Dr. Mari Sawai
Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Kathryn “Mari” Sawai’s passion for healing began early and has only deepened with time. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Biological Sciences from Arizona State University and went on to complete her doctorate at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (now Sonoran University)—finishing her medical training by the age of 25.
Early in her career, Dr. Mari became fascinated by the body’s innate ability to heal when given the right support. This curiosity evolved into a lifelong commitment to helping patients restore function at the root-cause and cellular level, rather than simply managing symptoms. Over thelast decade, her clinical focus has expanded from detoxification and gut health into functional medicine, regenerative therapies, peptides, and longevity medicine.
In 2015, Dr. Mari and her husband, Isaac, co-founded Maine Comprehensive Health Institute (MaineCHI) with a shared vision: to create an integrative medical practice where patients feel truly seen, heard, and supported. Today, MaineCHI brings together naturopathic medicine, functional diagnostics, advanced injection therapies, peptide protocols, IV and regenerative treatments, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage —all under one roof.
Dr. Mari is known for her thoughtful, investigative approach to care. Patients often describe her as having a “Sherlock Holmes” mindset—carefully connecting symptoms, labs, lifestyle factors, and physiology to uncover what’s actually driving illness. Many of her patients arrive after years of searching for answers and are relieved to finally feel understood and guided with clarity and compassion.
A growing passion of Dr. Mari’s work is peptides and longevity medicine. She is deeply interested in helping patients optimize metabolism, hormone signaling, immune resilience, tissue repair, and healthy aging—so they can not only feel better, but live fuller, more vibrant lives for decades to come. Her goal is not just recovery, but resilience, vitality, and long-term healthspan.
Her clinical interests include women’s health across all life stages, thyroid dysfunction, gastrointestinal imbalance, chronic illness (including Lyme disease and chronic fatigue), metabolic health, and pain management. She also has extensive experience with injection therapies, including prolozone and trigger point injections, and enjoys integrating regenerative tools to support healing and recovery.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Mari is a proud mother of two, a plant enthusiast, a yogi, and a lover of animals.
She looks forward to partnering with you on your healing journey and helping you move toward your healthiest, most energized life.
Hayley LaPiene
Licensed Massage Therapist
Hayley is a licensed massage therapist with over three years of experience, originally trained in Washington State and a graduate of Carrington College. She specializes in medical massage and pain management, with a focus on conditions such as plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow. She is also a certified Stretching and Flexibility Coach.
Since joining MaineCHI nearly two years ago, Hayley has continued to deepen her skills and is often praised for her keen understanding of muscular anatomy and pain patterns. Her personalized, results-driven approach helps clients reduce pain, restore function, and move with greater ease.
Hayley is passionate about learning and growth. This fall, she plans to pursue certification in therapeutic lymph drainage to further enhance her ability to support healing and recovery for her clients.
Isaac Axtell
Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist
Isaac graduated from Bastyr University in 2012. During his studies he became particularly interested in Tui Na (a form of Chinese body work). Isaac finished his degree working in internal medicine, gynecology, and pediatrics departments in hospitals around Chengdu and Shanghai, China.
Upon completion of his studies he moved to Big Island Hawaii where he grew a private practice, worked along side naturopathic doctors at a detox retreat, and was a core faculty member and chief resident with the Hawaii College of Oriental Medicine. His motivation is to work with a variety of other practitioners, whether they be from a Western or alternative mindset, to find the treatment that works best for the patient. He is a member of National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), Maine Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAAOM), and is licensed to practice both acupuncture and Chinese herbalism in Maine.
Isaac’s practice emphasizes manual therapies, cupping, and acupuncture to manage chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Abby Walker
Chiropractor
Dr. Abby started The University of Maine at Farmington with an early childhood education major in mind. It was a year later she switched her path to becoming a chiropractor. After her first adjustment at 19 years old, her chiropractor removed her nerve interference and gave her body a chance to heal and repair from years of suffering from multiple allergies. Dr. Abby could only smell skunk before that. Finishing her pre-med courses at UMF she then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. She graduated in 2003 with a Doctorate of Chiropractic and Bachelor of Science degrees.
Her first year of practice was in Hartland, Maine before purchasing an existing office in Skowhegan. She diligently created professional relationships with her patients’ physicians, physical therapists and massage therapists.
While managing her practice Dr. Abby furthered her education with the ICPA4Kids. (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) She enjoys teaching everyday how the body, however old or young, has the potential to heal at its optimum functional capacity when given the correct tools.
Dr. Abby is a strong advocate for patients taking control of their own health. Working in a wellness center like MaineCHI has been a life long dream to help ease patients’ health quest in one accessible place.
Dr. Irwin
Medical Director
Dr. Irwin graduated with honors from The University of Health Sciences, College of Osteo Medicine in 1981. He then completed his internship at Normandy Osteopathic Hospitals in St. Louis, followed by Internal Medicine Residency at University of Missouri In Kansas City. Having more than 41 years of diverse experiences in medicine, especially in the area of digestive health. Currently Dr. Irwin cooperates other doctors and specialists and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital and Maine Veterans Affairs Medical Center. We are extremely fortunate to have him as our medical director here at MaineCHI.