Faculty
Our number of faculty is unusually large and accomplished, dedicated, and committed. With this large faculty, students are exposed to a wide variety of styles and opinions about Chinese medicine, which will enable them to literally create a style of medicine that they understand and can be comfortable practicing.
Faculty
The faculty listed in this section are teaching during the current trimester.
Rakhad Alrawi, MD, MPH
Dr. Rakhad Alrawi instructs Biology at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Having earned both a medical doctorate and Master’s in Public Health, Dr. Alrawi has been an educator since 2015. In that time, he has found a passion making distance learning more proactive and robust for students who require different learning supports. His personal interests include Soccer and travel.
Denise An Andert, L.Ac., Dipl. OM., DACM, LMT
Denise is a Colorado state licensed and NCCAOM board certified acupuncturist and board certified massage therapist. She has been an intern at the VA outpatient hospital in Austin, TX, where holistic collaborative pain management PTSD and Trauma are the focus and continues to be a focus of the treatment strategies. She has additional training in FSN, electro acupuncture,
SHAKU SU and nutrition. She received her DACM degree in 2022.
Rebecca Baker, DACM, L.Ac., ACN
Rebecca earned her Masters of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from CSTCM in 2012. She is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture through the NCCAOM. She earned her BA from Fort Lewis College in 1995. Most recently, she earned a 100-hour certificate in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Texas Chiropractic College. Rebecca enjoys
mountain biking and hiking. She has a private practice in Castle Rock, CO where she utilizes acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, nutrition and Reiki. She specializes in treating people with brain injury and migraines.
Joseph Brady, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., MSTCM
Joe earned his Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the CSTCM in 2006. Currently a clinic supervisor and faculty member at CSTCM, Joe is also on faculty at the University of Denver. An internationally recognized expert on healthy aging Joe has spent over 25 years teaching t’ai chi, qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Colorado, Health Sciences Center, the University of Denver, and Metropolitan State University. A former columnist on healthy aging for the Rocky Mountain News, he has presented at many scientific and medical conferences including at the Harvard Medical School’s Osher Institute on Integrative Medicine and has twice been a featured presenter at the Oxford Roundtable at Harris Manchester College in the University of Oxford U.K. He currently runs his own clinic in Denver, Colorado.
Jon Cacherat, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., MSOM, MSc
Jon has been a holistic warrior in Denver since 1996. He graduated with honors from the MTIC and became a certified massage therapist. Jon went on to attend SWAC in Boulder, Colorado. He served his acupuncture externship at the Boulder County AIDS project. In addition, he spent 500 hours studying trigger point and sports acupuncture. Jon graduated in 2001 with a MSOM. Jon’s extensive work with government and corporate wellness programs has given him a huge reservoir of clinical experience with treating musculoskeletal conditions. He specializes in treating myofascial conditions. Currently, Jon is pursuing his Doctorate of Acupuncture and recently completed a 60 hour internship with UC Health Anschutz Hospital’s Internal Medicine clinic.
Yi Cao, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., BM (China)
Yi Cao is a third generation Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor who graduated from Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has published many articles in the Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion, has been invited to many international conferences and has won many awards in China. Yi has taught acupuncture and supervised clinic interns at the university and in the hospital before coming to the United States. He is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture through the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. He specializes in the areas of neurological and psychological problems and currently has a private practice in Denver, Colorado.
Christine Cannon, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. & CH, DAOM
Chris graduated from Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1993 and completed a clinical internship at Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Harbin, China. She is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology through the NCCAOM and is licensed in Colorado and Hawaii. Since graduation she also was involved in a research study on treating pelvic pain with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Chris has also taught various Traditional Chinese Medicine subjects at other Colorado Oriental medicine schools. She specializes in Chinese herbal medicine, women’s health care and sports medicine.
Greg Cicciu, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., AP (Florida)
Greg graduated from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The idea of being a healer “is a way of life” was the original draw for Greg to study Traditional Chinese Medicine. A healer is someone who uses the tools they have to assist and teach others ways of improving their lives. He is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is a L.Ac. in Colorado. He is currently using his skills to treat patients of all ages and also massages horses. He has studied auriculotherapy intensively for the past five years. He is in private practice in Lakewood, Colorado.
Caitlin Dilli, D.A.C.M., L.Ac.
Dr. Caitlin R. Dilli is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist, and clinical herbalist. Caitlin is trained in Cosmetic Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, and she regularly helps patients with headaches and migraines, women’s health concerns, fertility, stress and anxiety, altered sleep, and digestive disturbances. Her patient focus is on children, teenagers, adults, and elders. Caitlin holds a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science, a Master’s of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Willamette University. She has published research on Parkinson’s disease and acupuncture through the University of Colorado. As a Colorado native, Caitlin yearns to be situated deep in God’s country and is miserably happy with a fly rod and a mountain stream. Her happy hour is practicing Qi Gong or teaching Spanish commands to her rescue pup Lola.
Xiaorong Ding, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., PhD (China)
Xiaorong received her BM from Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China. She received her MS and her PhD from the Department of Acupuncture, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her postdoctoral work was research on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing. She specializes in treatment of Wind stroke, Dementia, Women’s Medicine and joint pain at the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin TCM University in Tianjin. Xiaorong taught foreign students in China from the US, Canada, Holland and Brazil. She moved from Beijing to Denver to join the faculty of Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Melissa Durgin, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Melissa is a Colorado native. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from CU Boulder in 2003 and a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine from CSTCM in 2011. She is a Nationally Certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine through the NCCAOM. She has been in private practice in Denver since 2011 where she specializes in women’s and children’s health. She lives in Englewood, Colorado with her husband, two children, three cats, and many chickens.
Hsiao-Wei Fang, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., MSTCM, MS
Hsiao-Wei holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting from Seattle University in Seattle, Washington. She also received her Master of Science in Finance from the University of Denver. She later completed her Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from CSTCM. She is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Oriental Medicine through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. She is the owner and operator of Life Spring Acupuncture Clinic in Stapleton, Colorado. She is fluent in English, Chinese-Mandarin and Taiwanese.
Shanwen Gao, L.Ac., MSOM, BM (China)
Shanwen graduated from Guangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine with her bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and later graduated from Royal University in Los Angeles, California with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. She practiced in Los Angeles before moving to Denver, where she was on the faculty at International Institute of Chinese Medicine. She is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. She specializes in Chinese Herbology and patent medicines, as well as the treatment of pain, women’s health care and immune deficiency.
James Gilchrist, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., MSAOM, RND
Originally from Parker, Dr. Gilchrist left Colorado in 1998 to attend college in Utah. He interrupted his studies to serve a mission in Argentina, and among the lessons he learned there was that making healthy food choices and getting regular exercise were powerful tools for health and well-being. Upon returning home, Dr. Gilchrist decided he would learn all he could about natural health so he could teach these tools to his future patients. World events took Dr. Gilchrist overseas for a few more years, but he eventually found the path to realize his dream at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. There Dr. Gilchrist discovered the world of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, earning his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, and his Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Dr. Gilchrist specializes in working with children and adolescents, treating auto-immune conditions and behavioral issues with safe and effective natural therapies.
Zack Gutman, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Zack graduated from Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2013 and is recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. He also completed an additional 500 hour program in 5 Element Acupuncture which specializes in treating psychological and emotional conditions. Zack has been the Assistant Clinic Director at CSTCM since 2017. He currently has a private practice in Denver, Colorado.
Ben Hawes, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Ben Hawes is a graduate of Brown University (1996) and the New England School of Acupuncture (MAOM: 2001). After practicing in rural Southwest Colorado since 2003, he moved to Denver full time in 2020. Ben has studied Kyojung Korean Physical Manipulation, has been practicing distal styles (Master Tung and Richard Tan’s Balance Method) since 2007, and completed an 18 month internship in Japanese Acupuncture with Jeffrey Dann, PhD in 2016. Besides acupuncture, he has studied craniosacral therapy with Pat Cunningham, LAc, has been a long-time student of shamanic healing practices with John Myerson, PhD, LAc. Additionally, Ben has been an instructor of Zen and pain-relief meditation since 1995.
Tara Heinrich, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., LMT
Tara is a Colorado State licensed, nationally certified, and recognized Diplomate of Acupuncture by the NCCAOM, and is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado (AAC). She received a Master of Science Degree from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2013 and has held a Massage Therapy License since 1999. She is the owner and operator of the Acupuncture Clinic in Parker Colorado.
Drew Henderson, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. & CH, Dipl. TCM, BS
Drew received his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. His interest in neuroscience led him to graduate level studies in neuroanatomy and molecular pharmacology at University of South Alabama and neurophysiology at the University of Colorado. While becoming certified in Postural Integration, he began studying Chinese medicine with practitioners. He graduated from CSTCM in 1993 and studied at Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Harbin, China in 1995. He is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology through the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. He has a private practice in Boulder.
Dayong Hou, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., BM (China)
Dayong graduated from Hei Long Jiang University of TCM, Harbin, China in 1989. Prior to and after completion of this program, he further developed his expertise by training with his father, Dr. Lusheng Hou, well known western and eastern doctor and leader of Acheng hospital. He specialized in both individualized treatment and in diagnosis in herbs, acupuncture, Tui Na and
traditional rehabilitation exercise. He completed his residency as doctor at Harbin Dao Li Hospital and became the Director of the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department in 1994. He is an instructor and a clinic supervisor at CSTCM and also runs his own acupuncture clinic. He is nationally certified in Acupuncture by the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado.
Parago Jones, L.Ac., Dipl. TCM
Parago was the Clinic Director at Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2007 to
2019. In 2019 he accepted a position as the school’s Academic Dean. He graduated from CSTCM in 1998, is a nationally certified Diplomate through NCCAOM and a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. Since graduation, he has gone on to specialize in the neo-classical Japanese Meridian Therapy, moxibustion. He teaches, supervises, and is a member of the Academic Leadership Team. He is also a nationally certified instructor and examiner for NCCAOM Clean Needle Technique.
Judy Lemieux, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., MSTCM
Judy is licensed as an acupuncturist by the state of Colorado. She earned her Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2003. Additionally, she is nationally certified as a Diplomate in Acupuncture through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She is also a member and past president of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado. Judy also studied sports medicine acupuncture with Whit Reaves at Southwest Acupuncture College.
Robert Livingston, MD, MSTCM, DOM (NM), Dipl. TCM, BA
Robert received his MD from Dartmouth College in 1978, and completed a three-year residency in internal medicine at Cambridge Hospital in Massachusetts. He received an MS degree in human nutrition from Columbia University in 1975, and an MS in Traditional Chinese Medicine from SWAC/Santa Fe in 2007. He is both NCCAOM and ABIM certified. He has a lengthy practice in internal medicine, with over 20 years spent with the Indian Health Services in Arizona, and New Mexico, as well as being an emergency room, hospitalist, urgent care, and primary care provider in other facilities.
Jennie Luther, L.Ac, Dipl.OM, DACM, LMT
Jennie is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado, and nationally certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (NCCAOM). She earned her Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from CSTCM (2015), and her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a focus on Integrative medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science (2021). She is also certificated as a Massage Therapy through Boulder College of Massage(1999), and is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist (2006). She has additional training in Visceral/Neural Manipulation through the Barral Institute, extensive training and experience in prenatal/postpartum bodywork, and in working with children with bodywork and Chinese Medicine. She currently has a holistic family practice in Centennial, CO, with a specialty in treating chronic pain and chronic health issues.
Craig Maginness, JD, MA, BA
Craig Maginness is the creator of Well B-ing Business training designed to help alternative wellness practitioners master the business end of their practices. He is also the managing member of ExIn Global Strategies through which he consults with and teaches people with businesses how to be better businesspeople. Craig has launched and run several small business of his own as well as assisting countless other entrepreneurs, including Chinese medical practitioners, in launching successful businesses. He has taught business in both formal settings including the Executive MBA at Colorado State University, the College of Business at Johnson & Wales University and DU’s Center for Professional Development. He has also taught businesspeople in less traditional settings including programs he designed to help immigrants and refugees and people getting out of incarceration find economic opportunity. Craig has a BA from Dartmouth College, an MA in economics from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a JD from Syracuse University.
Amy Malone, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M., RN, MSTCM
Amy holds a Colorado state license as both an acupuncturist and a registered nurse. She received her BSN from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her MSTCM from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is nationally certified by the NCCAOM as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. While looking for answers to her own health issues, she
discovered the power of acupuncture and herbal medicine and set out to share the amazing benefits of TCM. She has a clinical focus in women’s health, mental wellness, and digestive disorders. She uses her experience as a registered nurse in addition to her training in Chinese medicine to help facilitate healing, with a special interest in helping other health care providers. She has a private practice in Lakewood, Colorado.
Piper Mullins, L.Ac., Dipl.OM., MSTCM, BA
Piper Mullins is the co-clinic director at CSTCM. They are a NCCAOM certified acupuncturist. They have been a community organizer and activist in the Denver artist community for 10+ years. They graduated from MSU with a BA in English Writing and Communications, with a strong emphasis on education, communications, and psychology. They graduated from CSTCM in 2018 with a MSTCM. They have been practicing taiqi and qigong for 15+ years. They are the owner/operator of Mountain Phoenix Acupuncture and have committed their life and work to health, longevity, and positive personal and community transformation.
Rui Nan, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., MM & BM (China)
Rui Nan is a third generation practitioner of Chinese Medicine and received her Master of Medicine from Bejing University and her Bachelor of Medicine from Heilongjiang University. Rui Nan has published several texts and worked as a doctor at Harbin Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in China. Rui Nan is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture through the
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. Rui Nan currently has a private practice on the CSTCM Campus.
Joshua Okafor, MS, BS
Joshua is a specialist in the fields of biochemistry, cell/molecular biology, biophysics, and pharmacology. With multiple Master’s of Science degrees, Joshua is passionate about educating the next generation of scientists. His experience as a teaching assistant solidified a desire to teach others, sharing the wonders of Creation. Having contributed to numerous conference papers and publications, Joshua has been fortunate to have a breadth of experiences between academia, industry, and research inform his work.
Matthew Orischak, Laoshi
Matt earned the title of Lao She in 2015 from the Wu Dang Nei Jia of D.A.O. His teaching draws from the disciplines of Wu Dang Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Xing Yi Quan, Qi Gong, and Dao Yin, as well as various Meditation systems. His teaching emphasizes increasing kinesthetic intelligence, health and working toward energetic harmonization; integration of physical, energetic, mental and spiritual facets of internal training; and establishing and enhancing Integral transformative practice. After many years of experience with various movement systems from martial arts to dance to juggling, Matt found a profound capacity and ardor for Nei Gong (internal training) and its many and varied sub-disciplines mentioned above, and is dedicated to sharing the internal arts with any and all who can benefit from their practice.
Amy B. Otzel, LPC, LMHC
Amy B. Otzel, PC, LMHC, is a retired U.S. Army Behavioral Health Sergeant and Iraq War veteran whose personal trauma healing and health recovery journey has enhanced her contribution forward in helping service as a skilled psychotherapist, passionate educator, and dedicated advocate. She holds three Master level graduate degrees in Psychology (Southern CT State University), Professional Counseling (Central CT State University), and Integrative Health & Healing (The Graduate Institute); served as a Readjustment Counseling Therapist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center Program; co-owned a health & wellness nutritional market; co-chaired several professional and peer advocacy and outreach initiatives; facilitated myriad continuing education seminars; became a published songwriter; and established her private practice, Inner resource Psychotherapy, LLC. At present, Amy is continuing the mission in the states of Georgia, Florida, and Connecticut at Inner Resource Therapy located in Saint Marys, Georgia. She remains committed to holistically minded empowerment-based practices promoting health, healing, resiliency, and personal growth opportunities with military members, veterans, and their families. Maintaining proficiencies in conditions of trauma and stress as well as integrative mental healthcare, Amy routinely contributes as a professional development educator; a Yale University Department of Psychiatry Lecturer; a certified holistic stress management instructor; and an Advanced Level-3 Breath-Body-Mind teacher blending practices of coherent breathing, mindfulness and meditation, and Qi Gong.
Angie Pierce, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., MSTCM
Angie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1991 and after 20 years in the Healthcare field, went back to school and earned her Masters of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from CSTCM in 2013. Angie has practiced tai qi, and Qi gong for over 20 years and finds time to dance at least once a week. She is certified by the NCCAOM in oriental medicine and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. Angie has an acupuncture and herbal medicine practice in Denver Colorado where she says her specialty is people.
Patti Polman, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. & CH, Dipl. TCM
Patti graduated from CSTCM in 1994. She received her Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from Indiana University and worked as a dental hygienist for more than ten years before studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patti is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology through the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. Patti currently has an Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine practice in Denver Colorado, specializing in gentle Japanese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the whole family, including pediatrics.
Billy Quintana, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., MSTCM, BA
Billy obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science with a focus in Chemistry from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2007. After realizing he had a special interest in how our surroundings affect our holistic health, Billy attended the CSTCM in Denver, Colorado. Currently, he holds his master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Oriental Medicine and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. Billy has a special interest in cosmetic acupuncture, skin disorders and Chinese herbology. He currently has a private practice in Denver, Colorado.
Scott Richardson, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., DAOM
Scott has 6 years of graduate and post graduate education in acupuncture and needling therapy. He received a Masters and Doctorate degree from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego California. In additional to his training in the US, Scott also studied at Chengdu University in China and did an apprenticeship in Taipei Taiwan. He has over 15 years of experience treating athletes and will often combine multiple modalities like manual therapy, Acupuncture, Dry Needling, Injection Therapy, and sports taping to achieve effective and long lasting results. Scott is the President Emeritus of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado. As an Ironman Triathlete, Scott has a unique insight into the needs of athletes and active people. Scott has a private practice in Denver Colorado.
Carol Ridsdale, L.Ac., MSTCM, AA
Carol graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1994, having previously accomplished an Associate of Arts degree in Physician Assistantship and Chair-side Dental Assistance certificate program. Carol has practiced TCM since 1995, while volunteering her time with 9 Health Fairs as a phlebotomist. She is Assistant Clinic Director at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Camille Rodriguez, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., MSTCM
Camille began her professional career in Emergency Medical Services as a paramedic in 1995. She earned her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2012 and shortly after earned her Master’s Degree in TCM at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture through the NCCAOM and is an L.Ac. in Colorado. Camille has been treating patients in her private practice since September 2012 in the Centennial area.
Lisa Rundall, DACM, L.Ac., ERYT
Lisa is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, she received her doctorate from Pacific College of Health Sciences and a Masters of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A nationally-certified diplomate in Oriental Medicine from NCCAOM, she is the owner of Moon River Clinic, LLC. in Denver’s LoHi community. Her work as a yoga instructor and community care giver continue to be meaningful pursuits, and serving as a Death Doula.
Chris Schultze, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., MSTCM, BA
Chris has a degree in chemistry from Rutgers Newark College of Arts and Sciences, and worked as a chemist subcontracting for the United States Environmental Protection Agency for eight years. She owned a health food store for fifteen years. Chris graduated from Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine with her Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine in December 2018, and is presently the Registrar of CSTCM.
Emily Sealy, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., MSTCM, BS Emily has a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Healthcare, and a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM). She is a Nationally Board certified Diplomate in Acupuncture by the NCCAOM. After struggling with chronic illness since adolescence, Emily first found holistic healthcare by learning Reiki in 2007. This propelled her into the world of alternative medicine. A friend recommended acupuncture and CHM later on, which created such profound changes that she felt inspired to learn more. Emily is passionate about helping empower patients on their own healing journeys.
Debra J. Shapiro, L.Ac., MSTCM, BS Debbie began work as an acupuncturist in 1992 after graduating Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (now Pacific College of Health Sciences) with a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine – with a continued emphasis exploring the application of Chinese herbal medicine to more harmoniously regulate emotions. Debbie has 30 years of classroom instructional experience, including yoga. She has served presidential roles with the Acupuncture Association of Colorado (‘97-’99), and operates her private practice.
Christopher Shiflett, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., MSTCM, BS
Christopher was educated at CSTCM. He received a Masters of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is a Nationally Board certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine in acupuncture and herbal medicine therapies by NCCAOM. He has also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Shaanxi College of Chinese Medicine in Xianyang, China. He was drawn to Traditional Chinese Medicine after receiving a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. After being introduced to Chinese medicine by a Taiji instructor, he took the steps to begin a path in the medical field. He developed both a love and devotion to Chinese herbal medicine as he was able to find solutions for his own symptoms and illness that simply were not offered or available with the western medical care he was receiving.
Donna Sigmond, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., DACM, RDN, LCh, CLT, FAAMFM, ABAAHP
Donna earned her Master of Science in Acupuncture degree from Southwest Acupuncture (2004), and Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine degree from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (2019). She is also certified Genomic Medicine Clinician, Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT), and Certified NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Specialist.
Melati Stevens, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., MSTCM, DAOM
Dr. Melati Stevens is a nationally board-certified and licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with a dual-specialization in Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, CA, where she received her specializations, earned a DAOM, and expanded her interests in Rehabilitative Medicine, Fertility, and Cardiology. She completed her MSTCM at CSTCM, gaining proficiency in conjunct
modalities including Cupping, Auricular, and Electro-Stimulation Acupuncture. Internal and Physical Medicine, extensively experienced in the treatment of Sports Medicine, FunctionalMedicine, and Immunology. She completed her doctoral residency at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine.
Jennifer Sun, MS, BA
Jennifer, born in Beijing, China, holds a master’s degree in chemistry, which has provided her with a solid foundation in scientific knowledge and research. She assisted in developing and teaching the first hemp and cannabis chemistry course at Colorado State University in her graduate studies, and went on to work as the lead analyst for pesticide analysis at a leading cannabis testing lab. Growing up in Beijing, she developed an early interest in Eastern philosophy and practices, including yoga and meditation. Throughout her career, she continued to deepen her yoga practice and explore other forms of holistic health and wellness. Today, Jennifer is a committed yoga practitioner who has a passion for making the connection between science and holistic health.
Maya Suzuki, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Heather “Maya” Suzuki lived and worked in Japan as an acupuncture and moxibustion therapist for over 10 years. Maya studied acupuncture at Toyo Shinkyu Senmon Gakko. She apprenticed and worked at Acura Acupuncture Clinic. During school Maya also became a member of Iyashi No Michi Kyokai and Tanioka’s Daishiryu shonishin styles. In 2015 she attained dual licensure in Japan and the U.S. She is a nationally certified Diplomate of acupuncture through the NCCAOM. Maya teaches Japanese acupuncture nationally and internationally, is the main translator and a mid-level practitioner for Iyashi No Michi, and is a mid-level practitioner of Daishiryu. She volunteers as a translator for the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine where she publishes articles on Japanese acupuncture. She owns and runs Bumblebee AcuTherapy, where she utilizes Japanese acupuncture and shonishin, as well as moxibustion to mainly treat perinatal and pediatric conditions.
Stephen Ulmer, MSTCM
Stephen Ulmer is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herbalist. He graduated in 2014 from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Denver with a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Stephen has managed Yan Jing Supply, the oldest Chinese medicine pharmacy in Denver, for more than 6 years. This position has allowed him a unique experience in helping the general public with herbal recommendations and fulfilling practitioners’ formulas for 1000’s of patients.
Robin van Maarth, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M., DACM
Robin got her first ever acupuncture treatment at the CSTCM student clinic over 25 years ago,
which sent her on the path to eventual practice. Robin is a Colorado native and has been licensed to practice acupuncture in Colorado since 2009. She maintains a general practice in Denver in a multidisciplinary healthcare office and has a practice in Englewood, CO. She graduated from Touro Health Sciences College Graduate Program in Oriental Medicine in New York City and earned a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from PCOM. She is a nationally certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine through the NCCAOM.
Caylor Wadlington, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Caylor began his oriental medical studies in Santa Fe at the Kototama Institute, where instruction focused on classical Japanese-style acupuncture. After completing that two-year acupuncture program in 1982, he traveled to Taiwan to attend the Taipei Institute of TCM. He then completed his Doctorate in Oriental Medicine at SAMRA University of Oriental Medicine in 1988 where he focused on Chinese medical translation work. He is a nationally certified Diplomate in acupuncture through the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. He practices in Denver, Colorado.
Emory Wilder, MD, LMT
Emory has been teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level in Integrative Health Care and the Life Sciences since 2004. Emory holds a M.D. degree with training in Energy Medicine, Massage (LMT), and Yoga. Currently, Emory teaches in Integrative Health Care at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Red Rocks Community College, and Georgian Court University.
Nicholas Wismann, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., MSAOM
Nicholas originally earned his bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology at the University of
Colorado. After studying abroad in Kunming, China he returned to the U.S. first attending massage school then attending Bastyr University to earn his graduate degree in Chinese Medicine. He is a nationally certified Diplomate in acupuncture through the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. He has served as a medical volunteer in the barrios of San Jose, Costa Rica, worked in a progressive assisted living center in Seattle, studied sustainable medical practices in Cuba, worked in several low-income clinics, studied medicine in both Shanghai and the Yunnan Province of China. He currently maintains his private practice in Centennial, Colorado.
Joseph “Joe” Wollen, L.Ac., MSTCM
Joe has invested years exploring and implementing a grand study in the Asian Health Arts: Taijiquan and Qigong, blossoming to include earning his MSTCM degree from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Denver, Colorado, in 2009. Further education includes his martial arts studies of the Ghost Bat style in Kung Fu and Lung Mo Xing Yi Quan; Tien Tao meditation, and Bagua Zhang. In 2019, Joe became an ordained 22nd-generation Taosit Monk of the Longmen Dragon Gate sect from the Quanzhen (Complete Reality) School.
Steven Wong, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., MS, PhD (China)
Steven recently returned from an 11-year stay in Beijing, where he received both his Master’s and PhD in Acupuncture and Tui Na from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 2015 and 2019, respectively. He was worked in the nationally recognized Guoyitang clinic in Beijing for over seven years. The tui na lineage of his graduate advisor for both degrees, Prof. Yu Tianyuan, primarily stems from the Imperial School of Tui Na, but also pulls from other traditions and schools. The acupuncture lineage he studied for over four years was that of Dr. Guo Tingying, a recognized Shanxi master of acupuncture and lineage holder for the Guo family technique. The herbal lineage he studied for over six years was from Prof. Li Xingguang, a disciple of the National Master Yan Zhenghua. He has published numerous articles in Chinese, as well as both dissertations. He specializes in orthopedic, dermatological, gynecological and organ disharmony diseases. In 2015, he also became a formal disciple of Baguazhang Master Gao Jiwu, the lineage holder of the Gao Branch of Liang Style Baguazhang.
Rick Woodward, L.Ac., Dipl. TCM
Rick graduated and received his diploma at CSTCM in Fall 2001. His interest in Chinese medicine started after years of working in the Psychology and Western Medical fields. He specializes in the treatment of pain, anxiety, stress and insomnia. He also did a month of intensive clinical training in Bejing in 2006. He enjoys many outdoor activities, especially mountain biking, hiking and golf. He has a practice in Littleton, Colorado.
Drew Xilin, Laoshi
Zhu Xilin, also known as Drew, was born in Beijing, China, and began studying Wu Style Tai Chi Martial Arts under Chinese Master Wang Pei-sheng before graduating from high school in 1982. He also studied Taiji Qigong and its therapeutic applications for restoring health and recovering from physical injuries. Drew later studied Ru-yi Taijiquan under Master Shi Ming, featuring on Bill Moyers’ PBS series “Healing and the Mind – The Mystery of Qi”. After graduation, Drew worked as a researcher at the Qigong Science and Research Center in Beijing, studying the physical effects of Qigong and Taiji traditional theory. Drew moved to the United States in 1995 and taught Taiji and Qigong classes in the Denver and Boulder area since 1996 between the Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder and the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine for 17 years. Drew is currently practicing Chinese Taoist Healing, and has a hobby as a ballet performer participating in ballet shows with local ballet companies and academies since 2009.
Guest Lecturers
Over the years many esteemed practitioners have contributed to the excellence and shared their vision and professional skills with the CSTCM community. Our guest lecturers have enriched the CSTCM experience for hundreds of students and graduates while nurturing the next generation of Chinese Medicine practitioners. Some of the lecturers listed are in memoriam, having passed into the great mystery whence they came. All have graced others and each other with their love and respect for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. CSTCM extends the warmest appreciation to all who have spent time and energy teaching here.
*All guest lecturers listed in this section only teach in the CEU Program.
Dede Barry, L.Ac.
Jason Blalack, L.Ac.
Stephen Brown, L.Ac.
Chip Chace, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. & CH (in memoriam)
Honora Lee Wolfe, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., C.M.T.
Susan Johnson, L.Ac.
Xiaochuan Pan, BM & M.M. (TCM – China)
Denise Ellinger, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Jake Paul Fratkin, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., DOM (NM)
Michael Gaeta, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Whitfield Reaves, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CA, DOM (NM)
Jason D. Robertson, L.Ac.
Tom Bisio, L.Ac.
Greg Cicciu, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., AP (Florida)
Henry McCann, L.Ac., DAOM .
John Howard, L.Ac.
Dr. Sung Yul Kim, PT, MSPT, Ph.D (South Korea)
Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L.Ac.
Mark Costello, L.Ac., MA
Atsuki Maeda, L.Ac., M.T.O.M .
Nate Mohler, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., MSOM