Dr. Ally Magill earned a Bachelor's degree in Geography from Vassar College, where she gained insights into human geography, environmental studies, and social justice movements. Her studies of acupuncture began at Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), where she immersed herself in the study of Worsley Five Element Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine. Building upon this foundation, Ally pursued further studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, earning a Master's and Doctorate in cupuncture and Integrative medicine from AIMC Berkeley. Ally's educational pursuits have been as varied as her interests, creating an interdisciplinary foundation that informs her understanding of the holistic connections between individuals, communities, and the environment. Besides her roles as a practitioner and educator, Ally is also a labor and postpartum doula, providing support to individuals and families throughout the transformative journey of childbirth.

Dr. Martello attended Pacific College of Health and Science, finishing her master's degree in 2008 and her doctoral degree in 2016. She began studying under master teacher and practitioner Ikeda Masakazu Sensei of Japan and has completed coursework at the Shikoku Medical College. She has continued this in-depth study of classical east Asian medicine with Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey sensei since 2005. She has completed an Externship at the RIMAC Facility on the UC San Diego campus treating student athletes to maintain their competition schedule despite injuries and physical strain. As a former dancer, personal trainer and lifelong fitness enthusiast, She enjoys the opportunity to work with athletes to maintain their level of activity and functionality. Dr. Martello has volunteered her time giving acupuncture treatments at the Charlotte Maxwell Community Clinic in Oakland, California, for low-income women with cancer.

Beth Howlett is the Austin vice president at AIMC Graduate School of Integrative Medicine and an experienced leader in acupuncture education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies from Bryn Mawr College, graduating cum laude with a focus on Chinese language and culture. After a teaching fellowship in Ningbo, China, she completed her master’s degree in 2008 and a doctorate in 2019 from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Dr. Howlett has held senior administrative and faculty positions at AOMA in Austin and Oregon College in Portland. She specializes in academic leadership, curriculum development, and integrative healthcare education while serving in various professional and non-profit organizations.

Christian earned his Doctorate and Master of Science Degrees at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, where he completed advanced training in Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, as well as concepts of functional medicine. He enjoys collaborating with his clients on their health goals and helping them live healthier and happier lives. Christian is a licensed acupuncturist and primary care provider in California

Claudia turned to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine after studying cultural anthropology and Chinese language in Guanxi, China, where she connected with its foundational Daoist theory nature reflected in physiology: balancing our internal and external environments allowing the body’s innate ability to heal. She received her masters at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. After more than a decade in practice, her focus has turned toward accessing the latest neuroscience research with studies in functional neurology at the Carrick Institute — bringing the latest brain research into the field of acupuncture. This work couples ancient knowledge of meridian theory with modern advances in neurology. Functional brain scans prove acupuncture needles access neural pathways such as the pain matrix.

David Pacheco is the past director of the California Senate Fellows Program, one of the oldest and most distinguished service learning programs in the nation. His dual career in academia and public policy development includes past director of Communications & Intercultural Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz, and the former Faculty/Field Studies Coordinator for the New College at San Jose State University. David was the Senior Consultant to the California Senate Select Committee on the Pacific Rim and served as the Principal Consultant to the California State Assembly Standing Committee on Business & Professions.

David’s professional career has always been complemented by his volunteerism. He is the former state president of AARP California, representing 3 million, age 50+ members in California, as well as past Chairman of the Board of Emperor’s College of Medicine in Santa Monica, California, and he also served as project coordinator at the Hass Center for Public Service at Stanford University.

His academic studies include holding advanced degrees from Stanford and San Jose State Universities. His Stanford doctoral program was Social Sciences in Education (Ed.D) and he holds a Master of Arts (Artium Magister) in the same subject from Stanford University. From San Jose State University he has another Master’s degree in School Administration, as well as a B.A. in Liberal Arts – New College (Interdisciplinary Studies).

David is the son of Mexican Immigrant cannery workers. He is the fourth of their five children born in the U.S. and the third son to attend college at the doctoral level.

David is an experienced leader in education and non-profit administration. As President of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, he provides institutional guidance, policy execution, and oversight of curriculum development, student assessment, and program evaluation. He holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles, where his research focused on digital educational technologies for student learning and career development. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Dr. Lee has served on multiple non-profit boards and contributed to educational and healthcare initiatives, including the 2022 ACGME Pain Medicine Milestone project.

David has more than 32 years’ experience working in the financial services industry. He retired from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. where he was responsible for all aspects of Credit, Operational, and Compliance Risk for Wells Fargo Practice Finance, a $2 billion division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Prior to the acquisition of Greater Bay Bank by Wells Fargo & Company, David was Chief Credit Officer for the Specialty Finance Division of Greater Bay Bank, N.A. (which included Matsco, Greater Bay Capital, SBA Lending, Greater Bay Funding, Greater Bay International, and Greater Bay Residential Mortgage). Prior to joining Greater Bay Bank, N.A., David held various Credit and Risk positions with other banks and other Wells Fargo lines of business.

In 2022, he rejoined the Board of Lincoln, a 140-year agency serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, where he previously held the positions of Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair. David termed off the Board of Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc. in 2022 after serving as its Treasurer and then Vice Chair.

He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley.

Deb Espesete earned her BA from Macalester College in 1990, her MAcOM from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2000, and her MPH from Oregon Health & Science University in 2012. Ms. Espesete has been in private practice since 2000 in Portland, Oregon. She taught Soaring Crane Qigong at the Cancer Care Center at Providence Medical Center and St. Vincent Hospital from 2005-2013. She interned with Kelly Jenkins, D.V .M. on small animal acupuncture, herbal formulas and nutritional advice from 2009 to 2011. She has also served on the Oregon Health Evidence Review Commission for the state of Oregon and was the Public Health instructor at OCOM from 2006 until 2024.

Diane Stanley is an acupuncturist and integrative medicine practitioner with a focus on brain health. Their journey began at the University of Texas, where they earned a bachelor’s degree in 2008, followed by a master’s and doctorate from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine. Seeking a deeper understanding of East Asian medicine, they furthered their studies through an immersion program at Chengdu University in China. As the founder of Brain Body Bold in Austin, Texas, Stanley combines acupuncture, herbalism, and nutritional coaching to offer patient-centered, neuro-inclusive care. Their practice integrates personal training and wellness strategies, fostering a holistic approach to optimal health.

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Erika A. Poulin is a licensed acupuncturist with an active practice with Tower Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine medical group practice located in Los Angeles, CA. She is also the author of Traditional Chinese Medicine Curriculum Review: Pulling it all Together and Passing Exams Revised Edition This book encompasses the five areas of study- Fundamental Theory, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Biomedicine, and Safety/Regulations.

Gaidi Nkruma has long admired the history and contributions of Traditional Eastern Medicine practitioners to the health arts, sciences, and sports. Knowing that it would take scholarship, discipline, and hard work to eventually achieve his desire to continue learning and to share his understanding of health & living in balance with other people he began his protracted journey of 10,000 miles many years ago.

In 1995 he became a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and 24 Hour Fitness in California. In 2010 he completed the certification credentials in Medical Qigong from the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, CA and in TuiNa Massage from the Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences in Oakland, CA.

He completed a year-long apprenticeship in Heavenly Essence Qigong under the direction of Liping Zhu in 2012. He became certified as an Acupuncture Detox Specialist from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association in 2015.

In 2017, he completed his hospital internship at the Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Medicine in Nanjing, China, under the guidance of world-renowned Shang Han Lun scholar, author, and clinician Dr. Huang Huang. He received his Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in 2019.

Professor Hideko Pelzer has been practicing East Asian medicine since 1999. She is a graduate of Meiji College (now AIMC Berkeley) as well as Tsukuba University, Japan. Pelzer sees patients at AIMC Berkeley and at West Berkeley Life Long Family Practice and runs a private practice in Suisun City, CA. She has extensive experience in Japanese needling techniques, and specializes in the safe, gentle practices of both Japanese and Chinese Medicine. Among other accomplishments, since 2005 Pelzer has organized seminars with Japanese Acupuncture Master Dr. Anryu Iwashina (Dr. Bear) who teaches Teishin, (contact needling) techniques. She holds a Second Degree Black Belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido.

Dr. Hyungsuk Choi is a distinguished expert in acupuncture, herbology, and East Asian medicine with extensive experience in both research and clinical practice. He earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Medicine from Cha University and a B.A. in Korean Medicine from Kyung Hee University.

Dr. Choi's research focuses on the development and application of advanced acupuncture techniques and herbal treatments, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and advancing holistic healthcare. As an educator, he has taught Research Methodology, providing students with the critical skills needed to integrate traditional medical practices with modern scientific approaches.

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Dr. John Chen is a recognized authority on Chinese herbal medicine and Western pharmacology. Holding doctoral degrees from both USC School of Pharmacy and South Baylo University, he currently teaches at USC and other universities of traditional Chinese medicine. Chen actively participates in education and research, and lectures widely at conferences at local, state, national, and international levels. Dr. Chen is a guest lecturer at the Pacific College of Health and Science acupuncture school. He also appeared in a six-hour Discovery Channel documentary on complementary and alternative medicine in 1999. Chen is the author of three textbooks: Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, and Chinese Herbal Formulas for Veterinarians.

For over 20 years, Brian Lauher has been helping individuals recover from pain, build strength, and regain their quality of life. He specializes in integrating acupuncture and tui na for pain management and injury recovery, personal training to enhance strength, and health coaching to empower long-term wellness. He served as adjunct faculty at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco for a decade, leading the Tui Na certification program. Currently, he teaches Advanced Orthopedics at AIMC in Berkeley and has been a continuing education provider for acupuncturists and massage therapists for 15 years.

Outside of his professional work, Brian is a dedicated family man, enjoying life with his wife and son. He has a passion for surfing, playing drums and bass, and participating in obstacle races. He also appreciates movies and the occasional beer and burger.

Joyce practices traditional Chinese medical arts in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was born and raised in Guangdong, China, where holistic medicine is part of daily life. When she was a teenager, she started assisting a master acupuncturist, learning by watching.

Later, Joyce attended AIMC Berkeley and its sister school in Tokyo, the Goto College of Medical Arts & Sciences. In Japan she trained in needling techniques that maximize comfort and relaxation for the patient, including treatments where needles only touch the skin.

In her spare time, Joyce aspires to eating her way through Southeast Asia and the American South.

Kathleen Davis is a graduate of Mills College and the Acupressure Institute’s 850-hour Advanced Acupressure Teacher Training Program. She has been teaching acupressure and qi gong since 1997. She has studied Jin Shin Jyutsu as taught by Mary Burmeister, Tai Ji, and Qigong with qigong master Zi Sheng Wang and Simu Min Ou Yang, and tai chi, tui na, and acupressure with Brian O’Dea. She maintains a private practice in which she integrates Chinese Tui Na massage, Jin Shin Jyutsu, reflexology, and acupressure.

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Dr. Mahmoud Yeganeh is a distinguished healthcare professional whose career is defined by a fusion of Western medical expertise and Eastern holistic practices. With an MD from Kerman University of Medical Sciences and advanced degrees in Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University, including a Master's and Doctorate, Dr. Yeganeh possesses a unique and comprehensive understanding of health and wellness.

Marilyn Allen holds a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University and is a nationally recognized speaker and educator on the subject of alternative healthcare professions and serves as the editor for Acupuncture Today, one of the leading periodicals for the acupuncturist profession. Ms. Allen regularly speaks at associations, schools, and regulatory boards on the topics of practice management, risk management and ethics. In addition Ms. Allen is currently serving as the liaison to the World Health Organization for the International Classification of Traditional Medicine Committee and is a U.S. delegate to the International Standards Organization’s technical advisory group.

Dr. Mary Arnold earned her Master's degree and recently completed her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DAOM) from the Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences (ACCHS). For the past twenty years, she’s led a private practice using acupuncture, herbs, and other TCM techniques to target the root of a patient’s pain to get them back on their feet as soon as possible. She treats patients of all ages with ailments ranging from seasonal allergies and sports injuries to insomnia and digestive issues. Dr. Mary balances her hands-on experience with teaching in Masters and Doctoral programs. Currently, Dr. Mary is studying the Jing Fang lineage with Dr. Suzanne Robidoux.

Dr. Michael Berletich earned a BA from Humboldt State University in 1992, his MAcOM from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2005, and his DAOM from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Dr. Berletich served as an OCOM faculty member from 2004 - 2024 and was a faculty member at National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) from 2006 to 2009. He has been in private practice since 2005 in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Berletich has many years of experience studying qigong, meditation, massage, herbal medicine, and philosophy. He also served as the Chair of Chinese Medicine for OCOM from 2021-2024.

Min Sik Ahn is a Staff Practitioner at AIMC Berkeley, specializing in neuromusculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain management. With clinical experience in Los Angeles and Denver, he blends Eastern and Western medical approaches to create personalized treatment plans for his patients.

In addition to his clinical work, Min contributes to institutional growth by supporting curriculum development, accreditation processes, and healthcare workflow optimization. His efforts help ensure both the quality of acupuncture education and the effectiveness of patient care.

Passionate about community outreach, he has provided wellness services to underserved groups, including first responders and Native American communities. His dedication to advancing East Asian Medicine bridges the gap between traditional practices and modern healthcare.

Nancy Brandt graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated from Wongu University with a Master’s degree in East Asian medicine. Dr. Nancy Brandt is a pioneering figure in the field of integrative veterinary medicine, renowned for her expertise in blending Western veterinary practices with holistic therapies such as East Asian medicine, chiropractic, and alternative modalities. As a veterinarian, author, teacher, and healer, she has made significant contributions through her teachings at renowned institutions, authoring numerous books, and developing comprehensive courses in Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy® . In 1999, she founded the groundbreaking Natural Care Institute, emphasizing Traditional Chinese Medicine and a truly integrative approach to animal health. Dr. Brandt's legacy continues through her ongoing research, advocacy, and leadership roles, including her presidency of the Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy Association she founded.

Dr. Nicole completed six years of medical training and graduated in 2010 with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master’s in Acupuncture and Classical Chinese Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Nicole Yezman is board certified and has been in practice since 2011. She is committed to assisting others on their journey to wellness. Dr. Nicole helps people identify the root causes of their health issues, and always wants to figure out WHY a person’s current health picture is the way it is. She uses resources such as homeopathy, botanical medicine, vitamins and minerals, hydrotherapy, nutrition, Chinese medicine and acupuncture; and works in multiple realms including physical, mental-emotional and energetic. Her specialties include gastrointestinal health, autoimmune illness, mold and mycotoxin exposure and allergies. Her goal is always to trace the symptom back to its original source, so that the environment or factor can be navigated and true change and healing can occur. Dr. Nicole’s mission is to provide science based, wellness skills to everyday living.

Phil Settels is passionate about Chinese Medicine. To learn from the best teachers in the field, Settels has traveled throughout the US and China. He is nearing completion of two doctorate degrees: a 4-year PhD in China and a 2-year DAOM in the US. Settels is committed to continuous learning to enhance his ability to improve the lives of his patients. His primary focus areas include the treatment of pain and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as complex and chronic internal medicine conditions. These include autoimmune disorders, digestive problems, neurological conditions, and endocrine disorders. He currently serves as the Dean of Academics and as a faculty member in both the Master's and Doctorate programs at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences.

Rebekah Lee’s passion for traditional and natural medicine began in childhood with a belief in the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Initially studying psychology, she was drawn to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) after experiencing its holistic benefits. She earned her Master of Science in TCM from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences. With over a decade of experience in acupuncture and mental health clinics, and 15 years in management, Rebekah is well-versed in patient care, operations, and the efficient running of practices.

Suri is the Associate Dean and Registrar at AIMC, dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journey. As an AIMC alumna, she brings a unique perspective to academic advising, course registration, and professional licensure guidance. Her deep understanding of the student experience allows her to provide personalized support, helping students navigate their education with confidence. Committed to fostering a strong and supportive learning environment, Suri plays a key role in ensuring academic success and institutional integrity.

Dr. Schwendner possesses an extensive background in teaching a wide variety of students, from junior high school to medical school. Dr. Schwendner received her PhD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in Pharmacology. She has also participated in a variety of pharmaceutical research and writing projects, which includes the receipt of 14 issued patents and the completion of 40 research articles. Dr. Schwendner possesses an extensive background of teaching a wide variety of students from junior high school to medical school.

Suzannah is a licensed acupuncturist and certified medical qigong therapist and teacher. Suzannah is the director of the medical qigong program at Aimc and has been on the faculty since 2010. Suzannah graduated from Stanford University with a specialty in mind-body health and is dedicated to sharing the practices of self-healing, spiritual and personal growth and mind-body integration with patients, students and the public. Suzannah has an acupuncture and medical qigong clinical practice in San Francisco and teaches classes, workshops and seminars online and throughout the Bay Area.

Dr. Valerie Hobbs began their career as a health care provider in 1979 as a direct-entry midwife and maintained a midwifery practice until 1995 when she became a licensed acupuncturist. She also served as an EMT-Paramedic from 1983-86. She earned a diploma from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1995 and a Master of Science from Southwest Acupuncture College in2007 and completed a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at ACTCM@CIIS in December 2017. Dr. Hobbs worked as professor and Campus Director at Southwest Acupuncture College from 1998-2013, and served as the Director of Program Development from 2013-2017. After serving as Director of Postgraduate Doctoral Programs at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the California Institute of Integral Studies and an Associate Professor from 2017-2021, she took the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. She specializes in herbal medicine and acupuncture for women's health including infertility, sports acupuncture and pain management.

Walter is a licensed acupuncturist and functional medicine practitioner specializing in integrative healthcare. He earned his doctorate and master’s in acupuncture and herbal medicine from AIMC, graduating summa cum laude. Currently, he is pursuing a chiropractic degree to further his expertise in musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation.

With a focus on functional acupuncture, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle medicine, Walter develops personalized treatment plans using medical history, physical exams, and lab testing. He owns Atom Acupuncture Inc. and collaborates with healthcare teams to provide evidence-based care. His background includes neurofeedback therapy and physical rehabilitation, and he contributes to continuing education and research on nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and holistic therapies.

William Morris, LAc, DAOM, PhD, is a practitioner with 44 years of experience. He has a background in medical education and has participated in developing three doctoral programs and doctoral and master’s degree program standards for accreditation in the field. Will also served as a consultant to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Institutional Review Board for human subjects research and developed three institutional review boards for acupuncture and herbal medicine institutions.

His PhD dissertation is on pulse diagnosis, and his published works include Li Shi-Zhen Pulse Studies: an Illustrated Guide, Neoclassical Pulse Diagnosis, Transformation: Treating Trauma with Acupuncture and Herbs, and Cycles in Medical Astrology.

Will has two daughters, a son, and two granddaughters. He is semi-retired and lives at Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, where he teaches, writes, and plays music.

Dr. Xia Zeng earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2020 and a master’s of science in Physical Therapy from Texas State University in 2008. She completed her specialty in East Asian medicine with her master’s in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine from AOMA in 2012. She currently works as a physical therapist at Cedar Park Regional Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, is the owner of Zeng Life Cultivation Center, in addition to her teaching role previously at AOMA and now at AIMC’s doctoral and master’s programs. She is an experienced Physical Therapist and Acupuncturist with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital, outpatient and healthcare industry. She is skilled in Pelvic Floor, Prenatal and Postpartum, Concussion, Chronic Pain, Vestibular/Balance, Migraine headache and Oncology Management and a healthcare services professional with integrated knowledge from biomedicine and Chinese medicine.

Dr. Xiaotian Shen has an extensive background in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and public health, paired with his MD from China and MPH from Hebrew University, make him an invaluable resource for our students. He specializes in addressing a broad array of health concerns, from pain management and neurological disorders to autoimmune diseases and reproductive issues. As a dedicated educator, Dr. Shen draws on his experience and knowledge in the art of healing through traditional Chinese medicine. A sought-after presenter, he regularly shares his expertise on topics such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, emotional care, pain management, women's health, and herbal safety at conferences, hospitals, and universities.

Dr. Song received her BA, MS, and PhD at Chengdu University (China), with her PhD focused on Chinese herbal pharmacology. Dr. Song began teaching in 2002 at Chengdu University. she lectured on the science of TCM prescriptions and on TCM herbology and TCM pharmacology. She has participated in research studies that investigated the compatibility, pharmacology, and toxicology of TCM formulas and Chinese ethnic medicine, including Tibetan medicinal herbs. She has also participated in studies funded by research grants from the National Science Foundation of China. Song has been on the faculty at AOMA since 2008, became the director of the herbal department in 2015, and director of the DAOM program in 2020.

Dr. Qiao is a distinguished practitioner and educator in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Her journey in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) began with six years of training at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, followed by establishing her practice in San Diego. Dr. Qiao's commitment to research is demonstrated through her work at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, bridging Eastern and Western medicine. Dr. Qiao transitioned into academia, teaching TCM theory and practice for over 15 years . Her leadership is evident through roles like Clinical Director and Academic Dean at various institutions, mentoring future TCM practitioners.