Peter Van Houten, MD, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Occidental College in Los Angeles in 1973. He graduated magna cum laude ("with high honors") and Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated from UCSF Medical School in 1978 with honors and finished his residency training in general medical practice at San Joaquin Medical Center, the county hospital in Stockton, California, in 1980.

After founding the Sierra Family Medical Clinic as a private practice in 1982, he served as owner and medical director until 1994. At that point he donated the Clinic to the newly formed non-profit that has overseen its development since then. He has long championed our Clinic as a way for all the residents of this unique area to work co-operatively to improve access to medical and dental care for all. The opening of our new Clinic building in 1997 was the first major step in this process. Dr. Van Houten has served as the Clinic's Medical Director continuously since its opening in 1982.

Dr. Van Houten's approach to medicine emphasizes regular preventive care as well as integrating mental health care into the primary care setting. He believes that medical care should always be delivered with kindness and respect while maintaining the highest level of quality.

He has lived locally at Ananda Village with his wife Catherine since 1978 and enjoys growing roses and landscaping. He is co-author of several books on the use of yoga for health problems, and he lectures frequently on the effects of relaxation and meditation on the brain and behavior.

Sue Loper-Powers specializes in women’s health and natural hormones and has training in ayurveda. Her nurse training includes a BA from Stanford University, the UCFS nurse practitioner program, and a Masters of Nursing from the University of Washington.

Jennifer Sale is the Clinic's behavioral health consultant. She received her Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from San Diego State University in 1985 and has worked in Nevada County since 1988 treating children, teens and adults. She has worked in a variety of programs and settings, including mental health clinics, residential treatment programs for emotionally disturbed adolescents, convalescent care, special education classrooms, and in her own private practice. One of her specialty fields is the treatment of depression and anxiety in which she employs a blend of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Jennifer emphasizes the use of relaxation, visualization, and meditative techniques in her treatment. She also specializes in family therapy with an emphasis on communication skill building for couples.

Bozhidar Popov, DMD, was trained and practiced dentistry in Bulgaria until 1982. He completed advanced studies for foreign trained dentists at UCLA in 1985. He has been in private practice in America for 17 years. His specialties include general and children’s dentistry.

Michael Askins, PhD, has a private practice in Grass Valley and has lived in Nevada City since 1976. He did undergraduate work at UCLA and received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Allient University in Los Angeles. He enjoys seeing patients of all ages including children and families. He has two daughters, Meghan, 24 and Caitlin 21. Michael hosts the monthly Men’s Talk Show on KVMR, addressing a wide variety of men’s issues.