Marilyn Allen is a practice management consultant for the acupuncture profession. Her expertise includes office management, marketing, professional ethics and jurisprudence. With an M.S. in Management and Administration from Pepperdine University, she has honed her skills in several large complementary medical clinics. She is a consultant to the California State Board of Acupuncture for questions regarding health insurance coverage and malpractice insurance. Professor Allen is also the editor of Acupuncture Today, and is a co-author of the book Points for Profit: The Essential Guide to Practice Success for Acupuncturists. Marilyn Allen teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Adam Atman
L.Ac., MMQ, CMT
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 2000
Adam Atman studied Qigong, acupuncture and Taoist Healing for ten years in Europe, China and Japan. He then came to America and continued to study Qigong and acupuncture. Adam graduated from Five Branches in 1992, and received a Masters in Medical Qigong in 1998. He has practiced acupuncture in Santa Cruz and the South Bay for 17 years and has taught acupuncture and Qigong for ten years at four different schools.
Since 1999, Adam has worked with several Shamanic-healing traditions. As a result of Qigong and shamanic practice, he saw the nature of the energy systems of the human body. He calls “the understandings” which have arisen from this 'Sacred Acupuncture'. Sacred Acupuncture does not negate anything in TCM, it simply amplifies certain aspects of TCM, often reflected in the Nei Jing. Sacred Acupuncture is a set of teachings about the following: the five elements, the eight extraordinary channels, the back Shu points, the zones of the body, the window of sky points, the 24 regular channels, the Zang-Fu organ systems, the ten stems and the 12 branches. For information about Sacred Acupuncture go to: www.sacredacupuncture.com. For information about Adam Atman's clinics in Santa Cruz and Sunnyvale go to: www.adamatman.com. Adam Atman teaches in the Department of TCM Theory.
Natan Bar-Shimon
L.Ac, QME, DAOM Fellow
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2008
Prior to studying Chinese medicine, Natan received training in Shiatsu, meditation, yoga and Qi Gong. He received his Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University, and is a member of the Five Branches first DAOM class. He is also a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) for California’s department of worker’s compensation. His areas of specialty include sports medicine and pain management. In his free time Natan enjoys hiking and bicycle riding. He can be reached at www.hecares.net. Natan-Bar Shimon teaches in the Department of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
Jasmine Berke
L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM), DAOM Fellow
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 2000
Jasmine Berke earned her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in 1991. She fell in love with the philosophies of TCM and decided to pursue training after her success in healing her own chronic health problems. Jasmine received advanced training in orthopedic acupuncture for natural pain management, as well as women's health and hormonal balance, pediatrics, gastrointestinal diseases, healthy aging, and other common health challenges.
Jasmine has studied Japanese Acupuncture, with Kiiko Matsumoto since 1991. In a lecture class she teaches and demonstrates this style of acupuncture which involves abdominal palpation and the precise usage of points to relieve areas of pain and discomfort. Students participate in an externship program observing and assisting treatments in her private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. Jasmine has lived in Santa Cruz since 1972, and is deeply tied and committed to the community. She cares deeply about returning war veterans and has helped Five Branches establish a free clinic to treat these honorable men and women. In addition to Chinese medicine she has a BA in politics and has studied philosophy, and dance. In her free time Jasmine enjoys yoga, belly dance, gardening and hiking. To learn more about Jasmine please visit http://www.jasmineberke.com. Jasmine Berke teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
Mariposa Bernstein
L.Ac., DAOM
Professor
Faculty Since 2000
Marilyn “Mariposa” Bernstein is an alumnus of Five Branches University. She has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and has also studied theater and women’s studies. Mariposa has lectured at Dominican Hospital, Cabrillo College, The Way of Life, and at many health fairs. Her specialties include women’s health, weight loss, immune support, western herbs, and nutritional counseling.
Mariposa’s hobbies include dancing, outdoor activities, comedy improvisation, and travel. She has a private practice in downtown Santa Cruz. Mariposa Bernstein teaches in the Departments of TCM Clinical Training and Western Medicine.
Marketa Bilkova
L.Ac.
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2009
Marketa Bilkova studied Western Medicine in the First Medical School in the Czech Republic. She received her Master’s degree in TCM from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She had a private practice in Bellingham, Washington for eight years.
In her clinical practice Marketa has deepened her study of pain treatment with Tan-style acupuncture, Five Element acupuncture and meditation. In her free time, she loves to kayak, knit and play with her two-year old son. She maintains a part-time clinical practice in Santa Cruz. Marketa Bilkova teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Anji Buckner
M.S.
Instructor
Faculty since 2008
Anji Buckner has a Master’s degree in Public Health from San Jose State University, and has been working in public health and health education in Santa Cruz County for 15 years. Ms. Buckner’s professional experience has been teaching and working with people with disabilities. She has developed and taught courses in public health, health education, personal health and wellness, advocacy, life skills, leadership, and disability awareness. Anji has taught in high schools, community based settings, colleges and universities. She is excited to be teaching at Five Branches and discussing ways to integrate these two fields. Anji Buckner teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Narrye Caldwell
L.Ac., M.T.C.M.
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Narrye Caldwell has a B.A. in Journalism from Wesleyan University and is a graduate of Five Branches University. She has been in private practice in Santa Cruz and San Jose since 1990. She has completed advanced training with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and has a certificate in spiritual psychology from the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology. Narrye has 25 years of martial arts training and is a lineage holder in a number of styles including Tai Chi (Yang Chen Fu, 4th generation), Tai Chi Sword (Wu Tu Yeh, 3rd generation) Qigong (Ted Mancuso, 1st generation), and Bagua Zhang (Dong Hai Chuan 6th generation). She specializes in women’s health, internal medicine, emotional balance, spiritual healing, and nutritional consulting. Her website is www.narryecaldwell.com . Narrye Caldwell teaches in the Departments of TCM Clinical Training and Western Medicine.
Ching Ching Chi
LA.c, Ph.D
Instructor
Dr. Ching Ching Chi is a PhD Graduate of Zhejiang TCM University and Licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in the state of California. She is a student of Professors Fan Yongsheng, Fang Benzheng, and Wang Juyi, most distinguished acupuncture physicians and herbalists in China. She is specialized in pain management, diabetes and its complication, stroke rehabilitation, cancer care and autoimmune disease. She is currently teaching Acupuncture Channel theory, TCM foundation, and TCM History and philosophy in Five Branches University. She is also the Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Masters Chinese Program at Five Branches.
Ping Chou
Ph.D
Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Ping Chou holds a Ph.D. in Chinese Literature from Stanford University, and a Master of Arts in English from Indiana University, as well as numerous teaching credentials from several programs in China, including Beijing University of Foreign Studies and Xiangtan Teachers’ College. His primary interest is in teaching language, translation, history, philosophy and promoting TCM in the United States. Dr. Chou has taught at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, Oberlin College, College of Wooster, and Reed College. Dr. Chou teaches in the Department of TCM Theory.
Chris Ells
L.Ac., DAOM
Assistant Professor
Faculty since 2008
A California Licensed and Nationally Certified acupuncturist since April 2002, Chris has since been deeply involved in bringing forth his skills with a successful private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. His professional involvement expands into the arena of international specialization through his work in proliferating the findings of the Parkinson’s Recovery Project, both in Santa Cruz, and in Amsterdam. Chris maintains an office in the Netherlands, and lectures throughout Western Europe and the U.S. on Yin Tuina and the treatment for Parkinson’s. A member of the first graduating class of the Doctoral Program at Five Branches University, he is a full-time faculty member since January of 2008, teaching both clinical and academic courses. He is currently writing a book on the subject of Yin Tuina, one of his favorite Asian medicine treatment methods, expected to be released in 2012.
Chris Ells teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies and TCM Clinical Training.
Galen Fisher
L.Ac.
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 2000
After living abroad as the son of a diplomat, Galen Fisher majored in psychological anthropology at Swarthmore College, and then moved in 1969 to a homestead in Vermont where he raised goats, produced maple syrup, and became a professional builder. In 1975 Galen went to study Oriental Medicine at the Meiji Toyo Igakuin in Osaka, Japan, and then on to the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in England. Since receiving California certification in 1980, he has also pursued extensive studies in yoga, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and Zero Balancing. Professor Fisher lives and works at Mount Madonna Center in Watsonville, where he practices acupuncture and pursues his fascination with cross-cultural medicine. He also maintains a maple sugar bush in Vermont. He loves travel, backpacking, and cross-country skiing. Galen Fisher teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Tonya Fleck
N.D.
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Dr. Tonya Fleck received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Tempe, AZ, and her B.S. in Psychology from SUNY in Buffalo. She completed graduate work in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Maryland. Dr. Fleck treats men and women of all ages and specializes in family medicine, women's health and holistic pediatrics. She focuses on medical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, detoxification, heavy metal chelation, fatigue, depression and anxiety, homeopathy, and botanical medicine.
Dr. Fleck has always been passionate about people experiencing vitality and freedom in their health. As a naturopathic doctor, she takes a holistic approach when creating individualized treatment plans, partnering with her patients to discover and remove the underlying obstacles to cure. When she isn't teaching or seeing patients, Dr. Fleck enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, preparing wholesome foods, Bikram yoga, and trail running. Dr. Fleck has a private practice in Soquel, California and can be reached at http://www.drtonyafleck.com/. Dr. Fleck teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Nadine Gassner
Ph.D.
Professor
Associate Dean of Research
Faculty Since 2004
Dr. Nadine Gassner completed postdoctoral studies in biomedical research at Stanford University and Yale University before her appointment as Research Associate at Stanford University Medical School. She was awarded a Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Oregon, a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Minnesota and a B.A. in Anthropology and Philosophy from Boston University.
Dr. Gassner has conducted and managed biomedical research projects resulting in the publication of numerous journal articles and book chapters over the past 15 years. She has taught and developed natural science curricula for university students and has served as a consultant to government agencies and the biotechnology industry. She has received fellowships and awards from many honor societies and biomedical research foundations.
Dr. Gassner teaches in the Department of Western Medicine and is a faculty member of the Five Branches DAOM program.
Kristina Hanley
L.Ac., Dipl. Ac (NCCAOM)
Instructor
Faculty since 2008
Kristina Hanley is a California-licensed, and NCCAOM-certified acupuncturist. She received her Master’s in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR in 1998. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Kristina is an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist, certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. In 2000, she worked as an acupuncturist in the San Francisco jails. From 2001 to 2003, she worked as an acupuncturist at the Portland Alternative Health Clinic, which is an integrative health clinic that serves homeless people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. During that time, she also worked as an acupuncturist at mental health centers and HIV clinics. Since 2003, she has been working as an acupuncturist in the Complementary and Alternative Medicine program at the Santa Cruz Women's Health Center. She is also in private practice in Santa Cruz, California. Kristina Hanley teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Stephanie He
L.Ac., M.D.(China), DAOM
Professor
Faculty Since 2000
Stephanie He graduated with honors in 1985 from Tianjin University of TCM and earned certification to teach TCM in China at the university level. After graduation, she worked for thirteen years as a physician and instructor at the First Teaching Hospital at the Tianjin University of TCM, which is one of China’s major TCM institutions for treatment, instruction and research. In Tianjin, Stephanie’s supervisor was Professor Shi Xuemin, a famous expert in the acupuncture department in China and abroad.
Stephanie specializes in the treatment of stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, geriatrics, neuropathies and internal medicine disorders. She has published numerous research articles in nationally recognized journals of TCM in China on subjects including high cholesterol, depression, and gout. In her free time she enjoys cooking, hiking and working out at the gym. Professor He teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Helen Wan He grew up in a family rich with Chinese medicine traditions and inherited a broad knowledge of TCM from older generations. She pursued training in TCM to develop the academic ability to conduct research and develop new treatment solutions. She received her professional training at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and at South Baylo University. Helen is enrolled in the Five Branches doctoral program, advancing her knowledge of the latest research in TCM. Her areas of specialty include dermatology, women’s health and oncology. In addition to TCM, she has studied international business and the Russian language. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and reading. Helen He teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory, TCM Herbology, and TCM Clinical Training.
Kea Hedberg
L.Ac., M.T.C.M.
Instructor
Faculty Since 2006
Kea holds a B.A. in Women and Ethnic studies from Brown University and a Masters degree in TCM from Five Branches University. She has been practicing acupuncture for five years and body-centered therapies for over twelve years. Kea specializes in spirit-centered acupuncture and fertility enhancement. Kea is a brilliant combination of the formally trained acupuncturist as well as a well-developed intuitive. She customizes her treatments to each individual, taking into consideration all of the elements affecting him or her, going to the deepest level of healing. She has naturally-gifted healing hands and a powerful way of clearing emotional and physical blocks.
Kea continually deepens her own practice and stays up-to-date through her advanced trainings with Khosrow Khalighi, Walter Makichen, Kofi Busia, and Cheri Huber. She maintains a private practice and currently leads workshops and trainings in Santa Cruz County. When not working, Kea enjoys studying yoga and yogic philosophy and spending time playing with her husband, Darren Huckle, and son, Jaxson. Kea Hedberg teaches in the Department of TCM Theory.
Darren Huckle
L.Ac., M.T.C.M., DAOM Fellow
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Darren Huckle holds a B.A. in environmental studies from UCSC, and received his Master’s degree in TCM from Five Branches University. It was while studying with Christopher Hobbs that he became interested in TCM. TCM resonated with his background in ecology and natural history. He believes TCM is a system that empowers people to heal along with natural systems such as Golden Shield Qigong.
Darren has more than 10 years of study and practice in holistic health modalities, including Chinese and Western herbology, nutrition, and organic gardening. He is a practitioner and teacher of Golden Shield Qigong, and has a private practice in Santa Cruz. In addition to teaching at Five Branches, Darren has taught at UCSC’s Holistic Health Department. Darren stewards and teaches at the Living Pharmacy, a medicinal garden visited by Five Branches students. Darren’s areas of specialty include: digestive health, fertility, adrenal fatigue and gynecology. In his free time he enjoys Chien Lung Kungfu, bicycling, hiking, wildcrafting, meditation, and spending time with his family. You can contact him at www.rootsofwellness.net or www.goldenshieldqigong.com. Darren Huckle teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
LeTa B. Jussila
L.Ac, M.T.C.M., B.A., DAOM Fellow
Instructor
Faculty Since 2009
LeTa Jussila, is a graduate of Five Branches University and has also studied at the Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, China. She has a diverse background and holistic approach to medicine. LeTa owns Optimal Health and Fitness, a Santa Cruz based company focusing on integrating breath and connection to nature through physical movement and has a private practice, The Santa Cruz Center for Traditional Medicine in Santa Cruz, California, where she practices integrative medicine. She specializes in sports injury, metabolic syndrome, weight loss and food as medicine. LeTa has had a very high success rate with helping men and women lose weight, eliminate food allergies and learn how to exercise properly. In her free time, LeTa is a documentary filmmaker, classical violinist and world traveler. LeTa teaches Career Development in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Glenn Kazmierski
L.Ac., QME
Instructor
Faculty Since 2007
After receiving a MTCM degree from Five Branches University, Glenn became certified in Asian Physical Medicine and Orthopedics. He is a certified Western Herbalist and a QME for the State of California and has been practicing bodywork for 20 years. He teaches a nationally certified orthopedic Shiatsu course for acupuncturists at Five Branches and teaches Shiatsu classes at Twin Lakes College, and Esalen. Glenn has studied privately with Dr. Caroline Peck, Mika Mikashima, Dr. Sylvia Skefich, and Jim Gallas. He is a clinical acupuncturist at Kaiser Permanente, and is the Director of the Maple Street Clinic in Santa Cruz for the restoration of the body and the spirit. Glenn Kazmierski teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Sally Lewis
L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), DAOM
Professor
Faculty Since 2000
Sally Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Lake Forest College and a TCM Master’s and DAOM degree from Five Branches University. She has been in private practice since 1987. Sally incorporates Esogetic Colorpuncture, a healing technique developed by German Naturopath and Acupuncturist Dr. Peter Mandel into her treatments. Dr. Mandel developed this system using colored light on acupuncture points to affect balance in the body. She specializes in treating pain and working with spiritual and emotional issues, including PTSD. Sally completed a 3-year program in Spiritual Direction at the Mercy Center in Burlingame, California. Aside from practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbalism, she enjoys working with sculpture and clay, gardening, hiking, and is a student of Japanese Tea Ceremony. Sally Lewis teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Tala Lindaro
L.Ac.
Professor
Faculty Since 1998
Tala Lindaro’s years in clinical laboratory medicine came after the completion of her degree in microbiology and chemistry from San Jose State University. In 1983, she completed her professional Five Element training at the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia, Maryland. She continues to study, deepening her knowledge and understanding of the Five Element tradition. She has also studied shamanic healing, clinical hypnotherapy and guided imagery.
As an elder, having practiced for almost 20 years, raised five children, survived and recovered from a disabling illness, she continues to aspire to incorporate and integrate wisdom and knowledge into her work. As a long-time student of cross-cultural healing practices, Professor Lindaro brings to her practice a varied approach that honors both the mystery and miracle of life. She honors as important mentors: Angeles Arrien, Charlie Storm Owl, Brugh Joy, and Professor Worsley. Her website is www.spiritofthepoints.com. Her other interests include shamanic healing, quilting, art and gardening. Professor Lindaro teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.
Jacquelyn Lorell
L.Ac
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2007
Jacquelyn has been in the holistic health field for 30 years, with her first practice centering on massage therapy and energy healing. She became interested in TCM while working with her own health and wanted to be able to make a difference in the lives of others with this medicine. She believes TCM heals on body, mind and spirit levels. She received her MCTCM degree from Five Branches University and has been licensed as an acupuncturist since 1992. Her areas of specialization include facial rejuvenation, fertility and hands-on energy work. In her free time she enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, yoga and spending time with friends and family. Her website is www.anewdayhealingarts.com. Jacquelyn Lorell teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Nancy Lowe
L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), DAOM
Professor
Faculty Since 1993
Nancy Lowe was in Five Branches’ first graduating class in 1987, and is now a member of the Five Branches first graduating DAOM class. Prior to studying TCM, she was a massage therapist. Nancy loves the challenge and satisfaction that comes from working with patients and teaching at the University. She is a general practitioner with experience in treating a broad spectrum of maladies, specializing in the treatment of pain. Nancy has been in private practice since 1987 and has been teaching in the Five Branches clinic since 1993. She enjoys knitting, reading, gardening, being in nature and the pursuit of happiness. Nancy Lowe teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
George Lu
L.Ac. Dipl. Ac (NCCAOM)
Assistant Professor
Faculty since 2008
George Lu began studying Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco in 1989, with the respected Angela C. Wu, L.Ac., where he built up a solid TCM foundation and learned to treat patients with HIV/AIDS and Gynecological Disorders. After George graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor Degree in Business in 1993, he continued his study in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Academy of Chinese Medicine and Cultural Sciences and received his Master of Science degree in 1995. In the same year, he received his California state licensure and NCCAOM certification. George also interned at Shu Guan Hospital in Shanghai, China. He trained in Dr. Shi style Orthopedic Tuina along with other specialties including: internal medicine, advanced acupuncture techniques, and gynecology. George opened his first clinic in Cupertino in 1995. He has also practiced in Canada and Southern California. He specializes in sports injury, Tuina, and fertility. While in Southern California, George taught at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica. He moved back to the Bay Area in December, 2008 to join a well-established clinic in both San Jose and San Ramon. George Lu teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Mary F. Lyell
L.Ac.
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2007
Mary received her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and her Law degree from Capital University. After receiving her Master’s degree from Five Branches University she moved to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where she worked in an integrated practice. Since returning to Santa Cruz, she established an Externship at the Santa Cruz Veterans Hall to teach students how to treat veterans with acupuncture. Her passion is Five Element Acupuncture. Her current interest is Shamanic Studies through the Harner Foundation. Mary F. Lyell teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Raqib Lynn-Katz
L.Ac.
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Raqib Lynn-Katz is a graduate of Five Branches University and has been in private practice since 1992. In 1994, she began teaching classes and seminars for Kan Herbs, a local Chinese Herb company. Her areas of specialty include women's health, pain management, emotional imbalances, children and teens. Raqib Lynn-Katz teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
