Kierstn Stolhandske, DC
Dr. Kierstn Stolhandske is Taproot's Lead Chiropractic Clinician. She grew up as a multi-sport athlete where she relied on Doctors of Chiropractic to keep her injury-free and ready for her next event. After working in the fitness industry, coaching, and in child development she knew that she needed to do more for her community. She found her calling after holding her infant nephew as he was being adjusted for the first time. Feeling the relaxation and relief in his body after a gentle adjustment, she knew chiropractic aligned with her desire to help others.
Dr. Kierstn graduated from Texas Chiropractic College with her Doctorate and the desire to move back and serve her hometown of Bulverde. Being a Bracken Christian School Alumni, Dr. Kierstn is familiar with the rugged nature of the hill country lifestyle. She is educated in many soft tissue techniques, myofacial decompression (cupping), dry needling, and functional taping. She is also a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
In her free time Dr. Kierstn enjoys rearranging her house, playing volleyball, hiking, road trips, and is always accompanied on her adventures by her fiancé, daughter, son, and their Mini Aussie.
Angie Becerra, DC
Dr. Angie Becerra is Taproot's Founder and Clinic Director. She felt a calling to become a chiropractor after being faced with a number of health problems in her early twenties. She was frustrated with the allopathic medical system not having the answers she needed so she turned to a Doctor of Chiropractic. Through vitalistic chiropractic care she was able to get off all her medications and live a normal, active, healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Angie graduated from Parker University where she focused her studies to better serve pregnant women and children in her community. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and is Webster Technique and Dry Needling Certified. She holds B.S. Degrees in both Anatomy and Physiology and Health and Wellness. Dr. Angie is knowledgeable in soft tissue techniques, dry needling, cupping, and functional taping that are beneficial to athletes (both young and young at heart), pregnant women, and people with repetitive stress injuries. She is currently working on her acupuncture certificate.
In her free time, Dr. Angie enjoys running, working out, kayaking, and watching sports with her family.
Dr. Angie sees patients on a very limited basis as she spends most of her time running Taproot, training doctors and staff, and implementing new wellness services to the practice.
Dr. Jay Bartlett, DAOM, DCCM, MAcOM, LAc
Dr. Jay Bartlett is Taproot's Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. As a Texas native, Dr. Jay Bartlett brings hill-country hospitality to his holistic and integrative practice. An AOMA Acupuncture Academy of Austin graduate, he received both his Master's and Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with a Clinical Specialization in Ecopsychoscocial Pain and Trauma. Dr. Jay believes that it's important to address all aspects of someone's suffering in pursuit of a healing. He also holds two Master's degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Dr. Jay draws heavily upon his background as an electrical engineer when it comes to his diagnosis, employing scientific rigor and evidence-based medicine.
Dr. Jay's clinical specializations range from all-types of pain and trauma, allergies, digestion/gastrointestinal issues, lymphedema, cancer treatment assistance, as well as mental emotional support, such as PTSD. Whatever ailments that patients and clients bring into the clinic, Dr. Jay Bartlett is dedicated to finding the right answers and hopes to be a guide on the road of healing.
Dr. Jay was mentored for a decade by Dr. William Morris, who taught him to specialize in the Neoclassical Pulse Diagnostic Lineage. This allows him to use highly accurate and transformative treatment protocols to address chronic pain and trauma.
Dr. Jay also refined his herbal formula practice through extensive study with Dr. Arnaud Versluys and the Institute of East Asian Classic Medicine by being immersed in the Tien-Zheng lineage. This is where he received his Diplomate of Canonical Chinese Medicine.
When Dr. Jay is not treating patients, he enjoys Tai Chi and spending time with his daughter.
Currently Dr. Jay is only in the office on Mondays and Thursdays.
Patricia Akins, LMT
Patty Akins, LMT, is Taproot's Licensed Massage Therapist. She is a graduate of River City Massage School in San Antonio in, Patty discovered her calling to assist others with their ailments while working with a Chiropractor in 2015.
Patty specializes in classic Swedish Massage, lymphatic massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and prenatal massage. She is always adding new techniques to her skillset. Patty is passionate about helping individuals achieve their wellness goals. She takes a thoughtful approach by attentively listening to her clients' concerns and collaborating with Taproot's doctors to individualize her sessions.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Patty enjoys spending quality time with her family and four-legged companion. Her leisure activities include indulging in word search books, puzzles, reading, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Our Team
Around the office you'll get to know these smiling faces!
Mary is Taproot's Office Manager.
She is your source for all things billing, and special ordering. She also has the answers to most scheduling questions that cannot be handled by the Care Advocates.
Jasmine and Janet are Taproot's Patient Care Advocates.
Our Care Advocates not only answer phones and schedule, they are also well trained in active rehab, passive rehab, decompression, Bioenergetics Testing, and posture brace fittings. They will occasionally represent us at community events.
Audie (not pictured), Dr. Angie's daughter, is our intern/CA in training.
She will gladly schedule you, sanitize tables, or chat with you about puppies/swim/school. Since she is young and is still learning the ins-and-outs of her position and has a very limited role in rehab.
Jeff (not pictured), is our Managing Partner.
He helps Dr. Angie run and manage the business. He also steps in when we need help with anything building repair, business, or community related.
Occasionally you'll see our husbands around the office. Sometimes they're in for their own care, but many times they're helping us fix things we've broken!
