ABOUT THE PEOPLE

Dirk P. Hein, M.Ac (UK), L.Ac, Dipl.Ac (NCCAOM)

Director, Clinic Dean, 5E Acupuncture

Dirk P. Hein is the founder and director of Wu Hsing Tao School. He has been in private practice in Seattle for over 27 years, holds a "Master of Acupuncture" from the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in England where he studied under the tutelage and guidance of the late Professor JR Worsley, with whom he organized many seminars, clinical intensives and master-classes. He holds a teaching degree from the Worsley Institute of Classical Acupuncture and received his blessing from Dr. Worsley to teach Five Element Acupuncture and to carry on the tradition of this medicine his teacher brought to the West. The program at Wu Hsing Tao School reflects Dirk Hein's 20 years of teaching experience as a faculty member of a number of institutions where he taught Five Element Acupuncture, including the Worsley Institute of Classical Acupuncture and the Academy of Five Element Acupuncture in Florida, Bastyr University of Natural Medicine, the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Seattle, and the Canadian College of Oriental Studies in Victoria, B.C. He presented at the Northwest Conference on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for several years, appeared on TV and taught Taoist philosophy at Antioch University. He was a two-term president of the Acupuncture Association of Washington, published in the association's journal and was chairman of Washington State Acupuncture Advisory Committee to the Department of Health. He is currently completing his Ph.D in Health Education at Akamai University.


Chaitania Hein, MA

Academic Dean, 5E Psychology

Chaitania Hein holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Antioch University and is the first to hold a certificate degree in Five Element Psychology from Wu Hsing Tao School. Her undergraduate degree in Depth Psychology and The Arts as a Way to Heal gave her a strong foundation which culminated in her Master’s program work, specializing in the understanding of one’s self and relating to others. She is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, where she received her Shakespearean training, she holds certificates in numerous art therapy courses as well as two seminar certificates in Jungian Training from the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. She has studied Yoga, Tai Chi and other movement therapies, such as Improvisational Theater and Creative Dance, building on a solid foundation in the Classics. She brings to her practice many years of experience as a performing artist in dance and theater, ranging from Opera Ballet to Broadway Shows. Her teaching experience includes being a faculty member at Cornish College of the Arts, where she developed a performing group which presented her own original work in the Seattle area for over six years and co-directed for the children’s summer program for two seasons. In addition she has facilitated numerous workshops and seminars for the past thirty years. She is the author of three audio tapes, called "Dance Impulse." She has dedicated her life to the study of psychology, and her experience in teaching psychology comes together in her work with the Inner Child. She has developed many experiential methods of attuning us to various aspects of our psyche in order to not only understand, but also to experience our inner life.


Mark Tibeau, M.Ac, L.Ac

Clinic Supervisor, 5E Acupuncture

Mark Tibeau has been involved in Chinese medicine for over 12 years. He has been in private practice in Seattle for over 10 years and in Covington, WA for 4 years. He is the first graduate of Wu Hsing Tao School, receiving his diploma in Traditional Five Element Acupuncture. He studied directly under Dirk Hein and his determination and eagerness to learn the Traditional Five Element Acupuncture system is what motivated the creation of Wu Hsing Tao School as an institution. Mark has received his Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University, is nationally certified by the NCCAOM as a Diplomat in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine, and has his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Washington State University. His teaching experience in Acupuncture includes that of a Core Faculty member at Wu Hsing Tao School, as well as a Clinical Supervisor, and Point Location Lab Supervisor. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University and is the Vice President and Newsletter Chair of the Washington Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association (WAOMA). He has worked at the Seattle Center Treatment and Wellness Center as an acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine practitioner. Mark Tibeau is a native of the northwest and the Covington / Black Diamond area. His interests include Vipassana meditation, orchid culture, saltwater aquariums, and playing guitar.


William Mueller, M.Ac, L.Ac

Clinic Supervisor, 5E Acupuncture

William Mueller has been teaching courses in acupuncture and Oriental medicine since 1979, offering a myriad of courses at various locations including Yale University, Oxford University, the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy, and Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital. Before embarking on his teaching career, he earned the degree of Master of Acupuncture from J. R. Worsley’s College of Chinese Acupuncture in Leamington Spa, England, in 1985. He came to the discipline of acupuncture from the psychological and philosophical fields, in which he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale in 1978. Since 1979, Mueller has maintained a private acupuncture practice of his own in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His related professional certifications include the Zero Balancing Certification Program in Watsonville, California; the Chinese Herbal Medicine Course in Arlington, Massachusetts; and a Clinical Integration Course in Columbia, Maryland. Mueller is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts and Chairman of the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. His professional memberships include the Traditional Acupuncture Society of the United Kingdom, the National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance, the National Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and the Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts. More information about William Mueller’s background and practice may be viewed at http://cambridgehealthassociates.com/


LuSheng Chong, Ed.D

Chinese History & Calligraphy

LuSheng Chong has been involved with education since 1950, and is an expert on Chinese language, literature, culture and history. He received a Doctor of Education from the University of Washington in 1979, as well as a Master’s of Education from Seattle University in 1970. He received his undergraduate degree in Chinese Language and Literature from National Taiwan Normal University. Professor Chong has taught beginning, intermediate, and advanced Chinese at the University of Washington, Seattle Central Community College, and Pacific Lutheran University, and as well as Chinese Medicine terminology at the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. His work has been published in the Mandarin Daily News, in the New Practical Chinese-English Dictionary, Mandarin Phonetics, and has translated several books and articles. He serves as the Vice Chair of the Taoist Studies Institute in Seattle, and founded the Chinese Culture Learning Center in 1975, in which he is currently the Director and instructor. More information about LuSheng Chong and his teachings can be viewed at http://www.learn-chinese.org/


Leticia Jaramillo, M.Ac, L.Ac

Clinic Supervisor, 5E Acupuncture, Jin Shin Do

Leticia Jaramillo is a graduate of the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture (AFEA). She is a graduated Medical Qigong Practitioner and also graduated from the Herbal Medicine program at AFEA. She has been in private practice since 2005 and is currently a Clinic Supervisor, Point Location Supervisor and Core Faculty at Wu Hsing Tao School.


Konnie Suther, L.Ac.

Clinic Supervisor, Point Lab Instructor, 5E Acupuncture

Konnie Suther is a 2004 graduate of Wu Hsing Tao School. She completed an Advanced Training for 5 Element Practitioners course with Dirk Hein in April of 2010, is certified as an NCCAOM diplomat and certified through the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). She is currently in practice at the Ballard Health Center in Seattle.


Taunya Mattson, L.Ac.

Clinic Supervisor, Point Lab Instructor, 5E Acupuncture

Taunya Mattson is a 2008 graduate of Wu Hsing Tao School. She holds a Master’s in teaching from the Evergreen State College in 1998, and earned a Bachelor of Arts with focus on intellectual history in 1990. Taunya teaches Five Element Acupuncture courses at Wu Hsing Tao School, focusing in Meridians & Points and Surface Anatomy. She is currently in private practice in Seattle.


Louise O’Sullivan, L.Ac, LMT

Point Lab Instructor, 5E Acupuncture

Louise O’ is a 2008 graduate of Wu Hsing Tao School and graduate of Seattle University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1996. She is also a licensed massage therapist, and graduated from the Brenekke School of Massage. She received her Samadhi Yoga Teacher Training Certificate in 2002 and has been teaching yoga for over 5 years, specializing in combining Hatha yoga with the Five Elements, allowing the element in season to be embodied in movement. Louise O’Sullivan is currently in private practice in Seattle.


Key Sun, Ph.D, MSW, MA

Chinese History & Chinese Brush Painting

Key Sun is an expert on Chinese culture, teaching our students the principles of Taoist philosophy and psychology through Chinese brush painting. He focuses on the Sumi style of painting, a technically demanding art commonly associated with intricate landscapes. As well as an accomplished artist, Dr. Sun is a psychologist, holding a Masters and PhD in the field from Rutgers University in New Jersey. His other teaching positions include that of law and justice professor at Central Washington University at the Lakewood campus; he holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Beijing University in China, and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Rutgers. In his non-academic life, Dr. Sun has been a Correctional Mental Health Counselor II for the Washington Department of Corrections, a position he held from 1998 to 2000. His experience in that job led to the publication of his book, “Correctional Counseling: A Cognitive Growth Perspective in 2008.” His other publications include articles for the Russian Institute for Cultural Research, the Journal of Theoretical & Philosophical Psychology, and Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health & Fitness.


Catherine Follis, D.C

Anatomy & Physiology, Survey of Western Science/Pathology, Biomedical Sciences

Catherine Follis received her Doctor of Chiropractic, cum laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa and is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Augustana College in Rock Island, Iowa. Dr. Follis is a College Accreditation Evaluator for the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), an Anatomy & Physiology instructor and team lead for Everest College, a First Aid/CPR instructor for the Red Cross, and provides Anatomy & Physiology tutoring. She is currently in practice as the primary physician and owner of Bodies in Balance, a family and sports medicine practice in Seattle.


Kathleen Bundy, MS

Biochemistry in Nutrition

Kathleen Bundy is a 2005 graduate of Bastyr University with a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Health Sciences from Bastyr University. She is currently an Adjunct Faculty member at Bastyr University and Wu Hsing Tao School. Kathleen Bundy is a Registered and Certified Dietician, and is currently in practice at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. She is also sole proprietor of Natural Progression Health and Nutrition, providing nutritional counseling and consultation in Everett, WA.


 

Patrick Bufi, ND

Biomedical Sciences

Patrick Bufi has been at service in the medical field since 1970. His medical practice is centered on Oncology, Pulmonary Medicine, and Internal Medicine with treatment modalities utilizing botanicals, orthomolecular therapy, counseling, and physical medicine, specializing in treatment and research of cystic fibrosis. He received his Naturopathic Doctor degree from Bastyr University in 1989 and a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Bastyr University. Dr. Bufi has taught biomedical sciences at the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Ashmead College, Bastyr University, and Seattle Massage School. He served as Vice Chair of Wu Hsing Tao School and was the Chair of the Western Medicine department at the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He has been published in the Alternative Medicine Review, Cystic Fibrosis: Therapeutic Options for Co-Management in 1997, is a co-author of the Therapeutic Monograph Collection, and his research has been featured in the Living Healthy, Living Well renal dialysis newsletter by Renaissance Corporation, and in the Magnolia News in 2001. He is a P.A.D.I. certified S.C.U.B.A. diver for Open WateBasic and Advanced Open Water Search and Recovery Teams. His professional memberships include Patrons for Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Washington State Chapter, New Insights into Cystic Fibrosis, and Physicians for Social Responsibility. He is currently licensed and in practice as a Naturopathic Doctor at Northwest Natural Health Specialty Clinic in Seattle. More information about Patrick Bufi’s background and practice may be viewed at http://www.nwnaturalhealth.com/


 

Diane Spicer, DN, MS, MIT

Microbiology

Diane Spicer holds a Doctorate of Naprapathy from the National College of Naprapathic Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Her other degrees include a Master of Science in Environmental Toxicology/Epidemiology from the University of Wisconsin in Green Bay, and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Washington, from which she also received a Master of Information Technology (Specialist in Math and Science Teaching). Since 2007, she has been involved in directing the course of basic science instruction at Bastyr University, where she focuses on human biology and pathology. Before she began her teaching career, Dr. Spicer was the Quality Control Coordinator for the Biologics Production Facility at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center from 1994 to 1996, and a Clinical Microbiologist for University of Chicago Hospitals. Other teaching positions she has held include Adjunct Faculty positions at Lake Washington Technical College and at I.T.T. Technical Institute. Current professional memberships of Dr. Spicer’s include the American Naprapathic Association (ANA) and the American Society for Microbiology; she has also been a member of the National Science Teachers Association and was the 1966 Program Chair for the American Medical Writers Association.


 

Brandy Webb, ND

Pharmacology

Brandy Webb received her Naturopathic Doctor degree from Bastyr University in 2007. She is is currently in private practice in Tacoma, where she specializes in botanical formulation, preconception/fertility health, and midwifery, for which she obtained doula certification from the Seattle Midwifery School.


 

Jim Tucker, MD

5E Acupuncture

Jim Tucker is a graduate of the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (UK), earning two advanced degrees from CTCA. He graduated from the University of Toronto with an M.D. degree, and specialized in obstetrics. Dr. Tucker is the founding fember of the first Canadian College for traditional Five Element Acupuncture in Victoria, BC, 1985, and is currently in private practice as a Five Element Acupuncturist in Victoria, BC.


 

Rachel Diaz, M.Ac, L.Ac, MSW

National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Training

Rachel Diaz is a 1990 graduate of the Northwest Institute for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, specialist in auricular acupuncture and founding member of the NADA program at Evergreen Treatment Services in the treatment of chemical dependency. She received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington in 1978 and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from New Mexico State University in 1975. She is the current Acupuncture Program Coordinator at Evergreen Treatment Services, and has taught NADA training at the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine, Bastyr University, National Institute for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and Vancouver Community College. She is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Washington, the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance, a Board Member of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association and King County Mental Health. Rachel Diaz has presented at many conferences, including the NW Regional Acupuncture Conference, the WA State Coalition on Women’s Substance Abuse Issues, and the International Conference on Integrative Medicine. She has been published in the American Journal on Addictions, with an article entitled, “Acupuncture as an Adjunct to Methadone Treatment Services.”


 

Brenda Loew, M.Ac., L.Ac

Japanese Acupuncture

Brenda Loew has practiced Japanese Acupuncture in Seattle since 1991. Her clinical focus is on Toyohari meridian therapy. Along with her private acupuncture practice, Loew is a founding member of the Japanese Acupuncture Institute, LLC, and has taught at Bastyr University, Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the University of Washington-Seattle, and the Asian Institute of Medical Studies in Tucson, Arizona. She received her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 1994. She also holds a Master’s Degrees in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (1983) and a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in German and Art History from Middlebury college in Vermont. Brenda Loew’s professional affiliations include membership in the Toyohari Association of Japan, the Washington Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association, the North American Society of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, the American Association for Teachers of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and the International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine. Awards she has received include the Toyohari Medical Association of Japan’s Award for Outstanding Service, received in Tokyo, on March 15, 2006. More information about Brenda Loew’s background and practice may be viewed at http://www.stillpointhealth.net/brenda-loew.html


 

Yasuo Mori, BA, LMP

Shiatsu

Yasuo Mori has been practicing Shiatsu therapy for over 30 years in Seattle. He studied directly under Itsu Mori in Japan, and received a Bachelor of Arts from the Kagoshima International University in 1968 with a focus in Shiatsu, Oriental Medicine, and Macrobiotics. He is an active member of the American Massage Therapy Association, and is a current licensed practitioner. He has taught Shiatsu and Macrobiotics at the Brian Utting School of Massage (now Cortiva Institute), Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine, and the Northwest Institute of Oriental Medicine. More information about Yasuo Mori’s background and practice may be viewed at http://www.shiatsuyasuomori.com/


 

Yuming Zhu, MA

Chinese (Sumi) Brush Painting

Yuming Zhu holds a Master of Art from California State University and a Bachelor of Art from Shanghai Teacher’s University. He is a lifelong and renowned artist, and has received first prize awards and honors at several art shows throughout Washington and California. He published a Sumi painting instructional DVD, entitled Interpretation of the Four Gentlemen, and published the Chinese painting section in Five Thoughts of Asian Art through the Seattle Art Museum. He teaches Sumi painting at Seattle Community College, Bellevue Community College, and Edmonds Community College, has taught workshops at the Northwest Art Museum, and has organized artist trips to China. His work has been exhibited all throughout the northwest in solo and group shows. Yuming Zhu is affiliated with the Puget Sound Sumi Association, the National Sumi-e Society, and the PS Pastel Society.