We're honored to present our faculty.

Maria Abbas, B.A., C.M.T., is a massage therapist who is dedicated to assisting individuals in integrating the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of human life by providing alternatives that bridge the gap between western and eastern healing modalities.  Maria holds certifications in a number of healing practices including reiki, hypnotherapy and Primordial Sound Meditation from the Chopra Center, La Jolla California. In addition, Maria is able to guide and instruct individuals in a variety of meditation practices from a variety of ancient wisdom traditions.

Karl Ardo, M.F.A., Certified Five Element Medical Qi Gong Instructor, a Zero Balancer and ZB Advisory Board member. He teaches Qi Gong, Meditation and has a private practice. He began his studies in 1974 and is currently developing Qi Gong programs for developmentally disabled children at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. 

Tom Balles, M.Ac., L.Ac., has been a practicing acupuncturist since 1985 and teaches in both the Acupuncture and Transformative Leadership and Social Change programs at Tai Sophia. He is the author of Dancing with the Ten Thousand Things: Ways to Become a Powerful Healing Presence and Cultivating Healing Presence Chart.

Zoe Brenner, L.Ac., M.Ac. (UK) graduated from The College of Traditional Acupuncture in 1977. She many different programs at TAI including history and Classics and Chinese Herbal Medicine. She has lectured in many places in the US and Europe and contributed to a number of textbooks. She started her study of Japanese acupuncture in 1989 and has been to Japan 8 times as well as study with Japanese teachers in the US and Europe and is a certified teacher of Toyohari Acupuncture.

Rosalyn L. Bruyere, world-renowned energy healer, is involved with ongoing research at many major medical and healing institutions throughout the country. Locally she is a consultant on a research project involving children with traumatic brain injury and children with lead poisoning at Baltimore’s Kennedy Krieger Institute. Bruyere is the author of Wheels of Light: A Study of the Chakras.

Dianne M. Connelly, Ph.D., M.Ac. (UK), Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM), a practitioner of acupuncture for over 32 years and co-founder and chancellor of Tai Sophia Institute, a teacher of various programs including Redefining Health, SOPHIA®, and acupuncture course work. She also conducts workshops nationally and is the author of Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements, All Sickness is Homesickness, Medicine Words: Language of Love for the Treatment Room of Life,  and co-author of Alive and Awake: Wisdom for Kids.

Stephen Cowan, M.D., FAAP, C.Ac., is a board certified pediatrician with 25 years of clinical experience working with children experiencing a host of acute and chronic medical and psychological challenges.  He has found Chinese medicine to be an excellent approach that is at once gentle and powerful.  Stephen has a sub-specialty in Developmental Pediatrics and is certified in Medical Acupuncture. This background has led him to a deeper study of the classics and its applicability to his work with children. He is a fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and holds memberships with the AAP Committee on Children with Disabilities, the Autism Research Institute, and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. He is a co-founder and advisory board member of the Holistic Pediatric Association.  He is also a co-founder of Riverside Pediatrics, in Croton, New York, where he incorporates alternative therapies in the treatment of childhood disorders.   He has lectured internationally on the holistic management of these problems. Understanding the child as an inter-related part of family and environment is the central focus of his practice. This approach respects the inseparability of mind, body, and spirit and promotes a deeper understanding of what it means to be healthy.

Arlene Dalcin, R.D., L.D., is a Research Program Manager at Johns Hopkins ProHealth, a clinical research center for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.  She has participated in clinical trial research at Johns Hopkins University for over 15 years. As a registered dietitian, Arlene’s focus is assisting groups and individuals to make healthy lifestyle changes and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. Her research experience includes designing, implementing and evaluating dietary and exercise interventions for a variety of populations.  These projects incorporate health education and cognitive behavioral therapy and rely on the use of motivational interviewing by providers.  Arlene is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.

Georganne “Geo” Derick, B.A., M.S., received her Master of Science in Herbal Medicine from Tai Sophia Institute. Through her practice as a clinical herbalist, nutrition and wellness counselor, she brings her passion for plants and people to clients, students, and associates nationwide. She also is president of Merchandising East, an interior architecture and design firm specializing in healing spaces; in that role she is a national speaker, educator, and widely published writer. At her farm in Berryville, VA, she enjoys wildcrafting and gardening. Derick holds a B.A. degree in Cultural Anthropology and English Literature.

Robert Duggan, M.A., M.Ac. (UK), Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM) is co-founder and president of Tai Sophia Institute and has practiced traditional acupuncture since 1973. He has served as chair of the Maryland State Board of Acupuncture, a commissioner of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and is an active member of the National Alliance for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.  He is the author of the recently released book, Common Sense for the Healing Arts.

Martin Feldman, L.Ac. is Chair and Faculty Member of the Japanese Acupuncture Department at the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA).  A 1992 graduate of NESA, Martin Feldman has studied with renowned masters such as Dr. Yoshio Manaka and Mr. Kodo Fukushima.  A founding member of the Boston AIDS Care Project, he belongs to the Boston branch of the Toyo Hari Association. Martin maintains a private practice in Watertown, MA.

Camille Freeman, M.S., D.N.D., R.H. (AHG), received her bachelor’s degree from Rice University and completed an apprenticeship in herbal studies with Desert Woman Botanicals in Gila, New Mexico. She received her Master of Science in Herbal Medicine from the Tai Sophia and is a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG). She is certified as a nutrition specialist through the American College of Nutrition, and is a licensed nutritionist in the State of Maryland. In 2007, Camille completed an M.S. in physiology and biophysics from Georgetown University. Her primary clinical focus lies in reproductive health and endocrinology.  Camille is passionate about promoting sustainability in healthcare and helping women of all ages deepen their understanding of the body’s many cycles.

Bob Gordon, M.S., M.A., Co-Program Manager of Tai Sophia’s Workplace and Organizational Wellness has over 25 years of professional experience in adult learning and is a professional coach, couples counselor, and certified Imago® Relationship Educator.  Bob received his M.S. from American University and the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science.  He is also a graduate of Tai Sophia’s M.A. program in Applied Healing Arts.  Bob is doing additional graduate work in counseling at Loyola College of Maryland.  Bob has been married to Robyn Gordon for 13 years.

Jeremy Harlow, L.P.N., L.M.T. holds a black belt in Hap Ki Do from the U.S. Korean Martial Arts Federation and a second degree black sash from the World Kuoshu Federation. He is a 65th generation disciple of Grandmaster Huang, Chien-Liang and is a certified Taiji Quan instructor through the U.S. Kuoshu Federation and the Wu Kui Tang Headquarters. Jeremy has presented Qi Gong training at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, U.S. National Security Agency, University of Maryland School of Social Work, and Anne Arundel Community College.

Noreen Javornik, M.Ac., is the Co-Director for the Animal Acupuncture Program. Ms. Javornik is a core faculty member of the Tai Sophia acupuncture program. She maintains a full-time practice since 1997 and Ms. Javornik has been treating animals since 1998.

Arlyn Kline, R.N., is certified by UCLA as a health consultant in Integral Nursing and has practiced as a Registered Nursesince 1975, specializing in Psychiatric and Holistic modalities. Kline has been a teacher of Energy Balancing since 1983. She has taught the theory and practice of Chakra energy work inseminars sponsored by the State of Maryland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, and the Schools of Nursing at University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, and UCLA.

Kaiya Larson, M.Ac., L.Ac., is a graduate of the Traditional Acupuncture Institute (now Tai Sophia Institute) and has been practicing acupuncture since 1998. Kaiya is core faculty in Tai Sophia's Master of Acupuncture program, a supervisor in the Faculty-Supervised Student Clinic, and is an acupuncture practitioner at Tai Sophia's Natural Care Center.
 
Much of Kaiya’s practice focuses on women where she supports both the physical and emotional aspects of women's gynecological and reproductive health.  Due to years of her own fertility issues, Kaiya gained a deep understanding of the struggle that many women experience. Having found acupuncture to be an excellent support (resulting in two beautiful children), she was naturally drawn to treating women with their own fertility issues. .

Ashley Litecky, B.A., R.Y.T., has been practicing yoga for over 8 years and has studied with world renowned teachers Ravi Singh and Roger Cole.  Combining her passion of world travel, plants and yoga, Litecky has studied and taught yoga in Australia and Costa Rica while studying native plants of those regions. 

Pamela Miles, has over 30 years experience as a clinician, educator and lecturer in natural healing. Ms. Miles began practicing Reiki in 1986 and was initiated as a Reiki master in 1990. She has developed complementary treatment programs for major New York City hospitals to address a wide variety of medical and surgical problems in adults and children using traditional healing techniques, especially Reiki, meditation, and yoga. As a content expert, she has participated in the design and implementation of several clinical trials on Reiki including an NIH-funded study of Reiki in the treatment of stroke patients and a study on the use of Reiki in the management of HIV/AIDS.

Heidi Most, M.Ac., is a graduate of Tai Sophia Institute and serves on the faculty teaching Basic Acupuncture Theory and Point Location. An acupuncture practitioner, Most developed the NCCAOM course in 2002.

Robert Notter, B.S. in Marketing, C.H.H.C., A.A.D.P., Robert is founder and president of Robert Notter Business Coaching, a company devoted to empowering health and wellness entrepreneurs to build successful and fulfilling businesses. Based in New York City, he works with clients all over the world. His practice is focused on helping individuals attract clients, increase income, and enjoy long-term personal and professional success. He has worked with and taught over 4500 people nationally. As a faculty member at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, he leads the Marketing Education Program.

Deidre O’Brien, P.T., M.P.H., is been physical therapist since 1983.  She holds a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University. Deidre hold a certificate in Feldenkrais®: Awareness through Movement ® since 1996.

Rose Payne, C.H.H.C., A.A.D.P., is founder of High Level Wellness, a holistic health and nutrition center in Cherry Hill, NJ. In private practice, she offers assistance to people throughout the country. She is also the Director of the Immersion Graduate Program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC. Her passion is helping clients to transform their lives through the power of nutrition. Her sense of humor combines with a kindhearted, intelligent and practical approach to guiding people to vital healthy lives. Rose is also the original author of the Food & Mood column for Cuizine Magazine.

Michael Phillips, B.A., M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM),is a graduate of Pomona College and the Traditional Acupuncture Institute (now Tai Sophia Institute). Affiliated with the Institute since 1985, he is a distinguished lecturer on the faculty, where he has served as dean of students and faculty chairman. Phillips also teaches workshops using concepts in theater arts and traditional acupuncture to enhance sensory skills and insights into five element philosophy.

Molly Punzo, M.D., is an internist and homeopathic doctor.  After completing her residency at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT, she founded and directed the Center for Integrative Medicine at the hospital and practiced homeopathy and other holistic approaches to treat and support the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of her patients. Currently, she is Medical Director of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety at Shore Health System in Easton, MD. 

Evan Rabinowitz, M.Ac., L.Ac., is a graduate of the Tai Sophia Institute with a Master in Acupuncture and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Chinese Herbs.  Evan has spent 15 years studying Perennial Philosophy with Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr, George Washington University.  After completing his initial herbal training, he apprenticed with Thea Elijah and has continued to teach with and work closely with her for many years.  He has studied with Jeffrey Yuen for the last six years, most recently completing a graduate certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Sharon Sirkis, B.S.N., became an accredited Tai Chi Chih (TCC) teacher in 1997. Since 1998, she has been teaching TCC at Senior Living Community, UMBC, and most recently, to the MS Day Group at Kernan Hospital. Sirkis is also a Reiki Master, a Chakra Energy Healing practitioner, a Black Belt in Karate, and a Firekeeper for Native American sweat lodge ceremony.

Fritz Smith, M.D., D.O., M.Ac.(UK), is the co-founder and international teacher of Zero Balancing. He is the author of Inner Bridges: A Guide to Energy Movement and Structure. Smith is a fellow of the American College of Chinese Acupuncture and has taught at Tai Sophia Institute for many years.

Michael O. Smith, M.D., D.Ac., is an internationally recognized teacher in the addiction field. He has pioneered the use of acupuncture at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx for the past 30 years. This method is now used in more than 200 addiction treatment settings in the New York area and in 2000 locations worldwide. Lincoln is also known for its successful women’s program and as the model clinic for the drug court movement. Dr. Smith is able to combine the wisdom of Chinese philosophy and the 12 step movement in his approach to addiction and wellness.

Rebecca Snow, M.S., R.H. (A.G.H.), C.N.S. is a clinical herbalist and licensed nutritionist at  Tai Sophia Institute's Natural Care Center . After acquiring her Master of Science Degree in Herbal Medicine, Rebecca practiced for 4 ½ years in an integrative medical office where she gained a wealth of clinical experience with complex health concerns.  Since 2004, Rebecca has delivered a host of community course offerings that combine her wealth of clinical experience and her passion for sharing the gifts of herbs and healing foods.  Rebecca’s herbal program offerings are always fun, blending great coursework with practical applications in wellness.

Randi Sobel, M.Ac., is a graduate of the Tai Sophia Institute acupuncture and animal acupuncture program. Ms. Sobel maintains a full-time practice in Baltimore, Maryland.

Anne Strozier Adams, L.Ac., M.Ac., M.A. is an acupuncturist who graduated in 1984 from the Tai Sophia Institute.  She also earned her M.A. in Applied Healing Arts from the Institute in 2004.  Twice she was noted in Washingtonian Magazine as one of the “Top Acupuncturists” in the DC area.  For more than a decade, Anne led week-long Anchoring in Stillness Retreats in the New Mexico wilderness, during which participants were able to experience life-altering changes in self-awareness and health.   For many years until his death, Anne was a student of Dainin Katagiri Roshi, Abbot of the Zen Center in Minneapolis, MN.   In Silver Spring, MD Anne owned The Spectrum Center for Natural Medicine until last November.  Currently, she lives in Lewisburg, WV.

John G. Sullivan, Ph.D., is Powell Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Elon University and is the principal designer of Tai Sophia’s Master of Arts in Transformative Leadership and Social Change (formerly Applied Healing Arts) program. He is the author of To Come to Life More Fully, Living Large: Transformative Work at the Intersection of Ethics and Spirituality, and The Spiral of Seasons: Welcoming the Gifts of Later Life.

Cheryl Walker, M.L., M.C.C., Co-Program Manager of Tai Sophia’s Workplace and Organizational Wellness  brings over 20 years of experience as an educator into her work as a consultant, facilitator and coach.  Cheryl has a Master of Leadership from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and holds a Master Certified Coach (MCC) certification from the International Coach Federation.

Stephen Wegener, Ph.D., American Board of Professional Psychologists (ABPP) is Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is a clinical psychologist and focuses on providing psychological services to persons with chronic illness or traumatic injuries. His research focuses on developing interventions to improve function and reduce disability for those with chronic health conditions. Wegner’s work emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care models, patient self-management, and the use of motivational interviewing by providers. He has lectured nationally and internationally on effective health behavior change and positive psychology.  Dr. Wegener is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.

Chan Zhang trained in her native China. After her doctor advised her to learn Qi Gong to treat a heart condition, Zhang mastered this ancient art. She has conducted Qi Gong classes in Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Zhang is also a lecturer in the Master of Acupuncture program at Tai Sophia Institute.