After completing undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and some travelling overseas, Ingrid moved back to her home town of Portland, OR.   There, she became involved in the Natural Foods industry.  As a buyer for Nature's Fresh Northwest (now 'New Seasons'), she spent several years serving customers in supplements and natural body care. During this time, she felt the pulse of the Portland community's health needs, and saw which imbalances seemed to be plaguing much of the population. Enjoying the ability to help people directly, she enrolled in the graduate program at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.