Former Faculty

With over 11 years of experience in the clinic focusing on injury treatment and structural integration, Sharon brings a wealth of practical information to the classroom. Her passion for optimizing the human form and function combines well with her adoration of academia. Endeavoring to provide guidance to her students as they study TCM, she relies on her own schooling, both in the Masters and Doctorate program at Five Branches University and her origins at the Brian Utting School of Massage in Seattle, Washington.

Sharon Adena teaches in the Departments of Western Medicine and Review and Assessment.

Tim Archer teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.

Since graduating from Five Branches in 2001, Robert has been pursuing his passion for helping people with acupuncture and Chinese medicine at his Acupuncture and Massage Therapy Clinic in Hollister, California. Specializing in the treatment of pain and women’s health, Robert began his TCM studies at the Boston School of Shiatsu in 1992. Since then he has taught numerous courses at several schools including: Clinical Medicine, TCM Theory, Anatomy, Physiology, Shiatsu, Qi Gong, Taoism, Massage, and Business. In 2010, he completed a residency at the Liaoning University Hospital in Shenyang, China with Dr. Hao Xuejen. Robert's background includes a B.A. in Music Composition/Theory and extensive performing throughout the U.S. and Canada as a professional musician. Robert Barry teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Carissa Cheung is a California-licensed, and NCCAOM-certified acupuncturist.  She has a private practice in Fremont, CA. She specializes in Womens Health, Pain Management, post stroke/surgery recovery, and gastrointestinal disorders.  In her leisure time, Carissa enjoys hiking, cooking, and gardening.  She is capable of communicating in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese, and some Japanese.

Tracy Cone earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California San Diego in 1992. She spent ten years fundraising for progressive political causes before finding a passion for holistic medicine.

Tracy studied Western and Eastern herbalism with Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac. in 1998, and clinical nutrition at Bauman College (formerly IET) in 2001. She earned a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in 2005 with a specialty in Five Element acupuncture, and at the same time completed a four year apprenticeship with Raven Lang. Tracy maintains a private practice in Santa Cruz, California. For more information go to www.tracycone.com. She is a mom to two boys and a competitive outrigger canoe racer.

Tracy Cone teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.

Marie Corwin earned a Master's degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Systems Science & Policy from California State University, Monterey Bay, California. 

Marie Corwin teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Dr. Gary Dolowich graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1971 and practiced Western medicine for seven years before studying at the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in England. He integrates Five Element acupuncture, the bodywork system of Zero Balancing, and Jungian techniques, with Western biomedicine in his medical practice in Aptos, California. Dr. Dolowich first began teaching Chinese Medicine in 1983 as a faculty member of the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Maryland. Currently he teaches at the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Florida and Five Branches University.

He has published articles in The Journal of Traditional Acupuncture, co-authored Ancient Roots, Many Branches: Energetics of Healing Across Cultures & Through Time, and written a book, Archetypal Acupuncture: Healing with the Five Elements. In his teaching, Dr. Dolowich brings together the Five Element approach, archetypal psychology, the I Ching, and the poetry of Rumi. The spiritual teachings of ancient China and the work of Carl Jung have long been an inspiration to him on his own life-journey. In his free time he enjoys kayaking, backpacking, gardening and poetry. His website is www.jademountain.net. Dr. Dolowich teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training and is a faculty member of the Five Branches DAOM program.

A California Licensed and Nationally Certified acupuncturist since April 2002, Chris has since been deeply involved in bringing forth his skills with a successful private practice in Santa Cruz, CA. His professional involvement expands into the arena of international specialization through his work in proliferating the findings of the Parkinson’s Recovery Project, both in Santa Cruz, and in Amsterdam. Chris maintains an office in the Netherlands, and lectures throughout Western Europe and the U.S. on Yin Tuina and the treatment for Parkinson’s. A member of the first graduating class of the Doctoral Program at Five Branches University, he is a full-time faculty member since January of 2008, teaching both clinical and academic courses. He is currently writing a book on the subject of Yin Tuina, one of his favorite Asian medicine treatment methods, expected to be released in 2012. Chris Ells teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies and TCM Clinical Training.

In private practice since 2000, Rachel Farber has been passionate about helping people live comfortably in their bodies and supporting them to make vital lifestyle choices. Her specialties include women’s health and mental-emotional health, including disordered eating, depression, addiction and hormonal imbalances.

Rachel Farber received her BA from Wellesley College in 1988 and MS from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999. She studied independently with Efrem Korngold, co-author of Between Heaven and Earth, during and after her formal studies and considers him her mentor. She has also studied acupuncture in Japan. Rachel is also a bodyworker since 1992 and has taught massage and Asian bodywork in several massage programs. She is also a mother of two, a dedicated practitioner and teacher of yoga, and a passionate seasonal food cook.

Francesca Ferrari received her undergraduate degree in History from the University of California at Berkeley, a Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, from Five Branches University and her Doctorate from the Beijing Western District Medical Qigong and TCM Research Institute in China. After years of Medical Qigong study with Professor Jerry Alan Johnson at the International Institute of Medical Qigong, she completed post-graduate training with Dr. Xu Hongtao at the Xiyuan Hospital in Beijing, China. She combines her hard-style qigong background with Medical Qigong. In teaching, Francesca blends her innate ability with the wisdom of her mentors to enhance her students’ diagnostic skills.

Francesca travels regularly to China for advanced study with her Master; she was chosen and inducted as an 80th generation lineage holder and inner disciple of the renowned Maoshan Daoist Temple, where the adept alchemist Sun Si Miao trained.

Francesca lectures internationally, emphasizing the importance of standing meditation, self-reflection and attention to subtle detail to cultivate enhanced qi flow and awareness. Her students, by fourth semester, will stand in meditation for one hour as part of the final exam. Francesca has been featured numerous times on both television and radio. She maintains a private practice where she combines her expertise in rare temple-style qigong with the best of western functional medicine. She enjoys teaching Medical Qigong Intensives and can be contacted at www.francescaferrari.com. With her rich fusion of style she brings energy and enthusiasm to her classes. Francesca Ferrari teaches in the Departments of Complementary Studies and TCM Clinical Training and is a faculty member of the Five Branches DAOM program.

Wanshan Hao graduated from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Currently Professor Hao holds the positions of professor, chief physician, academic advisor and clinical supervisor for doctoral and master students at Beijing University of TCM. He has worked in the field of Shang Han Lun as a teacher, practitioner and researcher for decades. Professor Hao has been invited to South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, France, and the Czech Republic to give lectures and professional talks. Professor Hao also has extensive clinical experience in treating diseases related to respiratory system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, and other difficult and complex diseases using classical formulas.

Darren Huckle holds a B.A. in environmental studies from UCSC, and received his Master’s degree in TCM from Five Branches University. It was while studying with Christopher Hobbs that he became interested in TCM. TCM resonated with his background in ecology and natural history. He believes TCM is a system that empowers people to heal along with natural systems such as Golden Shield Qigong.

Darren has more than 10 years of study and practice in holistic health modalities, including Chinese and Western herbology, nutrition, and organic gardening. He is a practitioner and teacher of Golden Shield Qigong, and has a private practice in Santa Cruz. In addition to teaching at Five Branches, Darren has taught at UCSC’s Holistic Health Department. Darren stewards and teaches at the Living Pharmacy, a medicinal garden visited by Five Branches students. Darren’s areas of specialty include: digestive health, fertility, adrenal fatigue and gynecology. In his free time he enjoys Chien Lung Kungfu, bicycling, hiking, wildcrafting, meditation, and spending time with his family. You can contact him at www.rootsofwellness.net or www.goldenshieldqigong.com. Darren Huckle teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.

Mary Huse was an ER and critical care nurse for 18 years before finding her way to acupuncture. She graduated from Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Maryland in 1990 and Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine in 1993. Her deep love and knowledge of the Five Elements is expressed through her theory classes, clinical rounds, and internships at Five Branches University. She blends her background of Western medicine, TCM and Five Elements to best support her patients and maintains a full-time practice in Santa Cruz. Professor Huse teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.

LeTa Jussila, is a graduate of Five Branches University and has also studied at the Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, China. She has a diverse background and holistic approach to medicine. LeTa owns Optimal Health and Fitness, a Santa Cruz based company focusing on integrating breath and connection to nature through physical movement and has a private practice, The Santa Cruz Center for Traditional Medicine in Santa Cruz, California, where she practices integrative medicine. She specializes in sports injury, metabolic syndrome, weight loss and food as medicine. LeTa has had a very high success rate with helping men and women lose weight, eliminate food allergies and learn how to exercise properly. In her free time, LeTa is a documentary filmmaker, classical violinist and world traveler. LeTa teaches Career Development in the Department of Complementary Studies.

Qi Kou is a licensed acupuncturist in California and a licensed TCM physician in China. He was born and raised in a family with a lineage of Chinese medicine. He received his Master's degree in Chinese Medicine from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 2012, and another Master's in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. He practiced as an attending TCM physician at Bao Yu Tang, Chang’an Hospital before he moved to California in 2016. Qi’s clinical practice in the bay area, California focuses on working with individuals on pain management, mental health, women’s health, and pediatrics Tuina. When not in the clinic and teaching, Qi enjoys reading, traveling, writing poetry, and practicing QiGong. He also dedicates to Yiching research. Qi teaches in the Departments of Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.

Susanna Shen graduated from Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the People’s Republic of China in 1986, where she trained in both Western and Traditional Chinese medicine. After graduation, she worked as a TCM doctor in a Chinese hospital, supervising interns and teaching TCM Theory. When she came to the U.S., Susanna worked at the Pain Management Center in Los Angeles and later taught at the American College of TCM in the Bay Area.

Since 1996, Susanna has returned to China every summer to work and train in hospitals and clinics, sharpening her skills in needling techniques, TCM gynecology, facial rejuvenation and aging prevention, and the treatment of rare and difficult diseases using TCM and herbs. Her specialties include chronic fatigue, GI disorders, stress, facial rejuvenation, gynecology and internal medicine. Susanna enjoys photography, travel, and cooking.

Susanna Shen teaches in the Departments of TCM Herbology and TCM Clinical Training.

Jean Vlamynck has been cultivating her energy with Qigong and Taiji for over 25 years. She began her private practice as a Certified Massage Practitioner in 1987, with treatments including polarity energy work. She graduated with a Masters of TCM from Five Branches and became a California licensed, nationally certified acupuncturist in 1992. As part of the first Five Branches post-graduate program in China, Jean completed four months of studies at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, China, which included studying with Qigong and Taiji masters. In 1999, she attained her Master’s degree in Medical Qigong from the International Institute of Medical Qigong, and since then has been teaching and treating with Medical Qigong. Jean initiated and co-founded the Medical Qigong program at Five Branches. Jean has been in private practice since 1992. In her free time she enjoys hiking and swimming. Jean Vlamynck teaches in the Departments of Complementary Studies and TCM Clinical Training.

Tentcho Voynikov received a Master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University, a Ph.D in Pharmacology from Kinki University School of Medicine in Japan, and a M.D. from the Medical Academy in Sofia Bulgaria.

Tentcho was a Researcher in Brain Neurophysiology for the Torii Nutrient Stasis Project, E.R.A.T.O., Japan Research Development Corporation, Dept. of Physiology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University from 1992-1994. In 1996, he became a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine in Bulgaria and established a private practice. From 2004 through 2012, Tentcho worked in his own Clinic of Chinese and Oriental Medicine in Bulgaria, was the head of the Traditional Chinese Medicine department at the Medical Center in Albena, Bulgaria, and lectured on Acupressure at Sofia State University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Tentcho speaks Bulgarian, English, Russian, German, Japanese, French, Czech, Polish and Italian. Tentcho teaches in the Departments of Western Medicine and TCM Clinical Training.

Janice Walton-Hadlock received her Master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University, and her B.A. in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is the founder of the Parkinson’s Recovery Project (www.pdrecovery.org), a non-profit organization that provides free information about the latest findings regarding the cause and treatment of Parkinson’s disease from the perspective of Asian medicine. She is a founding member of the Parkinson's Treatment Team of Santa Cruz, and a member of the European branch of the Parkinson’s Recovery Project, the Parkinson Stichting of Amsterdam, also a non-profit. Both the Treatment Team and the Stichting focus on treating people with Parkinson’s disease and training health care practitioners in the use of techniques she developed. Janice is an active researcher in the field of Parkinson’s disease. Her findings have been published in many journals, including the peer-reviewed American Journal of Acupuncture, and the Journal of Chinese Medicine. Her analysis of a Parkinson’s drug study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine’s correspondence section. Janice is the author of four books: Trouble Afoot, a book about the underlying causes of idiopathic Parkinson's disease and the effective treatment for this disorder (published by the Parkinson’s Recovery Project, 2008, 690 pages), Medications of Parkinson’s or Once upon a Pill (Parkinson’s Recovery Project, 2003, 650 pages), Tracking the Dragon, a classroom text on advanced channel theory (published by Fastpencil.com, 2010), and Yin Tui Na: Techniques for Treating Dissociated Injuries (published by Fastpencil.com, 2012). All are available at www.pdrecovery.org Janice’s specialties include channel theory, scar tissue work, and Yin Tui Na. In her private practice, she primarily treats movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Her other long-term interests include Western medicine, modern physics and chaos theory, and raja yoga practice and theory. Janice Walton-Hadlock teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.

Natasha Worrell-Merrett received her Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University and currently serves as the Department Chair for Review and Assessment.

Danling Zhang, deeply influenced by her family who believed in the power of Chinese medicine, received a Bachelors and Masters degree in Medicine from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Following graduation, she became an instructor, supervisor and physician at the university’s affiliated hospital. Danling finished her two-year residency at Dandong Women’s and Children’s Hospital, specializing in acupuncture research on thyroid diseases.

Danling has published numerous papers on eye acupuncture, muscle channel theory and thyroid diseases. She received her Doctor in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree from Five Branches University in 2011.

Danling maintains a private practice in Sunnyvale, California, specializing in pain relief, women’s health and thyroid conditions. She can be reached at danlingacupuncture.com.

Professor Zhang teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.