Akemi graduated from Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2008. In 2011 she went to Australia where she attended the University of South Australia and completed a Graduate Certificate in Manual and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Later that year she went to India and studied at Paramanand Institute of Yoga Sciences & Research in Indore, Madyar Pradesh, India where she received her 200 hour Yoga Instructor Certification and is registered with the Yoga Alliance. She is currently taking a nine-month course in preparation to sit for the Orthopedic Certified Specialist exam in 2013.

She is on faculty in the physical therapy department at Mount St. Mary's College where she mentors physical therapy students as they provide treatment for LA's homeless community through Mount St. Mary's pro bono clinic at the Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles.

Akemi has always been energetic and interested in movement. She has been athletic throughout her life competing in swimming, diving and capoeira. She also enjoys rock climbing, scuba diving, mountain biking, backpacking, dance and yoga. Working as a capoeira instructor and personal trainer in the late 90's is what sparked her interest in learning more about the science of movement and the human body and ultimately a career in physical therapy.

She believes in a holistic approach to treatment, supporting a balanced lifestyle, eating a colorful diet rich in whole foods, and investing time in family, friends, work, play, exercise and relaxation.

Akemi's interest in travel has led her to many places around the globe. She has traveled through many continents, including North, South and Central America, Asia, India, the UK and Europe, and plans to continue exploring and learning about the world. She dabbles in photography and wants to learn to play the Ukelele as well.