Scott earned a master’s degree from the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA) in 2002. He served PIHMA as herb pharmacy manager from 2002-2005 and as Herb Chairperson from 2007- 2017. In addition to his private practice in which he specializes in herbal medicine, Scott has provided acupuncture services at Banner Health in central Phoenix and Mesa.

Dan, is a retired IBM employee with over 30 years’ experience at many levels of management, is a cum laude graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA.  He established a private practice specializing in geriatrics and pediatrics in Florida and, after teaching at the Academy of Chinese Healing Arts and Sarasota School of Natural Healing Arts, he moved to Phoenix.  Dan is also trained in Toyahara acupuncture.

After more than 14 years in the pharmacy services industry, Toni earned attended PIHMA and earned a master of acupuncture degree in 2001 and a master of Oriental medicine degree in 2010. While earning her acupuncture degree, Toni completed an externship at Chengu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Sichuan, PRC. Toni earned NADA certification in 2004, served on the Arizona Acupuncture Board of Examiners as board member, secretary, and chairperson from 2007- 2013, and was elected to the Clean Needle Technique (CNT) board in 2016 and serves a CNT instructor. Toni currently serves as clinic chair/dean and owns Healing Edge acupuncture in Avondale.

Dr. Brereton, a 1987 Graduate of Bastyr University of Naturopathic Medicine, owned and operated a private naturopathic medical practice in Seattle, Washington specializing in internal medicine, physical medicine and women’s health until he retired. He has also taught or lectured on Physiology, Pathology and Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University, Ashmead College, Seattle Pacific University, Blue Cross of WA & Alaska, Seattle City Light, Northern Trust Company and the Seattle Public Schools.

Ms. Chen has an AA degree in China, with a major in Chinese literature.  She has a second AA degree from China, with a major in Buddhism. She practices from the Medicine Buddha Healing Arts. She studied TCM at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 2008. She has passed the exam and obtains the senior acupuncture and Tui Na technician recognized by the Chinese government.  She was directly under Hu Jinjang Major General who is the founder of OsteoQi Therapy* for 10 years in Beijing Air Force Hospital, her focused was on spinal disease. She has also studied the Belly tortoise Acupuncture technique directly under Hao Hongshan in Bei Jing Dong Ba hospital.  Ms. Chen has both CA and AZ‘s massage licenses.

Mr. Fontes L.Ac. CCH is a proud faculty member at Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA) and American Medical College of Homeopathy at PIHMA Mr. Fontes is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the state of Arizona and holds (2) master’s degrees in Oriental Medicine. He trained in Classical Homeopathy at AMCH and is Board Certified in Homeopathic Medicine (CCH). Mr. Fontes is Clinical Director at Natural Medicine and Detox in Phoenix, Arizona. He Specializes in Clinical Detoxification Strategies, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Colon Hydrotherapy, and Clinical Nutrition. Mr. Fontes serves as Chairman for the State of Arizona Acupuncture Board and serves as Board member for the Arizona State Board of Homeopathic and Integrated Medicine Examiners.  

Dr. He earned her medical degree from Dailan Friendship Hospital in Jin Zhou City, Liao Ning, PRC in 1994 and served as an internist and endocrinologist until 2003 and, in 2007 earned a doctorate degree from Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. From 2007-2012, Dr. He served as a clinical researcher for the National Institute of Health / National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. She has been PIHMA’s research director since 2012.

Dr. Hesselbrock attended Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, a 4 year accredited medical school, where she attained her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a Primary Care Physician at Alinea Health, which is Arizona’s first mobile naturopathic medical practice.  She sees patients with many different health concerns ranging from minor colds and flu to more serious conditions such as autoimmune disease, and mental health issues.

Priscilla has experience in nursing as a staff nurse working in the hospital setting and as a nurse practitioner has worked in clinical settings treating at-risk and high-risk patients. She has taught classes and was Clinical Liaison at the University of Phoenix in the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program. She has also worked with Medicare and Medicaid patients in direct care and with Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) developing programs to ensure that patients were provided appropriate care to maintain optimal health outcomes. Worked with the Arizona Department of Health Service on committees concerning newborn testing and walkability of the city of Phoenix. Was responsible for Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program at AHCCCS health plan. Priscilla also has her Masters in Oriental Medicine from PIHMA.

Sybil obtained her Doctoral and Master’s degrees from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) in San Diego, California, and holds NCCAOM certifications in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. Her practice in Peoria, Arizona, which focuses on reproductive health, senior wellness, and supportive care of patients with chronic conditions, incorporates primarily Japanese approaches as promulgated by Shudo Denmei, Masakazu Ikeda, Edward Obaidey, Miki Shima, Kiiko Matsumoto, and Shoji Kobayashi. Also, a classical homeopath of long-standing, Sybil has completed the Certificate program at American Medical College of Homeopathy (AMCH) in Phoenix and numbers Drs. Massimo Mangialavori, A.U. Ramakrishnan, and Luc De Schepper are among her mentors. She has served on the faculty of AMCH, teaching plant materia medica and providing clinical and case-taking supervision for homeopathy students.

Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science degree. in Human Health Studies from Arizona State University, and a master of acupuncture degree from PIHMA. Kevin has studied Yang style t’ai chi ch’uan since January 2000 under the tutelage of Mary Isaacson-Navarro of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Master Tung Kai Ying of Los Angeles, California. He received permission to teach t’ai chi from both of them in 2005 and has since taught classes for Club One and South Mountain YMCA. He also has a number of individual students, and regularly assists his teacher with classes she conducts for the City of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Leisure Education Program.

The goal of Master Jinheng Li is to promote and practice Wushu, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong as a traditional and contemporary Chinese Martial Arts for health, as well as a way of life to increase health, fitness, and wellness in modern society. Master Jinheng Li began his martial arts training at age 11, he was selected to attend the prestigious Beijing Sports School, alongside his teammate and friend, Jet Li. He is internationally known for his skill with the Rope Dart. In addition, Master Li is a former Senior Beijing Wushu Team Member and coach, Beijing China, Founder and Head Instructor of the World Martial Arts Academy, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, Director of World Martial Arts Grand Championship & Festival, Arizona, USA, Beijing Wushu Flexible Weapons Gold Medalist, United States Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame, and Former Tai Chi instructor at AZ State University. He is currently a student at PIHMA.

Guohua earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chinese medicine from the Hei Long Jiang Herbs University of China, a master of Oriental medicine degree from PIHMA, and a doctoral degree from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, Ca. She has more than 10 years of experience working as an herbalist in Chinese clinics and has experience teaching people of all ages.

David earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in behavioral sciences from California Polytechnic Institute, Pomona, California in 1984, and a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2001. He also completed an eight-week clinical externship at the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Sichuan, PRC. David previously served on the NCCAOM’s exam development committee for more than six years and is licensed by the state of Arizona.  He has been a faculty member for more than ten years and currently serves as acupuncture chairperson and dean of academic affairs.

Amita earned Bachelor and master’s degrees in Ayurvedic medicine from Memorial University of New Foundland School of Vedic Medicine, and the Maharishi School of Medicine. An accomplished Ayurvedic Practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience, Amita specializes in digestive and psychiatric disorders. She possesses a strong bedside manner with both clients and fellow practitioners, and the initiative to create and provide integrative care. Following a passion for understanding food sustainability, its policy, and the economy as a link to health and diet-related diseases, Amita has worked with indigenous tribes, linking the onset of diabetes to cultural and dietary lifestyles.

Catherine earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology/Political Science from the University of Arizona. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. A healing experience with Asian medicine led her to study and become a Certified Chinese Herbalist and eventually a Licensed Acupuncturist. Catherine was instrumental in Arizona developing its Acupuncture Board of Examiners, leading her to found PIHMA in 1996. In addition to serving as President and CEO of PIHMA, Catherine also served as President and Founder of the Arizona Society of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, Vice-President of the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and Board Member and Chair of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Catherine currently also serves on other boards, as Team Chair for accreditation site visits, and writes and speaks about Acupuncture & Asian Medicine.

Dr. Nunez is a dynamic and knowledgeable Acupuncturist who is skilled at treating a wide range of disorders using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. She is proficient in cupping, gua sha, massage, and electric stimulation to complement acupuncture therapies. Dr. Nunez has a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health Sciences, a Master of Science: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from

South Baylor University, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Morgan State University.

Bryon earned a Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Theoretical LASER and solid-state physics at the University of Texas and pursued post-graduate studies in high energy phase transitions at Purdue University. From 1999-2004 Bryon studied acupuncture, herbal administration, bodywork diagnosis, and treatments based on the application of the Bagua / Yi Jing in Beijing, PRC. In 2010 Bryon earned a master of acupuncture degree at PIHMA. He is currently a practitioner/owner of Cypress Pavilion Health Preservation and Care in Scottsdale.

Sami earned an undergraduate degree from, the University of Southern California and a master of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree from Yo San University in Los Angeles. She studied directly under John and Tina Chen, authors of Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, and is credited in the book as a proofreader.  During her training, she was awarded a prestigious internship with Dr. Mao Shing-Ni. She completed a clinical internship in Chengdu, China, at the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has practiced Chinese Medicine for 15 years, and has extensive experience teaching Qi Gong and Yoga.

Dr. Rekers earned her master’s and Doctoral degrees at Texas Woman’s University. She maintained a private practice in psychology while teaching at the University of Texas at Dallas and has also taught at Expression College for Digital Arts in San Francisco.

Suzana earned her medical degree from the University of Prishtina Medical School in Kosovo and worked as a general practitioner there until moving to the United States in 1999. She has been on faculty at the Southwest Skills Center at Estrella Mountain Community College, teaching western sciences and medical terminology in their practical nursing program. Suzana earned a master of acupuncture degree from PIHMA in 2012 and currently practices acupuncture at The Healing Edge in Avondale.

Dr. Smith has a broad background in the healing sciences profession. He is the Owner of Strength Smith Training Systems, which is a multidisciplinary practice of integrative mindset, strength, and conditioning coaching that is mixed with TCM health consulting. Smith is a Powerlifting athlete with several records including a world record in the squat. He is a licensed acupuncturist and oriental medicine practitioner. He earned his BA degree with a Major in Studio Art and a Biology Minor. He studied elementary education at Santa Fe Community College before he decided to pursue a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from PIHMA, as well as a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health & Science. Smith is currently a candidate for a Master of Science in Health & Human Performance from Pacific College of Health & Science.

Matthew currently works as a bookkeeper for small businesses in the Phoenix valley. In 2015 he graduated from NAU with three bachelor’s degrees in History, Political Science, and International Affairs. Later he went on to earn his paralegal certification. Matthew is a lifelong martial artist, and yogi, and has spent extensive time training Kung Fu in China. In China, he studied at the Kunyu Mountain Shaolin Academy. In the US, he studied under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming. This is where he learned more deeply about medical-oriented Qi Gong.

Dr. Sun earned his Chinese medicine degree at Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in P. R. China in 1993. In 1999, he earned a master’s degree in Orthopedics at the Medical College of Qingdao University in P. R. China, and in 2004 earned a Ph.D. at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, P. R. China. Dr. Sun later studied for his second doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science at Towson University in Maryland. Dr.  Sun also taught acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in PRC, Niigata Nursing and Medicine College in Japan, and the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Minnesota U.S.A. Dr. Sun is widely published in acupuncture and Chinese medicine journals such as the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture, Journal of Tui Na Medicine, Chinese Journal of Orthopedics, Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation; Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine; and, Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine  He has been on faculty since 2012 and maintains a private practice in the greater Phoenix area.

Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Philosophy from New Mexico State University and has master’s level training in psychology from New Mexico State University and the University of Washington. He earned a Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College and has been on faculty since 2005.  Chris is currently the owner/operator of Oasis Acupuncture in Scottsdale.

David is a graduate of Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA) in Phoenix, AZ, and Michigan State University at East Lansing, MI. Along with herbal medicine, David’s interests include OM theory especially from the Shang Han Lun, Jimmy Chang’s pulse diagnosis, Dr. Tan’s Balanced Method, and the practice of Shiatsu.

Pamella earned a nursing degree from Mayfair College in Chicago and had a 26-year career as a registered nurse, 17 of which were as a labor and delivery nurse.  Pamella is a 1990 graduate of the Midwest Center for the Study of Oriental Medicine, trained at the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Moxibustion in Guangzhou, PRC, and the Institute of Chinese Herbology in California. She currently studying with Dr. Mikio Sankey and is certified by Dr. Sankey to teach Level 1 esoteric acupuncture. Pamella has been practicing for more than 20 years, specializing in women’s health, gynecology, and obstetrical care.

Dr. Lisa Swanson DAIM, L.Ac. completed her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine in 2007 and her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in 2022 at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, California.  She was licensed as an acupuncturist and herbalist in 2007 in California where she held a private practice until relocating to Arizona. Additionally, she is certified in Functional Medicine since 2021 through the Institute of Functional Medicine in Seattle, Washington.  Ever learning, she has had the privilege of studying with some of Chinese Medicine’s most prominent teachers such as Dr. Richard Tan OMD, L.Ac., Lonny Jarrett, L.Ac. and Ikeda Sensei of Shikoku Japan.  She also teaches yoga workshops incorporating Esoteric Acupuncture and is certified in Kundalini Yoga from Yoga Phoenix.