Instructors

  • Dr. Hirsch is a functional medicine doctor, LAc, and herbalist with extensive academic and practical experience. She co-founded Octagon Community Acupuncture and has taught TCM courses. Michelle has expanded her expertise with Kalish Institute in Functional Medicine certification, and now integrates Chinese medical principles with modern scientific advancements.

  • Dr. Chialtas, practicing since 2003, integrates functional blood chemistry and hormone analysis into his Traditional Chinese Medicine practice, offering patients a comprehensive blend of approaches. His expertise extends to educating local practitioners and teaching advanced diagnostic and therapeutics at Five Branches University.

  • Ann Wolman is a veteran practitioner and teacher of Chinese medicine with 25 years of experience in the field. She has been particularly drawn to herbal medicine and its history given she is a student of intellectual history. From that perspective, she weaves together a unique view of the impact of development and history of herbal medicine and how that impacts modern day practice. 

  • Kristen Lambertin is an experienced licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, now licensed in both North Carolina and Switzerland. She has taught  courses in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Patent Medicine, and Chinese Medicine Diagnosis, drawing from thirty years of teaching across various disciplines and conducting teacher-training workshops globally.  

  • Dr. Robinson has extensive experience in acupuncture, massage therapy, and hospice care, dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare settings through their work and community involvement. Dr. Robinson's expertise spans various roles in healthcare, education, and community service, showcasing a commitment to holistic well-being and cultural sensitivity.

  • Dr. Amanda Archuleta is a D.A.O.M, Lac. Nationally certified, New Mexico licensed Acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist. Dr. Amanda Archuleta has her Doctorate of Science in Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University, in San Jose California. She attended Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe New Mexico for her master’s degree of Science in Oriental Medicine. During her studies she completed internships at Heilongjiang University in Harbin China. She worked overseas on Holland America Line, where she was the Acupuncturist on cruise ships. Dr. Archuleta has practiced acupuncture and has been an associate of Mandala Medicine since 2008.

  • Celeste Houvener, DAOM, LAc, is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a licensed acupuncturist, and an East Asian Medicine Practitioner. She began her career in healthcare as a licensed massage therapist in 2011. A lifelong performing artist and athlete, she is also a certified Daoist martial arts instructor and integrates medical Qi Gong into her clinical practice.

    Her artistic and medical interests converged in the development of a unique TCM-based sound therapy, which she brought to scientific trial and explored in her dissertation. She offers this therapy in both group and individual sessions. Through these modalities, she helps patients align their mind, body, and spirit, supporting their health, wellness, and fitness goals by attuning them to their optimal flow.