With over 11 years of experience in the clinic focusing on injury treatment and structural integration, Sharon brings a wealth of practical information to the classroom. Her passion for optimizing the human form and function combines well with her adoration of academia. Endeavoring to provide guidance to her students as they study TCM, she relies on her own schooling, both in the Masters and Doctorate program at Five Branches University and her origins at the Brian Utting School of Massage in Seattle, Washington.

Sharon Adena teaches in the Departments of Western Medicine and Review and Assessment.

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.

Tim Archer teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.

After success in healing her own chronic health problems, Jasmine fell in love with the philosophies of TCM and decided to pursue training. She earned her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in 1991, and 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. 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’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 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 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 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.

Lynne Caryl L. Ac., owner and practitioner of Harbor Acupuncture, has over 25 years experience as a primary healthcare physician in Oriental Medicine. Introduced to acupuncture while writing her thesis in Japan, she became intrigued with traditional Asian medicine and began her life-long love and practice of this ancient science.

Lynne received her Master’s degree from Five Branches University and was licensed in 1987. She has studied Chinese medicine at the Shanghai Hospital with Director, Dr. Huang focusing on diabetes, internal medicine and herbs; Beijing Hospital in endocrinology and renal clinics; Hang Zhou University in the children’s clinic, internal medicine and trauma and injury recuperation; Chengdu University in dietary medicine. Lynne has also done doctoral studies in Los Angeles and New York and is currently co-authoring a book with Dr. Jeffery Yuen.

Lynne specializes in chronic degenerative conditions and endocrine conditions, focusing on diabetes. Her background teaching yoga and dance, provides an awareness of physiology and body movement that improves pain management, and trauma recovery. Lynne offers Face Reading as a diagnostic tool revealing one’s genetic gifts and challenges, differentiating habits from acute conditioning. Lynne has taught Argentine Tango for over 15 years, both here and in Argentina (and once in Fiji for fun.) She loves the elegance and grace of the dance. . She also enjoys snorkeling in warm waters, learning, and laughter. Lynne Caryl teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training

Florence Chen received her Masters’ degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in California, and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University. She is a licensed acupuncturist in both California and New York, specializing in women's health, neuromuscular medicine and pain management, and dermatology/external medicine. When not practicing or teaching, Florence enjoys skiing, snorkeling, and backyard barbeques.

Florence Chen teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Herbology.

Carissa Cheung is a California-licensed, and NCCAOM-certified acupuncturist.  She has a private practice in Fremont, CA. She specializes in Womens Health, Pain Management, post stroke/surgery recovery, and gastrointestinal disorders.  In her leisure time, Carissa enjoys hiking, cooking, and gardening.  She is capable of communicating in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese, and some Japanese.

Hsinmin Chi earned a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from South Baylo University, California. His prior education included a Master of Science degree in TCM from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, California, a M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University, California, and a M.S. degree in Physics from the University of Texas, Dallas.

Hsinmin is in private practice at Unison Care Corporation in Mountain View, California. He specializes in pain management, anti-aging, Alzheimer's prevention, and Parkinson's disease. When he is not in the office or teaching, he enjoys gardening, hiking and Bio-healing (tree vs. human). For more information about his work go to: www.unisoncares.com.

Hsinmin Chi teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Ching Ching Chi is a DAOM, PhD Graduate of Zhejiang TCM University and licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in the state of California. She is a student of Professor's Fan Yongsheng, Fang Benzheng, and Wang Juyi, the most distinguished acupuncture physicians and herbalists in China.

Ching specializes in pain management, diabetes and its complication, stroke rehabilitation, cancer care and autoimmune disease. Ching is currently teaching in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Acupuncture.

Tracy Cone earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California San Diego in 1992. She spent ten years fundraising for progressive political causes before finding a passion for holistic medicine.

Tracy studied Western and Eastern herbalism with Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac. in 1998, and clinical nutrition at Bauman College (formerly IET) in 2001. She earned a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in 2005 with a specialty in Five Element acupuncture, and at the same time completed a four year apprenticeship with Raven Lang. Tracy maintains a private practice in Santa Cruz, California. For more information go to www.tracycone.com. She is a mom to two boys and a competitive outrigger canoe racer.

Tracy Cone teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.

Marie Corwin earned a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Systems Science & Policy from California State University, Monterey Bay, California. 

Marie Corwin teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Thomas Dicklin is a licensed acupuncturist with a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. He received Medical Qigong training with Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson at the International Institute of Medical Qigong, California. Thomas is a partner and acupuncturist at Communi-Qi Acupuncture in Santa Cruz, California, and has been a faculty member of the Five Branches Extension program since 2012.

Thomas Dicklin teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture, Western Medicine and Complementary Studies.

In private practice since 2000, Rachel Farber has been passionate about helping people live comfortably in their bodies and supporting them to make vital lifestyle choices. Her specialties include women’s health and mental-emotional health, including disordered eating, depression, addiction and hormonal imbalances.

Rachel Farber received her BA from Wellesley College in 1988 and MS from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999. She studied independently with Efrem Korngold, co-author of Between Heaven and Earth, during and after her formal studies and considers him her mentor. She has also studied acupuncture in Japan. Rachel is also a bodyworker since 1992 and has taught massage and Asian bodywork in several massage programs. She is also a mother of two, a dedicated practitioner and teacher of yoga, and a passionate seasonal food cook.

Cary Friedman received his Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in 2002. Before attending Five Branches, Cary earned a Master of Science in Pharmacology, Toxicology from the University of California, Davis, and an Master of Science in Chemistry, where he looked for medicinal compounds in a plant used by first nation peoples. Cary is a certified Hepatitis C practitioner, and a Bioenergy Balancing practitioner and teacher. He has taught with the BBT for three years and is currently being trained in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. Cary's clinical practice in Santa Cruz, California focuses on working with individuals with HIV, HCV, stress and pain issues. He fuses Five Elements theory, Bioenergy Balancing and a biodynamic approach to Craniosacral therapy to address clients physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. When not in the clinic teaching, or studying, Cary can be found biking around the county, gardening, or enjoying hikes in local parks. Cary Friedman teaches in the Departments of Western Medicine and TCM Clinical Training.

Ning Fu has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 35 years. She earned her Master's and Bachelor's degree in TCM from the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. She has published and contributed to many papers and books, and serves as a writer for the Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology Journal.

Ning Fu received her acupuncture license in California in 1988 and has a private practice in San Jose, California. She specializes in infertility, PMS, and Internal Medicine.

Ning Fu teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.

OMD, Graduate School of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing Specialty: Infertility of Men & Women Xingguo Fu teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Medicine.

Anna Goldfarb received a Master's in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University . She earned a M.D., and a M.S. in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University, Washington D.C.

Anna Goldfarb teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.

In 1972, age 13, Holly studied acupuncture with help from the Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan where she lived. There, she was given a booklet on curing deaf mutes. A few years later, Holly traveled to the Guang Zhou School for the Deaf Mute in China to see the successful acupuncture protocol in action. She also witnessed acupuncture anesthesia in major surgery, and national health care programs utilizing Chinese herbs. In 1979, Holly attended the New England School of Acupuncture, and a year later assisted Ted Kaptchuk to open an acupuncture program at a state hospital, a first in 1980. Ted Kaptchuk, head of a medical dept. at Harvard, explores the hardest questions on healing. In 1983, Holly joined the first graduating class of ACTCM. Concurrently, she assisted Miriam Lee, (who treated 10 patients an hour, 8 hours a day) and studied with Yat Ki Lai, expert on herbal safety, from Lai’s lineage treating royalty. Lois Johnson M.D., an oncologist, is Holly’s mentor for advanced western herb studies, and Daoist Jeffrey Yuen inspires her applications of Chinese spiritual aspects in health. She has been greatly influenced by Kiiko Matsumoto, known for unsurpassed acupuncture results, with whom Holly continues to study with today. www.KiikoMatsumoto.com. In 1985, Holly became one of the first faculty members of Five Branches University. She returned to the Orient for seven months in 1987, to continue her training in Chinese medicine including doctorate studies at the Hefei TCM Hospital #1, Beijing TCM Hospital, and, with Kiiko, at Manaka Hospital in Japan. Holly regularly lectures at major Chinese Medicine symposiums, one of the very few unpublished speakers with this honor. She is a contributing author in Acupuncture in Practice, The Natural Health First Aid Guide, and Breast Cancer/Breast Health. Holly has practiced in Santa Cruz, California since 1983, specializing in women’s health, pediatrics, immune issues, cancer, and epilepsy. She currently teaches for the Masters, Doctorate, and Extension programs at Five Branches and offers students clinical training externships at her private practice. Her hobbies include growing Chinese and Western herbs, surfing and beekeeping. Holly Guzman teaches in the Department of TCM Acupuncture. 

Frank He obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees’ in Medicine from the Department of Acupuncture at Liaoning University of TCM, in the People’s Republic of China. He won every scholarship available at his medical school and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He currently is a DAOM Fellow at Five Branches University.

Frank was raised in a remote village in northern China. He spent two years in family practice with his grandfather in the early 1980s, then began practicing there as a barefoot doctor in 1986. In the village, Frank treated various conditions not commonly seen in the city. The village offered a family practice setting where he worked as a general practitioner for children and adults.

Frank knows sports and how to treat sports injuries. He was a champion decathlete while in medical school and was an amateur boxer for five years. He has helped thousands of patients return to the sports field, including weekend warriors and Olympic gold medalists. Active in athletic activities in the greater Bay Area, Frank has won medals in track and field, and won the Nankai Cup volleyball tournament.

Frank is a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) appointed by the State of California, one of the few actively practicing Acupuncturist-QMEs among over 10,000 acupuncturists. Frank has earned a reputation for his extensive knowledge, skills and passion. Radiologists often refer to him as “Frank He, MD” because of his superior clinical judgment. Well published and respected in the field, he is an international lecturer traveling around the world to promote acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Frank has appeared in numerous local and national publications – particularly in the areas of sports medicine, anti-aging, stress management, seniors’ health, and women’s health.

Frank has a patent pending approval for a specially engineered acupuncture needle and has developed a unique acupuncture technique called Muscle Channel Technique (MCT)™ which has clinically proven to be effective in pain management and injury healing. Professor He teaches in the Department of TCM Acupuncture and is a faculty member of the DAOM program.

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. For more information about Dr. He, go to www.stephaniehe.com

Kea Hedberg received her Bachelor of Arts in Women’s studies from Brown University. She then went on to obtain her Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. During her TCM training, she discovered her chosen specialty in Classical Five Element Acupuncture. She continued with post-graduate and advanced clinical training in Classical Five Element Acupuncture with Khosrow Khalighi. In 2004, Kea studied in one year of silence with Cheri Huber at the Zen Monastery Peace Center. Kea has a passion for learning and growing that emanates as a teacher and practitioner. She brings her whole self to her work and supports her clients to heal on the deepest level.

Kea maintains a private practice in Santa Cruz, California where she lives with her husband Darren and two children. Kea loves to dance, practice yoga and spend quality time with friends & family.

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.

Alison Johnson received her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University, with certification in Five Element Acupuncture and Medical Qigong Therapy.  Her main focus lies in treating digestive and mood disorders with acupuncture, herbs, diet, lifestyle, and energetics. Alison holds strongly to the belief that each person has the capacity to heal if given the proper guidance. She strives to place healing in the hands of the patient, to continue the success of Chinese Medicine methods. In her spare time, Alison enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her many pets.

Alison Johnson teaches in the Departments of Complementary Studies and Review and Assessment.

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.

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 began studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in San Francisco in 1989, with the respected Angela C. Wu, L.Ac., learning to treat patients with HIV/AIDS and gynecological disorders. George graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, and received a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences. He received his California state licensure and NCCAOM certification in 1995.

George 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 and has 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 well-established clinics in both San Jose and San Ramon.

George Lu teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

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.