Practitioners

Dr. John Paul Liang is the Chief Executive Officer of Kassandra Wellness Group and the former President of the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and the Texas Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

He has also served as the former Chair of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine, which is the agency that accredits all the Chinese medicine colleges in the country. He received his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University in 1997, his Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in 2001, and his Ph.D. in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University. He has been involved in numerous research studies with Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, University of Houston, and others.

He also spearheaded the acupuncture-related artificial intelligence project with the University of St. Thomas. He has made several television appearances and has been invited to over 100 community speaking events.

Dr. Gregory Sparkman is Vice President at Kassandra Wellness Group. He is also the Interim President of the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, an Assistant Professor, a Director of Clinical Development and Patient Relations, a Board Member of the Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and an Advisory Board Member of Tomii Healing and Wellness.

He received his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2005, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in 2018 (First Professional Doctorate), and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (Specializing in Women’s Health) in 2017, all from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Sparkman has a Ph.D. in Acupuncture and Moxibustion (In Progress (ABD) at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Medical Qigong from the International Institute of Medical Qigong.

He has been involved in numerous research studies with Houston Methodist Hospital, the University of Houston (ongoing), and others. He is also a team member of the acupuncture-related artificial intelligence project with the University of St. Thomas (ongoing). He has made several television appearances and has spoken at many community events.

Dr. Tiffany Kristensen is the Executive Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. She has extensive training in the mind-body connection and understands the psychosomatic cause of many illnesses. She educates patients on the psychological aspects leading to disease while fostering encouragement and motivation to achieve healthier bodies and minds for long-lasting results.

She studies under the world-renowned Dr. Joe Dispenza and his team, Inner Health Coalition. Only 150 Doctors and health practitioners worldwide have been selected to implement his work in their clinics. She helps patients understand how habitual negative thoughts and beliefs can create disease in the body. She has been featured in Top Docs Living Magazine in The Woodlands for two years and has won the best acupuncture clinic in The Woodlands for three years straight.

Dr. Tiffany Kristensen got her Doctorate from the Pacific College of Health and Science and her Master's from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). She integrates ancient medicine with the most advanced biohacking technologies to treat patients while also discovering the psychosomatics of diseases to offer a well-rounded program to combat illnesses.

Dr. Taylor Roy is Executive Director at Kassandra Wellness Group. She is a licensed acupuncturist certified by the Texas Medical Board of Acupuncture Examiners and a designated Diplomate in Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

She has extensive training in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and received her Master's (M.A.O.M.) and Doctoral (D.A.C.M) degrees from the prestigious American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, located in Houston, Texas.

In addition to her studies at ACAOM, Dr. Taylor Roy has participated in additional training at the largest Chinese Medicine Institute in Sao Paulo, Brazil (EBRAMEC). She was also chosen by MD Anderson to observe their physicians administer acupuncture in an integrative setting, in which they utilized acupuncture as a treatment for cancer patients with chemo-induced side effects. Dr. Taylor Roy maintains a private practice in Sugar Land, Texas, and assists in teaching courses at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

Michelle Iwama is an Executive Director at Kassandra Wellness Group. She is a licensed acupuncturist in the State of Texas and is Board Certified through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Michelle graduated from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) in 2011 with a Master's Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. ACAOM has a professional affiliation with the Houston Methodist Healthcare System.

Michelle fulfilled her internship requirements at the Houston Methodist Hospital - Medical Center. She has also served as the licensed acupuncture practitioner at both the Medical Center and the Woodlands Methodist Hospital Wellness Center locations.

Michelle works in private practice, specializing in Women's Health & Pain Management. She is also certified as a 5 Element Functional Medicine Practitioner with a layered specialty in Holistic Endocrinology and Fertility.

Dr. Brian S. Atkins is the Executive Director of Kassandra Wellness Group and the current Director of Acupuncture and herbal Medicine for Goldenfeather Herbs & Acupuncture.

He received his Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College in 1997, his Master of Science in Clinical Western Herbal Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2006, his Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and his Doctorate of Chinese Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in 2015 and 2022, respectively. Having trained with renowned herbalists and ethnobotanists such as Simon Mills and the late Dr. James Duke, he has extensive experience in herbal research and monograph writing.

He has participated in herbal medicine research projects with Maryland University of Integrated Health, Morgan State University, and others. He has been invited to numerous speaking engagements, and taught Medical Nutrition, Medical Qigong and Tai Chi to a wide variety of communities.

Dr. Amber Berg is an Executive Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. Dr. Berg earned a Ph.D in Eco-applied Psychology, a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine where she assisted in scientific research and extensive mentorships. Amber has additional certifications in Kundalini yoga, sound healing, and homeopathy.

Amber worked in the medical field at Houston Methodist Hospitals. She has opened several clinics in the US and worked in Luxury Spas worldwide curating a signature shen treatment. Her practice merges ancient medicine and revolutionary scientific tools to find total body healing and spirit revitalization. 

As a former athlete and horse trainer, Amber developed a curiosity for thoroughly healing old injuries. Amber's specialties are women’s health, chronic disease, and injury healing. Dr. Berg is the founder of Ho'olawai, a wellness practice in Hawaii est. 2012, and is currently expanding worldwide. 

Dr. Seneca Dewbre is Executive Director at Kassandra Group. She is the founder and owner of Acupuncture Healing Corner in Oklahoma City. She graduated from West Texas A&M University with a Bachelors in Biology in 2009.

Dr. Dewbre earned a Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) degree from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in Houston, TX, in 2013. Her clinical training consisted of interning at the Houston Methodist Hospital Wellness Outpatient Clinic in Houston, TX, where she was hired as part-time staff at Methodist Hospital in Houston and Sugarland after graduation. After relocating to Oklahoma City, she helped develop the acupuncture program at Integris Hospital from 2015 to 2020.

Dr. Dewbre has completed additional training in facial and neck cosmetic acupuncture. Most of her OKC patient base is women’s health and fertility patients. She has been very involved in the community, from workshops to speaking engagements.

Dr. Lance Lee is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group and founder/owner of Acupuncture Medical Associates beginning in 2000. That same year, he graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, NM, and opened two clinics in Eastern New Mexico during those early years.

He decided to improve his clinical abilities by becoming a dedicated student of the late Grandmaster Dr. Richard The-Fu Tan in 2004, a Dr. Tan Gold Level Certified Balance Method Acupuncturist in 2012, and a Dr. Tan Ba-Zi Graduate in 2013.

He began deepening his Ba-Zi studies with Tracy Stewart to use as a tool in helping patients turn their health around by following guidelines for nutrition, exercise & meditation.

Dr. Thalia Micah is the Director of Kassandra Wellness Group, CEO, Founder, and Chief Medical Officer at Institute of Integrative Health Specialists and Holistic Wellness Center.

She is also serving as the CEO and Founder for both The Healing Village and Kponika Apothecary. Along with her specialization as a licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Micah also holds a massage therapy license, is a Reiki Master, Pranic Healer, and an Internationally Certified Life Coach. She has served as a lecturer at both Rice University and Johns Hopkins and also taught at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and Institute of Integrative Health Specialists.

She specializes in Dermatology Acupuncture, Anti-Aging and Post-Surgical Skin Specialist, Orthopedic Acupuncture Specialist for the Upper Body, and is a Traditional Herbalist, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and Conscious Living Consultant.

Dr. Annie Vy Dang is the Director of Kassandra Wellness Group and founder and Chief Executive Officer of Resilient Oriental Medicine clinic in Spring, Texas. She is a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in Texas and is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) with a diploma of Oriental medicine.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Dr. Dang received her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of St. Thomas (Houston, TX) in 2017, her Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in 2020, and her Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in 2021.

She was a member of the American Chemical Society and was involved in gold nano-particle research studies at the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Dang was an Asian Pacific Islander American Scholar (APIA) and later became a trained peer mentor for the current and prospective APIA scholarship recipients.

Dr. VedAcharya Dhanada Kulkarni is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. She is also a renowned figure in Vedic sciences and is globally acknowledged as a keynote speaker, presenter, and panelist in integrated medicine.

With 23 years experience, Dr. Kulkarni, a Yajur Vedic Brahmin, inherits profound knowledge in Vedic astrology, Vastu, and spiritual Vedic sciences. Excelling as a classical Ayurveda clinician, Vedic astrologer, and Vastu consultant, she actively promotes Vedic sciences worldwide. Dr. Kulkarni holds many prestigious leadership roles including founder, president, board of directors, advisory board member, faculty, academic expert, Ayurveda physician, and researcher for organizations like TAPAS, NAMA, NAMA-CB, AAPNA, CAC, NCAM, ICAA, IACDSC, and Madhav Bhag USA Advisory Council.

She has received international accolades such as the Patanjali Award for Yogic Research and the Dhanwantari Award, continuously advancing Vedic sciences globally. Dr. Kulkarni's contributions extend to esteemed institutions like the University of North Texas, Vivekananda Yoga University, Mount Madonna Institute, The Ayurveda School of the UK, and the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

Dr. Hui Ouyang is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. He grew up in a family of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and earned his medical degree in China in 1993. He later obtained his Texas Acupuncturist License in 2004 and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 2008.

After relocating to the United States in 1999, Dr. Ouyang engaged in extensive acupuncture research as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas Medical Branch and as a research scientist at Transneuronix Research, Inc. His research has garnered several awards at American and international conferences, and he has published articles in prestigious medical journals. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ouyang teaches doctoral programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine at various institutions, including ACAOM, ATOM, AAAOM/AAHW, and ACTCM.

He offers a unique integrative approach known as AcuChiro Therapy, which combines acupuncture, chiropractic care, Chinese herbs, and nutrition to safely and effectively diagnose and treat spine-related disorders. His expertise extends to treating sports injuries, and his treatments have notably benefited players from the Houston Dynamo soccer team. Dr. Ouyang's work in pain management for PTSD patients was highlighted in The New York Times. He is currently secretary of the American TCM Association and founded the National Academic Forum for Acupuncture and TCM Orthopedics.

Tracee Beaumont is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. She is a licensed acupuncturist for holistic health and wellness. She has a Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences from Michigan State University and a Master's in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

Since 2011, Tracee has honed her skills to create individualized programs for total mind, body, and inner healing. She is a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

She aims to further her knowledge of holistic care and collaborate with other medical professionals to improve patient care and recovery.

Dr. Djukic is Director at Kassandra Wellness Group. She is a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With years of experience in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Dr. Djukic promotes ancient wisdom with modern healing and specializes in pain management, female health and fertility, and mental health amongst others.

Her approach is holistic, focusing not just on effectively alleviating symptoms but also on addressing the root causes of disease. By integrating acupuncture, herbal remedies, cupping therapy, electro stimulation and lifestyle recommendations, she provides comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

She was also a former practitioner at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine outreach facility at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Medical Center. Her focus is to help achieve optimal health and wellness for patients through the time-honored practices of Chinese medicine.

Dr. Tavakoli is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group and is licensed by the Texas State Medical Board. She is also board-certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbology by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

She has a Doctorate (DACM) and a Master’s (MAOM) degree in Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. She also has a Master’s in Public Health/Epidemiology (MPH) from the University of Texas and a Bachelor’s in Biology (BS), with a minor in Psychology from the University of Houston.

Dr. Tavakoli’s philosophy includes following the rhythm of nature as part of bringing balance and harmony to one’s life, and natural healing. Dr. Tavakoli has treated patients for pain management, chronic asthma & allergies, digestive issues, gynecological conditions such as PMS and infertility, managing chemotherapy’s side effects, Xerostomia/Dry mouth, stress, anxiety, insomnia, relaxation and facial rejuvenation, amongst many other conditions.

Oanhvu Nguyen (Viviene Nguyen) is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group and a licensed acupuncturist under the Texas Medical Board since 2009. She is a national board-certified acupuncturist & herbalist under the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

She completed her post-graduate clinical experience at the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine located in Tianjin. Nguyen is dedicated to and passionate about bringing great healthcare to people in order to reduce pain or restore balance

Vicki is a Director at Kassandra Wellness Group. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Northern Arizona University and a post-degree certification in Secondary Education from Rio Salado College, graduating with honors in both programs. She was a science educator for eight years, where she designed and implemented the curriculum for several innovative science courses.

After relocating to Houston, Texas, she decided on a career change and has worked as an administrator at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) for the last 11 years where she is part of the school’s leadership team. Here she learned the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine. Inspired by the students at ACAOM and her life-long passion for nutrition and holistic health, she is currently earning a Master of Science degree in Integrative & Functional Nutrition at Saybrook University.

After graduating, she will specialize in women’s health, nutrition therapy and education, meal planning and recipe development, and chronic disease prevention and management. Vicki’s goal is to be a coach and teacher, taking a practical and heart-centered approach to guide people towards living a vibrant lifestyle they can thrive in.

Dr. Charlie Trinh is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. He is a multifaceted professional whose journey began in the online tech field during the dot-com and internet craze as a computer engineer.

With a passion for innovation, Dr. Trinh transitioned into game production and virtual reality (VR) games, where he honed his skills in immersive technologies. Now, as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Dr. Trinh is venturing into medical technology.

Driven by a vision of converging healing through the body, mind, and spirit, he aims to integrate his diverse background with holistic health practices. His forward-thinking approach positions him at the forefront of revolutionizing how we understand and achieve well-being.

Dr. Virata Dulski is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. She has a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, a Fellow at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), and is a licensed acupuncturist in Texas.

Dr. Virata Dulski is a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (Dipl. OM.) through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). With a deep-rooted belief in the body's innate ability to heal itself, her approach is collaborative, empowering patients to be active participants in achieving their health goals.

Specializing in custom herbal formulations, she provides comprehensive care unique to each patient’s needs. Through acupuncture and herbal medicine, she has successfully supported cases ranging from acute and chronic pain, autoimmune dysregulation, pelvic muscle dysfunction, dermatology, gynecology, fertility and IVF support, post-chemotherapy care, digestive issues, while supporting emotional and mental wellbeing.

Dr. Eric Grose is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine practicing in Houston, TX. Dr. Grose obtained a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of California-Berkeley. After graduating, he conducted research at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center.

He earned his Master's in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. He pursued additional training at the prestigious Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine in Hangzhou, China. He spent time with herbal masters in Chengdu and QingDao, China, during follow-up trips.

Dr. Grose is a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine and is certified in the Hunyuan Method of infertility. He also studied electro-acupuncture and motor points with Anthony Lombardi and used the highly effective Exstore system to evaluate musculoskeletal problems and sports medicine injuries. He is trained in the acupuncture style of Dr. Richard Tan, the Balance Method, and the herbal and pulse diagnosis methods of Dr. Jimmy Zhang. He also serves as clinical faculty at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

Dr. Jonathan B. Stuart is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group and an acupuncturist and herbalist licensed under the Texas Medical Board and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

He obtained his Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (M.A.O.M.) and his Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (D.A.O.M.) from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. He also has advanced clinical training at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tianjin, China. Dr. Stuart served as a licensed acupuncturist for Houston Methodist Hospital Wellness Services, a national Clean Needle Technique (CNT) test examiner, and a clinical supervisor at the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, where he is currently a faculty member.

Dr. Stuart takes a restorative approach to patient care emphasizing the interaction and balance between the nervous system and their environment, helping patients make necessary adjustments to counteract negative effects of daily physical, mental, and emotional stressors, and helping to understand those stressors that go unnoticed.

Dr. Ming Yi Linda Kuo is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. She graduated from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine with a Master's and Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine (MAOM, DAOM).

Dr. Kuo has extensive training in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Her doctorate thesis focused on researching acupuncture treatment for fertility. Throughout her training, Dr. Kuo believes the healing process begins with open communication and treating people with respect, kindness, and dignity in a secure, trusting, and peaceful environment.

Dr. Sara Florida is a Director of Kassandra Wellness Group. She is a NCCAOM Board-Certified licensed acupuncturist in the State of Texas and graduated from the American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) in 2013 with a Master's Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She has her doctorate degree from the University of Sedona (2017).

Dr. Florida did a summer externship at Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine and
Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Medicine in China (2014) before interning with two of her professors in private practice, gaining valuable clinical experience.

Dr. Florida works in private practice specializing in Mind-Gut, Emotional, Adrenal Health & Pain Management. She is also certified as a Functional Medicine Practitioner with a focus on gut health, and is a certified yoga instructor, which she utilizes in practice as a therapy to help patients with exercise and balance.

Angelia Guinara is currently the Senior Executive Advisor and Kassandra Wellness Group and the former Vice President of the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.  She is currently  a Franchise Administrator of GameDay Men’s Health.  Angelia has 20+ years’ experience in healthcare and 10+ years’ experience in higher education industries.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Houston in 1999 and her Master of Public Health in International Family Health from the University of Texas in 2006.

Guanghuo Lighter Chen is founder of Tomii Healing & Wellness since 2010. He graduated from Select Therapy School in 2009 and is a certified massage therapist.  As a founder of Tomii, he has innovated and developed the Tomii Healing System, Scientific Approach to Eastern Medicine and the meridian analysis system to find blockages in the meridians and organ imbalances within minutes.  Mr. Chen has helped thousands of patients to achieve measurable and sustainable health results by utilizing a combination of acupressure, cupping, Guasha to help patients under the guideline of Tomii meridian energy chi analysis reports.

Jillian Wright is the founder of Wellness by Wright since 2022. She graduated from the Phoenix School of Massage therapy and is certified as a Medical Massage Practitioner. As a student of Traditional Chinese Medicine, she is passionate about integrating Chinese Medicine Meridian theory in all of her sessions to achieve total wellness. Furthermore, as an Army Reserve Medic, she is determined to help United States Veterans achieve wellness and healing via massage therapy.