2024 Conference Speakers

Learn More about your 2024 Speakers and the classes they will be presenting
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Derrick McBride Headshot Jess Reynolds Headshot marna Rasmussen image Darren O Rourke headshot Nell Smircina headshot Katherine Teisinger headshot Elizabeth Wade Headshot

Learn From Leading Experts

Chad Bailey Headshot

Chad Bailey, AP is an expert in Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Tui Na Massage, Qi Gong, Tai Chi Chuan, and Martial Arts. Chad teaches Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, Filipino Self-Defense (Progressive Arnis & Cadena de Mano), Tui Na (Chinese Massage & Manipulation), and Oriental

Medicine in Miami, FL. Chad is a state and nationally licensed acupuncturist (A.P., D.O.M.), as well as a National Diplomate of Chinese Herbology (D.C.H.)

Morning Qigong: We will explore Master Deng Hua Qing's Seven Organ Sets, Qi Gong. The class will begin with Wu Ji standing meditation, warm up with the Qi Bath, and then detailed practice and discussion of the seven-organ Qi Gong set. We will close with Small Circulation seated Qi Gong practice. One hour on Saturday, One hour on Sunday. CEU Category: 2 GEN / PE CW

Treating Low Back Pain, Pelvic Floor Pain, and Menstrual Pain with the branches of Chinese Medicine - We will discuss the treatment of Low Back Pain, Pelvic Floor Pain, and Menstrual Pain with the branches of Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture, Tui Na, Qi Gong, Herbology, and Diet Therapy will be studied for use in this pain. Variations of energetics will be discussed to differentiate syndromes. CEU Category: 3 GEN

Michael Corradino, DAOM - Dr. Corradino Graduated from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine San Diego, Cum Laude, in 1995 with his Masters in the Sciences of Traditional Oriental Medicine. Dr Corradino has been vigorously examining Acupuncture for 28+ years. Michael’s mission in life is to Master the art and science of acupuncture. He believes with evidence-based neurosciences he can reach and expose quality Acupuncture to as many people as possible in his lifetime.

Dr. Corradino has created a new unique system of acupuncture named, Neuropuncture. Neuropuncture is the only complete neuroscience acupuncture system that specifically teaches the practitioner how to neuromodulate their patient’s nervous system back into health with electrical acupuncture. Neuropuncture’s clinical theory is developed by examining the research of the neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture, integrating research of electrical acupuncture’s effects on specific neural tissues while integrating all this within the holistic traditional TCM health model. Neuropuncture develops our credibility by giving us 21st-century biomedical terminology. Neuropuncture treatment prescriptions are patent pending, neuroscience evidence-based, research supported, and clinically reproducible. You will learn to neuromodulate the release of neurochemistry, neuro-regulate dysfunctional autonomic visceral spinal reflexes, and cerebral signatures, and target specific regions of the brain and CNS for neuro-rehabilitation.

Neuropuncture and the Treatment of PTSD - This is another course in the "Neuropuncture Internal Medicine Specialty" modules. This Neuropuncture Specialty module will focus primarily on PTSD. We will examine the neurobiology, neurochemistry, and neurophysiology of PTSD. Then discuss Neuropuncture electrical guidelines for specific EA treatment prescriptions and strategies, to neuro-rehabilitate and neuromodulate the nervous system back into health, safely and effectively. Due to the complexity of PTSD, a discussion with Neuropuncture treatment prescriptions on depression, anxiety, and insomnia will be addressed. CEU Category: 3 BIO

Dr. J. Dunn BS, DC, CKP, CWK, is the Author of the Book Wholistic Kinesiology, and Perfect Health in Paradise, CEO of MyHappyGenes, creator, and innovator of Wholistic Kinesiology, and Wholistic Methylation, teacher and lecturer. For over 35 years, she has practiced natural medicine researched, and taught her groundbreaking techniques to thousands of individuals who, like her, are on a quest to find an alternative solution to allopathic medicine. Dr. Dunn began her career in the Natural Health Industry after a long bout of ill health, which drove her to seek out alternative healing methods. The results she experienced peaked her interest in Kinesiology, and she decided to study and learn this amazing technique herself. She eventually developed her own technique, combining anatomy, physiology, emotional work, bodywork, and nutrition to create Wholistic Kinesiology. Since then, she branched out into studying Genetic variants and their effect on our health, our brain, and our mood. She teaches practitioners around the world how to interpret genetic tests and design nutritional programs to make the most of your genetic potential. She recently began a project to help the world become happier and healthier by making the most of their genetic potential called MyHappyGenes.com. Her philosophy is to treat the person as a whole being, not just a collection of parts and symptoms.

Understanding Genetic Variants and Their Effect on Brain Chemistry - Understanding genetic variants and their effects on brain chemistry can give the practitioner a great deal of insight into underlying causes of emotional and mental health imbalances. This course will give the practitioner a basic understanding of genetics, biochemical pathways, and how brain chemistry is affected by variants that are inherited. In addition, they will learn how to upregulate and balance brain chemistry using natural methods including targeted diet, lifestyle, and supplement suggestions that are unique to the individual according to their genetic blueprint. CEU Category: 3 BIO

Dr. Anna Folckomer is an acupuncturist, herbalist, and clinical anatomist. She maintains a private practice in Manhattan and is a faculty member at Seton Hall University's School of Health and Medical Sciences, where she teaches Gross Dissection, Exercise Physiology, and Pharmacology. She is the Co-Founder of the internationally known seminar series, Immaculate Dissection and also teaches Anatomy and Injury Prevention at Joffrey Ballet School. She has lectured on functional anatomy topics in the US, UK, Canada, and across Asia, which combines assessment and rehabilitative strategies for clinicians.

Understanding the Differentials of Lower Back Pain Part 1 & 2 - Back pain is a common category of complaints with many different etiologies ranging from skeletal, muscular, organ referral, and neurological causes. Many of these patterns can refer to the lower extremity and some on occasion, without any back pain present at all. Add to that, the list of common lower extremity complaints that are separate from lower back causes and it's easy to see why clinical auditing must be on point. As providers, we must understand the pathomechanism of these presentations so that we can effectively treat, communicate, and educate our patients. CEU Category: 6 BIO

Ilyas Hamid DAOM, B.Sci. D.N., Meta-NLP, CES has been in the health and wellness field for 14 years working in fitness, diet and lifestyle, functional medicine, and now TCM. Working on the frontline as a personal trainer and nutritionist not only helped him learn about the daily struggles with health-related behaviors, it also prepared him to be better equipped as a TCM doctor. Ilyas has experience in public speaking working for Aetna Healthcare, weight loss programs, and now as Professor at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine. He has always believed that the best decisions can only be made with the best education- how can we DO better, if we don't KNOW better? Because of that philosophy, he spent significant amounts of time with his patients and on social media platforms for the sole purpose of educating them.

An Integrative Approach to Sex Hormone Decline with Functional Medicine and TCM - This course will be an Integrative approach with Functional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine to optimize hormone functions in men and women. This is applicable for andropause, menopause, perimenopause, and declining sex hormone functions. It will include bloodwork analysis, TCM diagnosis, and therapies with diet, supplements, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. CEU Category: 3 BIO

Lisa Lapwing, AP has been specializing in Men’s Sexual Health/Andrology since 2012. Through her experience, studies, and continued dedication to treating conditions that fall under this subject, she found that there is little about men’s health and TCM being taught. It is touched on briefly in some acupuncture schools and there are a few continuing education courses for it. Seeing the need to further educate fellow Acupuncturists and Oriental Medical practitioners in this important and growing subject, her teaching career has begun to build over the last 5 years. She has taught at The Integrative School of Medicine at AOMA where she is an alumnus and for the Florida State Oriental Medical Association (FSOMA) wherein she is a proud member and volunteer for the Membership Committee. She has also spoken on dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain for The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA) in October 2020. Currently, she is faculty at The Florida College of Integrative Medicine (FCIM) in Orlando, Florida, and is running her practice, Whole Health Acupuncture, in Windermere, Florida.

Treating Male Infertility Utilizing TCM & Acupuncture Principles - Male infertility is quite common but rarely discussed or treated in most TCM clinics, and there is much Acupuncturists can do to improve this condition! In this course, we will cover the biomedical causes, diagnosis, diagnostic procedures, and treatments of male infertility. We will then learn Traditional Chinese Medical disease pathomechanisms, differentials, and acupuncture treatment protocols. This course also will cover dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help practitioners take a holistic approach to treating this common male condition. CEU Category: 1 BIO 2 GEN

Brian Lau, AP, CSMA, is certified in Sports Medicine Acupuncture, and Structural Integration. He has been on faculty since 2013 with the Sports Medicine Acupuncture Certification (SMAC) program, where he teaches anatomy, palpation, assessment and treatment of the channel sinews (jingjin), acupuncture, and myofascial release techniques. Brian leads regular 1-5 day cadaver dissections for acupuncturists in many venues and also for physician assistance students at the University of Tampa. He also teaches anatomy and physiology at Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine in Bradenton, FL. His main focus is on integrating Western anatomical information with the Chinese medical channel system and he has developed an anatomical model of the channel system which he applies to acupuncture, manual therapy, and movement. Brian is also a veteran taiji and qigong instructor. He owns and operates Ideal Balance Center for Acupuncture and Sports Medicine in Tampa, Florida, and teaches channel-based functional movement in live classes, on Zoom, and via his YouTube channel, Jingjin Movement Training.

The Role of the Abdominal Muscles in Lumbar and Abdominopelvic Dysfunction - The abdominal muscles connect to the lower back, pelvic floor, abdominopelvic viscera, and nerves from the thoracolumbar junction. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the abdominals can refer pain to in the lower back, pelvis, and groin. The muscles can form somato-visceral and viscero-somatic reflexes with the viscera and these muscles frequently form MTrPs in the presence of digestive, urinary, and reproductive problems. Restrictions in the abdominals can also limit a full and deep inhale, playing a role in many associated pain patterns. CEU Category: 3 BIO

Robert Linde AP took a circuitous route to becoming an herbalist and acupuncture physician. His career changed many times; commercial lobster and conch diver, treasure hunter, sail and canoe instructor, wilderness youth counselor, long-line fisherman, an infantryman in Desert Storm, and GreenPeace worker. Now, Bob focuses as the owner of Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies in St. Petersburg Florida, and the director of Traditions School of Herbal Studies. He also consults as a product developer for herbal product companies for humans and animals and enjoys growing many medicinal herbs in his yard. Bob has presented at the FSOMA, Florida Herbal Conference, and the American Herbalist Guild conferences. He lectures regularly at colleges and organizations around the US. You can listen to his monthly Podcast; Mastering Herbalism with Bob Linde and his monthly Facebook event Herbalist Open Forum, an opportunity to pose real questions to Bob. You can see many of the past episodes and bioregional classes on the Traditions School of Herbal Studies YouTube page. Bob is also a traveler and travel writer. He has lived in Europe and traveled to the Amazon, Galapagos, Yukon Territory, the Caribbean, and throughout the US. Bob recently completed 12 episodes for INTI TV, “Sanaciones con Bob Linde”, an exploration of indigenous people’s herbal practices. He has also appeared on Animal Planet and many other TV shows. Find out more at www.acuherbals.com and www.traditionsherbschool.com

Improving Outcomes: Latex and Other Hidden Inflammatory Sensitivities in Herbs and Foods - This class will look at commonly missed food, chemical, and herb sensitivities that if missed can lead to adverse events and poor outcomes. We will look at sensitivities to latex, sulfites, nightshades, and many others. CEU Category: 3 MED ERROR

Diagnostics of the Melanated Patient - This class will explore effective visual discrimination, languaging, and unique issues of our black patients. Many books and teachers talk about the signs and symptoms related to colors such as red for heat, pale for deficiency, or purple for stagnation. These colors are different based on the pigmentation of the skin. Medical texts both east and west focus on teaching for Caucasian patients almost exclusively. Update your clinical skills for a modern patient population. CEU Category: 3 MED ERROR

Derrick McBride has over a decade of experience as a strength and conditioning coach working in sports medicine and performance facilities. After becoming a Licensed Acupuncturist, he set out to bring the worlds of movement and acupuncture together. Derrick works with many professional athletes alongside his private practice in Pittsburgh, PA. Derrick has worked as one of Whitfield Reaves' teaching assistants, teaches doctorate classes at Colorado Chinese Medicine University, presents at conferences, and runs weekend workshops on testing and programming. He specializes in bringing orthopedic testing, muscle testing, movement assessments, and corrective exercise programming to Acupuncturists in a systematic, digestible, and clinically effective way.

Part 1: Lumbo-pelvic-hip Complex: Testing, Assessment, and Programming Part 1: Orthopedic Testing and Muscle Testing for the Lumbo-pelvic-hip Complex will teach practitioners how to determine anatomical tissues involved in the patient's case, directly guiding the local treatment. Students will master the tests through high-definition video and hands-on demonstration. CEU Category: 3 BIO MED

Part 2: Lumbo-pelvic-hip Complex: Testing, Assessment, and Programming - Master movement assessments and exercise programming for movement patterns contributing to dysfunction and learn exercises to correct the patterns CEU Category: 3 BIO MED

Darren O'Rourke LAc is an Acupuncturist practicing in Dublin, Ireland. Darren specializes in musculoskeletal conditions and orthopedics, utilizing physical assessment, electro-acupuncture, dry needling, and soft tissue manipulation in his treatments. He treats athletes as well as everyday soft tissue and MSK injuries. In addition to practicing, Darren has presented and taught at the 2023 and 2024 ASE Acupuncture Symposium, Lower Body Dry Needling in Tampa, FL, and assisted in numerous EXSTORE and Pelvic Floor seminars since 2021.

Treatment of Pelvic Pain from Causes Outside the Pelvic Floor - This course will introduce practitioners to causes of and treatments for pelvic pain. Attendees will learn how major muscles from the pelvis can cause pain in the pelvis and pelvic floor and how to treat it, including trigger point Acupuncture and soft tissue manual therapy. There will be demos of needling and soft tissue techniques on the obturator internus and adductor magnus. Special considerations will be emphasized when treating pelvic floor patients and working in these areas. CEU Category: 3 BIO | Sponsored by ASE Seminars

Marna Rasmussen L.Ac has been practicing acupuncture and massage therapy for over 35 years. She has been an educator for more than 15 years. First at FCIM teaching Tuina and Case Studies along with clinicals. Since 2015 she has been training health professionals and laypeople on the benefits and applications of the Avazzia devices for First Alternative Therapies. She takes great joy in sharing the amazing results she gets in her private practice using the Avazzia units.

Marna Rasmussen L.Ac will be discussing the role that the Avazzia technology can play in clinical settings. She will be demonstrating some of the techniques she uses combining acupuncture and manual therapy with the use of the Avazzia technology. The demonstrations and discussions will be focused on low back pain and disfunction.

Jess Reynolds DAOM, Dr.Ac, RMT is a seasoned practitioner of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and an expert in patient motivation. His unique combination of clinical expertise and deep understanding of behavioral change, goal-setting, and motivational strategies has made him a sought-after educator. For over a decade, he has taught acupuncturists, DAOMs, and allied health professionals at various institutions, helping them bridge the gap between treatment and patient action. As owner of AIM Online Education, he has guided thousands of practitioners in building thriving practices. Passionate about enhancing patient adherence to treatment plans, Dr. Reynolds offers innovative strategies to ensure lasting clinical outcomes.

Improving Patient Outcomes Through Care Plan Compliance
The treatments we give to our patients in the treatment room are vital to their clinical outcomes, but patient progress hinges not just on our ability to choose the right points or prescribe the right herbs, but on our patients' actions at home and their commitment to the care plan we create with them. While our work in the treatment room is crucial, often times the real progress is made through patients' dedication at home. How can we ensure they stay engaged and motivated to follow through? In this one-hour session, discover practical strategies for enhancing patients' adherence to care plans within your practice. Learn how effective communication, personalized care plans, motivational techniques, and leveraging technology can significantly improve patient compliance and health outcomes.

Dr. Nell Smircina, DAOM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM is an advocate, advisor, and practitioner with a focus on the integration of acupuncture into America’s standard of care. She is the Immediate Past Chair of CSOMA, California’s oldest state acupuncture association, and is Vice Chair of Public Policy for the American Society of Acupuncturists. Clinically, Dr. Nell specializes in acupuncture for optimal post-surgical recovery. She is the founder of COGENT Acupuncture (formerly PIQUE Health), an integrative concierge practice in Beverly Hills, but more recently has focused on B2B, specifically collaboration and integrating acupuncture into established businesses. She shares her insights and business-building tools with the profession in her Acupuncture Today column, “The Business of Acupuncture”. Dr. Nell speaks on healthcare entrepreneurship and leadership internationally and is completing her Executive MBA with the University of Notre Dame. She values mentorship and feels a responsibility to utilize her skill set to continue to help acupuncturists looking to grow their businesses. Dr. Nell has taught in many schools on the topics of practice management, professional development, and messaging. She believes being able to effectively communicate our medicine’s value to the public is critical to the growth of the profession.

Communication in the Treatment Room: Better Acquisition, Retention, and Results for your Patients - We learn how to treat in school, but not how to acquire or retain patients. We hope to find powerful protocols that boost our abilities for practice success but overlook the single most effective way to increase our efficacy in practice: communication. Everything improves with this as an enhanced skillset. Ever tried to explain how e-stim works? Herbs vs pharmaceuticals? Treatment frequency and volume for a treatment plan? In this class, you'll learn how to answer the most difficult objections to care and get tangible tools to increase your efficacy on Monday in your clinic. CEU Category: 3 GEN Speaker Sponsored by LhasaOMS

Katherine Teisinger DAOM has treated patients since 1997. She graduated from the Florida College of Integrated Medicine in Orlando with her master’s degree. She received her Doctorate from the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, and completed an internship working in a hospital in China. To give back to her profession, she served as Chairman and a member of the Board of Acupuncture for the State of Florida for twelve years. She treats her patients using Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Chinese Dietary Therapy, Gua Sha, and Cupping. Her office is located in Winter Haven.

There is More to Gua Sha than you Know: As healthcare providers, our primary goal is to alleviate our patients' pain. A significant tool in pain management is Gua Sha. I experienced the benefits when I fractured my pelvis. When muscles and tendons are too tense, it restricts the flow of energy channels. Using Gua Sha massage tools can quickly relieve tension and open up energy channels, making it easier for acupuncture to relieve the pain. This class will teach you how to use the combination of Gua Sha and Master Tong points to offer our patients effective pain relief. CEU Category: 3 GEN

Dr. Elizabeth Wade is a board certified naturopathic doctor specializing in reproductive health with an emphasis on preconception and infertility care. She is passionate about treating the root cause and offers well-rounded individualized care strategies for optimal health and wellness. Gut health restoration is something she finds imperative to addressing overall health, as well as in treating endocrine and hormonal imbalances.
Elizabeth earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM). She currently practices out of an integrative infertility clinic called Blossom Clinic in Portland, OR and maintains a satellite practice in Chicago, her hometown.

Building Resilience to the Gut Microbiome with the Total Gut Restoration Kit

A healthy gut microbiome has high alpha diversity, is low in pathogens, has a robust mucosal barrier, and is characterized by tight junctions and a low inflammatory load. Risk factors like stress, poor diet, certain medications, infections, and toxins can create dysbiosis and leaky gut, leading to inflammation and setting the stage for many of the chronic health conditions patients present with. Microbiome Labs’ Three-Step Total Gut Restoration (TGR) System rehabilitates the microbial ecology, rebuilds the mucosal layer, heals intestinal barrier junctions and decreases the inflammatory load. This presentation will explore: