Biographies for 2011 Featured Speakers

Marilyn Allen, M.S.
Marilyn Allen is a nationally-known leader and Instructor in the fields of Professional Ethics, Medical Malpractice, Marketing, Office Practice and Risk Management. She is the editor of Acupuncture Today and a consultant to the California State Board of Acupuncture. Marilyn holds an MS degree from Pepperdine University. She teaches courses at over 20 Colleges of Oriental Medicine. She is the current director of marketing for the American Acupuncture Council.

Brian Bender, B.S., L.Ac.
Bender earned his Bachelor of Science in Education/Mathematics from the University of Colorado, and received a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. After earning his MSTOM from Pacific College in 1996, he completed his certification in Classical Five-Element Acupuncture at the Institute of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Santa Monica, CA. Bender has over 20 years of training and teaching in the martial arts of Aikido and Iaido, and is currently an instructor and clinical supervisor of Oriental medicine theory, point location and needle technique, and acupressure at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. He has been in private practice in Del Mar for over a decade, and joined the DREAM Team at DREAM Wellness in March 2010.

Matt Callison, B.S., L.Ac.

Matt Callison earned his Bachelor of Science in sports medicine from San Diego State University in 1985. Callison worked in the sports medicine field at Alvarado Sports Medicine Clinic and Scripps Hospital, La Jolla for six years. In 1991, he received his master’s in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, where the class that he developed, Treatment of Orthopedic Disorders, is still being taught. Callison serves as Pacific College’s supervisor of acupuncture interns at the University of California San Diego Sports Medicine RIMAC Center, where they are blending Chinese and sports medicine in a Western setting. Callison’s unique ability to blend Chinese medicine with sports medicine has lead to his excellent reputation and is revealed in his international lecture series, Sports Medicine Acupuncture. He has published a clinical study on acupuncture and tibial stress syndromes (shin splints) in the Journal of Chinese Medicine. Furthermore, Callison is well known for his work with professional athletes. Callison is also the creator of the Motor Point and Acupuncture Meridian Chart, as well as the author of The Motor Point Manual and Sports Medicine Acupuncture.

Kenneth Cohen, M.A., M.S.Th.

Kenneth Cohen, M.A. (www.kennethcohen.com) is a renowned health educator and master of qigong and Tai Chi with more than 40 years experience. A former collaborator with Alan Watts and principle apprentice to Taoist Abbot Huang Gengshi, he is the author of The Way of Qigong: The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing (Ballantine Books), “Taoism: Essential Teachings” (Sounds True), and more than 200 journal articles. Ken was the first qigong teacher to lecture in U.S. medical schools and to treat physician-referred patients. His work has been sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Mayo Clinic, the Canadian Ministry of Health, and numerous universities. In 2003, Ken won the leading international award in energy medicine, the Alyce and Elmer Green Award for Innovation and Lifetime Achievement.

Marie-France Collin, L.Ac., MSTOM
Marie-France Collin, L.Ac., MSTOM, has spent over 20 years in Asia. She began learning acupuncture and shiatsu in Japan, and from there, worked in various Chinese hospitals, apprenticing in the tui na and acupuncture departments. While in China and Taiwan, she learned contemporary and classical Chinese, as well as various aspects of Chinese arts and philosophy. She learned Chi Nei Tsang, qi gong, and Taoist meditations in the U.S. and Thailand from Master Mantak Chia. In Hong-Kong, Collin began her practice, and integrated all of these modalities. Collin graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego, and teaches at the Chicago campus.

Felice Dunas, Ph.D., L.Ac.
An international lecturer and educator, Felice Dunas holds a Doctorate degree in Clinical Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology and recently won the coveted “Acupuncturist of the Year” award for her clinical and teaching skills. Dunas is the author of Passion Play: Ancient Secrets For A Lifetime Of Health And Happiness Through Sensational Sex, now published in five languages. She also serves as a consultant to corporations and hospitals seeking to lower health care costs with acupuncture and alternative medicine.

Heiner Fruehauf, PhD, L.Ac.

Heiner Fruehauf has researched East Asian civilizations and Chinese Medicine for 30 years. After studying comparative literature, philosophy, sinology, and Chinese medicine at universities in Germany, China, Japan and the United States, he received a Ph.D. from the Dept. of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. During five years in China, he researched Chinese medicine both within the institutionalized TCM model (Chengdu University of TCM), as well as the traditional lineage system that continues to function outside government schools. He founded the School of Classical Chinese Medicine at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, where he has taught and practiced since 1992. His interest in preserving some of the traditional features of Chinese medicine led him to develop a database dedicated to the archiving of classical knowledge, and an herbal patent series for chronic and difficult diseases (Classical Pearls). A selection of his publications, as well as archived video lectures of him and other contemporary scholar physicians are accessible at www.ClassicalChineseMedicine.org

Richard Gold, PhD, L.Ac.
Rick Gold is a 1978 graduate of NESA. Since that time, he has devoted his professional life to studying, practicing, teaching, and researching Asian healing arts. His study of Traditional Thai Massage began in 1988 at The OZA Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Dr. Gold is the author of the book, Thai Massage: A Traditional Medical Technique, first published in 1998. Dr. Gold is also one of the founders of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Currently, he is in private practice in San Diego, and serves as the president of the International Professional School of Bodywork.

Holly Guzman, L.Ac.
Holly Guzman began her acupuncture studies in 1972 at age 13 in Afghanistan. At age 17, in 1977, she traveled to mainland China to study, observing acupuncture anesthesia, herbal formulas, community health systems, and a deaf mute school daily acupuncture treatment program for student recovery. By her early 20s, she completed clinical apprenticeships under the directions of Ted Kapchuk, Efrem Korngold, Yat Ki Lai, Miriam Lee, and Kiiko Matsumoto. She then completed her doctorate in TCM in China in 1988, and has been teaching at Five Branches University since 1984.

Bill Helm
Bill Helm is an ordained Taoist priest, and has been studying Chinese martial and healing arts since 1965. He specializes in tai ji quan, tui na, Chinese bodywork, qi gong, and herbal medicine. Helm is a 20th-generation inner disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowan. He studied traditional Chinese medicine in China at the Shanghai College of Medicine and the Beijing Olympic Training Center. Helm’s studies in the United States continued with Taoist Master Share K. Lew and Dr. Yu Da Fang. Helm is the director of the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego, and the Dean of Allied Arts at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego.

Donna Keefe, L.Ac.

Donna Keefe, L.Ac. has developed an approach to Fertility and Pregnancy that helps couples conceive naturally, improves the effectiveness of western Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART’s) and enhances the pregnancy and childbirth process. Donna utilizes specialized techniques and protocols that have proven successful for both male and female fertility factors. Her unique style combines Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong, Tuina and Dietary and Lifestyle therapy to enhance the fertility process. She is a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and works closely with Reproductive Endocrinologists while preparing couples for their journey into pregnancy and childbirth. Donna is a faculty member at Pacific College and the Clinical Director of the Acupuncture Center of La Jolla since 1989.

Giovanni Maciocia, OMD
Giovanni Maciocia has practiced acupuncture in England since 1974, and has presented at numerous workshops at the post-graduate level for colleges of Chinese medicine in the U.S., England, Australia, and Europe. He is also a practicing Chinese herbalist, having studied with Dr. Ted Kaptchuk. Maciocia has been a regular contributor to the Journal of Chinese Medicine, and also authored several Chinese medicine textbooks. In 2006, the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China appointed Maciocia as honorary professor.

Kiiko Matsumoto, L.Ac.
Kiiko Matsumoto is internationally known for her scholarly work on acupuncture, and the interpretation of Chinese classic texts. She has published three fundamental texts on acupuncture in the United States, and has another in press. Matsumoto regularly publishes articles in the Ido-No-Nippon acupuncture magazine in Japan, and has made two video series for the company. She is best known for her ability to integrate the work of very important Japanese Masters such as Master Nagano, Master Kawai, and Dr. Manaka, into a coherent and clinically effective style. Matsumoto routinely teaches acupuncturists around the world, including the United States.

Robert Nations, L.Ac.
Robert Nations began his study of self-cultivation, herbs, and energetic healing in 1983 under the tutelage of Warren Gold. He furthered his education at the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego, where he earned his tui na massage certificate, and was trained in the philosophy and practices of Taoism. This included learning from Grand Master Abraham Liu (Yang Style Tai ji quan), Grand Master Chen Xiao Want (Chen Family Tai ji quan), Taoist Priest Sifu Share K Lew (Taoist Elixir System), and Ted Kardash, Ph.D., MFT. In 1995, Nations received the honorable title of Tao Shi. He currently teaches at Pacific College, is a member of the National Qi Gong Association, and maintains a private practice in San Diego.

Kathy Padecky, AS, CMT, Aromatherapist, CBS

Kathy has been in the holistic field for thirty years. She holds an Associate of Science in Holistic Studies from the International Professional School of Bodywork. She is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and a Certified Massage Therapist by the California Massage Therapy Council. She is a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals and the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. She received her aromatherapy certification from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Kathy is a Certified Biofeedback Specialist by the Natural Therapies Certification Board. She is the author of a complementary monthly aromatherapy newsletter entitled Sacred Scents ©. She was a featured speaker on Practical Aromatherapy on San Diego Living, a FOX television program. Kathy was a guest speaker on Practical Aromatherapy at the American Massage Therapy Association chapter meeting in San Diego. She teaches a class entitled Healing with Crystals and Essential Oils, and co-teaches a class on Aromatherapy and Aura Imaging. Kathy has been trained in Cranio-sacral, Healing Touch, Heated Stone Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, spa modalities and Quantum Biofeedback using Indigo Technology. Her private practice includes a combination of the above modalities. She has taught at several massage schools in San Diego. She is an instructor at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine teaching Aromatherapy and Advanced Massage Techniques in San Diego.

 

Z’ev Rosenberg, L.Ac.

Rosenberg began his studies of Chinese medicine in the early-1970s with studies in macrobiotics, shiatsu and theory of Chinese medicine. He received a degree from each of the following: Santa Fe School of Natural Medicine in Western herbal medicine and body therapies in 1976; Kushi Institute in 1979; Southwest Acupuncture College in 1983; and Emperor's College of Oriental Medicine (post-graduate master's degree in OM) in 1989. He worked as a macrobiotic counselor and shiatsu practitioner throughout the 1970's and has been in full-time practice in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine since 1983. Rosenberg has lectured widely to the public and to students of both Chinese medicine and macrobiotics over the last ten years. He is the former president of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado where he spearheaded a successful drive to the licensure of acupuncture in Colorado. For the last 17 years, he has served as chair of the Department of Herbal Medicine at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego and also maintains a private practice in herbal medicine and acumoxatherapy. Rosenberg has written articles for several professional TCM and macrobiotic journals and is a consultant and product developer for K'an Herbs, Santa Cruz, Ca.

Greg Sperber, BMBS, DAOM, MBA, L.Ac.
Dr. Greg Sperber is author of Integrated Pharmacology, Combining Modern Pharmacology with Chinese Medicine published by Blue Poppy. He received a masters and doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego, a medical degree from Flinders University of South Australia, and a master of business administration from National University. Currently he is the Director of Clinical Services, Clinical Chair, and Professor at PCOM and is a past president of the California State Oriental Medical Association. His new book, Playing the Game, A Step-by-Step Approach to Accepting Insurance as an Acupuncturist, will be published in the second quarter of 2011.

Alex Tiberi, L.Ac.
Alex Tiberi has been a student of traditional Asian philosophy, arts, and sciences since he was a teenager. He has now been in clinical practice for 30 years. Tiberi is a founder and vice-president of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and is also on the faculty of the Qing Bai College of Chinese Medicine in the Netherlands. He lectures internationally on various aspects of traditional Chinese medicine including pediatrics, nourishing life (Yang Sheng), orthopedics, treatment during pregnancy, and Korean acupuncture. He regularly leads study groups to China to participate in the “Master’s Classical Studies Program,” and also co-founded the Traditional Chinese Medicine Literature Research and Translation Academy.

Arnaud Versluys, PhD, MD (China), LAc

Arnaud Versluys PhD, MD (China), LAc, is one of the very few Western scholars to have received his full medical training in China. He spent more than ten years at the Chinese medical universities of Wuhan, Beijing and Chengdu, where he pursued his Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees in Chinese medicine. He also trained in traditional Shanghan Lun discipleship for many years. Dr. Versluys’ passion lies in the Han-dynasty canonical style of Chinese medicine. For five years he worked as a Professor at the School of Classical Chinese Medicine of the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. In 2008, he founded the Institute of Classics in East Asian Medicine (www.iceam.org) to offer postgraduate training in canonical Chinese medicine worldwide. Dr. Versluys has a private practice in Portland, OR, and can be reached at info@arnaudversluys.com

Yuan Wang, L.Ac.
Yuan Wang earned her Bachelor’s of Medicine from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her Master’s from Tianjin Institute of TCM. During her time at Chengdu, Wang was a lecturer, researcher, and physician-in-charge for the Departments of Medicine, Kidney Diseases, Digestive Diseases, and the Research Institute of Blood Diseases at the Chengdu TCM Hospital. She teaches advanced needle techniques at Pacific College, specializing in difficult acupuncture needle techniques, such as scalp acupuncture, threading techniques, facial acupuncture, and ancient needle methods.

Sabine Wilms, PhD

After high school and some undergraduate training in Germany, Sabine Wilms spent two years in Taiwan, studying modern and classical Chinese language and culture. She then moved to the US for her graduate studies and has mostly lived there ever since. Sabine has been studying classical Chinese writings on medicine ever since her PhD research in Asian Studies and medical Anthropology. While her academic background has given her a solid foundation in early Chinese philosophy, science, and cosmology and therefore in a historically and culturally sensitive approach to classical Chinese medicine, she also enjoys an ethnomedical approach to Chinese medicine as a living, clinically effective, and ever-changing response to any given cultural environment. She focuses her research and teaching on gynecology, reproduction, and “nurturing life,” as understood in the broadest sense by the great medieval “King of Medicinals” Sun Simiao. Sabine is happiest when engaging in a dialogue with practitioners on how to make this ancient wisdom come alive in our modern times. Following in Sun Simiao’s footsteps, she currently divides her time between writing and lecturing on Chinese medicine and raising goats, poultry, bees, and apples on her small biodynamic farm in the mountains of Northern New Mexico.

Jeffrey C. Yuen
Jeffrey Yuen comes from two Taoist lineages: the Complete Reality and Jade Purity traditions. He trained at an early age under his grandfather, Taoist Master Yu Wen, in all aspects of Taoism. Mr. Yuen is recognized internationally as a master of classical Chinese medicine, Taoism, acupuncture, Chinese herbology, tai ji chuan, and qi gong. Mr. Yuen has served as a guest lecturer at various colleges and universities, and is the only non-M.D. acupuncturist on the faculty for the American Association of Acupuncture Physicians. He founded the acupuncture program at Swedish Institute’s School of Acupuncture and Oriental Studies, and is currently directing and teaching the Classical Chinese Medicine master’s degree program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Dr. Janet Zand, OMD, L.Ac.
Janet Zand has over 25 years of clinical experience in acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutrition, and homeopathy. She served as chairman of the board and co-founder and formulator for Zand Herbal Formulas and is the author of Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, A Parent’s Guide to Medical Emergencies, and Smart Medicine for Healthier Living. Zand is a nationally respected author, lecturer, and clinical practitioner of natural medicine. Her credentials include a Doctorate of Oriental Medicine,
herbologist, naturopath, and certified acupuncturist.