New Mexico Faculty
Please Note: D.O.M. (Doctor of Oriental Medicine) is the title granted by the state of New Mexico upon licensing. L. Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist) is the title granted by the state of Colorado upon licensing.
President
Anthony Abbate, D.O.M.
Anthony has specialized in business management and public relations for various health organizations since 1973. At that time, he also began his study of the healing arts, with a concentration in western herbs and nutrition, which led to training in traditional Oriental medicine. He graduated from the acupuncture program of the Institute of Traditional Medicine in 1983 and completed advanced studies at Southwest Acupuncture College in 1988. Anthony is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine in the state of New Mexico and President of Southwest Acupuncture College. From 1989-1996, he served as President of the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM), the national organization that contributes to the development of professional programs in the field of Oriental medicine.
Executive Director
Skya Abbate, M.A., D.O.M., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C.H., Full Professor
Skya began her career as a medical sociologist serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Brazil, and then later taught in the Sociology Department of the University of Rhode Island from 1978-1981. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Salve Regina College in Newport, RI 1973, where she graduated summa cum laude and class valedictorian, and an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Rhode Island conferred in 1978.
Following pre-med studies at the University of Rhode Island in 1983, Skya graduated from the acupuncture program of the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Santa Fe, NM. She then undertook two advanced clinical training programs with the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China in 1988 and 1989.
Skya is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine in the state of New Mexico, Executive Director of Southwest Acupuncture College with three campuses in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM and Boulder, CO. She was former President of the New Mexico Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and has served for over six years as an educational expert and Commissioner for the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), the national organization that accredits professional degree programs in Oriental medicine.
In addition to this text Skya is the author of five other books: Beijing: The New Forbidden City (Southwest Acupuncture College Press, 1991), Holding the Tiger’s Tail: An Acupuncture Techniques Manual in the Treatment of Disease (Southwest Acupuncture College Press, 1996), The Art of Palpatory Diagnosis in Oriental Medicine (Churchill Livingstone, 2001), also published in Italian in 2004 as Palpazione Diagnostica in Medicina Orientale, Chinese Auricular Acupuncture (CRC Press, 2004) and Advanced Techniques in Oriental Medicine (Thieme, 2006). She has authored over thirty-six journal articles published in such prestigious journals as the American Journal of Acupuncture, the Journal of Chinese Medicine, the New England Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Acupuncture Today where she served for six years as the needle technique columnist. One final text is in progress on point energetics, along with a book of poetry and numerous Catholic inspirational short stories, a nonfiction novel and a catechetical work. Her scholarship and knowledge of the field has made her a sought after book proposal reviewer for Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, Mosby and other medical publishers.
With twenty five years of private practice, teaching and writing she is well-prepared clinically and didactically to have published her numerous journal articles and books in just the last ten years making her one of the most qualified, respected and prolific writers in Oriental medicine in the Western world.
Skya teaches needle technique, diagnosis and Japanese acupuncture systems at Southwest Acupuncture College. She also has a private practice integrating classical Chinese treatment with her sub-specialty in Japanese acupuncture.
For relaxation she raises fancy goldfish and writes poetry about them.Faculty, New Mexico
Leah Albin, B.A., M.S.O.M., Dipl. O.M., D.O.M., Instructor
Leah earned a B.A. degree in Cultural Anthropology with a concentration in East Asian cultures from the University of New Mexico in 2001 and was certified to teach Tai Ji Chuan long form and sword form in 2000. In addition to graduating from Southwest Acupuncture College and receiving her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine in 2008, Leah held the position of Herb Pharmacy Coordinator for the Albuquerque campus and has served as a teaching assistant for Point Location and Oriental Physical Therapy. She maintains a private practice in Albuquerque and presently focuses on Classical Japanese and Chinese approach to diagnosis and treatment. She teaches Chinese Medical Theory IV and Oriental Physical Therapy II at the Santa Fe campus.
Hilary Broadbent, B.A., Ph.D., D.O.M., Instructor
Hilary received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Ancient Greek from Barnard College in 1986, and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Brown University in 1993. Following several years as a postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, she returned to the United States to study acupuncture, first at the Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Tucson, and then at the Albuquerque campus of Southwest Acupuncture College, where she earned her Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine in 2003. She teaches Tai Chi Chuan and Qi Gong privately and has an acupuncture practice in Albuquerque. She teaches Needle Technique Microsystems at both the Santa Fe and Albuquerque campuses, and teaches Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines, Clinical Counseling, and supervises clinic at the Albuquerque campus where she is also the Clinic Director.
Brian Carey, M.S.O.M., D.O.M., Instructor
Brian graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in 2004 and received his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree. He owns and operates a busy herbal and acupuncture practice on Albuquerque’s Westside. Brian has also studied at the World Health Organization’s acupuncture training center in Beijing, China, various hospitals in Beijing, and Southwest Acupuncture College as a teach out student in 2003. A regular lecturer on various Oriental Medicine topics around Albuquerque, he spends much of his time educating the lay public about acupuncture, herbs and Chinese Medicine. Brian also has an extensive background in business and technology management. He supervises clinic at the Albuquerque campus.
Geoffrey Carpenter, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Full Professor
Geoffrey acquired his Ph.D. in 1992 in Biology from New Mexico State University, and his M.S. in Zoology and Physiology in 1984 from the University of Wyoming. His expertise is in animal Ecology and Behavior, but he enjoys all facets of biology, and does ecological research and fieldwork throughout the Southwest, including studies in New Mexico, and along the Colorado River corridor in the Grand Canyon. He has taught biology courses at the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University, and New Mexico State University, and has taught biology to children and teenagers as well. Geoff teaches Biology at the Santa Fe and Albuquerque campuses.
Yu Shu Cheng, M.S., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C.H., D.O.M., Full Professor
Yu Shu completed her undergraduate studies at Chang Chun College of Acupuncture, graduating in 1983, with a Master’s degree in Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. She then taught courses on the classical Chinese medical texts for two years at the same college. From 1985 to 1988 she specialized in pulmonary medicine as part of her graduate program, also taking courses in the Japanese language. After her graduate studies she began work in the University Hospital of Chang Chun where she worked for 7 years as a cardiologist in the inpatient department of the hospital. Dr. Cheng has also been involved in extensive research in the fields of pulmonary, cardiac and renal medicine and has participated in the publication of over 20 journals and 10 books on these subjects. She currently has a private practice in Los Alamos where she specializes in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. She supervises student clinic and teaches Materia Medica at the Santa Fe campus.
Daniel Cobb, D.O.M., Instructor
Dr. Cobb was thrown into the world of holistic medicine in 1992 when he developed chronic fatigue syndrome. Overcoming his condition made him think about attending acupuncture school. He graduated in 2002 from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Santa Fe and obtained his New Mexico license. In his practice at the Integrative Holistic Healing Center in Santa Fe, he is focused upon nutrition and detoxification. He also teaches free courses available to the public at the Center on AIDS, heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer, optimizing the immune system, and more. He teaches Anatomy and Physiology at the Santa Fe and Albuquerque campuses and supervises clinics.
Roddey Cohn, D.O.M., Dipl. Ac, Dipl. C.H., M.S.O.M., Associate Professor
Dr. Cohn began her career as a healer studying bodywork and gestalt therapy at Esalen Institute in the early 1980s. She has worked extensively with athletes and was the massage therapist for the Austin ballet company in the mid 1990s. Her bodywork style is best descried as a combination of deep tissue structural rehabilitation and cranio-sacral work. She graduated from the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin in 1997 with an emphasis on Tai Chi/Chi Gong. Dr. Cohn has been in private practice for 12 years and incorporates custom herbal formulas, Chi Gong and structural bodywork into her acupuncture practice. Dr. Cohn has taught classes and supervised clinics in both acupuncture and herbal treatment at both the Academy of Oriental Medicine in Austin and at Southwest Acupuncture College.
Sifu Dug Corpolongo, Associate Professor
Sifu Dug Corpolongo is a senior student of Grandmaster Henry Look. He has been studying martial arts since 1979 and teaching since 1989. He was inducted into the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2002. Sifu Dug was the National Vice Chairman and National Head Coach of the United States Amateur Athletic Union/Chinese Martial Arts Division 1999-2003, and is currently serving on the AAU/CMA National Executive Board. His professional background also includes positions on the faculty at International Institute of Chinese Medicine, New Mexico Technical University, and the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics as the instructor of Tai Ji Quan and Qi Gong. He teaches the Tai Ji class at the Albuquerque campus.
Daniel Craig, B.A., M.S.O.M., D.O.M., Dipl. O.M., Instructor
Daniel graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College Santa Fe campus and received his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine in 2001. He currently holds a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) license and works as an intern at the Santa Fe Recovery Center (SFRC) as a Residential Counselor and DOM. Daniel also has a private practice in Santa Fe. He has a B.A. in Psychology from New Mexico State University with a minor in Spanish. Daniel served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard for 12 years and fought in the Gulf War in 1991. He is a current member of Veterans for Peace and is active in the progressive movement locally. Daniel is working to educate communities in the fields of Chinese Medicine, spirituality; recovery; environmental issues; social justice; and economic issues. He brings his years of experience to the practice of medicine, approaching healing with a diverse background. He teaches Point Location and Clinical Counseling at the Santa Fe campus.
Winifred S. Devlin, Ph.D, M.S., B.S., Instructor
Winnie earned her B.S. in neurobiology and M.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1977 and 1982, respectively. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in plant physiology—her emphasis being plant cell biochemistry—from Penn State University in 1991. She ordained as a Buddhist nun in 2009. Winnie’s teaching experience includes the biochemistry of plant medicinal compounds, general biology, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry, Western cultural attitudes toward nature and the intersection of Buddha’s teachings with Western science. She has taught most ages including nature study for elementary school children at summer camp, high school biology and chemistry, and college-level biology courses. Winnie has also dabbled in landscape design, dug a lot of holes, raked many leaves, sold native plants in local retail nurseries and conducted botanical site surveys throughout the Southwest. Winnie will be teaching Biomedical Pharmacology at the Albuquerque Campus.
Walter Eddy, B.S., D.O.M., M.T.O.M, L. Ac. DNBAO, Full Professor
Walter is in private practice in Santa Fe. He received his undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from San Diego State University (1981) and his degree of Master of Science, Traditional Oriental Medicine (MTOM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California, in 1995. He is licensed as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine by the State of New Mexico and as a Licensed Acupuncturist by California’s Board of Medical Examiners. He earned a California secondary teaching credential in Biology and Chemistry, and taught Western science to underprivileged youth at the Elementary Institute of Science in San Diego, California. In addition, Walter is a diplomate of the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics, which required an extensive 300-hour training course providing a specialist designation in that field. Walter is recognized by the Academy for Guided Imagery, as a certified interactive Imagery Guide, and he is board-certified by the NBHA as a medical and clinical hypnotherapist. Walter also has training in Cranial Sacral Therapy, St. Johns Neuromuscular Therapies, and neurolinguistic programming. He combines all of these modalities with a genuine compassion, insight, and respect for his patients to provide the very best in healthcare. Walter supervises clinic at the college.
Edward Grant, P.A.C., D.O.M., DIPL. AC., M.A., B.S., B.A., Associate Professor
Edward graduated from Hampshire College with his first undergraduate degree in Asian Philosophy and Economic Development in 1985. This was followed by a Master’s Degree from St. John’s College in Western Literature in 1986. In 1994 Ed completed his studies in Japanese Meridian Therapy at the Inochi Institute in Santa Fe, NM. He developed a general private practice where he treats a diverse scope of pathologies and has a multi-cultural patient base. He continued his medical training by attending the University of New Mexico Physician Assistant program, graduating in 2000. He presently works for the Indian Health Service at Santa Fe I.H.S. Hospital where he works as a P.A.C. and D.O.M. Ed divides his time between being the Director of the Pain Clinic and working in Urgent Care. One of his professional goals is to find the balance between Eastern and Western Medicine, integrating both modalities and maximizing patient care. Ed also works at Isis Medicine and is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He supervises the Indian Hospital Pain Externship clinic.
Patrick Ingram, M.S.O.M., D.O.M., Instructor
Patrick Ingram received his Masters degree in traditional Chinese medicine from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Albuquerque, NM in 2004 and has been practicing the traditional Chinese martial arts of Xing Yi Quan, Ba Gua Zhang, Tai Ji Quan, and the Southern Shaolin system of Bak Mei Fut Gar Kuen for over 20 years. He is an ordained Buddhist priest in the Chan Buddhist Order of Xu Yun and teaches meditation and Chinese Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. He teaches Epidemiology in Albuquerque and elective classes.
Eden Kark, D.O.M., M.S.O.M., B.H.Sc.(Acupuncture), Dipl. Ac. & C.H., N.L.Ppract, L.M.T., R.M.T.I., Associate Professor
Eden Kark has been practicing Oriental Medicine and Healing Arts for more than ten years. His formal studies of Chinese Medicine between 1997 and2002 include a Bachelor of Health Science in Acupuncture from Australia and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Southwest Acupuncture College. Dr. Kark has been an instructor and clinic supervisor at Southwest Acupuncture College since 2003. He has taught Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Point Location, Advanced Needle Technique, Practicum and Massage. He has accompanied students to Beijing University of TCM three times. In addition, Dr. Kark is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and has taught manual therapies, Thai Massage, and various sciences at massage school and in the workshop setting. Further studies include Western medical science, hypnotherapy, homeopathy, counseling, Buddhist meditation and Taoist Internal arts. Dr. Kark maintains a private practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He will be teaching Chinese Medical Theory III on the Santa Fe Campus.
Japa K. Khalsa, B.S., M.S.O.M., D.O.M.,Instructor
Japa received a Bachelor of Science in Theatre from Northwestern University, Chicago in 1994 and completed her Master of Oriental Medicine at the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago in 2003. She is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine in New Mexico certified for expanded prescriptive authority. She is a visiting faculty member at Depaul University’s School for New Learning and a Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher. Japa is from a unique family of healers, and she is known for her creativity and gentle touch and is committed to supporting the health and self-esteem of all of her patients and students. In New Mexico, Japa began to practice Oriental Medicine in Espanola in 2003. Her practice combines traditional acupuncture, manual therapies and Chinese herbal medicine, integrated with nutritional medicine, injection therapy, detoxification and yogic technology. She supervises clinic at the Santa Fe campus.
Natasha Lane, B.A., M.S.O.M., L.Ac., D.O.M., M.Litt., Full Professor
Natasha Lane is a former Clinical Supervisor and Instructor at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California. Since graduating from Southwest Acupuncture College in 1999, she has completed several extended periods of post-graduate study including clinical internships at Beijing University of TCM and Tong Ren Hospital, China. She has traveled extensively in Asia and feels blessed to have had the unique opportunity to study with some of China’s foremost practitioners. She has an interest in Mind/Body Medicine and is currently exploring how Qigong and meditation can positively impact health and well being. She has worked with cancer patients from UCLA hospital using acupuncture and adjunct therapies for those facing challenging health issues. She specializes in neurological disorders, pain management, and stress related pathologies. She has also practiced facial rejuvenation in Beverly Hills for five years. A Natasha lecture nationally on topics related to pain management and electro-therapy as well as cosmetic acupuncture and is a visiting professor in clinical topics.
Li Li, D.O.M., Dipl.Ac., Dipl.C.H., M.S., Full Professor
Li Li graduated from Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine (China) in 1983 and taught at that university for seventeen years as an associate professor and director of the Education and Research Department of Acupuncture. She was the recipient of awards for “Excellence in Teaching” at the university and the “Best Young TCM Specialists” in China. She is also a member of China Association of Acupuncture and Expert member of Andrologic Committee. Since 2000, Dr. Li has been working as a teacher, supervisor, and clinic director at the former International Institute of Chinese Medicine until joining the faculty of Southwest Acupuncture College in 2003.
Robert Livingston, B.A., M.S., M.D., M.S.O.M., Associate Professor
Dr. Livingston received his BA in Psychology from Washington University, St Louis MO in 1973, and MS in Human Nutrition at Columbia University, New York in 1975. He received his MD degree at Dartmouth Medical School in 1978. His residency was at Cambridge Hospital (Division of Harvard University Teaching Hospitals), Cambridge, MA, completing the full 3-years for Internal Medicine Residency from 1978 to 1981. He is Board Certified from the American Board of Internal Medicine, receiving his board certification in 1982. He graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College and received his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree at the Santa Fe campus in 2007. His work experiences have included two years as an Emergency Room Physician in Lynne, MA, several primary care rotations in the private sector, but mostly work with the Indian Health Service, having spent eleven years with the Tohono O’Odham Tribe of southern Arizona, and currently employed at the Santa Clara Pueblo north of Santa Fe. He also continues to work with Presbyterian Health Services in Albuquerque, NM, currently in the Urgent Care Clinics. He teaches Pharmacology at the Santa Fe campus.
Gretchen Lorenson, D.O.M., M.S.O.M., Dipl.O.M., A.D.S., C.A.D.S., Instructor
Gretchen studied massage therapy and held a private practice in Massachusetts from 2000 to 2004 prior to moving to Albuquerque to earn her M.S.O.M. from Southwest Acupuncture College in 2008. As a student, Gretchen trained and became certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) as an AcudetoxSpecialist (A.D.S.) and performed her clinical internship at Tierra Del Sol Women’s Recovery Center in Albuquerque to become a Certified Auricular Detoxification Specialist (C.A.D.S.) in the state of New Mexico in 2006. Gretchen also worked as a Program Coordinator for Acupuncturists Without Borders for over 2 years, which allowed her to promote the use of the NADA 5-point Ear Protocol for use in the treatment of PTSD in disaster survivors, veterans and active duty military personnel across the country. Gretchen completed an internship at the National Hospital of Traditional Medicine in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2007 with a focus on Pediatric and Rehabilitative Tui-Na Therapy and Herbology. In 2007 she also began deepening her studies into Japanese Meridian Therapy with Dr. Jeff Meyer and Dr. Ehrland Truitt and has been certified by Sensei T. Koei Kuwahara (Watertown, MA) in Hari Japanese Acupuncture, which is her primary treatment style in her private practice in Albuquerque, NM. Gretchen also currently works with La Familia Inc. Children’s Safety Net in Albuquerque providing weekly acupuncture wellness care to foster and biological parents and has been a Teaching Assistant in Albuquerque since graduating in 2008. Gretchen teaches Oriental Physical Therapy I 161 in Albuquerque.
George Mandel, D.O.M., B.S., Dipl. O.M, M.S.O.M., Instructor
Dr. Mandel is a trained practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He graduated from S.W.A.C., and has studied at the International Acupuncture Training Center, located in Beijing, China. He is knowledgeable in a variety of healing modalities that together constitute Oriental Medicine. This includes acupuncture, Chinese and Japanese diagnostic techniques, moxibustion, tuina (Chinese medical massage), herbal formulas, and Chinese nutritional therapy. Dr. Mandel is a National Board Certified Diplomate, certified by the National Council for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and is also a trained detoxification specialist, certified by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. Dr. Mandel was invited in 2004 to start a NADA detox program at Hoy Recovery Center, in Espanola. He has since worked with the First Judicial Court in Santa Fe as the Drug Court Acupuncture Detox Specialist. Dr. Mandel is teaching a student clinic at the Santa Fe Campus.
Janet Padma Mandell, B.A., M.Ac., D.O.M., Instructor
Janet received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1984. She studied western herbology at the California School of Herbal Studies before attending Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, where she received her Master of Acupuncture degree in 1991. After graduation, Janet pursued studies in homeopathy, receiving her diploma from the Academy for the Advancement of Homeopathy in 1996, and completing the Homeopathic Master Clinician Course in 2002. She also completed post-graduate courses in Japanese Meridian Therapy and Hari-style acupuncture. Janet has been an avid practitioner of Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga since 1996. She has been in private practice in Santa Fe since 1992, and has been an examiner for the New Mexico Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine since 1998. Janet supervises clinics at the Santa Fe and Albuquerque campuses.
Paulette Marin B.S., M.S.O.M., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C.H., D.O.M., Associate Professor, Instructor
Paulette holds a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College, Santa Fe in 2002. She had her B.S. in Education from Worcester State College in 1970. Paulette specializes in women’s health care, OB/GYN, pain management, oncology, and cosmetic acupuncture, spiritual and emotional health. She is also trained in Reiki, Healing Touch, Medical Qi Gong and Chi Nei Tsang. She is a Doula (Birthing Assistant) currently affiliated with the Doula Program at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe. She formerly taught Birthing Classes and was a Lactation Counselor in Boston from 1972 to 1988. During that time and until entering Southwest Acupuncture College in 1999, Paulette was engaged in a twenty-year career in public housing management in Massachusetts and Alaska. She has practiced Tai Chi Chuan and various forms of Qi Gong since 1991. She has a private practice in Santa Fe and the Lone Butte area. She supervises the clinics and teaches Oriental Physical Therapy and Cosmetic Acupuncture elective class at the Santa Fe campus.
Mary Ellen Marino, Dipl. Ac., D.O.M., N.D., Full Professor
Mary graduated from the Midwest Center for the Study of Oriental Medicine in 1984 and taught at that college for seven years. In addition, she works at the national level as a Clean Needle Instructor for CCAOM. She is a 1988 graduate from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and blends her skills as a spiritual healer with her extensive Oriental medical background. She holds a position of faculty board member at Southwest Acupuncture College and has maintained her private practice since 1985. She teaches Oriental pediatrics and Zang-Fu as well and supervises clinic at the Santa Fe campus.
Jeffrey Meyer, D.O.M., Dipl Ac., L.M.T., Associate Professor
Jeffrey graduated from the Inochi Institute in 1994. He is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine as well as a licensed Massage Therapist and registered Massage Instructor in the state of New Mexico. Since 1992 Jeffrey has been in private practice specializing in musculoskeletal and sports related injuries as well as substance abuse and stress related conditions. His dedication to the treatment of teenage substance abuse has led to numerous lectures before the State of New Mexico Health Department as well as establishing a non-profit organization dedicated to serving medically underserved areas of New Mexico. In 1997, Jeffrey joined the faculty of Southwest Acupuncture College where he holds the position of Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education at both Albuquerque and Santa Fe Campuses. He is a clinic supervisor for both campuses and is an instructor of Oriental Physical Therapy, Advanced Japanese Palpation and Needle Technique and Tai Chi Chuan.
Jaclyn M. Oddi, B.A., M.S.O.M., D.O.M., Instructor
Jaclyn is a graduate of Southwest Acupuncture College in Albuquerque in 2003. She received her B.A. in 1980 from Indiana University in Physical Anthropology, with a minor in Italian Studies. She also attended Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont where she focused on Italian Studies. She is the sole proprietor and practitioner at East Mountain Acupuncture and Herbs in Cedar Crest, New Mexico. She supervises clinics at the Albuquerque campus.
J. Christian O’Neil, B.A., M.D., Full Professor
Dr. O’Neil received his B.A. in History from Virginia Tech in 1993. After completing a post-baccalaureate pre-medical curriculum at the College of William and Mary in 2003, Dr. O’Neil received his M.D. degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2008. Dr O’Neil completed his internship in Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico Hospital in 2009 and currently works with homeless and incarcerated youths in Albuquerque through the Life Skills Academy. Dr. O’Neil has also been a yoga practitioner since 2003, receiving his teaching certification through CorePower Yoga in Denver, Colorado in 2004. Dr. O’Neil is teaching Western Pathology & Diagnosis II at the Albuquerque Campus.
Maria Perez, B.S., M.S.O.M., D.O.M., Dipl. Ac. & C.H., Instructor
A native of Ecuador, Maria got her B.S. in Biology from the University of Oregon in 1996. Her interest in Eastern medicine and philosophy prompted her to pursue an education at Southwest Acupuncture College, Santa Fe, where she graduated in 1999. Her professional focus has been around the issues of health care accessibility and integrative health. She is a pioneer in the field of community acupuncture. In 2006, she founded Brooklyn Community Acupuncture in Portland, OR, one of the first large scale community acupuncture clinics in the country. She served as senior acupuncturist until she moved to New Mexico in 2010. Maria specializes in women’s health and the treatment of psycho-emotional disorders. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree from the University of New Mexico. She will be teaching Public Health and Epidemiology on the Santa Fe Campus and supervising clinics in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Gwen Pullen, M.B.A., P.M.P., C.W.K., Instructor
Gwen Pullen received her Masters of Business Administration in December 1986. She worked at Sandia National Laboratories as a project manager to several large projects, then managed the Financial Reporting System. In 1993, when her youngest son was born, she became interested in Young Living Oils and began to study aromatherapy. In 2005, she began studying kinesiology, and became a Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist in May, 2006. This course of study included kinesiology (muscle testing), anatomy, herbology, emotional healing modalities (Emotional Freedom Technique, Feelings Buried Alive, and Meridian Balancing), and structural healing modalities (Touch for Health). Gwen began working at the Wholisitic Kinesiology Center part-time in June, 2006. At this point, Gwen became very interested in energy medicine. She began taking Pranic Healing courses with Master Stephen Co, and also utilizes pranic healing techniques in her practice. Gwen retired from Sandia in May 2010, and is now working at Integrated Family Wellness Center and North Valley Wellness, helping clients to heal by integrating allopathic, oriental, wholistic, and energy medicine. Gwen Pullen teaches Wholistic Kinesiology at the Albuquerque Campus.
Aubrey Ragland, D.O.M., L.M.T., Instructor
Aubrey’s training in Qi Gong started when he was very young. He has extended his study and practice with two grandmasters and has studied medical qigong with Dr. Zhao in Beijing. He is also mentoring with Dr. Li Chen Li learning his family’s system. He graduated with a Masters in Oriental Medicine in 2001 from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine. Knowledge of Qi Gong has given him an advantage in diagnosing and treating patients.
David Salgado, D.O.M., B.S., M.S.O.M., Instructor
David received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of New Mexico in 1979, worked as a teaching and research assistant for UNM, the latter in molecular genetics, and as a microbiologist for University Hospital. He received his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in 1994 and has maintained a private practice since. He has served as an instructor for Body Dynamics School of Massage Therapy, as an acupuncturist for the Bernalillo Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program, and as a speaker in numerous venues. He supervises clinic at the Albuquerque campus.
Dawei Shao, M.S., M.D. (China), M.S.O.M., D.O.M., Instructor
Dawei received his Bachelor and Masters Degree in Medicine from Harbin Medical University in 1996 and 2001 respectively. He received his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in 2006. He also did a short term study on Medicine in English and Medical education at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary in Canada and Faculty of Medicine, Beijing University, China. From 1996 to 2003, he worked for Harbin Medical University administration. He teaches Chinese Medical Language at both the Santa Fe and Albuquerque campuses and is the Santa Fe Academic Dean.
William V. Trabold D.C., C.M.D.T., Full Professor
William acquired his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1993. He has since lead a successful practice and attained certification as a Credentialed McKenzie Practitioner. He also earned a Fellowship in Primary Care Integrative Medicine. William has been an Instructor of Anatomy & Physiology at University Therapeutics Massage Institute since 1993. He has also taught at The National College of Phototherapy. Dr. Trabold teaches Human Anatomy & Physiology and Advanced Needle Technique & Palpatory Diagnosis.
Ehrland A. Truitt, M.S.O.M., D.O.M., Instructor
Ehrland graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in 2000 and received his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree. He also completed a three-year apprenticeship in the Kototama system of Japanese Acupuncture. Ehrland has continued his study of Japanese Acupuncture with T. Koei Kuwahara Sensei and traveled to Japan to study with Shudo Denmei Sensei. He has worked and studied in Peru, Nepal, and Japan and has taught Japanese Acupuncture and Five Element Theory extensively in the United States. He currently maintains a private practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He supervises clinic at the Albuquerque campus.
Lisa Wilson, B.S., Dipl. Ac., D.O.M., Full Professor
Lisa began her studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine over 20 years ago. She is a 1986 graduate of Southwest Acupuncture College. In 1997 she completed advanced studies in Acupuncture and Moxibustion at the Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center in Beijing, China. Dr. Wilson has been a professor at Southwest Acupuncture College since 1991, supervising clinic and teaching classes in advanced diagnosis, nutrition, and psychology, ethics, and patient education. She has also been an instructor at the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, teaching Oriental Nutrition in the Academy’s polarity program. Dr. Wilson maintains a full-time practice with an emphasis in internal medicine, women and children’s health and nutritional and lifestyle counseling.
Li Xu, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Instructor
Dr. Li Xu has been in Chinese Medical field for more than 13 years. After she graduated from Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine (HLJUCM) in China, she has been intensively involved in the teaching, studying and research of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She conducted her research on treating Hepatitis C patients with Chinese herbs and was awarded a Mater’s Degree in Chinese Medicine in 2003. Dr. Xu strengthened her skills in acupuncture as well as participating in clinical work in various hospitals. She accomplished her Ph.D degree in Acupuncture in HLJUCM after her research on treating HIV/AIDS by Acupuncture. She teaches OB/GYN, Differentiation of Disease, Point Energetic as well as supervises clinics in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque Campus. She is the current Campus Director of Albuquerque campus.
Maya Yu, B.S., M.S.O.M., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C. H., D.O.M., Instructor
Maya received her B.S. degree in Cultural Anthropology and East Asian Studies from New York University in 1999. In addition, she was a laboratory research assistant in the pathology department of NYU Medical Center. She obtained her Master’s degree from Southwest Acupuncture College in 2003. Maya maintains a private practice in Santa Fe with an emphasis in women’s health, pain management, internal medicine and emotional health. As a first-generation Chinese-American, Chinese herbs and nutrition have always been part of Maya’s life. She teaches and supervises clinic at the Santa Fe campus.
Zhong Kang Yu, D.O.M., Ph.D., Full Professor
Dr. Zhong Kang Yu obtained his medical degree in 1982 from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), China. Dr. Yu worked as a resident physician from 1982 through 1988 and a physician in charge from 1988 through 1991 at Shanghai Longhua Hospital, a teaching hospital of Shanghai University of TCM and one of the largest TCM hospitals in China. In 1992, Dr. Yu came to the USA and obtained his PhD degree on Nutrition at the University of Georgia. After that, Dr. Yu performed several years of research on cancer and cell biology at Yale School of Medicine and Harvard School of Public Health. Since 2005, Dr. Yu jointed Southwest Acupuncture College and he has been teaching Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine and supervising clinics. Dr. Yu also treats patients in his own practice with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
Wei Zhou, M.D., Full Professor
Wei received his medical degree from Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1982. He was an attending physician in Traditional Chinese Medicine in China until December of 1991 and was doing research in the cardiology division of the John Hopkins University School of Medicine until joining the faculty of Southwest Acupuncture College in 1995. Dr. Zhou teaches Point Energetics in Santa Fe.