Amy Hull, MEd, MAOM

Director of Program Development

Amy manages post-graduate program development such as China Study trips and Acupuncture Residencies in Western Medical settings. She also manages the Speaker’s Bureau, matching alumni with organizations and agencies who would like acupuncture presentations.

Ann Barbetti, MAOM, LicAc

Research Assistant

Ann is responsible for the recruitment of and follow-up with patients.  She answers telephone inquiries and schedules study volunteer appointments, while also assisting volunteers through the process of filling out of the measurement forms.  Anne received her MAOM from NESA.

Anne Drogin, MDiv, MAc, LicAc

Anne Drogin has been practicing acupuncture in the Boston area since graduating from NESA in 1997. Prior to studying acupuncture, Anne received a BA in philosophy and Western religion from Wellesley College where she first became interested in social justice work. She went on to complete the Women’s Theological Center’s Study/Action program and to receive a master’s degree in divinity from Harvard Divinity School in 1990.

In keeping with her prior work for various social justice organizations, Anne’s focus in acupuncture has been in public health. She began her career as an acupuncturist for the Pathways to Wellness Clinic (AIDS Care Project) working in the main clinic as well as treating HIV+ recovering addicts at one of the satellite clinics. Anne started working at NESA as a teaching assistant in 1998 and became a faculty member in 2001. She has taught a wide variety of practical courses and enjoys engaging with the students in public health clinics offsite. Anne continued to treat HIV+ patients and Cambodian refugees until recently when she opened her own low-cost community acupuncture clinic in downtown Boston.

Anson Rathbone, MAc, LicAc

Anson Rathbone worked as an R&D engineering technician and manager in the electronics industry for a number of years, all the while maintaining an interest in various aspects of Chinese culture, particularly music and traditional exercise. He had the opportunity to meet and study Tai Chi and Qigong with a variety of teachers, beginning in 1984. Looking to develop a career in something more in line with his own interests, he chose to study Acupuncture. He currently owns an acupuncture clinic in Malden and acts as a teaching assistant and instructor at NESA. He lives in Malden with his wife, studying Erhu (Chinese violin) in his spare time.

Bing Yang, MSTCM, LicAc

Chinese Herbal Medicine Department Chair

Bing Yang earned both her Bachelor and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine degrees from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM) in China. After teaching and practicing at BUCM as an assistant professor and clinical doctor for several years, she moved to the United States. She has been the senior editor of New England Journal of TCM since 2003 and currently is the chair of the Chinese Herbal Medicine Department at NESA.

Bing is the author of Chinese Medical Dietary Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease. She has published fourteen articles in top journals worldwide based on her clinical and research work. Bing currently maintains a private practice in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in Brighton, specializing in treating pain, stroke, women’s diseases and other difficult diseases.

Bridie Andrews, BSc, PhD

After graduating from Edinburgh University with a BSc in Biology, Bridie Andrews moved to China to learn Chinese at Xiamen University. Subsequently, she studied Chinese pharmacy at the China University of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Nanjing. Dr. Andrews obtained a PhD from Cambridge University in the history of medicine in China. She has held post-doctoral fellowships at the London School of Oriental and African Studies, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Radcliffe Institute of Harvard University. An assistant professor of East Asian history at Bentley University, Dr. Andrews also served as assistant professor of the history of science at Harvard University from 1998-2004.

Dr. Andrews’ publications include two co-edited volumes, Western Medicine as Contested Knowledge (with A.R. Cunningham, Manchester University Press, 1997), and Medicine and Colonial Identity (with Mary P. Sutphen, Routledge, 2003). She is preparing to publish a monograph, The Making of Modern Chinese Medicine. Her research focuses on the history of interactions between Chinese and Western medicine.

Brock Haines

Herbal Dispensary Manager

Brock is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Chinese herbal dispensary, including processing orders, overseeing staff and assistants, and GMP.  Brock also serves as IT support on site and oversees the ITS group.

C.J. Allen, MAc, LicAc, DiplCH (NCCAOM)

Associate Dean and Assistant Professor

A 1999 graduate of NESA, C.J. Allen is certified as a Diplomate of Chinese Herbology by the NCCAOM and in the NADA protocol for Acupuncture Detoxification. C.J. has served as a detox acupuncturist at the Dimock Community Health Center and also as a clinical staff member of Pathways to Wellness (AIDS Care Project) where he assisted Dr. Tao Xie, the director of herbal medicine.

C.J. has guest lectured on Chinese herbal medicine at Boston University, Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He maintains a private practice at Acupuncture and Herbal Healing located in Newton and West Roxbury, MA. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University (BS), Mr. Allen has also studied studio and fine arts at Harvard University and is an award-winning photographer.

C.J. serves as the Associate Dean of NESA and provides guidance to students, promotes academic success and quality of life. He also is responsible for coordinating academic support for admissions.

Catherine Hamilton, MBA

Director Admissions

Catherine manages all aspects of admissions to NESA. She most often is the first point of contact for individuals interested in attending NESA and supports them through the enrollment process and thereafter.  Catherine is the advisor for all international students.

Catherine Kerr, PhD

Catherine served as co-leader on DCRC I Project 2, "Acupuncture for Endometriosis-Related Chronic Pelvic Pain in Young Women." She is an instructor in the Department of Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an expert in qualitative research associated with CAM trials.

Cheryl Milligan, MEd

Cheryl Milligan has been teaching biology and sciences in the Boston area for close to ten years. After obtaining bachelor’s degrees in biology and environmental science from Tufts University, she obtained a Master’s of Arts in Education, also from Tufts, before beginning to teach as adjunct faculty in the Boston area.

Currently, Cheryl is enrolled in the Friedman School of Nutrition and Health Science’s food policy and applied nutrition program, seeking a second master’s and a PhD in nutritional sciences. Her current interests range from nutrition in developing countries to sustainable agriculture and performance nutrition.

Chris Belskis

Chris Belskis is a practitioner of East Asian healing arts, integrating Shiatsu, Sotai, Tuina and TCM into his treatments. He is an instructor and AOBTA-certified Shiatsu practitioner. Holding certification in Zen Shiatsu and in Sotai. Chris is a faculty member at the Muscular Therapy Institute in Watertown, MA. He has studied martial arts and Eastern healing for over twelve years and brings a practical synthesis of modalities to his courses.

Cindy Banker, MA, DiplABT (NCCAOM)

Cindy Banker has taught Five Element Shiatsu and related arts for more than thirty years as a private practitioner and as founder and director of New England Center for Oriental Bodywork. She was also founder and past president of the American Shiatsu Association and was instrumental in establishing standards for the certification of Asian Bodywork Therapy by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). Ms. Banker is a scholar of classical Chinese medical texts and holds a masters degree in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Language having studied with Ted Kaptchuk at Lesley College, Harvard University and NESA.

Craig Allard, MEd

Director of Student Affairs

Craig oversees all student activities from Student Orientation through Commencement. He serves on the Student Council and students should approach him with comments regarding student satisfaction. Craig also can advise students who are preparing for the NCCAOM Board exams and/or state licensure.

Dana Quinn, LicAc, DiplAc (NCCAOM)

A staff acupuncturist for the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers Acupuncture Detoxification Center since 1984, Dana Quinn graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture in 1983 and later studied Chinese herbal medicine at NESA. She maintains a private practice in Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in Cambridge, MA.

Deguang He, LicAc

Deguang He is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. He graduated from Anhui TCM College and the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. He was the first person in China to ever receive a master’s degree in medical Qigong and acupuncture. He practiced as a medical doctor in China and has over twenty-four years of clinical experience in China, the former Soviet Union, Japan and the United States.

Very experienced in treating cancer patients with acupuncture and medical Qigong, Deguang practices acupuncture at the Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center in Danvers, and at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in Boston. Additionally, he maintains a private practice in Waltham, MA. Deguang has been involved in multiple research studies.

Deirdre D’Silva, MAOM, LicAc

A 2005 graduate of NESA, Deirdre D’Silva is trained in Chinese and Japanese styles of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Originally from the Boston area, Deirdre graduated from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in history and Spanish and a minor in health science.

Since graduation, Deirdre served on the board of the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Society of Massachusetts (AOMSM) from 2005 until the spring of 2009. Deirdre also volunteered with the Boston Veteran’s Community Acupuncture Project (VCAP), and worked with a group of other local acupuncturists trying to establish a free acupuncture clinic for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Before joining the faculty, Deirdre served as a teaching assistant in many core and Japanese courses.

Della Lawhon, MAOM, LicAc, DiplOM (NCCAOM)

Della Lawhon has professionally practiced and studied Asian medicine since 1998. She graduated from NESA with a dual focus on Japanese and Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Before NESA, she completed professional certification in Zen Shiatsu and Sotai at the Boston Shiatsu School. Della has studied with a number of experts in the field of Oriental medicine.

Della has worked in community health and research organizations. She worked as a health educator at women’s health clinics and public health departments. Della has lectured at national and regional professional conferences on evidence-based medicine and on applying research in clinical practice. She has co-written a systematic review of Chinese herbs effectiveness at managing seizures. She is on the advisory board of the Oriental Medicine Journal. She is a member of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the Community Acupuncture Network. Della is a KRI certified Kundalini yoga instructor, teaches yoga classes and leads a yogic lifestyle.

Della opened a community acupuncture clinic in Boston’s metrowest suburbs in 2007. She directs the clinic, which in addition to providing acupuncture offers herbal medicine, nutritional consultations, Asian bodywork, meditation and workshops.

Denise Rouleau

Proposal Development/Research Administration Specialist

Denise is responsible for the administrative oversight of grants, including the budget and compliance with regulations. Denise also serves as a key resource in identifying funding, writing grants and submitting applications for funding.

Diane Iuliano, LicAc, DiplAC (NCCAOM)

Japanese Acupuncture Styles Department Co-Chair

Diane Iuliano supervises instructors teaching courses and clinics in the Japanese acupuncture styles curriculum. She also serves as an escalation point for issues within the department.

Diane has been practicing Japanese style acupuncture for over seventeen years, after graduating from Boston College with a BA degree in fine arts and receiving her LicAc from NESA. Diane has studied extensively with Miki Shima, Shoji Kobayashi and Toshikatsu Yamamoto and earned a Japanese acupuncture teaching certificate from Miki Shima and the Japanese American Acupuncture Foundation in July of 2005. She is a founding member of the North American branch of the Shakuju Association and a member of the Boston Branch of Toyo Hari. Diane has practiced acupuncture at Mount Auburn Hospital, where she supervised the first NESA satellite clinic at the hospital in the Center for Women.

Diane has been teaching acupuncture in Tokyo and Hokkaido for the past four years, and was the first American female keynote speaker at Hokkaido University in 2007. Diane participated as a research associate in the Stop Hypertension Acupuncture Research Program (SHARP) at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is a board member of the Auriculotherapy Certification Institute. In 2006 Diane was awarded the first certificate to date in the USA from Shoji Kobayashi and the Shakuju Association in August of 2006. She is currently the Co-Chair of the NESA Japanese Department.

Dongyan Yu, LicAc

Dongyan Yu earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chinese medicine from Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. She taught and practiced acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in China before moving to the United States.

Ms. Yu has been practicing acupuncture for over ten years in the Boston metropolitan area, utilizing both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to treat patients. Her current practice is in Acton, MA.

Elaine Scarmoutzos

Continuing Education Manager/Project Coordinator

Elaine coordinates the Continuing Education programs. She recommends programming and instructors, oversees registrations and payment, recruits and manages Alumni Hosts, and analyzes participant evaluations.  She also assists the Research Department

Ellen Highfield, MA, LicAc

Ellen Highfield has served as a NESA faculty member and Director of the Integrative Therapies Team at Children's Hospital, Boston. She a co-authored a study assessing pediatric pain experiences and CAM practitioners' common practices. Ellen served as a consultant and treating acupuncturist for the team investigating acupuncture for endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain in young women, advising them about the use of acupuncture in this adolescent population.

George Mandler, LDN, MS, MAOM, LicAc

George Mandler is a Massachusetts licensed dietitian/nutritionist and licensed acupuncturist. He is a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) from the American College of Nutrition as well as a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine from NCCAOM. In his private practice, George incorporates functional medical nutrition therapy with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, specializing in digestive disorder and fatigue. He holds master’s degrees from Boston University, University of New Haven and NESA and an MS in Human Nutrition from University of New Haven.

James Belanger, ND

A licensed naturopathic doctor, James Belanger graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. He has extensive training in both Western medicine and natural medicine, including nutritional and herbal practices. In addition to teaching oncology at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Belanger is currently co-director of the Lexington Natural Health Center in Lexington, MA.

James R. Roth, PhD

Jim Roth has managed analytical chemistry laboratories most of his professional career. After receiving his PhD from Cornell University, he managed a laboratory at Cornell that was responsible for the analysis of lunar samples. Upon leaving, he built his own laboratory in the Midwest, which he ran for eleven years before moving to Belmont, MA. Dr. Roth ran Alpha Analytical Laboratories in Westborough until his retirement in 2003. Dr. Roth continues to provide technical consulting for the Alpha Analytical Lab as well as other laboratories and the legal community.

Jane Jaxon

Director of Institutional Affairs

Jane acts as advisor to the President and Academic Dean with respect to overall institutional topics and is a liaison to the Board of Trustees. She ensures compliance with accreditation requirements and manages human resources and student health insurance.

Jeanette Blalock

Controller

Jeanette manages the Finance department, including student accounts and billing.

Jeffrey Shih-chung Matrician, MAOM, LicAc

An East Asian studies major at Wesleyan University, Jeff taught English at Nanjing University in 1996. In 1998 he taught high school English for the Ministry of Education in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Jeff has had a lifelong interest in the philosophy of the East and its practical application to life. He has studied Tai Chi since 1996, and starting in 1999, under Master Gin Soon Chu, the 2nd Disciple of the late Yang Zhenming (Shou Zhong).

Jeff has been teaching since graduating NESA in 2002. He has two practices: one at the Center for Wellness at Harvard University and the other at the Watertown Center for Healing Arts. He practices mostly Chinese style acupuncture, massage, Chinese herbal medicine and Qigong.

Jenn Hartman

Director of Library Services

Jenn manages the library and library staff.  All library staff support students in accessing the collection and online resources.

John Coville, MBA, LicAc

John Coville is a 1995 graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture who uses a combination of Chinese and Japanese acupuncture in his private practice in Beverly. He also works at the Pathways to Wellness Clinic (AIDS Care Project) in Boston as a staff acupuncturist and home care provider. John received his MBA from Northeastern.

Joseph A. Kay, LicAc, DiplAc & DiplCH (NCCAOM)

Japanese Acupuncture Styles Department Co-Chair

Joe supervises instructors teaching courses and clinics in the Japanese acupuncture styles curriculum. He also serves as an escalation point for issues within the department.

Joseph Kay has been practicing acupuncture for over twenty years in the Boston metropolitan area, utilizing both Chinese and Japanese styles to treat patients. After graduating from Kent State University with a bachelor’s in business administration, Joseph managed a natural food store in Ohio and a natural food restaurant in Arizona. While studying martial arts, he became interested in Oriental medicine.

After attending NESA, Mr. Kay traveled to China to study Chinese herbal medicine and to Japan to study Toyo Hari style acupuncture. He is a founding member of the Toyo Hari and Shakuju Associations in North America. Joseph has consulted and participated in a number of acupuncture research studies, including work with the Harvard Osher Institute. He is currently the co-chair of the JAS department at NESA and a clean needle technique instructor for the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Julie Buring, ScD

Julie served on the clinical core and as co-leader of the administrative core for DCRC I. She is professor of ambulatory care and prevention at Harvard Medical School; deputy director of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital; and director of research at the Osher Institute.

Kai-Yin Hsu, MAOM, LicAc

Research Assistant

Kai-Yin is responsible for the recruitment of and follow-up with patients.  She answers telephone inquiries and schedules study volunteer appointments, while also assisting volunteers through the process of filling out of the measurement forms.  Kai-Yin received her MAOM from NESA.

Kathryn Loomis, LicAc, MAc, DiplAc & DiplCH (NCCAOM)

Kathryn graduated from NESA in 1996 with her MAc. She has continued her studies in Chinese medicine with teachers including Sharon Weizenbaum, Koei Kuwahara, Liu Ming, and Andrew Ellis. After several years of clinical practice in Connecticut, Kathryn utilized her Chinese language skills to pursue two years of advanced studies in clinical Chinese herbal medicine at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Kathryn has a BA in Asian Studies from Hamilton College, and a BSME from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst).

Kathryn was fortunate to study with a master teacher of Tai Ji for the two years she lived in Beijing. She translated for him when he was invited to teach for several months in Syracuse, NY. Her experience of working for over two years in the Chinese herbal industry in both Taiwan and California gave her the opportunity to learn about issues of herb quality, identification, supply, contaminants, and testing. After years of clinical practice in Connecticut, Kathryn moved to Massachusetts and now has a practice in Wayland.

Recently Kathryn completed a two year certificate program in Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy with Franklyn Sills. She is enjoying integrating the Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy into her acupuncture practice.

Keirsa Johnson

Academic Affairs Coordinator & Registrar

Keirsa works with the Academic Dean to coordinate academic scheduling, events, deadlines, etc. Keirsa also manages the processes underlying enrollment through graduation. She is responsible for class and clinic registration and transcripts.

Lilly Goncalves

Front Desk Manager

Lilly is the first point of contact for visitors to NESA and is liaison between students, staff and faculty. She can direct students to the appropriate person to address their particular need and maintains the inventory of academic-related forms.

Linda S. Davis, DiplAc (NCCAOM), LicAc

Linda Davis has been studying how subtle energy moves in the body for over twenty years. An early interest in yoga (Certificate, Kundalini Teacher Training Program, 1991) combined with an undergraduate study of Asian art and philosophy led her to acupuncture. She graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture in 2002 with a concentration in the Japanese Acupuncture Styles.

Maintaining a private practice in the nearby city of Somerville, Linda works primarily in the style of Yoshio Manaka, MD but also integrates Sotai-ho (as learned from Peter Guy Thompson), and various non-insertive techniques (such as Shakuju as learned from Kobayashi sensei) into her treatments. She is also certified in the hands-on Healing Ki work of Katusmi Niikura (International Ki Ryokukai).

Lisa Conboy, MA, MS, ScD

Director of Research and Chair of Western Biomedicine Department

Lisa Conboy is a health researcher who has been teaching research methods for fifteen years. She received her MA from UMASS Amherst, and her MS and ScD from Harvard School of Public Health. A sociologist and epidemiologist, she became interested in Chinese medicine about twenty years ago due to its positive effects on her own health. As a result, she has focused her research questions on acupuncture and Chinese medicine over the last ten years.

In her research and teaching, Lisa utilizes and teaches multiple methods and various forms of analyses to best ask and answer questions about acupuncture and Chinese medicine. She has published analyses using qualitative, survey, and biological data. Lisa is striving to produce work and train researchers that can address novel questions in scientifically sound ways. Lisa lives in Somerville, MA and is currently pursuing her certification in yoga instruction.

Loocie Brown, MEd, MAc

Loocie came into the practice of Chinese medicine as a patient twenty-three years ago. Receiving acupuncture for the first time was an experience of both welcome relief from pain mixed with a sense of deep relaxation. It is from that experience that she views each of her patients. Loocie has been in private practice in Lexington, MA for fifteen years and has hosted over seventy-five NESA clinical assistants in that time.

Loocie graduated from Lesley University with a master’s in education in 1982, and worked in AIDS research and treatment until 1995 at Fenway Community Health Center in Boston. She joined the faculty of NESA that same year and is currently an assistant professor. Loocie has also worked with a range of groups to promote acupuncture as a first-line treatment approach. Her current focus is on advanced auricular therapy techniques for pain control as well as scalp acupuncture treatment of motor/sensory disorders related to Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Lynn Teo, MAOM

Alumni Relations Coordinator

Lynn works to improve alumni offerings, coordinates events, and serves as the editor for Currents and the Alumni E-Letter. Lynn graduated NESA in 2011 and is a Shiatsu practitioner in our Professional Clinic.

Marc Laufer, MD

Dr. Laufer served as co-leader of DCRC I Project 2, 'Acupuncture for Endometriosis-Related Chronic Pelvic Pain in Young Women'. Dr. Laufer is an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a leading clinician and researcher in endometriosis and pelvic pain in adolescents.

Marcie D. Troisi, BA, MAOM

Marcie D. Troisi is a licensed and board certified acupuncturist and herbalist. She graduated from NESA in 2004 with a Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, is a Diplomate of Acupuncture certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is certified in Auricular Acupuncture by the Auriculotherapy Institute. She is also a Certified Community Trauma Practitioner with Acupuncturists Without Borders where she travels to natural disaster sites to treat victims.

She founded Acupuncture of Winchester in 2004 and then co-founded Winchester Natural Health Associates in Winchester, MA where she has been the acupuncturist and herbal medicine practitioner since 2006. In her practice, Marcie utilizes Chinese and western herbs and supplements along with traditional Chinese acupuncture. She has served on the editorial staff of the New England Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Health & Wellness Ministry and Deaconate at First Congregational Church of Winchester and the Boards of Directors of several non-profits. Marcie was featured in The Boston Globe in March, 2006 and inducted into the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals in 2007.

Marcie has done post-graduate work in orthopedic and sports medicine as well as women’s health. She is also a singer with several Boston area groups including the Sounds of Grace healing/hospice group.

Marcus Schulkind, LicAc, DiplAc (NCCAOM)

A 1998 NESA graduate, Marcus Schulkind has worked as an assistant to Kiiko Matsumoto and Diane Iuliano, studying the styles of Manaka, Shima and Kobayashi senseis. A choreographer of modern dance and ballet for over forty years, Marcus has been selected one of the ten best “dance choreographers of the year” five times by the Boston Globe. He has received numerous grants and prizes, and finds his unique blend of internal and external energies to be a wonderful balance in life.

Martin Feldman, LicAc

A 1992 graduate of NESA, Martin Feldman has studied with renowned masters such as Dr. Yoshio Manaka and Mr. Kodo Fukushima. A founding member of the Boston AIDS Care Project, he belongs to the Boston branch of the Toyo Hari Association. Martin maintains a private practice in Watertown, MA.

Matthew Hadfield

Research Assistant

Matthew is responsible for the recruitment of and follow-up with patients.  He answers telephone inquiries and schedules study volunteer appointments, while also assisting volunteers through the process of filling out of the measurement forms.

Meredith St. John, MAc, LicAc, DiplAC (NCCAOM)

Academic Dean

Meredith is responsible for leadership of NESA’s academic program including: assessing, designing and delivering the classroom and clinical curriculum; program planning; academic policy; and faculty assessment and development. Meredith manages the Academic Department, including Department Chairs, the Dean of Clinical Education, and the Academic Affairs Coordinator and Registrar. She serves as an escalation point for academic issues. Meredith is a co-investigator on the NESA research study of effectiveness of acupuncture for Gulf War Syndrome, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Michael H. Short, MAOM, LicAc

After graduating from NESA in 2000, Michael assisted with Tao Xie (Chinese herbs), Diane Iuliano (acupuncture), and Bill Helm (Tuina). He has been a staff herbalist at Pathways to Wellness, a staff acupuncturist at Winchester Hospital, and maintains a private practice in Newton, MA.

Michael Oxman, MSTCM, LAc

Michael Oxman is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. He graduated from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He then went to practice in Zefat, Israel. During this time he taught at several Chinese Medicine programs in Israel. During this time he traveled once a month to Milan, Italy to practice. Returning to the US in 2006 Michael moved to New York practicing in Manhattan and Westchester while teaching at The Touro College Graduate Program in Oriental Medicine. While at Touro he also served as Chair of Clinical Studies and then Director. In 2010 Michael moved to Massachusetts. He joined the NESA faculty at that time and set up a practice in Sharon, MA and newton, MA.

Par Rufus Scott, CMT, MAOM, LicAc

Par Scott has been practicing massage and bodywork in Massachusetts for almost twenty years. Initially, he worked with performers and student dancers at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, followed by members of the Boston Ballet, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Riverdance performers while in Boston. He graduated from NESA in 2002 and started using Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture as part of his practice, with a special focus on anxiety and insomnia conditions.

Par served as executive editor of the New England Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine for three years, doing translation and editing, and is in the process of researching a book on the historical evolution of Chinese medical theory. He has been a consultant for the National Science Foundation Faculty Development Program and participated in the Harvard Yenching translation group. Par has a small private practice in Brookline, MA.

Patrick Cunningham, LicAc, RCST, BCST

Manual Therapy and Internal Arts Department Chair

Patrick Cunningham supervises instructors teaching courses in the Manual Therapies and Internal Arts curriculum. He also serves as an escalation point for issues within the department.

Patrick has been studying acupuncture, manual therapy and herbal medicine for over thirty years. His practice combines Chinese, Japanese and orthopedic acupuncture, biodynamic craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, lymph drainage therapy, applied kinesiology, medical aromatherapy and Chinese and Western herbal medicine. He is the author of Acupuncture Points: A Practical Guide to Classical and Modern Usage. He also teaches workshops in biodynamic craniosacral therapy, Meridians in Motion(c) and Acupuncture Structural Dynamics(c).

Peg O’Connell

Financial Aid Administrator/Accounting Assistant

Peg handles NESA's Financial Aid, while also having responsibility for various payroll and accounting duties. Peg works with students on billing issues and is the point of contact for payroll.

Peter Valaskatgis, BAc, MAc, LicAc

Peter Valaskatgis has been practicing acupuncture since 1979, utilizing mainly Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine. He graduated from NESA in 1977, from the International College of Oriental Medicine (Sussex, England) in 1979 and from the “First International Course for Further Study on Acupuncture and Moxibustion” at Nanjing College of TCM in China in 1982.

Peter has been a faculty member of the CAS Department since 1981 and holds the rank of professor. Peter’s research endeavors include consulting on the SHARP study, an acupuncture/hypertension study funded by the NIH that involved MGH and New England Research Institute. He also was a co-investigator for a multi-centered acupuncture/menopausal hot flash pilot study funded by the NIH, including MGH, Wake Forest School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and has had multiple works published.

Peter Wayne, PhD

Dr. Peter Wayne is an instructor in medicine and director of Tai Chi Research Programs in the Harvard Medical School (HMS) Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies. He is also an adjunct faculty assistant professor at the Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals, a clinical instructor in family medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, and a research faculty member at NESA. Peter received his PhD in Biology from Harvard University, where he spent 15 years conducting research in evolutionary biology. He served as the founding director of the Oriental medicine research program at the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) from 2000 to 2006, and currently serves as the principal investigator of the NCCAM/NIH-funded Developmental Center for Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine program jointly awarded to NESA and HMS.

Peter has substantial experience and skills in the design and management of CAM trials, and is currently the principal or co-investigator of a number of NCCAM-funded trials evaluating Tai Chi and acupuncture. He regularly serves as reviewer of NCCAM grants, and is a board member of the Society for Acupuncture Research. Dr. Wayne has 30 years of training experience in the Oriental arts of Tai Chi and Qigong, is a nationally recognized teacher of these practices, and is the director of the Tree of Life Tai Chi Center in the Boston Area.

Quan Zhou, LicAc

Quan Zhou has been teaching, researching, and practicing Chinese acupuncture for seventeen years in China, Singapore, and the Boston area, utilizing both Chinese acupuncture and herbs to treat patients. After graduating from Beijing College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics with her bachelor’s in medicine, Quan was immediately hired by her college as an assistant professor and sent to the Great Wall Hospital for advanced clinical training. There she worked with one of the top Chinese auricular acupuncturists, Dr. Lichun Huang, and translated her book Auriculotherapy - Diagnosis and Treatment into English.

After moving to Singapore in 1995, Quan served as a core faculty member of Singapore Acupuncture College. In addition, she worked as an acupuncturist and herbalist in a private clinic, and as an acupuncturist in the research unit of the neurology department of Singapore General Hospital. Currently, Quan is teaching at NESA, translating the third edition of Auriculotherapy - Diagnosis and Treatment, and sees patients in Worcester. She is pursuing a Master of Science degree in human nutrition.

Robert Ayres, MS

Robert Ayres received his BA in biology from the University of Missouri and his MS in biology from the University of Pittsburgh. He began his career as a research assistant at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh before moving to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. In addition to teaching at NESA, Mr. Ayres is an associate professor in the School of Arts, Science and Design at Newbury College in Brookline, MA. He has been teaching anatomy and physiology, biology, and assorted science and math courses there for over thirty years.

Robin Abdallah-Doukkara, MAOM, LicAc

After graduating from NESA in 2003, Robin Abdallah-Doukarra completed a brief Chinese herbal medicine internship with Dr. Tao Xie at the Pathways to Wellness Clinic. Robin then practiced with Dr. Yao Zhang at New England Acupuncture and Oriental Herbal Medicine. She also has practiced at a clinic specializing in the treatment of infertility with acupuncture, and was a presenter at the Resolve Infertility Conference. Using her Spanish language skills, Ms. Abdallah-Doukkara practiced for a year in a grant-funded pain clinic at Greater Lawrence Family Health Care Center in Lawrence, MA. She currently practices at both Backworks in Boston, MA and at Massage Therapy Works in Cambridge, MA, with a clinical focus in autoimmune disorders, pain, and psycho-emotional issues.

Robin Sessa, MAOM, LicAc

Robin graduated NESA’s Dual track in 2001 with her MAOM and a concentration in Japanese style acupuncture. Since graduation, she has had the opportunity to continue her studies with several Japanese teachers in various Japanese styles. She is currently enrolled at NESA to be certified in Kiiko Matsumoto style, to be completed in June of 2011. Robin has served as a teaching assistant, faculty member and clinical supervisor for Japanese Department at NESA. Robin currently has a private practice in Arlington, MA that includes an Activator Chiropractor and Nutrition Counselor where she specializes in neck and back pain.

Prior to NESA, she studied Speech Pathology and Environmental Studies at East Stroudsburg University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. After graduate work in Speech Pathology at St. John’s University, Robin practiced as a Speech Pathologist for twelve years with a primary focus on autism and developmental speech and language delays. Robin has been a fitness instructor/personal trainer since 1984.

Rosa Schnyer, DiplAc (NCCAOM), LicAc

Rosa Schnyer served as an adjunct research faculty member at NESA and at Harvard Medical School's Osher Research Center, and a clinical assistant faculty at the University of Texas, Austin.  In DCRC I, Rosa served as co-leader on a methodological study entitled "Developing a Traditional East Asian Medical Structured Instrument (TEAMSI)" and as co-investigator on a clinical trial entitled, "Japanese-Style Acupuncture for Endometriosis-Related Chronic Pelvic Pain in Young Women."  Rosa has been a leader in the field of acupuncture research, evaluating acupuncture in the treatment of depression and developing innovative research methodologies that better reflect clinical practice. She has served as co-investigator or consultant to numerous NIH and privately funded studies, including trials investigating the efficacy of acupuncture for depression in pregnant women, repetitive stress injuries, chronic stroke symptoms and cerebral palsy. Rosa leads seminars on treating mood and anxiety disorders with acupuncture and Chinese herbs in NESA's continuing education program. She is co-president of the Society of Acupuncture Research (SAR). She received her Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine training at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) and her acupuncture training at Tri-State College of Acupuncture.

Sara Dubois

Marketing Design Specialist

Sara designs all materials that reflect NESA in and around the community. She coordinates NESA’s marketing efforts, including events, the NESA Facebook page, NESA collateral and branding. Sara also updates the NESA website.

Sharon Levy, LicAc

A 1996 graduate of NESA, Sharon maintains a full scope acupuncture practice in Arlington, MA with special interests in Tuina, women’s health and pregnancy and childbirth. In 2000, she co-founded Acupuncture Birthing Associates and has been very active in the Massachusetts birthing community. Sharon treats a diverse population of patients from Boston and the surrounding suburbs. Sharon holds a BA in environmental studies and bioethics from Goddard College in Vermont.

Sharon Rubrake, MD, LicAc

Sharon Rubrake is a part-time Western medical doctor who also maintains a private practice specializing in Japanese acupuncture. Dr. Rubrake earned her MS degree in 1976 from the University of Akron in Ohio and her MD in 1978 from the Medical College of Ohio. She is a 1992 graduate of NESA.

Sharon Stratis

Accounting Assistant/Bookkeeper

Sharon works in the Finance department, processing invoices, tracking W-9s and handling deposits.  Sharon works closely with Peg and Jeanette to handle Finance Department projects.

Sheila Carroll

Director of Operations

Sheila oversees the daily operations of the school, including the clinic, bookstore and facilities. Sheila is a resource for intern requirements, scheduling advice, clinic sign-up, clinic desk functions, patient scheduling and billing, clinic facilities and maintenance, marketing and clinic supplies (other than those provided by the Supply Coordinator).

Steve Cina, MAOM, LicAc, ATC, ACSM H/FI

Orthopedic Department Chair

Stephen Cina specializes in the integration of Chinese and western medical approaches in the treatment of orthopedic disorders. Along with his NESA Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree, Stephen is certified by the National Athletic Training Association as an athletic trainer and certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a health and fitness instructor. He was the first to develop a craniosacral program at Pathways to Wellness and has provided acupuncture to the Boston Bruins and the New England Patriots players. Stephen also practiced at the Sports Club LA in Boston where he provided acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine services.

At his holistic practice in Brighton, MA, Total Wellness Clinic, Stephen organized a cooperative of various practitioners providing services including acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, bodywork, naturopathy and osteopathy. Stephen’s research experience includes his role as co-investigator on a paper titled “Electrical Properties of Acupuncture Points and Meridians: A Systematic Review” published in the Journal of Bioelectromagnetics. He also serves as an acupuncturist serving the Martino’s Center neuroimaging team investigating event-related brain response to acupuncture using fMRI technology.

Steve Kidder

Special Projects Assistant

Steve manages all receiving and inventory for the bookstore, practice rooms, and some of the clinic. Steve also works with parties interested in renting space at the school. 

Steven Schachter, MD

Dr. Schachter served on both the administrative and clinical cores of DCRC I. He is a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and associate director of clinical research at the Osher Institute.

Susan L. Gorman, MBA

Interim President

As Interim President, Sue is responsible for all aspects of the school both internally - for students, staff and faculty - and externally for alumni and other friends of NESA. She holds regular weekly office hours to talk to students about their learning experience, career aspirations and/or concerns.

Suzahne Riendeau, MAc, LicAc

Suzahne Riendeau has been in practice in the Boston area since 1999. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in medical anthropology and a minor concentration in fine art, later earning a MAc from NESA with a concentration in Japanese acupuncture styles. She also completed the Chinese herbal certification training at NESA.

Suzahne has studied Hari style acupuncture with Kuahara sensei, Shakuju style acupuncture with Kobayashi sensei, and Kiiko Matsumoto style with David Euler. In addition, she successfully completed all five levels of craniosacral therapy training with Patrick Cunningham. Suzahne is the secretary of the Shakuju Association of North America (SANA). She is certified to teach Shakuju therapy. She practices both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in Arlington, MA, with an emphasis on Japanese style acupuncture and CHM herbal diagnosis and treatment.

Ted Kaptchuck, LicAc

A visiting scholar at NESA, Ted Kaptchuck is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director for complementary specialties at the Osher Institute, Harvard Medical School. Ted studied Chinese medicine at the Macao Institute of Chinese Medicine.

Ted is currently serving a second four-year term on the National Advisory Committee of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He also serves as an expert panelist for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ted is the author of The Web that has No Weaver and of numerous scholarly and scientific articles.

Ursula A. Matulonis, MD

Dr. Matulonis served as co-leader for DCRC I Project 1 "Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia." Ursula is the director of medical gynecologic oncology at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. She has been an attending physician at DFCI and Brigham and Women's' Hospital since 1994 and an oncologist associated with the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies at DFCI since 2000.  An active researcher in gynecologic malignancies, Ursula is involved with clinical trials for new drugs and immunotherapeutic agents, pain and symptom management, spiritual issues in cancer patients, and treatment for malignancies in the elderly. She also is an active member of the Harvard Brain and Behavior Group, a collaboration between Harvard Medical School and Harvard Divinity School. Ursula's clinical practice is devoted almost exclusively to gynecologic oncology with the majority of patients having epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

Valerie Smith, MAc, LicAc, DiplAc (NCCAOM)

Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor

Valerie Smith is a 1997 graduate of New England School of Acupuncture where she also received her master’s degree in acupuncture (2000) and certification in Chinese herbal medicine (2002). Valerie is an Assistant Professor at NESA and maintains a private practice at Harvard Square Acupuncture and Massage in Cambridge.  Val is a supervisor for the CHA Malden Family Health Center Clinic

Valerie’s style of teaching is learner-centered. She creates a dynamic environment by engaging students in discussion of material as well as encouraging continued questioning. In her position of Director of Clinical Education, Valerie is responsible for oversight of clinical education at NESA and its satellite clinics in collaboration with the Academic Dean.

In her role as a Faculty advisor, Valerie enjoys participating in Student Council meetings.

Waheed Pirzai

Research Assistant

Waheed is responsible for the recruitment of and follow-up with patients.  He answers telephone inquiries and schedules study volunteer appointments, while also assisting volunteers through the process of filling out of the measurement forms.

Weidong Lu, MPH, LicAc, DiplAC, DiplCH (NCCAOM)

Weidong Lu is a research faculty member at NESA, and a researcher and staff acupuncturist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Zakim Center. Weidong Lu received his medical degree (MB) from Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1983 and his MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health. Weidong Lu taught and conducted research in China before coming to the United States in 1991. As part of the NESA Acupuncture Research Collaborative, he is a co-leader of the clinical trial entitled Acupuncture of Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia. He is also the co-investigator of an NIH-funded trial evaluating the effects of acupuncture on the quality of life in late-stage cancer patients, and has served as a consultant to Harvard Medical School’s Osher Institute for numerous studies. He maintains a private practice in the NESA clinic. Weidong Lu is also chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine’s Committee on Acupuncture.

Wendy Tian, LicAc, DiplCH (NCCAOM)

Wen (Wendy) Tian has been practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine for fourteen years. She graduated from Beijing College of Acupuncture with a bachelor’s degree and majored in acupuncture. In 1994, she started to work full time as an acupuncturist in the Acupuncture Department of Beijing Haidian Hospital, where she supervised several groups of TCM students from Beijing College of Acupuncture. After coming to the US and getting licensed, Wendy began practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine in different Boston-area clinics. She has served as the principle acupuncturist at the Chi Wellness Longwood and Waltham clinics. Her specialties include facial paralysis, fertility, sports injury, dermatology and pain management. She has a private practice in Woburn, MA.

Winnie Chow, DAOM, Lic.Ac., Dipl.CH

Winnie Chow joined the NESA faculty in 2010 after completing her clinical doctorate at Five Branches University.

She received her initial training in AOM from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and previously taught at the University of East-West Medicine in California, concentrating in Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Yanping Jin, LicAc, Dipl(CH)

After years as a clinical practitioner in China, Yanping Jin moved to the U.S. and now maintains private practices in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in Brookline and Cambridge, MA.

Yanping Jin received her master’s degree from Beijing Chinese Medical University in 1983 after completing a three-year undergraduate program in traditional Chinese medicine at Jiangxi Chinese Medical College, Nanchang, China in 1979 and a three-year graduate course in TCM at the Tianjin Chinese Medical College, Tianjin, China in 1982.

Yelena Lebedinsky, PhD, MAc, LicAc

Since graduating from NESA in 1994, Yelena has maintained a private practice employing both TCM and Japanese styles of acupuncture. She has a special interest in the treatment of emotional disorders.

Dr. Lebedinsky completed much of her education in Moscow, including a master’s degree in chemistry. While in Russia, she was involved in research in parapsychology and received training in therapeutic touch. She came to the U.S. in 1981, entering the graduate program in biomedical engineering at Rutgers University. Dr. Lebedinsky received her PhD in 1987 and subsequently worked as a senior research pharmacologist at a major pharmaceutical company.

Zhenzhen Zhang, LicAc, DiplAc (NCCAOM)

A medical doctor in China, Zhenzhen Zhang has eight years of training in both Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Since 1997 she has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine at the North Shore Medical Center’s Women’s Health Center in Danvers, MA, where she specializes in the treatment of OB/GYN disorders. Zhenzhen is especially skilled in the treatment of external conditions, and commonly makes topical herbal formulas in her private clinical practice in Waltham, MA. There she practices acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of both internal and external conditions.

In addition, Zhenzhen teaches Chinese herbal medicine cooking classes and self-acupressure classes to the public. She is co-author of Fusion Cookery, East Meets West, published in 2006. Zhenzhen graduated from Hebei Medical College and the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the leading institute for TCM in China. She has nearly thirty years of clinical experience in China, Japan and the United States.