I draw on my own background, bringing deep empathy to my work, plus strong training, skill and experience, in order to give the best care to every individual. I bring over fifteen years of experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Integrative Medicine to my practice.
I discovered TCM as many people do: it helped me with my own health issues. After a few severe episodes of illness during my twenties, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer. I can happily share that I am healthy and cancer-free many years later. I credit Acupuncture and Chinese herbs for supporting me physically and emotionally through the chemotherapy and radiation cancer treatments, for helping to balance and build strength after my illness, and for helping me to thrive ever since.
My experience receiving care from a range of doctors and healers–both “conventional” and “complementary”, inspired me to study TCM and become an Acupuncturist. I strongly believe that Western Medicine saved my life, but it was TCM and its ability to treat the whole person, that truly healed me.
I hold a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, CA. I also studied extensively with Beverly Burns M.S., L.Ac., a well-known leader in the field of TCM, who is currently a staff member at UCSF’s Osher Center for Complementary Medicine in San Francisco.
Prior to entering the field of TCM, I was a practicing artist and art teacher. I have a Masters in Fine Arts in Painting from The San Francisco Art Institute, and continue to find great joy in making art. I taught art at the college level, and also to young children.
I grew up in Philadelphia, PA, moved to San Francisco in 1995, and currently live in Albany CA with my wife and daughter.