Matrix Acupuncture & Wellness was founded in 2019 by Shannon M. Zahalka, L.A.C, EAMP and fully certified Pilates instructor. She believes the body is an ever-changing and complex matrix which is unique to the individual and their personal life experience. She knows that in order to heal the body effectively the practitioner and patient must develop skills to cater to the changing and complex needs of the individual. This stems from her own experiences learning to heal herself. After years of struggling from chronic pain due to a car accident, Shannon found Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. It was the combination of Acupuncture, Pilates and corrective exercise that finally gave her relief.

Before her healing journey even began Shannon was drawn to movement throughout her life. With a long history in dance education she was brought into the world of Pilates while completing her BFA in Dance and BA in Psychology at Western Washington University. After completing her education she became drawn to the power that Pilates and functional alignment could give people to enable their best lives. She became a fully certified Pilates instructor through Balanced Body University.

Since 2011 she has been providing community classes as well as private and semi-private training to help people move and live better. In 2016 she decided to pursue Acupuncture at Middle Way Acupuncture Institute where she graduated with her Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, reading, dancing, singing, Yoga, and adventuring with her husband and son. Through her practice she looks forward to sharing a sense of community and individual wellness with the city of Bellingham and Whatcom county.