A Five Branches graduate, Michael Alexander was among the first group of graduates to travel to the Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, China, to study adult and pediatric Tuina massage as well as Taijiquan and Qigong. Michael has studied with several renowned Tuina teachers, including Chen Shensan, Chiying Chun and Gordon Xu. Besides teaching Tuina at the University, Michael teaches Taijiquan and Qigong in the Monterey Bay area. He has private practices in Santa Cruz and Soquel, California, specializing in massage, acupuncture, herbology and Medical Qigong. Michael Alexander teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
Marilyn Allen
Professor
Faculty Since 2002
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.
Natan Bar Bar-Shimon
Instructor
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
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
Associate 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.
Narrye Caldwell
Instructor
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.
Loren Ging-Loon Chin
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Master Loren Ging-Loon Chin is a 20th-generation lineage holder in Chen Family Taijiquan and is a certified senior instructor conferred by the Chen Qingzhou Martial Arts Association. This association is accredited by China's Ministry of Education and is located in Xulu Village, Henan Province, China, the birthplace of Taiji. He also has a B.A. in Arts from Northern Illinois University. In 1974, he began his journey to understand the internal arts by studying different styles of Taiji under the most skillful and experienced Taiji masters. The first style he studied was Gong Fu, when he was a teenager in Hong Kong.
Master Chin serves as a judge at various tournaments and competitions in the Bay Area. He has also been invited to provide Taiji performances for various events and functions throughout the Bay Area. He firmly believes that Taiji is a learned discipline, requiring as much practice as possible. Master Chin always encourages his students to extend their study of Taiji beyond the confines of a class setting. He is patient and generous in his teaching style and enjoys creating an atmosphere of collective research through detailed instruction, repetition and practice, as well as discussion and laughter. Master Chin teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Tracy Cone is a graduate of Five Branches University. She specializes in Five Element acupuncture and holds a Masters level certification in this specialty. She also specializes in OB/GYN and pediatrics.
While completing her training at Five Branches, she apprenticed with Raven Lang, OMD and studied with Jeffrey Yuen.
Prior to entering TCM school, Tracy studied Eastern and Western herbs with Christopher Hobbs and did fundraising for progressive political causes. She graduated from UC San Diego in 1989 with a BA in Political Science. Tracy has a thriving private practice in Santa Cruz. When she is not working she enjoys mountain biking, running, outrigger canoe paddling and being with her sons Henry and Galen. Tracy Cone teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.
Nadine Gassner
Professor
Faculty Since 2004
Associate Dean of Research
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.
Katayoon Hakim
Instructor
Faculty since 2008
Katayoon grew up with medicinal and culinary herbs and is the third generation in the healing profession. Katayoon received her Master’s degree from Five Branches University and completed postgraduate training in Beijing, China. She holds additional certifications in orthopedic acupuncture and Acu-gems facial rejuvenation. She is a certified herbalist through East West School of Herbalism, as well as a certified massage therapist. Katayoon was a participant practitioner in Stanford University’s study of Acupuncture for depression during pregnancy. Her areas of specialty include pain management, women’s health, digestive disorders and micro-current facial rejuvenation. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking and making jewelry. You can learn more about Katayoon at http://www.hakimclinic.com. Katayoon Hakim teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Kristina Hanley
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.
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.
Charles Hsiung
Professor
Faculty Since 2004
Dr. Charles Hsiung received his Ph.D. in Naval Architecture/Engineering Science at the University of California at Berkeley in 1972. His Master’s degree in Engineering Mechanics was completed at the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering was from National Cheng-Kung University in Taiwan. He has been deeply involved in the self-study of TCM for many years.
Dr. Hsiung has taught university-level classes through all professorial ranks over the last thirty years in both the U.S. and Canada. He was a McConnell Chair Professor and Director of the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Program as well as the Director of the Center for Marine Vessel Development and Research at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada. In recognition of his contribution to the field of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, he has been elected Fellow in the Royal Institution of Naval Architecture and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. Dr. Hsiung teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Xiao Tao Huang
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 2009
Professor Huang received his Masters degree at the Zhejiang Medical University Hospital. He worked in the field of TCM Internal Medicine for 8 years, followed by advanced training in TCM Oncology. He was also the Director for Zhejiang Province Kaihua Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. His specialty is oncology. Xiao Tao Huang teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Herbology.
Darren Huckle
Instructor
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.
Xiaoming Jin
Professor
Faculty Since 2005
Dr. Xiaoming Jin received a Master of Medicine in Acupuncture and Moxibustion from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China, in 1992. After obtaining a Ph.D in Neuroscience from West Virginia University in 2002, Dr. Jin became a postdoctoral fellow at David Prince’s lab, in the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Jin teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
G. Wayne Jower
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Wayne Jower received his BS degree in Zoology from UC Berkeley and his medical podiatric degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He received his Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree in 2000 from ACTCM. His interest in medicine stems from a desire to find ways to prevent and treat disease so that we can live happy and fully functional lives. Wayne’s medical and teaching career spans over 35 years. He has taught in the fields of biology, life sciences, podiatric medicine, and general surgery, and has held distinguished posts as clinical instructor in podiatry surgery, and chief of staff at Pacific Coast Hospital in San Francisco. In his free time he enjoys tap and belly dancing and playing the trumpet. Dr. Jower teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and Western Medicine.
LeTa B. Jussila
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
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.
Tala Lindaro
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.
George Lu
Instructor
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.
Raqib Lynn-Katz
Instructor
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.
