• Admissions
• Clinical Training
• Faculty & Staff
• Studying at PRC
• Books and Products
• Employment Opportunities
• Practitioner Directory

Site Search

Quick Links

• Continuing Education
• WellPlan
• Campus
• Global Outreach Program
• Victoria & Around
• Learning Resources
• Friends of PRC

Newsletter Signup

Faculty and Staff

Serving as the keystone of Pacific Rim College's pursuit to provide world class education and opportunities are our Program Directors, teaching Faculty and Staff.

The Academic Board exists in order to protect the rights and interests of the student body and faculty. Primarily the Board ensures that school policy making and planning is not left in the hands of a single individual. Students who feel their needs are not being appropriately met may make their concerns known to the Student Council. Liaising directly with the Academic Board, the Student Council acts as a conduit in the procurement of students' needs.

PRC's teaching faculty is comprised of a diverse group of instructors with unique backgrounds and enthusiastic teaching styles. When possible, instructors have a terminal degree in their field of expertise and/or extensive experience. We select our instructors not only for their professional qualifications, but also for their passion and ability to inspire students. Via in-class evaluations and verbal feedback, students are integral in PRC's decision to make instructional and curricular modifications.

See below for more information about Pacific Rim College's Program and Department Directors and instructional Faculty.

Program and Department Directors

Todd N. Howard, BSc, DTCM, RAc Founder, President Todd Howard was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountain range in the eastern United States. He began his formal medical studies at West Virginia University where he graduated with distinction from the undergraduate School of Medicine, completing a thesis on the role of Complementary and Alternative Medicines in sports therapy. He has since explored the world pursuing studies in indigenous medicines. He has traveled on 5 continents in more than 30 countries, including a year of work at the world's busiest clinic of Acupuncture and Homeopathy in Sri Lanka, 3 months interning in hospitals in China, 4 months as an Acupuncturist and lecturer on a world-class cruise line and 2 months as a medical volunteer in East Africa. Todd earned a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Victoria, British Columbia. He was one of the youngest people ever to be licensed as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (OMD) in West Virginia and is currently a Registered Acupuncturist in British Columbia. Todd is co-founder of Pacific Rim College, the director of the college's Global Outreach Program and sits on the Board of Directors of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC. In 2010 he presented on the global humanitarian TCM movement at the TCM Kongress in Rothenburg, Germany.

Brea Segger, BA, Dip Fin Mgmt, Canadian Securities Cert Director of Operations and Admissions, Director of the Holistic Doula Certificate Program Brea has extensive experience as a Business and Organizational Manager in a variety of fields including organizational development, business development, performance management and human resources. In early 2005, Brea joined Kirschner Consulting Inc. as a Senior Consultant, focusing on Merger and Acquisition Due Diligence and Strategic Candidate, Employee and Organizational Assessments. Brea subsequently founded a consulting firm and has been successful in providing organizational and human capital assessments pre- and post-Mergers and Acquisitions for multi-million dollar businesses primarily in the environmental and construction sectors of the USA, Canada and the Cayman Islands. Brea holds a BA with distinction from the University of Victoria and a Diploma in Corporate Finance from the British Colombia Institute of Technology. In 2008, Brea became a Director at Pacific Rim College. After the birth of her daughter in 2010, Brea started to focus her attention on pregnancy, birthing and parenting. She created the widely acclaimed Holistic Doula Certificate program. Brea is a Certified Pre-Natal Yoga Instructor and is passionate about the health-related, social, cultural and environmental aspects of birthing and parenting. Brea loves the arts, and when she isn't playing with her daughter, you can find her painting, knitting and doing pottery.

James Christian, BSc, MNIMH, RH Dean, School of Phytotherapy James Christian is a fully qualified and licensed Medical Herbalist, having studied with the College of Phytotherapy in the UK and achieving a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Herbal Medicine. This program was a 4-year, full time program involving rigorous training in western medical sciences, diagnostic skills, pharmacy and materia medica (the study of individual herbs) and extensive clinical training in their London Clinic. James maintains professional membership in the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) in the UK, which is the oldest professional body of practicing medical herbalists in the world. The NIMH was founded to maintain high standards of practice and patient care. He is also a professional member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP) in the UK. James is the past-President of the Modern and Traditional Herbalists Guild of BC, past Council Member of the Canadian Council of Herbalists Associations (CCHA) and works at a national level to promote and protect Herbal Medicine. James has traveled throughout South Korea and studied Asian Herbal Medicine with Asian Medical Doctors and Pharmacists there. At the same time he lectured in Western Herbal Medicine at CHA Hospital and University in Seoul to both Western and Asian Doctors and Pharmacists. James is very passionate about nature and the environment. He travels to various parts of the world to study their use of indigenous medicines. Aside from working with medicinal plants in South Korea, James has spent time in Peru, Nicaragua and Costa Rica studying their local use of plants as medicines.

Nikki Manzie, BSc Director, Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork program Nikki Manzie is the Director of the Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork program at Pacific Rim College. She has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Integrated Sciences, is a Certified Yoga Teacher, an Ayurvedic Medical practitioner and educator, and is trained as a Traditional Thai Massage teacher and practitioner. A meditation practitioner since 17 years of age, in 1998 Nikki founded Yanumoja Yoga, a practice of self-exploration through movement, breath, meditation and reflection on seasonal themes. Since then she has provided professional training for yoga teachers and, in more recent years, has expanded her teaching to include traditional Thai massage and Ayurvedic Marmatherapy (acupoints in the Indian tradition). Nikki is also passionate about wild-crafting herbal medicine, rock-climbing, hiking, camping and art!

Brenda Loew, MAc, LAc Director, Japanese Acupuncture Certificate Program Brenda Loew graduated from the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in 1991. Specializing in Japanese acupuncture systems - particularly Manaka Yin Yang Balancing Therapy, Shonishin Pediatric Acupuncture and Toyohari Meridian Therapy - she operates a successful practice in Seattle. Brenda has traveled annually to Japan since 1996 for advanced studies with senior Japanese teachers and attends annual national trainings in the US. In Amsterdam in 2005 she completed the first Advanced Toyohari training offered outside of Japan. Brenda was the President of the Toyohari Association of North America (TANA) from 2011 to 2012, is President of the Seattle Branch of the Toyohari Association, and an authorized Toyohari instructor. She was on the faculty of NIAOM from 1994 to 2002, is on the Continuing Education faculty of Bastyr University, and teaches Japanese acupuncture across the United States. She is a co-founding member of the Japanese Acupuncture Institute, LLC, which offers a Certificate in Japanese Acupuncture.

Ted van Hemert, RAc TCM Clinical Director Ted has been in practice since 2000, when he obtained a 4-year diploma in acupuncture and Chinese herbology. His interest in medicine started with botany, Western herbology and nutrition. Study in those areas eventually led him to discover Chinese medicine, and within himself a natural talent for acupuncture. Ted is passionate about medicine and has a genuine desire to bring about an enhanced quality of life in his patients. He has a special interest in community-based acupuncture, and is at the forefront of mental health and addictions treatment in Victoria. With a pragmatic approach to teaching, he blends his clinical experience with humour and visual aids to encourage effective learning from his students. Ted has lectured all over the world, and is the founder of Fine Point Acupuncture. Teaching Faculty (Listed alphabetically)

Dr. Claire Astley, MD, DTCM As the only doctor in BC licensed to practice both Western Medicine as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Claire Astley is uniquely qualified to provide her patients with safe and effective diagnosis and treatment and has done so for over 20 years. Subsequent to graduating from McGill University with a medical degree in 1986, Dr. Astley developed her interest in alternative medicine studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the Nanjing University of TCM in China. Dr. Astley continued her studies in Canada and the US with David Bray, Bob Flaws, Giovanni Maciocia, Kiiko Matsumoto, Nigel Dawes, Jason Robertson, Brenda Loew and Dan Zizza. In 1996 she studied with Julian Scott and received a post-graduate certificate in Pediatric Acupuncture. She also completed the Japanese Acupuncture Certificate Program at Pacific Rim College and in 2009 and returned to China to study Fire Dragon Qi Gong and meditation with Grand Master Zhang Yuanming at Mt. Qingcheng in Sichuan. Dr. Astley is the past President of the Association of Complementary & Integrative Physicians of BC, and helped organize two successful conferences on Integrative Medicine held at the University of Victoria as well as The Art & Science of Somatic Meditation retreat at Royal Roads University. At the end of 2011, Dr. Astley retired from her integrative family practice to pursue her passion for Oriental medicine full-time. She can be found at her new clinic, Bubbling Spring Acupuncture in Dragon Alley in Victoria's historic Chinatown.

Janette Baugh, MAc, LAc, LMP Janette Baugh earned a Master's of Acupuncture from the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NIAOM) in Seattle. She also holds a Master's in Education from the University of Washington. She earned her Japanese Acupuncture Toyohari Certification in 1997 and has since trained yearly with senior Toyohari Masters in the US and Japan. She has served as a faculty member of Japanese Acupuncture since 1996, teaching at NIAOM, Bastyr University, and Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine, and is a co-founder of the Japanese Acupuncture Institute, LLC. Janette brings 30 years of teaching experience, a clarity of presentation, and great enthusiasm to her teaching. She maintains a private practice in Seattle specializing in Japanese Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage, Cranial Sacral and Yoga Therapeutics.

Michele (Misha) Butot, RCSW, E-RYT 500 Michele (Misha) Butot is a registered clinical social worker with over twenty years experience specializing in women's mental health and palliative care. Misha began teaching yoga in 1998, subsequently receiving advanced training in yoga nidra. Her practice is influenced by classical yoga, Advaita and Kashmir Shaivism, and has as its primary goal an embodied recognition of the inherent wholeness and spaciousness of our True Nature. Misha's teaching interests include yoga philosophy, psychology and ethics; restorative and back health; nondual meditation and yoga nidra; and meeting pain, dying and death from a yogic perspective.

David Caudwell, BSc, MCPP David Caudwell completed his studies in Herbal Medicine at the College of Phytotherapy in South East England and was awarded a BSc (Honours) from the University of Wales. After graduating David settled in Sussex, dividing his time between practice, clinic management and teaching responsibilities at the college where he trained. He has taught for the Universities of Wales and East London, and for the "Discovering Herbal Medicine" program run by Dr. Anne Walker. David is a member of The College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy, a professional body of herbalists established to champion the role and development of traditional herbal medicine in the modern world. David has a lifelong passion for wildlife, the outdoors and the world's indigenous medicine systems, which has led to travel on five continents. In his practice, David takes a particular interest in Women's Health, Fertility Issues and Cancer Care.

Dr. Kai Chen, BSc, MM, PhD (China), DrTCM Dr. Kai Chen earn his Bachelor of Science degree at the Beijing College of TCM. He then completed his Masters of Medicine at the China Academy of TCM and ultimately, after 11 years of total TCM training, earned his PhD. Dr. Chen has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and Canada for more than 27 years and has been teaching in Canada for 14 years.

Taro Chiba, BA Program Coordinator, Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork program Taro was trained in Reiki Energy Healing and Seitai Therapy (Japanese Traditional Massage) in Japan. He spent 2 years at International Seitai College at Fukuoka in Japan, completing 1325 hours study. He immigrated to Canada in 2006 to follow his journey. He is also trained in Thai Massage, Marma Therapy, Yoga, Yogatherapy and Reconnection Healing. He became a Reiki Master in 2008. He continues to deepen training and studies in Victoria.

Malcolm Clark Malcolm Clark has practiced and taught Tai Qi Chuan and Qi Gong for 10 years. Malcolm brings awareness to students' structural imbalances through body movement. He discovers where tension resides in the body by warming up the senses within. Experimenting with body movement opens pathways of understanding and an expanded field of possibility in the moving body. Some of the techniques used include physical listening, following, spiraling, and falling into space. Malcolm runs a practice of healing energy and bodywork at his studio in Victoria, BC, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

Peter Conway, Dip Phyt, FNIMH, FCPP, DTM, Cert Ed Visiting Professor Peter Conway is a leading herbalist (Phytotherapist) with a core interest in contrasting and integrating approaches to healing from both traditional and contemporary sources. He enjoys testing the alleged boundaries between disciplines and approaches and seeing what happens when these give way to open up to allow new connections and potentials. Peter combines his clinical practice in Tunbridge Wells (where he has a special interest in working with people experiencing cancer) with herbal educational and political work. Peter is a Fellow and former President of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy, a Fellow of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and a former Director of the European Herbal and Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association. He teaches on several herbal medicine courses - including co-teaching one for veterinarians. Peter helped develop the UK National Professional Standards for Herbal Medicine and sat on the UK Department of Health Steering Group looking at the regulation of herbal medicine and acupuncture. He has written several books including his recent textbook The Consultation in Phytotherapy: the herbal practitioner's approach to the patient published by Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone.

Conrad Crockett, RAc Conrad Crockett completed a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program in Victoria, BC, and has been a yoga instructor since 2003. In his private practice he focuses on treating muscle injuries and chronic pain, and employs his knowledge of yoga and of the meridian and nervous systems to help his clients experience radiant health and vitality. Using his post-graduate studies and teaching experience in sports therapy, Conrad teaches Orthopedics and Traumatology at PRC.

Barry Dayman, RAc Barry Dayman began studying Acupuncture with the North American College of Acupuncture in Salem Oregon in 1974. He graduated in 1976 and mentored with two Chinese doctors in Vancouver, BC. He graduated from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in 1977. In 1984 he completed an international training program at the Nanjing College Of Traditional Chinese Medicine, PRC. After returning to Canada he helped establish CCAOM in Victoria, BC. He was on the faculty for more than 20 years, teaching various courses. He taught the Five Element Program for many years and was the clinical director on 2 separate occasions. He has been in private practice in Victoria since 1980.

Dr. Jaime de Melo, ND Dr. Jaime de Melo is a Naturopathic Physician and Educator. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. He has a special interest in treating disorders of the Respiratory and Digestive Systems. Dr. de Melo is the founding Naturopathic physician for the Healthy for Life program at Aids Vancouver Island in the Access Health Centre. The Healthy for Life program provides free Naturopathic medical care and more (including need supplements) to individuals with low income, some with HIV, Hepatitis C and addictions who would otherwise not have access to appropriate medical care. He has published research in the area of botanical medicine with a focus on reporting quality guidelines. He holds faculty positions at both the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and the Pacific Rim College in Victoria, where he teaches courses on Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology and Nutrition.

Marta Donovan, BSc, RPBio Marta Donovan is a Registered Professional Biologist who currently works as a botanist in Victoria managing information on the status and distribution of rare plants in BC. She holds a BSc in Biology from the University of Victoria and a Diploma in Environmental Technology from Camosun College. Over the past 20 years she has amassed impressive knowledge about local medicinal plants. Before moving to Victoria in 1987, Marta owned and operated one of Toronto's premier natural food markets dedicated to providing organic foods and natural health care products and promoting organic agriculture.

Zoe Eakle, RPC, Transpersonal Psychotherapist, Certified Yoga Teacher and Practitioner Zoe Eakle trained in transpersonal and family systems therapy at Clear Mind International. She runs a private practice focusing on couples, families and individuals. Her practice is significantly influenced by her studies in yoga and meditation. She also facilitates co-parenting seminars for Fairway Divorce Solutions. She is passionate about working with separating parents to understand the impact this will have on their children and how they can make it as healthy a transition as possible. Zoe's passion for yoga, yoga psychology and meditation have taken her as far as Munger, India, where she received training at the Bihar School of Yoga. She has also studied with many wonderful teachers more locally and is twice certified as a yoga teacher.

Martin Feldman, LAc Martin Feldman graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture in 1982 and has been an ardent student of various styles of Japanese acupuncture ever since. He has studied Toyohari Meridian Therapy for nearly 2 decades, including 4 trainings in Japan, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Toyohari Association of North America. A nationally-renowned lecturer and teacher, Martin is the former Chair and current faculty member of the Japanese Acupuncture Department at the New England School of Acupuncture in Boston.

Dr. Bruce Ferguson DVM, MS Visiting Professor Dr. Bruce Ferguson(www.naturalvet.org) is an internationally renowned clinician and lecturer in TCVM who is known for his information-packed enthusiastic presentations. He is the president of the American Association of TCVM (www.aatcvm.org) and publishes clinical research and practical application articles in the only English-language Evidence Based Medicine TCVM journal in the world (www.ajtcvm.org). Dr. Ferguson incorporates Qigong exercises into his lecture breaks to keep mental health and clarity among the participants. Dr. Ferguson is currently an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Murdoch University's School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences in Perth, Western Australia.

Dr. Reuven Freesman, DTCM, TCMP Reuven Freesman earned a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Victoria, BC, and completed post-graduate training in Tianjin, China. Reuven's passionate interest in the human condition has taken him from ancient wisdom through modern science and beyond. His knowledge and training in dozens of healing systems complements his years of in-depth study in other areas, encompassing virtually every major world religion and philosophy. Greatly influenced by the work of Integral visionary Ken Wilber, Reuven's goal is to distill the essence of all this knowledge into a fully integrated healing session that gives each patient precisely what they need to reach their fullest potential. His natural gifts as a teacher make him an inspiring presence to students and patients alike. Reuven has trained with many pre-eminent experts in the field of Chinese Medicine, including Dr. Michael Greenwood, Lonny Jarrett, Neil Gumenick and Dr. Fang Liu in Tianjin, China. Reuven runs a highly successful Chinese Medicine practice, incorporating Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. In his free time, Reuven enjoys writing and playing the guitar.

Dr. Linda Gilkeson, PhD Dr. Gilkeson earned a Ph.D. in Entomology from McGill University in 1986, then moved to British Columbia to work for Applied Bio-Nomics Ltd., a company that produces biological controls. From 1991 to 2002 she worked for the provincial government, promoting programs to reduce and eliminate pesticide use. She was head of the provincial State of Environment Reporting Unit for the next 6 years, then the Executive Director of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy until the end of 2011. Dr. Gilkeson recently retired from that position to devote more time to her writing, teaching and consulting. She has co-authored pest management training manuals for the government and organic gardening books for Rodale Press. She self-published two books: Year Around Harvest: Winter Gardening on the Coast and West Coast Gardening: Natural Insect, Weed and Disease Control. Her most recent book, Backyard Bounty: The Complete Guide to year-Round Organic Gardening in the Pacific Northwest, has become a BC best seller. As a private consultant, Dr. Gilkeson is a regular instructor in the Master Gardener programs in BC and is busy year around giving workshops on pest management and organic gardening. She has served as President of the Entomological Society of Canada, the Professional Pest Management Association of BC, the Entomological Society of BC and the Salt Spring Island Garden Club. She was awarded a Queen's Jubilee medal in 2003 and an outstanding achievement award from the Professional Pest Management Association of BC in 2005.

Dr. Michael Greenwood, MD Michael Greenwood trained at St. John's College, Cambridge, and St. Mary's Hospital, London, and practiced Family Medicine in Victoria for many years. His interest in deep healing arose out of his own experience of chronic pain, which began with a motorcycle accident while he was a medical student. The pain, unresponsive to all that conventional medicine could offer, forced him to face the limits of his own medical training. His search for an answer led him on a fascinating journey to a new understanding of health and illness, stress and deep inner tensions, and how they affect our lives. Many of those insights were recorded in Michael's first book, Paradox & Healing: Medicine, Mythology and Transformation, co-authored with Dr. Peter Nunn and first published in 1992. Michael's explorations into alternative approaches led him to study Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and meditation before they became generally fashionable. He was one of the founding staff-members of the Canadian College of Chinese Studies, where in addition to teaching, he initiated a research study into the use of acupuncture for post-MVA chronic pain. That research gradually evolved into the highly successful residential program at the Victoria Pain Clinic. His second book, Braving the Void: Journeys into Healing, arose out of his experiences at the Pain Clinic, where he developed many of the interactive techniques discussed more fully in The Unbroken Field: the Power of Intention in Healing. In 1993, Michael gave up his Family Practice to devote his time to people suffering from chronic pain and other chronic illnesses. He is the Medical Director of the Victoria Pain Clinic.

Neil R. Gumenick, MAc (UK), LAc, Dipl Ac Visiting Professor Neil R. Gumenick, M.Ac. (UK), L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. is one of the world's foremost practitioners and teachers of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture. He is Founder and Director of The Institute of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture Inc., which offers training to acupuncturists, physicians, and students in this unique system of body/mind/spirit medicine. He has been in private practice in Santa Monica, CA since 1981 and holds three degrees and an advanced teaching certification from the College of Traditional Acupuncture UK, awarded by the late Professor J.R. Worsley. Neil has been a Professor of Acupuncture at Emperor's College and SAMRA University and has taught at the USC and UCLA Schools of Medicine, the Worsley Institute, TAI Sophia, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, New England School of Acupuncture, Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, Pacific Rim College, Southern California University of Health Sciences, The Pacific Symposium, Canadian Oriental Medical Symposium, American Academy of Medical Acupuncture Symposium, The Five Element Acupuncture Symposium, Southwest Symposium, AOM Alliance Expo, CSOMA Expo, SCUHS Extravaganza, and many others. He received the AAAOM Pioneers and Leaders in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine award in 2007. He is a distinguished columnist for Acupuncture Today, with over 36 articles published, and has been published in the European Journal of Oriental Medicine, California Journal of Oriental Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Meridians Magazine, The T'ai Chi Press, Los Angeles Times, and LA Weekly. He recently completed a six part, 12 hour distance learning webinar series, The Spirits of the Points, released by Eastern Currents.

Fiona Hamersley Chambers, BA, MEDes, MSc Fiona has a Masters of Science in Environmental Change and Management from Oxford University and a Masters in Environmental Design from the University of Calgary. Spending many of her formative years in First Nations territory sparked her life-long interest in Ethnobotany. She has taught Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria since 1999, and currently divides her time between teaching, running a small organic farm and nursery in Metchosin, writing books and academic papers, working as a naturalist, and raising two energetic boys.

Bryan Hardy, RTCMP, BSc Bryan Hardy has been a Registered Acupuncturist and Herbalist with the CTCMA since 2000. Bryan earned his Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of Regina, and studied at the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Victoria, BC, obtaining a 4-year degree in acupuncture, herbology, and Chinese massage. Along with over 10 years of experience in private practice in Victoria, he is a practicing member of a team of healthcare providers at Cool Aid Medical Center, and is working with VIHA in their alcohol detox facility. For 5 years he was a faculty member of the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Victoria. Special areas of interest and study are mental health issues. In his spare time, Bryan enjoys activities with his family, reading, music and spiritual practice.

Dr. Katarzyna Heigelmann (Katarinna) BSc, DrTCM Dr. Katarzyna Heigelmann was born and raised in Poland. In Warsaw from 1991-1995 she studied Nutritional Science at the Agriculture University. During Nutrition studies Katarinna was most inspired by Ecological Methods of Food Production taught by Prof. Gorny. In 1995 she immigrated to Canada and embarked on studying Traditional Chinese Medicine in Vancouver. Since graduating from Chinese Medicine college in 1999, she has completed a practicum in Anhui Hospital of Acupuncture in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. Upon returning she opened her private practice and served patients in Vancouver, BC, for 10 years. In the fifth year of her practice Katarinna took a seminar in San Francisco and got exposed to Japanese Acupuncture by Japanese Master Ikeda Masakazu. Katarinna also has undergone training in Neurological Integration System (Dr Allan Philips). In 2009 Dr. Heigelmann moved to Morocco, Marrakesh. There she opened a practice and served the expatriate community and also Moroccan patients. In 2012 Katarinna returned with her family to beloved BC and opened her new practice in her home in Victoria.

Dr. Shalini Hitkari, ND Dr. Shalini Hitkari completed her pre-medical studies at the University of Victoria obtaining a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology. Upon graduating, she successfully completed her four-year medical program at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM) in New Westminster, BC. While attending BINM, Dr. Hitkari gained valuable practical experience treating patients through a 2-year internship at the Boucher Naturopathic Clinic, as well as through preceptorships with a number of leading doctors in the field of Naturopathy. She is a Naturopath at Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic and Integrated Health.

Dr. Jeanette Aditi Holden, MA, ND Always fascinated by cross cultural perspectives, Jeanette completed her MA in medical anthropology early on and then headed out to learn, teach and work in gardens, ashrams and clinics throughout North, Central, and South America, and Kenya and India. After completing several farm/herbal apprenticeships, including Linnaea Farm's 8-month ecological garden and Permaculture course, she worked in Nicaragua supporting local families in herbalism and gardens. This work further enhanced the connection between health, community and land and created a strong foundation for her perspective on medicine. Now a naturopathic doctor, her studies have included advanced yoga teacher training and additional training in acupuncture, homeopathy, Ayurveda, craniosacral work and midwifery. Her teachers have included Deb Soule, John Redden, Paul Pitchford, Lori Dechar, Lonny Jarrett, David Frawley, Candice Cantin, Divya Chabra, Alize Timmerman, Hugh Milne, Martin Prechtel and Leonie Lange. Jeanette currently is in private practice at Sage clinic in Victoria and supervises at a free Naturopathic clinic for young families in the city.

Lindsay Hounslow Lindsay is a Medical Herbalist, Yoga teacher and naturalist guide. She was born and raised in Victoria and returned here to join the PRC community in 2009. After study and practice in yoga, energy work, shamanic studies, nutrition, organic gardening, and herbal wildcrafting, she dedicated herself to herbal studies and was one of PRC's first Phytotherapy Diploma graduates. She is now a qualified member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy and is on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Herbalist Association of BC. Lindsay's interest in natural health and plant medicine developed through time spent in nature as a wilderness guide. With this background and her formal studies, it is her intention to provide a form of medicine that considers the whole person and their ecological connections. She has a deep love for plants and passion to increase the availability of safe, natural, effective medicines. In addition to teaching, Lindsay is PRC's Western Herbal Dispensary manager. She also continues to teach Yoga in Victoria and leads Yoga and wilderness retreats in BC.

Dr. (Kevin) Kewu Hu, PhD/DTCM (China), RTCMP Dr. (Kevin) Kewu Hu received his education in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (Doctor of TCM, PhD of TCM) in China. He has practiced and taught Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture since 1986 in China and since 2004 in Canada. He is a registered herbalist and acupuncturist in BC.

Nadine Ijaz, MSc, RH(AHG), RST Nadine is a medical herbalist, nutritionist, registered shiatsu therapist and independent health researcher who has been in clinical practice for over a decade. Her varied training at colleges of traditional Chinese medicine and shiatsu therapy complement her nutritional and herbal trainings under renowned practitioners. She was previously staff nutritionist at Inspire Health integrative cancer care centre, and has been running professional trainings and community workshops in all areas of her work for many years. Nadine has a deep commitment to financially-accessible models of integrative medical care, as to food sovereignty issues. Nadine has an MSc degree in herbal medicine from the University of Wales.

Lonny S. Jarrett Visiting Professor Lonny Jarrett is a world-renowned presenter and authority on Chinese Medicine, has been practicing Chinese Medicine in Stockbridge, Massachusetts since 1986. He is a founding board member of the Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts and a Fellow of the National Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Lonny is author of Nourishing Destiny: The Inner Tradition of Chinese Medicine and The Clinical Practice of Chinese Medicine, as can be seen at http://www.spiritpathpress.com/. He runs a cutting edge community for students and practitioners of Chinese medicine online at www.nourishingdestiny.com.

Sarah Juliusson, MA Sarah Juliusson brings over 20 years of experience supporting birthing families as a doula and childbirth educator. She is a Certified Birthing From Within Mentor and Program Advisor supporting new Birthing From Within childbirth educators around the world. Her Island Mother (www.islandmother.com) practice offers Birthing From Within workshops in both Victoria and the Cowichan Valley, and she is the founder and owner of Dancing Star Birth, a leading provider of childbirth education in Vancouver, BC. In addition she holds a Masters in Parent-Child Nursing, completed midwifery apprenticeship, and has work experience in both labour and delivery and maternity nursing. In 2010 she founded Birth Your Business (www.birthyourbusiness.ca), building on her unique blend of business savvy and experience in the birth industry. As a "Business Doula", she supports birth professionals and holistic practitioners around North America with individual and group business coaching, webinars, free conference calls and support products. Special areas of interest include holistic marketing, website design and support, and search engine optimization.

Catharine Kozak, RAc Catharine Kozak has been a practicing acupuncturist in BC since 2000. Following an internship at the Xi Yuan Hospital in Beijing in 2000, she received a 4-year Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson. That same year she was invited to teach at the Academy as one of the school's principal lecturers/clinical supervisors and taught full-time until 2008. In 2009, she developed an online continuing education program in Chinese medicine for laypeople, students and allied healthcare professionals at College of the Rockies. In 2003, in tandem with West Kootenay-Boundary Addiction Services, she started Nelson's very first free clinic based on NADA-style auricular acupuncture for the treatment of addictions. The clinic continues to this day thanks to the generosity of a handful of dedicated volunteers.

Celina Lyons, RAc, LAc, MSc Celina Lyons is a Registered Acupuncturist in British Columbia and a California Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, board certified by the U.S. National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She earned her Masters of Science in Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, California. She is also certified in Tui Na, a traditional Chinese medical branch of body work. Celina has worked both in private practice and in Integrative Clinical settings, in California and British Columbia, specializing in her two great loves: women's health and pediatrics. The focus of her work has been the treatment of fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, post partum care and the wellness care and treatment of children. Celina has also enriched her clinical experience with internships at Survivors International in Oakland, California using Acupuncture to treat a population of refugees and immigrants who had survived torture and war trauma in their home countries, working with acupuncture to help rehabilitate stroke patients on the stroke ward at The California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco and volunteering as a Chinese medical practitioner at the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic, a non profit clinic in Oakland California that offers free complementary medical treatments for underserved women with cancer.

Michelle MacLean Since 2005 Michelle MacLean has been one of Vancouver's busiest and most-skilled Doulas. Michelle is also a Childbirth Educator and has attended well over 550 births. Michelle is a Birthing From Within Mentor, has completed Lamaze Childbirth Educators training and is a professional Placenta Encapsulator. Michelle works for South Community Birth program and has had the opportunity to work with families of many demographics. Michelle is the mother of 2 girls, and giving birth at the hospital and at home has helped her to understand the range of childbirth options.

Jessica Marais, MSc, RYT500 Jessica has studied ethnobotany and organic farming extensively for the past decade. She holds an honours degree in Environmental Studies and English Literature from the University of Victoria and a Masters of Holistic Science degree from Schumacher College in Devon, England, where she focused on the exploration of medicinal wild-harvesting as a therapeutic practice. Fascinated by relationships of reciprocity between healers and plants, she continues to research and celebrate the culture and ecology of herbal medicine. Jessica has also completed organic farming apprenticeships in Canada, France, and Switzerland, and has coordinated small-scale community garden initiatives in British Columbia, England and Italy. A certified organic master gardener, she's currently expanding her own food and medicine garden here in Victoria.

Gillian Marsollier, MTCM, RAc, CI Gillian Marsollier received her Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in British Columbia and then successfully passed the provincial registration exam in 2001. She has practiced in Vancouver, BC, St. John's, NL, and Dartmouth, NS. Gillian has been a primary instructor for the 3-year Acupuncture Program in St. John's, NL, through the CompuCollege and served as Program Director for the Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick CompuCollege Acupuncture programs. Her practice specialties include Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Iridology and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.

Lauren MacHattie, BMw, RM Lauren MacHattie is a Registered Midwife who practices as a member of the Midwives Collective of Victoria. She witnessed her first birth at 16, while volunteering as a doula for young mothers in Ottawa. As her interest in midwifery grew, she volunteered at a rural medical clinic in the mountains of Madagascar. She completed her Bachelor of Midwifery at UBC, which included clinical training in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and overseas in Nepal. During her clinical training, she participated in the Fir Square Doula program at BC Women's Hospital, providing doula services to women with substance-use issues who were patients on Fir Square. She has recently moved to Victoria from Kelowna, having spent two years working at Malachite Midwives. Lauren is an instructor for the the Midwifery and Primary Health Providers course within the Holistic Doula Program.

Cameron Moffatt, DO Cameron Moffatt is a graduate of the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and a member of the Society for the Promotion of Manual Practice Osteopathy. He has been a marathon and triathlete competitor and for the last 20 years has studied traditional Japanese Martial Arts, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. He holds a second degree Black belt and has taught Tai Chi and Qi Gong in several locations. In his clinical practice he brings this knowledge into his treatments and home care. Dr. Moffatt is an osteopath at Victoria Osteopath in Victoria.

Dr. Paleah Moher, PhD Dr. Paleah Moher, PhD, received her BSc in Biochemistry (2005) and Doctorate in Toxicology (2010) from the University of Ottawa where she studied the critical link between the environment and human health. Through her studies she has conducted an Inuit ethnobotanical survey, characterized the phytochemicals of an Inuit medicinal plant, and explored this plant's ability to alleviate mercury toxicity. She also spent a year at the Universidad Nacional in Costa Rica, where she studied medicinal plants and the health benefits of eating an antioxidant-rich diet. Paleah grew up in Nunavut and credits her passion for a holistic health approach to the perspectives of Inuit traditions. She is the recipient of numerous national and international awards and scholarships, and has published several research papers. She has always had a passion for teaching and learning.

Jennifer Rankin, DipAOM, RAc, RYT Jennifer is a graduate of Pacific Rim College's Diploma of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program. She integrates her diverse interests in Traditional Chinese Medicine, whole foods nutrition, spiritual psychology, yoga and meditation in her private practice and in her teaching. Jennifer is passionate about using ancient healing practices as modern medicine. In addition to her formal education, Jennifer has had the pleasure of studying closely and extensively with many leaders in the field of wellness including Paul Pitchford, Sarah Powers, and John and Jennifer Welwood. In 2011 she founded Inner Path Integrative Health where she works with clients privately and offers workshops on a variety of health related topics. In 2012 she founded "Inner Path:Outer Action" a non-profit aimed at serving populations that have limited access to health care. Jennifer has also worked internationally including work in Nepal with the Acupuncture Relief Project.

Jason Robertson, MS, LAc Visiting Professor Jason Robertson is a licensed acupuncturist and educator in Seattle, Washington. He spent 8 years studying Chinese language and medicine in Taiwan and China. He is the author of numerous articles on acupuncture channel theory and palpatory diagnostic techniques. In 2008, along with Professor Wang Ju-Yi, he co-authored Applied Channel Theory in Chinese Medicine. Jason was a key speaker at the 2010 TCM Kongress in Rothenburg, Germany. His clinical practice, Kentucky Ginseng, is located in Seattle, and he is a core faculty member at Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine.

Brandt Stickley, LAc Visiting Professor Brandt Stickley is an Assistant Professor of Classical Chinese Medicine at National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and is also faculty at Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine in Gainesville, Florida. He has studied Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis for 10 years with Dr. Leon Hammer, MD. According to Dr. Hammer: "Brandt Stickley has been an esteemed student and colleague for over a decade during which time he has demonstrated a grasp of my message that has illuminated my way to new and inspiring insights. While occupying his own growing special place in the continuum of Chinese medicine he is furthering my own contribution and is clearly in the tradition of creative and innovative minds such as my teacher, Dr. John H. F. Shen who I was blessed to follow."

Betty-Ann Thomson Betty-Ann Thomson has experienced first-hand the unique complexity of how to maneuver in an intricate yet very exciting business world. Her personal experience combined with courses and training has revealed a passion for helping people in business in a meaningful way. As a consultant/trainer/facilitator/teacher that has helped hundreds of start-up businesses, she has experience helping entrepreneurs clarify their vision, build relationships and grow their businesses. Betty-Ann believes that open and honest discussion, getting to the root of the issue, and exploring new and fresh ways to look at a situation allows and facilitates growth and genuine change.

Dr. Carrie Watkins, BSc, ND Dr. Carrie Watkins is a Naturopathic Doctor, Yoga Teacher and Educator. She obtained her Bachelor of Science at McGill University with a focus in Wildlife and Plant Biology and is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. Dr. Watkins has spent many years leading health education and wellness programs in hospital, corporate and community settings. She holds a faculty position at Pacific Rim College teaching courses in Nutrition as well as anatomy and physiology in the Yoga Therapy program.

John Westover John Westover is a Registered Professional Counsellor. He has worked in the counselling field for over 30 years and has provided supervision to therapists in their own practices. He has spent many years studying and offering the teachings and techniques of Kashmir Shaivism. He brings his attentive listening as a therapist and his embodied practice of these teachings into his offerings, and considers that each person, and all aspects of their lives, is the living-classroom.

Dr. Maureen Williams, ND Maureen Williams, ND, received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle in 1995. She had a private practice in Vermont for 13 years before moving to Cortes Island in 2008. Her experience includes studies in traditional herbal medicines of Central America and work in rural clinics in Guatemala and Honduras. She is an author and researcher, regularly publishing articles on the clinical research into natural medicine. She lectures extensively to both professional and public audiences on a wide range of health and natural medicine topics. She currently lives, grows food, cycles and paddles in Victoria, and sees patients at the Victoria Community Health Cooperative health centre in James Bay.

Dr. Jing Zhang, PhD (China), RTCMP Dr. Zhang completed a Bachelor of Medicine degree (specializing in acupuncture and moxibustion), a Master of Medicine degree (specializing in integrating TCM and modern medicine) and a PhD in Internal Medicine of TCM at the Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan Province, China. Dr. Zhang has extensive experience in teaching, research and clinical practice in the field of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Rehabilitation as well as the integration of TCM and Western Medicine. From 1999 until 2008, Dr. Zhang worked as a TCM doctor, acupuncturist and teacher at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM.

Dr. Jin Tripp (Jin Zhao), MD (China), DTCM, RTCMP Dr. Jin Tripp is a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner with 11 years of training in Western and Traditional Medicine areas and 30 years' experience working in Canada and China. After graduation from Jin Zhou Medical University (China), Dr. Tripp worked and taught in China for over 20 years. During that time, she became a chief physician, and this gave her extensive medical experience. While in Canada, Dr. Tripp upgraded her skills by studying Traditional Chinese Medicine in English, and earned the TCMP registration in BC. Her TCM clinic, Jin Tripp Health Service, has been open in Victoria in 2006. She has also worked as an instructor and clinic supervisor in TCM colleges since 2008.

Daniel Zizza, LAc, MAc Dan Zizza became interested in Japanese acupuncture in 1986, while still a student at NIAOM and studying with Stephen Brown. After graduation in 1989, Dan began extensive study in Japanese acupuncture with Stephen Birch, Junko Ida, and Kiiko Matsumoto. In 1995 Dan had the opportunity to study with the senior senseis of the Toyohari meridian therapy association for an introductory weekend. Following that workshop he took the year-long basic training program in Toyohari meridian therapy, completing the program in 1996. Since then Dan has continued studying Toyohari meridian therapy, attending regular trainings with the senseis both in the US and in Japan. Dan began teaching and supervising students in Japanese acupuncture clinic shifts at NIAOM in 1994. In 1998 Dan began instructing in the Japanese acupuncture certificate program. He became a Toyohari meridian therapy instructor in 1999.