community spotlight

Five holistic practitioners are now ready to serve the entire family in a historical building in Franklin.

These practitioners are Katherine Erlich, holistic pediatrician; Anat Shlagman, traditional naturopath and reiki master; Jill Skurnowicz, naturopathic doctor and nurse anesthetist; Robert Simon, registered acupuncturist and clinical massage therapist; and John M. Simon, holistic doctor of veterinary medicine.

The practice is a family affair in part because Dr. John Simon is the father of Robert and of Kathy Erlich, who brought the practitioners together, according to Robert. The other reason the practice is a family affair is, as Robert explains, “The center is basically for the whole family.”

Robert specializes in relieving allergies and eliminating pain anywhere in the body using a blend of modalities. His philosophy in medical practice and personal life is that “we all have to age, but we don’t have to grow old doing it.”

For Dr. Simon, who also practices at Woodside Animal Clinic in Royal Oak, “My plans are to be available by appointment to discuss holistic veterinary issues and provide second-opinion consults.” Dr. Simon is the Detroit area’s first veterinary acupuncturist and chiropractor and Michigan’s first provider of in-house stem cell therapy for animals.

The center’s grand opening celebration, which is taking place on Saturday, June 2, from 1 to 4 p.m., will include the First Annual Franklin Croquet Tournament.
The original owner of the Slade House, the building in which Franklin Holistic Medical operates, was a doctor, and his grandson invented the dry roasted peanut on the premises. The house, established in 1860, is located directly across from the fire station.

“It does look beautiful,” Robert says. “It doesn’t feel like you are going to a doctor’s office. It’s warm and inviting.”

Franklin Holistic Medical is located at 32710 Franklin Rd., Franklin. For more information, visit their website FranklinHolistic.com.