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Meet our Faculty

Xia Cheng

M.D. (China), R.Ac., Ph.D.
Xia Cheng

M.D. (China), R.Ac., Ph.D.

Xia Cheng earned her Bachelor's Degree in TCM and Western Medicine in 1983 from the Hunan College of TCM, China. She did further study at Tianjin College of TCM, China culminating in 1987 with a Master's Degree in Medicine and Acupuncture. In 1990, she received her Ph.D in Medicine from the Chengdu College of TCM, China with a specialty in Acupuncture and Chronomedicine.

Cheng has over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician, herbalist and acupuncturist. She has been a professor at several colleges as well as instructing foreign students in China. She has translated several publications and is a published author of several TCM works. She is currently the Director of the BodyMind Synergy Health Centre, a member of several professional association boards and Vice-President for the Alberta Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors. Cheng is an active participant in the process of regulating TCM in Alberta. She also teaches courses on TCM to medical professionals and offers public education workshops on TCM. In September 2004 her long-time dream of opening a school of TCM was realized with the opening of CITCM, which she is proud to be the director of.

Lanre Salami

MBBS, RMT
Lanre Salami

MBBS, RMT

Lanre Salami is a medical graduate and massage therapist practicing since 1994. Salami has had a positive influence on the development of orthopaedic application of massage therapy as a complementary modality along with allopathic medicine. He is involved in massage training and curriculum development of some of the massage schools and associations in the province. His background in orthopedic medicine provides a comprehensive approach to soft tissue dysfunction assessment and treatment.

He has been a guest speaker in a variety of non-invasive technique application in chronic pain management, physiology seminar presentation involving soft tissue manipulative techniques, massage management in diabetics, TMJ and other fascial disorders. He has been involved with therapeutic massage training both in and out of the province. He was an active participant in the design and implementation of the first psychometrically validated evaluating exam for Massage training in the province.

Salami is currently a senior instructor at Centre for Complementary Health Education, Mount Royal University, Calgary, in massage therapy training and maintains his therapeutic massage clinic in Calgary, Alberta.

Alex Huang

Msc, R.Ac.
Alex Huang

Msc, R.Ac.

Alex earned both his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in TCM from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He started his work as an Acupuncturist and instructor for foreign students in Shanghai University and hospital of TCM since 2006. At one of the busiest hospitals in Shanghai, Alex was treating approximately 100 patients in a day and earned great experience there.

Alex has been teaching at CITCM for over 11 years. He is also the Clinical Supervisor Head for CITCM Intern Clinic, as well as supervisors for The Alex Community Health Centre and the Calgary Drop-In Centre that provide alternative healthcare to lower income and homeless community. I am glad to know that my skill can help them and make their physical and mental life better and healthier.

Ivy Juan Wang

MSc., R.Ac.
Ivy Juan Wang

MSc., R.Ac.

Ivy Wang is a gynecology acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine specialist and a graduate of the Master’s degree program of TCM from the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. During Wang’s studies she was able to mentor with some very talented and well known traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in China which allowed her to acquire unique acupuncture skills increasing the effectiveness of her treatments. She has followed two very famous specialists for a period of two years in China.

One is a professor in gynecology and the other one is good at using the ancient traditional acupuncture needling methods to treat stubborn diseases.In addition to her academic duties and her own clinical appointments Wang likes hiking and studying ancient Chinese philosophy.

Shiwu Xiao

MD (China), M.Sc, RAc
Shiwu Xiao

MD (China), M.Sc, RAc

Xiao is from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. He worked as Associate professor and Chief physician in Internal Medicine & Pediatric Department. He received his Masters degree after eight years systematically study TCM and Western Medicine in 1988.

Xiao has more than 20 years hospital and clinical experience as well as teaching experience. He also worked as visiting professor in Israel for 10 years.

As a known Physician, Herbalist and Acupuncturist, His specialty is treatment of: Asthma, COPD, Allergies, Cancer, Diabetics, he also treats the following: Pain management (Migraine, Back pain, arthritis, Neurological injury), Hormone disorder (Dysmenorrheal, PMS, Male and Female climacteric syndrome), Mental disorder (Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Insomnia), Infertility, ADD, ADHD, Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis, Addiction (Cigarettes, alcohol, drugs), Obesity, and diet consultation.

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Juan (Julia) Guo

R.Ac., Ph.D
julia-guo-citcm
Juan (Julia) Guo

R.Ac., Ph.D

I was born in a medical family where my parents were Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. Having cultivated and educated in such environment, I developed much interest in TCM. I earned my Master’s Degree in TCM at Chengdu University of TCM and completed my Ph.D. at Shanghai University of TCM. I worked as a TCM Doctor and Professor in Shanghai University of TCM for 7 years continuously.

In 2013, I moved to Canada and still continued my work as a TCM Professor, Clinical Supervisor, TCM Doctor, and Registered Acupuncturist. I gained postdoctoral fellowship from The University of Western Ontario. I have years of experience and training in Chinese herbal prescriptions for various conditions and acupuncture treatments for common illness/conditions, my specialization is in gynecological diseases, endocrine disorder, cardiovascular diseases.

403.520.5289
Calgary AB

Jackie St.George-Rennie

BMR(PT), R.Ac.
Jackie St.George-Rennie

BMR(PT), R.Ac.

Jackie graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1979 with a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy and soon discovered Sports Medicine to be her passion. Achieving her Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy, she has worked with athletes of all levels and has attended Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth, Pan Am and World University Games as a member of the Canadian Medical Team. Looking for further challenges she began studying acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. After programs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Acupuncture and studying in Beijing she became a Licensed Acupuncturist.

She enjoys combining her knowledge of Western and Eastern Medicine to provide students with a unique insight in assessing and treating orthopedic and sport conditions. She currently practices at the Calgary Winter Club Sport Physiotherapy Clinic as well as teaching. In addition to her profession, Jackie loves to be outside, climbing, hiking, gardening and generally enjoying nature.

Allan Fradsham

R.Ac.
Allan Fradsham

R.Ac.

Allan Fradsham holds a degree as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine from The Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences. He graduated in 2006 and has been working full time as a TCM practitioner ever since.

Fradsham runs a full general practice treating most disorders but has a special interest in physical injury and pain disorders. Fradsham has been teaching since 2009, and was one of the primary instructors at the International Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Ottawa Ontario until he moved to Alberta. Fradsham has also spoken to and taught the medical students at The University of Ottawa on a yearly basis since 2010, as part of an Integrated Medicine lecture series.

When not in the clinic, Fradsham spends his time with his his family and his many outdoor pursuits.

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Bairu Wang

R.Ac.
dr Bairu-Wang
Bairu Wang

R.Ac.

Bairu Wang earned her Acupuncture Bachelor Degree in Guiyang College of TCM in China. She was then working in Chinese hospital for 6 years from 2010-2016 which later granted her a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor in 2012. The huge population in China gave her the opportunity to see and treat 40-60 patients a day that contribute to her experience and skills tremendously.

Other than Acupuncture and TCM, Wang is also trained in Tui Na massage. The patient's recovery and smile are the best rewards for her work. She hopes to pass on her knowledge and experience to the future TCM Doctors and Acupuncturist at CITCM!

Min Gao

M.D. (China)
Min Gao

M.D. (China)

Min obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in TCM from Liaoning University of TCM in 2003. She received her Master’s Degree and Medicine Doctor Degree in Clinical Discipline of Chinese and Western Integrative Medicine from the same university in 2006 and 2013.

Min has about 10 years TCM clinical and teaching experience at China-Japan Friend Hospital, Beijing, China. She also has an experience in teaching Chinese internal medicine course at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Her specialty is using TCM to treat digestive system diseases. She has 5 years clinical experience in Regina, Canada and was a board director in Provincial TCM and Acupuncture society (Saskatchewan) before moving to Calgary.

Kathy Traptow

B.P.H.E, B.Ed., R.Ac.
Kathy Traptow

B.P.H.E, B.Ed., R.Ac.

Kathy Traptow is a very talented graduate of the Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine who began instructing at the Institute during this past year.

Kathy’s path towards learning and educating, however, had only just begun. She wanted to educate and to heal utilizing hands on approach to make a difference in promoting positive change in a person’s health. Recognizing the benefits of acupuncture and TCM from her exposure to healing from sport injuries that she sustained she began studying acupuncture and herbal medicine at the CITCM. After completing her training she has taken a great interest in furthering her acupuncture career by specializing in sports medicine and instructing at the CITCM where she is a very welcome addition to the staff.

Dr. Henry Tarazona

Ph.D.
Dr. Henry Tarazona

Ph.D.

Dr. Tarazona earned his PhD. of Acupuncture & Tui Na from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and has had more than 10 years experience as acupuncture/TCM practitioner and instructor.

His area of expertise is internal medicine and the Jin Gu Tuina Abdominal massage technique on the treatment of neurological and gastrointestinal diseases like CFS, IBS, epilepsy, Parkinson, etc.

Gayle Maguire

BSc, ND
Gayle Maguire

BSc, ND

Years of teaching experience: 10
Courses: Western Nutrition, Ethics & Communications 1, 2, 3

Gayle Maguire has been practicing naturopathic medicine in Calgary since 2006, with a primary focus in women's health and pediatrics. She uses primarily nutrition and TCM, and has advanced training in intravenous therapy, prolotherapy, ozone therapy, & vitamin injections. When not indoors doing the job she loves, she can be found on a soccer pitch with her daughters.

Punam Chohan

MD, MSc, RMT, CHNC
Punam Chohan

MD, MSc, RMT, CHNC

After obtaining her medical degree (MD) from India, she practiced and taught Psychiatry and Community medicine to medical graduates. In 2001, she came to Canada pursue her Masters in Cardiac Physiology with St. Boniface Research Center, with University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is a Centre of excellence in heart research in North America. Her research work and study on heart disease and diabetes has been published various high impact factor, peer-reviewed medical journals and book chapters. Dr. Punam has presented her research work in many international conferences and lectures across the country. She continued this work as a senior associate in the Pharmaceutical sector and University of Manitoba for several years.

After working in clinical research for many years both in academia and industry, she moved to Calgary in 2012. Seeing the impact of lifestyle and nutrition on health during her clinical research, she furthered her education and experience in alternative and complementary medicine modalities such as massage therapy, holistic nutrition, and yoga therapy. She practices these holistic clinical modalities through her clinic FitBeeba Wellness.

In her spare time, DPunam applies her passion for yoga and mindfulness as a yoga instructor, mindfulness coach, and public speaker. She teaches yoga and mindfulness all across the globe, as well as engage with local charities and community organizations as a motivational speaker.

Janice Patterson

BSc, MSc
Janice Patterson

BSc, MSc

Years of teaching experience: 2
Courses: Orthopedic 1, 2 and 3

Prior to receiving an education in Traditional Chinese medicine, Janice worked in various capacities in conventional health care. She was initially trained as a Kinesiologist and worked extensively in spinal rehabilitation. She later received her Masters degree in Health Sciences and worked for Alberta Health Services as an educator in schools, hospitals and local communities. With her background in Kinesiology and lifelong passion for sport Janice specializes in musculo-skeletal disorders and teaches orthopedic courses at CITCM. When not practicing Chinese medicine Janice is involved in cross country and track running, as well as mountain biking, hiking and skiing with her husband and 3 children.

Sicai Teng

Dr. Ac., B.Eng.
Sicai Teng

Dr. Ac., B.Eng.

Sicai (Skye) Teng is a registered acupuncturist in Alberta that is certified to the CAA standards. She continually expands her education and practice since her graduation and has established her own style to treat different conditions. Her unique yet practical techniques in acupuncture treatments include, fascia treatment by manual therapy to adjust the body structure; classic acupuncture needling technique to stimulate the self healing system and classical herbal formula prescription.

Sicai(Skye) Teng is teaching at Canadian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CITCM) since January 2019. Courses that she teaches includes Chinese Medical Terminology, TCM classics: Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential from the Golden Cabinet) and Wen Bing (warm diseases).

Meena Lail

R.Ac.
Meena Lail

R.Ac.

Meena Lail has graduated from the University of Calgary with her Bachelors of Science and has achieved her Medical degree from WUSOM. She strongly believes that the best way to live a healthy lifestyle is by combining western and eastern medical philosophies.

Her passion is to help and educate people on the importance of physical and mental health. When not indoors, Lail can be found outdoors on bike paths admiring natures beauty.

Fraser Dobson

B.A. RMT
Fraser Dobson

B.A. RMT

Fraser holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Political Science. He completed a 2200 hour diploma in Massage Therapy. He is currently in the fourth year of a Bachelor of Health Science degree program. He is a life long student of the martial arts.

He practices Orthopaedic Massage in Calgary.

Hue CITCM

Hue Hoang

BSc, RMT
Hue CITCM
Hue Hoang

BSc, RMT

Hue Hoang is a double graduate of CITCM's Orthopedic Massage Therapy Program and Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Program. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta.

Hue maintains a growing massage therapy practice out of both Calgary and Edmonton specializing in an orthopedic and Western-Eastern integrative approach to pain management. In her downtime, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and cultivating her knowledge in East Asian pre-modern literature and cultural practices.

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Amber Bridges

RMT
Amber-Bridges-citcm
Amber Bridges

RMT

Amber Bridges graduated from a 2200 hour massage program and has 20 years of experience in a clinical environment as a registered massage therapist. She is a member of the NHPC and is involved in their massage training and curriculum development programs. Amber continually strives to learn new techniques and advance her medical knowledge in the field. She has taken courses of interest such as equine/animal massage, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) techniques, pre/post cancer techniques, Thai massage, nerve mobilization, training in whiplash and upper extremity musculature disorders.

Amber currently runs her own practice at the Massage Centre in NE Calgary. In her spare time, she enjoys keeping herself healthy by regularly working out, running and playing ringette where she volunteers as Vice President of the Women’s Ringette Association Board. She also enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.

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Ricardo Guerrero

RMT
ricardo-guerrero-citcm
Ricardo Guerrero

RMT

Ricardo Guerrero has over 29 years as a practicing and experienced massage physical therapist. Specializing in "pain free" orthopedic, structural massage physical therapy, that targets all chronical, arthritic and sports injuries.

He competed for over 20 years as an elite middle distanced and marathon runner. Giving him incredible knowledge and a deep understanding of athletes way of thinking, and the development of effective massage therapy to treating all sports and soft tissues lesions. He has taught at all levels of Massage Therapy
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Dr. Amanda Gilette

R.Ac.
Dr. Amanda Gilette

R.Ac.

Dr. Mandie studied Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Calgary, and is a registered Doctor of Acupuncture, with a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is an Acupuncturist who is passionate about her work. She was introduced to Acupuncture when she was pregnant with her daughter and then again when she sought relief from carpal tunnel pain** and **IBS symptoms. It was such a life changing experience for her that she made the decision to become an Acupuncturist so that she could help others experience this amazing medicine.**

Her dream is to be able to share Acupuncture with as many people as possible and show them what a beautiful, relaxing, and effective treatment it truly is. **Her own fear of needles** has helped her develop a very gentle needling technique which most patients find surprising and comforting, and best of all, helpful in their journey to health.

If you can't find Dr. Mandie in the clinic, or teaching what she loves to budding Acupuncture students at the school, you will find her hanging out with her beautiful daughter Amelia, Lupin the rabbit, and their very lazy, but cuddly, bearded dragon Atlas.

She says that the best part of her job is when patients make comments such as "I wish I could bottle this feeling!"

David Genert

RMT
David Genert

RMT

David graduated as valedictorian from the WE integrated orthopedic massage program in 2019. His practice is now focused on working with clients involved in motor vehicle accidents, using both orthopedic approach and eastern modalities.

Aside from massage therapy, David has a passion for the outdoors music and skateboarding.

Dr. Cristiane De La Hoz

Ph.D.
Dr. Cristiane De La Hoz

Ph.D.

Dr. Cristiane's academic career began in research, with an MSc and PhD in Neuroimmunology in Brazil. Having finished a post-doctorate in Neurobiology at the University of Calgary, her interests shifted more to teaching and after a series of workshops at the Taylor Family Teaching and Learning Center she started teaching at CITCM. Her personal experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine, the years of Tai Ji Quan practice and the enthusiasm of her students at CITCM led her to switch from teacher back to student for a Double Major in Acupuncture and TCM diploma. And now finished with her studies and preparing for the board exams, she could not be happier with the future: helping patients with acupuncture and TCM, and teaching again.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends, going to concerts, practicing Tai Ji and enjoying sunny day.