine consultations, functional medicine, medical acupuncture, mind-body medicine, clinical nutrition and natural chronic disease management with evidence-based tools.
She loves guiding her patients to a more grounded state of being.
Julia Afridi, DO, ABIHM
Integrative Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Afridi was born and raised in the Western Chicago Suburbs. She has been interested in natural and holistic approaches to health since childhood when she saw firsthand the limitations of more conventional treatment approaches to health.
She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She completed medical school at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine where she was awarded the Family Medicine Award for outstanding ability in Family Medicine. During her time as a resident and Chief Resident at Advocate Christ Hospital she studied Integrative and Holistic approaches to health and became certified by the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.
She spent 5 years working as the Medical Director for an Integrative Medicine program at a community-based hospital system while building a thriving Integrative Family Medicine practice. During that time she also completed the distance Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona’s Andrew Weil Center For Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Afridi is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association.
Dr. Afridi is licensed to practice in 10 states: Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Alabama, North Dakota, Kansas, Colorado, Maine, Delaware, and South Dakota.
Dr. Afridi sees you as a whole person with your own unique make up and is here listen to you and your needs and desires in order to provide a customized approach to your health, your life and your body. She is here to support your health transformations however that may look for you. She is committed to you having the best possible experience in your body and life no matter what your current level of health is.
Dr. Afridi’s approach combines natural and holistic methods including vitamins and nutrients, herbals, homeopathy, nutrition, meditation and mindfulness, and exercise as well as guiding you with the use of other treatment modalities.
In her spare time she enjoys meditation, yoga and spending time with her husband and son.
Danielle Bower
Acupuncture, East Asian Medicine
Danielle Bower moved from New Orleans to Austin in 2014 to expand her knowledge of health and wellness. She graduated from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in the fall of 2017 with a Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. While in school, she broadened her knowledge of acupuncture with many extracurricular seminars in order to offer her patients versatile and unique treatments. She focused on Chinese herbs, pulse diagnosis, gua sha and cupping. She has continued broadening and deepening her education after school; taking seminars in Aroma Point Therapy, Egyptian Esoteric and Esoteric acupuncture. She is elated to be able to offer these treatments as well.
Danielle is interested in helping patients with chronic pain, pain from injuries, chronic illnesses, stress management, and psychosocial support. She is also interested in working with preteens and teenagers in order to help them navigate the daily pressures of their lives. She looks forward to helping patients develop plans to improve their quality of life and wants to help build bridges to support and nurture a strong sense of community for patients.
Danielle received her undergraduate Bachelor in Fine Arts from Louisiana State University. Her undergraduate degree has helped her recognize and appreciate the beauty in everyday life. Through her studies, she is able to recognize the subtleties of the human form and help improve imbalances that may be present.
Darby Carter
Integrative Health Coach & Community Manager
Born and raised just north of Austin, Darby holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University Central Texas. She is also a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Digital Marketing Specialist, and EFT Tapping Practitioner.
Darby was led into integrative wellness coaching in 2020 when she learned to heal the root cause of her health issues and reverse her Lupus and Hashimoto’s symptoms.
Now, she is passionate about helping others find their path to wellness through personalized coaching and evidence-based strategies. Her approach blends holistic wellness with sustainable behavior change, empowering individuals to achieve lasting health transformations.
Outside of West Holistic Medicine, Darby enjoys gardening, swimming, hiking, baking, herbal medicine, crafting, yoga, and spending time with her friends and family.
Connect with Darby and the rest of our community on Facebook or Instagram @westholisticmedicine for integrative health tips and events happening soon!
Kitty Woo Ham
APRN, FNP-c
Kitty Woo Ham, APRN, FNP-c is an advance practice registered nurse, board certified family nurse practitioner who has received her education through the University of Texas in Austin in 2010.
Kitty has been a registered nurse in the Austin community since 2007, has a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration/Management, and post Masters in as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the University of Texas of Austin. Kitty received her Bachelor’s degree in Science studying premedicine with emphasis on nutrition and organizational management at the Purdue University.
Kitty has been an Ayurvedic counselor since 2020 through Narayana School of Ayurveda and Yoga and recently completed studies in Functional Medicine provider through the Institute of Functional Medicine and is continuing her education through the School of Applied Functional Medicine.
Kitty has a special interest in preventative health, allergy management with immunotherapy, alternative medicine, and nutrition. Her practice provides a comprehensive range of patient treatment options in Western and Eastern Medicine.
In her free time, Kitty enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, dog and friends. Kitty loves traveling, cooking, and exploring Austin by trying out new restaurants, going out to listen to live music and comedy, walking, hiking, cycling, and practicing yoga.
Francine Leyva
Medical Assistant
Francine is a Holistic Nutrition with Culinary Arts graduate and a trained Nutritionist-Dietitian who chose a path-less-taken in her profession. She underwent clinical, community, and food service training with wonderful mentors where she honed her skills in patient communication, nutritional assessment, food preparation and clinical administrative work.
She enjoys learning new things and exploring possibilities which is why she came to join a reputable company that taught her vigorously to be an efficient HIPAA-compliant Virtual Medical Assistant. Francine is more than ready to assist patients with compassion, empathy and kindness.
During her free time, you will find her enjoying the company of her dogs and cats. She loves travelling and exploring culture, food, and meeting new people.
Brianna Jackson
Patient Success Liaison
Brianna takes pride in providing excellent service and creating a welcoming environment for clients and colleagues alike. Whether managing the front desk, assisting with administrative tasks, or coordinating schedules, Brianna approaches her work with efficiency and a passion for helping others. Brianna holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry and brings a strong foundation of analytical thinking and attention to detail to her role.
Outside of the office, Brianna is always seeking new challenges and opportunities for personal growth. She spends her free time learning to play the cello, reading, studying French, and practicing gymnastics.