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Our Team

Dr. Sydney Malawer, DAIM L.Ac.
Doctor of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist
Dr. Sydney (she/her) is a doctor of acupuncture and integrative medicine and licensed acupuncturist who specializes in autoimmunity and dermatology. She came to East-Asian medicine through her personal struggle with psoriasis and seeks to bring the same thoughtful care to her patients that she has received from her practitioners throughout her journey. Her doctoral work focused on the management of complex, chronic inflammatory issues using East-Asian medicine and conventional lab testing in the diagnosis, treatment, and progress tracking of such complex conditions. She integrates learnings from this original research into her patient care.
Her training is focused in Japanese Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and integrative medicine. She has trained with Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji through the International TCM Dermatology Association, the world expert in Chinese herbal medicine approaches to dermatological, allergic, and autoimmune diseases, and completed her training in functional medicine through Dr. Aviva Romm's Functional & Integrative Medicine Professional Training Program. In addition to her practice, Dr. Sydney also teaches classes on clinical dermatology, Japanese acupuncture, and integrative clinical lab testing at the master's, doctorate, and professional continuing education levels. To learn more about Dr. Sydney's offerings for East-Asian medicine practitioners and resources for students, click here.
Credentials & Training
- TCM Diploma in Practical Dermatology - International TCM Dermatology Association (ITCMDA)
- Doctorate of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine - AIMC Berkeley
- Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner - Aviva Romm, MD's New Medicine Institute for Women
- Master of Science in Traditional Asian Medicine - AIMC Berkeley
- Bachelor of Science, Design & Environmental Analysis, Human Factors/Ergonomics - Cornell University

Stephanie Fareri, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist
Stephanie (she/her) is a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in internal medicine and dermatology. Prior to her studies of East-Asian Medicine, Stephanie worked as a Critical Care Technician in a Children’s ER in San Antonio, TX. She had aspirations of becoming a Physician Assistant until during her time working in the hospital she realized that allopathic medicine's approach was limited in supporting people holistically, which ultimately led her to East Asian Medicine. Her training is focused in Traditional Japanese Acupuncture and integrative medicine. She has trained with Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji through the International TCM Dermatology Association, the go-to expert for herbal medicine approach to dermatological, allergic, and autoimmune diseases.
Credentials & Training
- TCM Diploma in Practical Dermatology - International TCM Dermatology Association (ITCMDA)
- Master of Science in Traditional Asian Medicine - AIMC Berkeley
- Bachelor of Science, Integrative Physiology - UC Boulder

Ari Alvergue, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist, Clinic Manager
Ari (they/them) is a licensed acupuncturist and the Clinic Manager at Tendervine Health. Prior to their career in acupuncture, Ari worked in a patient-facing communication role with UCSF during the height of the pandemic. After working within a Western hospital setting for almost three years, Ari realized they wanted to continue having a direct relationship with patients and become a practitioner of effective, accessible medicine. During their Master's, Ari interned at UC Berkeley treating Cal student-athletes for orthopedic issues and pain management; and at the Homeless Prenatal Program in San Francisco, a free clinic serving low-income families with prenatal and postpartum healthcare.
Credentials & Training
Master's in Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine - AIMC Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology - UC Berkeley

Hans Lemke
Clinic Assistant
Hans (he/him) is a clinic assistant at Tendervine Health and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (ACCHS) in Oakland. Prior to beginning his doctoral studies, Hans worked as a caregiver supporting trans folks post-surgery, people with disabilities, and elders. He also served as a referral coordinator in a primary care clinic, helping individuals navigate access to health insurance and services. His interest in Chinese Medicine began during his recovery from an eating disorder, where he first experienced patient-centered acupuncture care that supported both his physical and emotional health.
Credentials & Training
Doctorate in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine (candidate) - ACCHS
Associates of Science, Human Development and Family Studies - Penn State University
200-Hour Yoga Instructor - Yoga Lab, State College PA
Reiki Master - International Center for Reiki Training

Ash Meadows
Clinic Assistant
Ash (she/her) is a clinic assistant at Tendervine Health and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine at the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College (AIMC) in Berkeley, CA. Prior to pursuing the doctorate, Ash practiced interior and architectural design and designed and ran an non-profit urban farm that taught young people how to grow food, be self sustainable, and make healthy life choices. This experience combined with her personal health journey that benefited significantly from herbal medicine, acupuncture, and habit change helped her decide to pursue a career in acupuncture and East-Asian medicine.
Credentials & Training
Doctorate in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine (candidate) - AIMC
Bachelor of Science in Architecture - PSU Portland, OR
Associate Providers
In addition to our team, we provide a home for associate providers. To book an appointment with one of our independent associates, please contact the practitioner directly.

Naoko Katakami
Certified Massage Therapist
Naoko's practice specializes in orthopedics and neurological disharmonies. Learn more about Naoko's practice and access online booking here.
© Sydney Malawer, Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Inc., 2025






