Toni Brewer
Toni is from Alabama and spent most of her life in Georgia where she studied Exercise Science and Medical Assisting. An exchange trip to Japan first opened her mind to Acupuncture and its ancient origins. For 10 years she has worked as a medical assistant, editor and content creator. Toni likes hiking, photography, and cute houseplants.
Leslie Bunn
Leslie has been a licensed massage therapist since June of 2012. In August of 2013, she had the opportunity to join the Yin Yang House Acupuncture and Wellness Center in Chattanooga, TN as a massage therapist and acupuncture assistant. She heard countless testimonies from the patients regarding the healing power of Chinese medicine and the major influence it had on their lives, and by the summer of 2015 it became clear that she wanted to be a part of the holistic healing movement. By August of 2015 she was committed to the four–year program at Jung Tao. In December of 2016, Leslie was the victim of a hit-and-run accident on the interstate that sent her vehicle into a guardrail at 60+ mph. Miraculously, she walked out with no internal injuries, but her face and upper jaw were severely injured. She refused to give up, and despite the trauma and aftermath involved, remained committed to the Jung Tao mission. Leslie truly believes that without the wonderful Jung Tao family of classmates and faculty, she wouldn’t have gained the tools and knowledge to overcome the physical and emotional challenges following the incident. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn and serve in the Jung Tao Clinic and share the healing power of Chinese medicine with others.
Holly Gardner
Holly is very happy to have found Chinese Medicine after having numerous careers including being a banker, a travel agent, a software trainer, and a massage therapist. She has been an esthetician/skincare specialist for 9 years. When she is not at Jung Tao she lives in Mobile, Alabama with her mischievous miniature schnauzer puppy, Sadie.
Joshua Graham
A woodworker by trade, Joshua lives in Maryville, TN with his family. He loves to garden, fly shish, and learn this wonderful medicine. “I am blessed to be a part of Jung Tao. The experiences I have here are priceless.”
Karen Magee
Karen started in the healthcare field at age 19. Over the past 37 years she has seen a drastic change in the treatment and care of patients.
“Healthcare has become a big business with less focus on health and a greater focus on making money. Working as a registered nurse I sometimes feel like we’ve lost all common sense. Good healthcare should start with prevention and treatments that are the least invasive. There is a place for western medicine of course, but a need for acupuncture, perhaps now more than ever. Money should never be an issue when it comes to health. My hope is to provide affordable care in my community. Acupuncture is not a panacea but it’s a good start!”
Karen lives in Roan Mountain TN with her husband David. Together they raised 4 children and have 5 grandchildren.
Erin Mckelvy
Erin Mckelvy believes in change from below to treat an illness, look for its root. To transform an entrenched system, make change at the grassroots. Erin has worked for 15+ years in Appalachian VA and WV on community-led campaigns for water protection, environmental education, and public health. Erin is an empathetic caregiver and an innovative organizer and is excited to explore how acupuncture can deepen her work in the region.
Emmanuel Moortgat
Emmanuel is originally from France, where he studied art and philosophy. Love brought him to the USA where his wife, acupuncturist and early student of Jung Tao inspired him to study natural medicines and to ultimately join the school, where he also became the translator for the work of Doctor Nguyen Van Nghi.
Sharon Wallace
Sharon has spent the last 20+ years teaching sociology in US Universities, community colleges, and prisons. Outside of teaching, she works internationally, especially in Central America, Occupied Palestine and Lebanon. She holds a PhD in Sociology, a Master in Public Health and a Master in Nutrition. Sharon grew up alternating between Kentucky and The Netherlands and is a mother of four. Prior to studying Chinese Medicine and acupuncture she co-founded an acupuncture clinic in Shatila Refugee Camp in Beirut, Lebanon and plans to return to continue offering services to Palestinian and Syrian refugees. Presently living in Asheville, Sharon works with harm reduction based needle exchange programs and hopes to integrate her training with community efforts addressing the opioid epidemic.
