Faculty
Faculty
Randy Bimestefer, B.A., Dipl. Ac.
Randy received his B.A. from Duke University, Durham, NC, before graduating from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1993. After graduating from CSTCM, Randy did a clinical internship acupuncture, gynecology, and internal medicine at the Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1994. Randy is currently in private practice in Denver.
Kurt Breitenstein, B.A., M.S.TCM,
Dipl. Ac. & CH
A Denver native, has returned to his old neighborhood to share the vast wealth of knowledge and benefits of TCM. Kurt received his B.A. from Ft. Lewis College in business administration. After graduation while traveling in Asia, Kurt became increasingly fascinated by the rich nature of this ancient practice and decided to make it his life’s work. He began studying Korean hand acupuncture in Seoul, South Korea and then attained a 4 year Master’s Degree from the American College of TCM in San Francisco. Kurt has been pursuing a Board Certification in Acupuncture Orthopedics and currently practices in Denver.
Yi Cao, B.M. (China), Dipl. Ac.
Is a third generation TCM 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. Cao Yi taught acupuncture and supervised clinic interns at the university and in the hospital before coming to the U.S. He specializes in the areas of neurological and psychological problems and currently has a private practice in Denver.
Jian Shu Cheng, BM (China), Dipl. Ac.
Jian Shu graduated from Chengdu College of TCM with a Bachelor Degree in Chinese Medicine in 1985. Since then, as a doctor and teacher, he has worked in TCM Internal Medicine and Western Internal Medicine departments in Luzhou Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Luzhou, Sichuan, PRC. He has done research in the areas of TCM Geriatrics and Rehabilitation and also in Integration of TCM and Western Medicine for Commonly Seen Diseases in Clinic. He is currently practicing in Denver.
Shi Cheng, M.M. (China), Dipl. Ac. & CH
Received his Masters in Medicine degree from Chengdu College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China in 1982. Cheng has taught Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, and TCM Diagnosis and Differentiation in China, the U.S. and in Europe during the last 20 years. Additionally he has completed research and publications in the treatment of Bleeding Syndrome with Chinese Herbal Medicine, Febrile Diseases and many others. Cheng is a knowledgeable practitioner with extensive clinical experience in TCM. He specializes in Febrile Diseases and Internal Medicine. He is currently practicing in Denver.
Sing Chui
Born in mainland China, Guangzhou (Canton), province, started learning martial arts at the age of 9. He has a license as a Kung Fu Master by the Sushu Association of Guangzhou and by the Qi Gong Research Institute of Guangzhou and has over 25 years of experience teaching Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Sifu Sing Chui has a direct lineage to Yang, Wu and Zao Bao styles of Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Ji Quan). Sifu Chui teaches “pure” Tai Chi, the same way it has been taught since its inception. His Tai Chi instruction includes the use of Tai Chi as forms training, as a martial art, and as an exercise with push hands training.
Greg Cicciu, AP (FL), Dipl. Ac.,
Greg graduated from the Florida Institute of TCM. The idea of being a healer “is a way of life” was the original draw for Greg to study TCM. A healer is someone who uses the tolls they have to assist and teach others ways of improving their lives. Greg is currently using his skills to treat patients of all ages and also massages horses. Greg has studied auriculotherapy intensively for the past five years. Greg is in private practice in Lakewood.
Vladimir DiBrigida, Dipl. Ac.
Graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since graduation, Vladimir has had extensive experience in treating TMJ and tinnitus. He is the CSTCM Administrative Director. Vladimir currently is in private practice in Denver.
Mel Drisko, M.A., M.S.TCM, Dipl. Ac. & CH
Received his B.S. in zoology from Colorado State University and his Master’s Degree in medical illustration and biomedical communications from the University of Texas South-western Medical Center. After over fifteen years as a medical illustrator, the last seven at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, he then graduated from CSTCM. He currently pursues on-going studies in Chinese language translation, Yoga philosophy, Ayurveda and Sanskrit. Mel has a private practice in Denver.
Dongming Fan, Ph.D. (China)
During his childhood, Dr. Fan started learning TCM from his father while accompanying him seeing patients. He received his Bachelors degree in TCM from Heilongjiang University of TCM in 1990. He then went on to receive his Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Heilongjiang University. He developed his own style of TCM treatment using Chinese Herbs, acupuncture, and tui na while studying with many famous TCM doctors. One of Dr. Fan’s specialties is the treatment of diabetes. He has also studied English, Japanese, and German language and also has been associated with many TCM publications. Dongming currently is in private practice in Denver.
Jeff Faudem, B.A., M.S.TOM, Dipl. Ac. & CH
Jeff received his B.A. from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where he worked in the music business. He is also a graduate of Emperors College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Santa Monica, CA. Jeff has done internships at UCLA and Beijing Institute of Acupuncture in Beijing, China. He is currently in private practice in Denver.
Shanwen Gao, B.M. (China), M.S.OM, Dipl.Ac.
Graduated from Guangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine with her bachelor’s degree in TCM and later graduated from Royal University in Los Angeles 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. Shanwen specializes in Chinese herbology and patent medicines, as well as the treatment of pain, women’s health care, and immune deficiency.
Chris Harrison, Dipl. Ac. & CH
Graduated from CSTCM in 1993 and then completed a clinical internship at Heilongjiang University of TCM in Harbin, China. 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 TCM subjects at other Colorado Oriental medicine schools. She specializes in Chinese herbal medicine, women’s health care, sports medicine and is currently in private practice in southeast Denver.
Drew Henderson, B.S., Dipl. Ac. & CH
Received his B.S. in Chemistry from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. His interest in neuroscience led him to graduate level studies in neuroanatomy and molecular pharmacology at the University of South Alabama, and neurophysiology at the University of Colorado. While becoming certified in Postural Integration in 1985-86, he began studying Chinese medicine with practitioners in Boulder. He graduated from CSTCM in 1993, and studied at Heilongjiang University of TCM in Harbin, China in 1995. He has had a private practice in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in Boulder since 1994, and with Dr. Nelson Vetanze, D.C. in Aurora, CO. His experience includes extensive work with sports injuries, including treatment of many players on the Denver Broncos football team. He has collaborated with holistic MD’s where he specializes in acupuncture assisted weight loss and smoking cessation. He previously worked with the Mile High Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, treating drug addiction with acupuncture.
Fred Jennes, B.A., M.Ed., Dipl. Ac. & CH
Received his B. A., M.Ed. from Duke University. He has had careers as a public school teacher, professional musician, medical technologist, and computer systems analyst. His interest in medicine began when he was employed at Duke University Medical Center, where he was a senior medical technologist in the clinical and research divisions of the Department of Pathology. He later became interested in medical applications of computers and after many years as an administrator at the Duke Computer Center, he moved to Colorado and began his latest career by studying acupuncture and Oriental medicine at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has written a number of articles that have appeared in Oriental Medicine Journal, and has authored and published many study guides that are used at CSTCM. He currently has a clinical practice in Greeley, Colorado.
George Kitchie, Dipl. Ac. & CH, DOM (NM)
Is a graduate of the International Institute of Chinese Medicine where he received his certification in Acu-puncture, his Doctor of Oriental Medicine Degree, and a Ph. D. in TCM. George has done internships in China at Heilongjiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu College of TCM, working on his Ph.D. in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is also a certified Diplomate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and Diplomate of Chinese Herbal Medicine granted by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. He is past Vice President of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado, has been an NCCAOM CNT examiner, and served as a NCCAOM subject matter expert on development of the acupuncture and Chinese herb exams and also served on NCCAOM Blue Ribbon Panels. George has studied and practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal and Dietary Medicine and Iridology since 1984. He is currently licensed in New Mexico and Colorado. He is currently the Director of the Acupuncture Wellness Center in Denver, Colorado, and the CSTCM School President.
Susan Kraus, Dipl. Ac. & CH
Susan graduated from CSTCM in May, 1997. She is nationally certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. She received a B.A. in English Education and worked as a computer system designer and software engineer before she studied TCM. She has also studied Astrology and Feng Shui which she incorporates into her practice here in Denver.
Zhi Zhong Nan, Ph.D. (China), Dipl. Ac.
Graduated from Heilongjiang College of TCM in Harbin, PRC. Since graduation and before coming to the U.S. he practiced in the Affiliated Teaching Hospital of Heilongjiang College of TCM where he taught Acupuncture and Tui Na. Dr. Nan has published several papers on Acupuncture and represented Heilongjiang College of TCM at the 4th Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Conference in California in 1992. He is currently in private practice in Denver.
Patti Polman, Dipl. Ac. & CH
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 TCM. She currently has an Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine practice in Denver.
Jacqui Shumway, M.A.
Jacqui is a faculty member of the Departments of Human Performance, Sport and Leisure Studies and Health Professions at Metro State College of Denver teaching tai ji, qi gong, Drumming Therapy and special populations’ inclusion in Physical Activity. Jacqui is also an adjunct faculty member at Red Rocks and Arapahoe Community Colleges. She was Special Programs Director at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Fitness Facility for 10 years and continues to be a workshop presenter. Jacqui currently serves the state of Colorado as Chair for the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity, and has represented the Colorado Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness.
Dustin Slade, Dipl. Ac.
Dustin’s interest in health and healing started at an early age. Growing up, his father owned a health food store, so he was always exposed to alternative forms of healthcare. After researching the many alternative healthcare approaches, he graduated from CSTCM. Dustin currently works for the Mile High Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Project Recovery, a drug and alcohol Acupuncture program, and also has a private practice in Denver at Bikram Yoga.
John Stebbins, Dipl. Ac.
Received his Oriental Medical degree from Post Graduate Institute of Oriental Medicine in Berkeley/Hong Kong. John is a founding member of the National Sports Acupuncture Association (N.S.A.A.). He is chief editor of the N.S.A.A. Journal, author of several sports related articles, and has been host of the Denver Health Talk radio program. He is one of the few acupuncturists in the United States specializing in micro-current techniques directly with acupuncture. John practices in Denver.
Ed Sullivan, D.C., Ph.D., Dipl. Ac. (IAMA)
Dr. Sullivan is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic; has a master’s degree in psychology from Antioch University, and a Ph.D. in Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine from Union Institute Graduate School. He has a certificate in acupuncture from the National Chinese TAI-EE Acupuncture College (China) 1972, a Diplomate in TCM from the Ottowa School of TCM and Acupuncture, as well as an Advanced Level Certificate. He is board certified in acupuncture by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and is a Fellow and Diplomate of the International Academy of Acupuncture. Dr. Sullivan is also on the Continuing Education Faculty of New York Chiropractic College. He is the author of over 50 professional papers and the textbook, Behavioral Considerations in Patient Management. He is currently in private practice in Aurora and Centennial.
Von Truong, RN, Dipl. Ac.
Has credentials in both Eastern and Western health care methods. She holds a Colorado State License of Registered Nurse and an Acupuncture practitioner from China. She had her Traditional Chinese Medicine training at Canton Zhong Shan First Hospital and the Canton Shan Tou First Hospital, both in China. She has also completed the advanced study of acupuncture and herbalist program at Beijing Medical University. Von is a past board member and in good standing with the Acupuncture Association of Colorado and has a membership in the Order of Acupuncturists of Quebec, Canada. Her health care experience includes over five years of nursing and twenty years of acupuncture. She has a private practice in the Denver metro area.
Anna Tsang, MS., Dipl. Ac. & CH
Anna received her B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Michigan and her M.S. in Microbiology from Easter Michigan University. She then worked as a clinical and research microbiologist at National Jewish in Denver. Anna also supervised and NIH project while at National Jewish. After leaving the western medical field, Anna studied TCM at the Heilingjiang University of TCM in Harbin, China in 1996 before graduating from CSTCM in 1997. She obtained her NCCAOM Dipl. AC. & CH. Anna currently has a private practice in Littleton, teaches.
T. Caylor Wadlington, Dipl. Ac.
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 and passing Florida’s licensing exam, he traveled to Taiwan to attend the Taipei Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Upon returning to the States, he completed his Doctorate in Oriental Medicine at SAMRA University of Oriental Medicine in 1988 where he focused on Chinese medical translation work. Until he moved to Denver, Caylor has been in private practice in Austin, Texas. He now practices in southwest Denver.
Jianmin Zhu, MD (China), Dipl. Ac.
Received his medical degree from the Xian Medical University. He also completed his Chinese medicine training at the university. Before coming to the U.S. he was appointed professor of medicine and chief of the renal division in the Second Teaching Hospital of Xian Medical University and also published several books and scientific papers. After coming to the U.S. he has been working in the Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Health Science Center as a visiting professor and research fellow doing research work in metaboloic bone disease. He has over 30 years experience and specializes in nephrology, endocrinology, metabolic bone disease, and TCM. Jianmin also taught at the International Institute of Chinese Medicine. Currently he also has a TCM practice in Denver.
Xilin Zhu
Master Zhu Xilan (Drew) is originally from Beijing, China. He has learned and practiced tai ji Martial Arts from two international well known tai ji masters, Wang Peisheng ( the president of Wu style tai ji martial arts association) and Shi Ming (featured in Bill Moyer’s PBS series Healing and Mind — the Mystery of Qi) since 1982. He has also worked as a researcher and instructor in Chinese qi gong Science and Research Center for eight years in China. He was invited to America teaching master levels of tai ji Martial Arts in many states, and accepted by American scientific society for his brain map test from Lexicor Medical Technology published in the Journal of Neurotherapy in fall/winter 1996. Now his programs of internal energy work and medical qi gong are used as a credit program as part of the tai ji Project 2000 at Colorado University of Health and Fitness Center.
* The CSTCM regular faculty all teach each trimester. Occasionally a faculty member will be out of the country teaching or studying for a trimester. We will make every effort to keep students informed.
Guest Faculty
Warren Bellows, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Currently resides in California and has a part-time practice in Boulder and Denver. He was trained at the Traditional Acupuncture Institute (MD) and J.R. Worsely’s Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Leamington Spa, England in 1982. He was a founder of “Organizational Energetics” and spent five years translating and teaching the Five Element theory to business consultants who used this model to understand, diagnose and intervene in large scale systems. Role-playing and theater are some of the main tools he uses in his teaching methodology.
Dennis Brooks, Dipl. Ac.
Is a 1989 graduate of the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Santa Fe and the Heilongjiang College of TCM in Harbin, China. He has most recently returned from a study tour and fellowship at the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Saigon, Vietnam. Dennis is currently practicing traditional Oriental medicine in Western Colorado, Vietnam, and is working on a book concerning traditional Vietnamese medicine.
Chip Chace, Dipl. Ac. & CH
Is the author of Fleshing Out the Bones, Case Histories in the Practice of Chinese Medicine, and has published numerous translations and articles on the topic of Chinese medicine. He is the co-translator of the Jia Yi Jing, The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture, published by Blue Poppy Press in 1993. Chip practices, and translates Chinese Medicine in Boulder, Colorado.
Joanne Christensen, Dipl. Ac., D.OM (NM)
Received her certification in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in 1988. She interned in China at the International Acupuncture Training Center in Beijing. She is licensed to practice Acupuncture in New Mexico and is registered to practice Acupuncture in Colorado. She has served as President and Secretary of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado. Joanne has a private Acupuncture practice in Boulder.
Ken Cohen, M.A.
Is an internationally known qi gong Master, and author of more than 150 articles on complementary medicine, has lectured for the Menninger Institute, the Canadian Ministry of Health and numerous universities. He has 20 years experience in teaching qi gong.
Cui Xiang Yang, M.M. (China), Dipl. Ac. & CH
Received his Masters of Medicine degree from Heilongjiang College of TCM in Harbin, China. After graduation he worked at Xi Diao Yu Tai hospital in Beijing. He was the assistant chief of staff in the Department of TCM. He worked in both the outpatient clinic and in the hospital doing acupuncture and internal medicine. He was a clinical supervisor for young doctors in the hospital. In China Dr. Cui taught TCM Diagnosis and Differentiation, Chinese Herbs, Acupuncture, Qi Gong, and TCM Food Therapy. He has done research and written many publications on various TCM topics. Before moving to Denver, he practiced in San Jose, California since 1994. Dr. Cui is also fluent in Japanese and Russian.
Courtney Denman, Dipl. Ac., M.S. TCM, CMT
Is a graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine where she obtained her Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Diploma in Massage Therapy. She is currently a Colorado State Registered Acupuncturist and is nationally certified by the National Commission for Certification of Acupuncturists (NCCA). Courtney practices in the Boulder and metro Denver area, her practice incorporates Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Nutritional Counseling and Oriental Massage.
Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D.
An internationally known author and lecturer on Chinese Herbal Medicine. He has formulated more than 120 prescriptions that are widely used in the United States, including the entire line of more than 80 Seven Forests formulas. Video programs written by Dr. Dharmananda include programs on the treatment of AIDS and Cancer with Chinese herbs and the Study Guide series to the Chinese Materia Medica. Dr. Dharmananda has a B.A. specializing in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. He also has a Ph.D. in cellular physiology and biochemistry from the University of California. He has been a practitioner of both Western and Chinese herbalism since 1976 and has conducted many studies on the use of herbs, including such subjects as Cardiovascular Disease, Peripheral Arterial Occlusion, Bronchial Asthma, Atherosclerotic Dementia, Food Allergies, Hypertension, HIV and AIDS. Dr. Dharmananda is currently the director of the Institute of Traditional Medicine (ITM) in Portland, Oregon, a non-profit institute with the primary goals of determining how traditional medicine can best be integrated into modern health care systems and assisting in the implementation of traditional methods. ITM offers educational materials, clinical facilities and assistance in research and development in relation to traditionally used materials and methods.
Christopher Dugan, M.A.
Christopher received his Master's Degree in Biology from the University of Colorado at Denver. He has previously taught anatomy, physiology, and biology at Colorado Community College, Red Rocks Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Front Range Community College, and the University of Colorado at Denver. He has tutored students in biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics.
Holly Eagle Guzman, L. Ac.
A nationally known and popular lecturer. Her recent appearances include the Atlantic and Pacific Symposiums, Israel, CAA Annual Conference, many various CEU seminars at both Five Branches Institute and American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her own series of lectures sponsored by A.R.T.S. of Healing. Holly has taught both clinical and didactic classes at Five Branches and American College of TCM. She has studied with Kiko Matsumoto since 1980, and has done independent research in China and Japan. She maintains a clinical practice of over 15 years, currently in Santa Cruz, California, drawing on the wealth of her experience to teach lively and practical courses.
Stuart Edwards, Ph.D., D.OM (NM)
Was a University Professor of Philosophy before training with J.R. Worsley in England over 20 years ago. Since then he has practiced Acupuncture in Europe, India and the U.S. He currently practices in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he also teaches at the International Institute of Chinese Medicine. For as long as he has been doing acupuncture he has maintained a spiritual connection with Osho Rajneesh. He was one of a team of Acupuncturists at the Poona Ashram in India, where he was able to develop the “Spirit” aspect of acupuncture in a community of mediators, work he has continued ever since.
Andy Ellis, Dipl. Ac. & CH
Taught students with learning and emotional difficulties in the public school system before he entered Chinese medicine. He graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture in 1983. Following graduation, he studied with many famous Chinese medicine doctors in the U.S., Taiwan, and the P.R.C.. Andy has always been a very popular lecturer around the U.S. and has designed courses and taught at various TCM schools around the country. He was the co-translator or co-author on such books as Fundamentals of Chinese Medicine, Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture, Grasping the Wind, and the Clinical Experience of Dr. Shi Neng-Yun. Andy is fluent in the Chinese language and has a unique understanding of the medicine. He is presently working on 3 books on Chinese medicine and with his wife, owns a Chinese style herb shop and a wholesale herb distributorship, Spring Wind Herbs, in Berkeley, California. He can usually be found these days filling herb formulas and making miscellaneous plasters and liniments.
Jake Paul Fratkin, Dipl. Ac., D.OM (NM)
Following undergraduate degrees in Chinese language and philosophy from the University of Wisconsin, trained in Korean and Japanese acupuncture starting in 1975, in Chicago, and began clinical practice in 1978, in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1980 he began his education in Traditional Chinese Herbal medicine, which included six months advanced training in China at several traditional hospitals, including Beijing’s Xi Yuan Hospital. Dr. Fratkin has taught at various acupuncture colleges from 1982 to 1990, and was Department Chairman of Herbal Medicine, Southwest Acupuncture College, Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a practitioner and teacher of tai ji quan and qi gong, which he has followed since 1974, and is the author of several books, including the well known Chinese Herbal Patent Formulas. Dr. Fratkin is currently in private practice in Boulder, Colorado, where he combines Chinese Herbal Medicine, meridian balancing acupuncture, and nutritional medicine. He continues to lecture to practitioners around the country on clinical applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Hao Ji Shun, M.M (China), D.OM (NM),
Dipl. Ac.
Graduated from Heilongjiang College of TCM in 1982 with a Masters Degree in Chinese Medicine. Since then, he has worked as a doctor, teacher, clinic supervisor, and translator in both Internal Medicine and Acupuncture departments. He has been researching the treatment of Paralysis with TCM for over 10 years in China and the U.S. Dr. Hao has done extensive research and has had a number of articles published on the treatment of Windstroke, Liver and Gallbladder Diseases and Diabetes, with Acupuncture, Moxa, Chinese Herbs, and also, articles on Eye and Ear Diagnosis. Since arriving in the U.S., he has been an instructor at the Texas College of TCM in Austin, Texas and the Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Currently he is in private practice in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
William Hammond, M.D.
Dr. Hammond is an Emeritus professor of pathology at the University of Colorado, Health Sciences Center. He has taught at the University School of Medicine and practices pathology at the Denver VA Medical Center and the University Hospital since 1964.
Ken Holloman, M.D.
Received his medical degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine and interned at Tripler General Hospital in Hawaii. Following completion of a four-year residency in pathology at Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver, he was assigned to Gorgas Hospital, in the Canal-Zone of Panama as a laboratory pathologist with the U.S. Army Medical Corp. Upon leaving the Army in 1969, he was the Pathology Dept. Chairman at Denver St. Luke’s Hospital until retirement in 1991. Ken’s special interests in medicine are biochemistry, toxicology, physiology and parasitology.
Huang Bing Shan, M.D. (China), Dipl. Ac.
Was a Professor and Vice President at Heilongjiang College of TCM, P.R.C. He graduated from Hebei Medical College and has over 35 years of teaching and clinical experience. In addition, he has published more than 50 articles and several books pertaining to Acupuncture, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Theory and Diagnostics-tics of TCM. Recently he has been practicing in California.
Na Wei Jiang, M.D., Ph.D. (China), Dipl. Ac.
Graduated from the Traditional College of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China, in 1987. She also received her Master’s Degree and Ph. D. from Heilongjiang University of TCM. Dr. Jiang is one of only 80 women in all of China to have received her Ph. D. in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She studied with many famous doctors in China. She was a Colonel in the Peoples Republic of China Army where she supervised 10 other doctors in the treatment of over 100 patients per day. Dr. Jiang has had over 12 years of clinical experience specializing in gynecology, arthritis, and ophthalmology. Her Ph. D. dissertation entitled The Clinical and Experimental Research on the Treatment of Optic Nerve Atrophy has been reported by all the health and science papers in China. In China, she has cured blindness and corrected vision problems in 71 well-documented cases. Dr. Jiang uses ancient techniques that were handed down from teacher to student to treat complex conditions. These techniques are taught only to a single student each generation. Dr. Jiang moved to Colorado and is in private practice in Colorado Springs and Denver.
Fred Keller, Ph.D.
Fred Keller, Ph.D. received his BE degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, majoring in chemical engineering. After graduation he worked as a chemical engineer while also attending Rutgers University where he received his MS degree in physical chemistry and biochemistry. He then received his Ph.D. in biochemical engineering from Waksman Institute. He has received a presidential appointment to a postdoc at the National Institutes of Health. Fred has worked in the industry, taught at several colleges and conducted research.
Bob Kelley, A.A., Dipl. Ac.
After a serious horseback accident in 1974, and subsequent surgery, Bob became necessarily interested in health care. Two years of pre-med, five and a half years in the Natural Foods Industry, and seven and a half years of being vegetarian, led to the path of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. With undergraduate study at Colorado Mountain College, Santa Barbara Community College, the University of Colorado, and Santa Fe Community College, Bob has graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in 1988 with a Diploma of Acupuncture. He has further completed the Oriental Medical Doctor degree, through studies at the hospital of Chengdu College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China, in 1987. Bob participated in research for HIV peripheral neuropathy at Denver General Hospital and had a private practice in the Denver area since 1988. He currently practices in Hawaii.
Marla Kopriva
Has 12 years experience managing a multi-disciplinary health care facility. Being responsible for processing insurance claims and collections she found it took far too much time to process claims from start to finish and felt it was too time consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating. Marla wrote “Easy Billing” a computerized insurance billing program to simplify the whole process of medical billing. Marla has lectured extensively on office management and medical insurance billing and works as a consultant for may health care facilities. She is also a regular guest lecturer at the Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
David Legge, DO, Dipl. TCM.
Has practiced osteopathy and acupuncture for over 20 years. David graduated as an Osteopath in 1980 and received a diploma in TCM in 1981. He completed postgraduate work in Nanjing, China in 1982. David is the author of Close to the Bone - A Guide to the Treatment of Musculo-skeletal Disorders, which is a definitive text considered on of the best orthopedic acupuncture books for westerners. He has taught widely on this subject in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.S. He has been an instructor at the Sydney College of TCM and the Sydney College of Bodywork. David is one of the leading authorities in the treatment of musculo-skeletal disorders. David is completing a research degree in Clinical Epidemiology at Newcastle University. David currently practices on the central coast of New South Wales, Australia specializing in musculo-skeletal problems.
Erich Lieberknecht, B.A.
Erich received his Bachelor's degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry from the University of Northern Colorado.
Wenying Lin, B.M. (China), Dipl. Ac.
Wenying was born and raised in Beijing in a family who used TCM as their primary form of healthcare. Her parents encouraged her to study TCM and she graduated as an honor student from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine after 6 years of study and internship beginning in 1986. During her schooling she studied with many famous doctors of TCM. After graduation, Dr. Lin worked at the very busy Xuan Wu TCM Hospital as a resident doctor in the TCM department practicing and teaching acupuncture, tui na, and internal medicine. During that time she also trained in the Emergency Room in a large Western medicine hospital, in order to enhance her expertise in both TCM and Western medicine. After the ER training she also worked for Squibb Pharmaceutical in Beijing. Her interests include ancient Chinese philosophy, Buddhism, Chinese calligraphy, and martial arts. She recently came to the U.S. after her husband a Western medicine cardiologist, received a scholarship for graduate study. Her American dream is to use her knowledge and experience to help Americans learn more about TCM.
Liao Fang Zheng
Is the director and tutor of the Master’s Degree Program in the TCM Acupuncture Department at Chengdu University of TCM. She is a board member of All China Acupuncture Association, Needle and Moxa Technique Branch. Professor Liao has nearly 30 years of clinical and teaching experience in acupuncture. She specializes in treating hyperthyroidism, stroke, senile and post-stroke dementia, asthma, and arthritis. She conducted 7 research topics, with 3 winning provincial awards, has published over 20 papers and has written 2 books on TCM topics. She currently is an acupuncture doctor at Chengdu University of TCM.
Li Lu, MM (China), Dipl. Ac.,
Dr. Li is from the China Tui Na Center which is hosted by Yue-Yang Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM. He is one of the few Tui Na doctors who has completed the full 5 year Bachelor’s Medical Degree in TCM and the 3 year Master’s Degree in TCM Tui Na. He has acquired classical and standard manipulations and techniques from some nationally recognized experts and professors in China. He has over 15 years clinical experience in Orthopedics and 10 years experience in Tui Na practice and teaching. Dr. Li recently lectured, demonstrated and practiced Tui Na in Israel and England and was invited to America as a guest professor. As a chief instructor for foreign medical practitioners Tui Na training at the China Tui Na Center and also a world-wide Tui Na lecturer and practitioner, Dr. Li has created a unique approach to Tui Na for all types of medical practitioners in the West, including acupuncturists, massage therapists, physical therapists, etc.. His approach can be learned quickly and applied to patients immediately. Dr. Li currently has a practice in Denver.
Madison Lucas, M.D.
Is an experienced general and family practice physician, who graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He has had his own practice in Denver for over 20 years doing both office practice and working in the hospital. During the last 10 years he has been doing occupational medicine for various clinics in the Denver and Boulder area. He also has done considerable ER work for rural hospitals. He has done teaching at the CU Medical School and St. Anthony’s Hospital and also maintains board certification in family practice. He is licensed to practice medicine in Colorado and Kansas.
Joy Moore, Ph.D., CH, C.N.H.P.
Joy has a B.S. and M.S. in Holistic Nutrition and received her Doctorate in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College. She currently owns and operates A Natural Approach in Littleton. It is a natural health clinic. She works with patient's nutritional programs.
Kristina Olson, M.S., MBA, Dipl. Ac. & CH
Completed her undergraduate work at Western Michigan University and received her MBA from the University of Michigan. She graduated from CSTCM and maintains a private practice in Fort Collins, CO. She is also a Certified Massage Therapist and is certified in NAET and Bicom Bioresonance Therapy.
Lil Pettinato, RN, Dipl. Ac.
Has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years in six states and is also a CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Safety Instructor. Lil also graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and practiced in Denver and then in Alamosa before returning to Denver. She is currently working as a visiting nurse and also is in private practice in Denver.
Paul A. Pitetti, D.OM (NM), Dipl. Ac.
Has been interested in what healing is and how it is applied to each individual since his mid-twenties. In pursuit of this, he has searched many ways and worked with many types of illnesses. He was a mental health counselor in New Mexico where he did counseling with dysfunctional families, depressed persons, substance abusers, and a wide range of mental health conditions. He also did ongoing group therapy with teenagers. Later, Paul worked several years with mentally retarded and developmentally disabled persons. Throughout this process Paul was constantly open to finding an approach to healing, which would truly work with the whole person. It was then that he went to the Kototama Institute to study Kototama Life Medicine and Acupuncture. After graduating from the Kototama Institute, he continued on for another year in the internship program. In 1985 Paul moved to Boulder, Colorado, and opened his own clinic and still practices there.
Whitfield Reaves, CA, D.OM (NM)
Has been in private practice since 1980, specializing in sports medicine and the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. He has treated numerous Olympic and world class athletes using acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutrition. He assisted in the U.S. Olympic trials and the Olympics in Los Angeles as a sports medicine specialist as well as treating professional cyclists and triathletes in Boulder Colorado. Whitfield has a private practice specializing in sports medicine, in Sun Valley, Idaho, is president of the National Sports Acupuncture Association, and lectures throughout the U.S. on sports medicine.
Michael Sasnow, DC, Dipl. Ac.,
Is a 1978 graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic, and a 1993 graduate of CSTCM. He was a full-time instructor and clinic supervisor at the Anglo-European Chiropractic College (UK) from 1986-88, and now practices both acupuncture and chiropractic. Michael has recently moved from Boulder to Missoula, Montana.
John Scott, Dipl. Ac.
Has been a licensed acupuncturist in New Mexico and Texas and been in practice since 1982. He is the President of Golden Flower Chinese Herbs Inc.. John has always been very active in promoting Oriental Medicine on a local, state, and national level. He has taught classes on many aspects of Oriental Medicine and has been active in research. John currently practices in New Mexico and runs Golden Flower Herbs.
Eric Silver, Dipl. Ac.
Lived in Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China for a period of eight years studying TCM and Chinese language. He received a B.A. in TCM from the Hong Kong Kowloon Chinese Medical Research Institute. Eric did post graduate work at the Chinese Medical Hospital of Beijing and the International Physiotherapy and Acupuncture Research Institute Kowloon, Hong Kong. He did apprenticeships with Dr. James Wong, Hong Kong and Dr. Michael Broffman, San Francisco. He also studied Chinese language at the Chinese Hong Kong University of Hong Kong and is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese. Eric has been involved in Chinese medicine for over 20 years.
Jim Skoien, L. Ac. (CA), Dipl. Ac.
Jim began his formal study of acupuncture and herbal medicine at California Acupuncture College, Los Angeles in 1982. Three years later, he completed preliminary requirements for licensure by attending a four-month advanced internship in Nanjing, PRC. In early 1985, he received a license to practice acupuncture and herbal medicine in the State of California (L. Ac.) and also became certified as an acupuncturist nationally (Dipl. Ac. NCCA). Jim first became an instructor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1984 at California Acupuncture College. Since 1984, he has taught regularly at several Los Angeles Acupuncture colleges. He has instructed students in virtually all areas of TCM, including Acupuncture Theory and Technique, Internal Medicine and Herbal Medicine. In addition, Jim has worked with student interns as a Clinic Director and as a Clinic Supervisor for the past seven years. He has also had the fortunate experience of lecturing in numerous Acupuncture training courses for the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Jim has been actively practicing TCM in the Los Angeles area for the past seven years. He currently is on a sabbatical in Switzerland teaching at a TCM school.
Wang Jin-Huai
Professor Wang is a master calligrapher and scholar of Taoist philosophy and Chinese Medicine, who was featured on the Bill Moyer’s television program Healing and the Mind, shown on PBS, which won a 1992 Emmy Award. He was also featured on NBC’s Today show and in many articles including the Washington Post, New York Times, and the Christian Science Monitor. He also appeared on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. He is sought out and loved by foreign students from all over the world, who go to China in hopes of studying with him. Dr. David Eisenberg, M.D., featured with Professor Wang in The Mystery of Qi with Bill Moyers said “He is one of the most gifted people I’ve ever met while in China”. Professor Wang has lectured all over the world and is the author of several books.
Wang Yan Yun, B.M. (Pharmacology - China)
Graduated from Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pharmacology Department in 1982. Yan Yun worked as a research Pharmacist at the Beijing Clinical Pharmacy Institute for six years (the PRC equivalent of a FDA for Herbal Medicine). Yan Yun began operating a complete TCM Pharmacy at CSTCM (Yan Jing Pharmacy) as of April 1991 and offers her expertise in Chinese Herbal Pharmacy. Yan Yun also worked in the research department at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
Stuart Watts, Dipl. Ac., D.OM (NM), ND
Is a multi-state licensed Chinese Medicine Doctor with over 20 years experience. His work includes training and application of herbology, nutrition, massage, iridology, yoga, spiritual healing, homeopathy, and a variety of bodywork techniques. Stuart has taught Chinese Medicine for over 10 years throughout the world, and is the founder and past director of the Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has been on a variety of national, state and local organizational health related boards. He is past Vice Chairman of the New Mexico Acupuncture State Board, and director of the North American Academy of Advanced Asian Medicine. Dr. Watts lives and practices in Austin Texas, where he is the director of the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin.
Sharon Weizenbaum, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac. & CH
Has been practicing for over 15 years and teaching for 9 years. She has studied with Kiko Matsumoto since 1981 and has integrated this style with her own sensitivities and her knowledge of the classics. Sharon is currently a Frances Perkins Scholar in Chinese Language at Mt. Holyoke College, where she is translating her teacher’s book on herbal gynecology. She has been a faculty member at the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and at the New England School for Acupuncture. Sharon teaches seminars nationwide and is known for her clear, practical and inspiring presentation of clinically applicable material.
Hugh Wheir, D.VM, D.OM (NM)
Graduated from Ft Lewis College in Durango, Colorado in 1973 with a BA in Southwest Studies, from Texas A & M with a BS in Bio-Medical Sciences in 1975, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. He went on and graduated from Kotatama Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1982. He has been the director of Animal Alliance, a non-profit corporation which works with endangered species, reduction of dog and cat over-population, rural dog and cat spaying in Mexico, sea turtle conservation, and many other projects, since 1989. Dr. Wheir has taught acupuncture to veterinarians at the University of Benito Juarez in Oaxaca, Mexico. He is involved in setting up rural spay and neuter clinics in outlying areas of Mexico and works with many Indian Pueblos in New Mexico on spay and neuter clinics, small animal care, and also has treated many buffalo and wild horses. Dr. Wheir has a mixed dog, cat and horse veterinary practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico since 1981, called East West Mobile Animal Care. He has been a licensed acupuncturist in new Mexico since 1983 with a family practice. Dr. Wheir has had unique opportunities using Western Medical diagnostics to evaluate acupuncture on animals, while at vet school in 1975, he worked at the race track practicing Sports Medicine and has treated over 8,000 horses. He also has treated over 6,000 dogs, cats, and other animals.
Hiliary Witt, M.S.TCM, R. Ac., Dipl. Ac.
Received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1980. After 10 years as a mediator and trainer in the Conflict Resolution field she began to incorporate concepts of Qi into her work through the study of Aikido. She chose to expand her awareness of Qi by studying Oriental Medicine, first at Yo San University in Santa Monica, California; and achieved an M.S. in Oriental Medicine from Samra University in Los Angeles, California in 1992. She currently is in Switzerland with her husband Jim Skoien.
Honora Lee Wolfe, C.M.T., Dipl. Ac.
Has been involved in alternative/complementary health care modalities for over 18 years. The founder and first director of the Boulder School of Massage Therapy from 1975 to 1981, Ms. Wolfe went on to study Chinese remedial massage at the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and as an intern at the Yu Yang Hospital in Shanghai in 1985, and again in 1986 and 1987. She completed her acupuncture studies in December 1988 and completed the national acupuncture board examinations in October, 1989. She is the author/translator of several books on Chinese medicine: How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Birth with Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Breast Connection: A Laywoman’s Guide to the Treatment of Breast Disease by Chinese Medicine, Second Spring: A Guide to Healthy Menopause According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Highlights of Ancient Acupuncture Prescriptions (translated with Rose Crescenz) and Prince Wen Hui’s Cook: Traditional Chinese Dietary Therapy (with Bob Flaws). She currently has a private practice in Boulder, Colorado.
Zhang Fa Rong
Is the director and tutor of the Doctoral Degree Program in the TCM Internal Medicine Department at Chengdu University of TCM. He has over 30 years clinical and teaching experience. In recent years, he has conducted over 20 research projects, many of which were highly recognized nationally in China. The clinical and laboratory studies have been on such topics as Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage and the Treatment of Diabetes. Professor Zhang has published over 30 articles and has written 8 books, all related to TCM. In 1985 he won an award for being “The Best Instructor in Sichuan Province”. Currently he is the director of the Internal Medicine Commission of All China Association of TCM, Chengdu Branch, the director of the Diabetes Commission of All China Association of TCM, Sichuan branch, and is an Internal Medicine doctor at Chengdu University of TCM.
* The guest faculty have all taught at least 1 or more workshops / seminars in the past. They do not teach every trimester at CSTCM.