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 relief, transformation, and advocacy 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 in several master's and doctoral programs. 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 - Dr. Aviva Romm'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
• Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Certified Coach

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 is currently in the TCM Diploma Course in Practical Dermatology with Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji, the go-to expert for herbal medicine approach to dermatological, allergic, and autoimmune diseases.

Credentials & Training

• TCM Diploma in Practical Dermatology (candidate) - International TCM Dermatology Association (ITCMDA)
• Master of Science in Traditional Asian Medicine - AIMC Berkeley
• Bachelor of Science, Integrative Physiology - UC Boulder

Sam Lai (she/her) is a licensed acupuncturist with a focus in general practice and sports medicine. She is focused on providing care to folks who are experiencing challenging physical and emotional transitions. Her training is focused in Japanese acupuncture and sports medicine acupuncture as taught by Whitfield Reaves. During her training, Sam interned at UC Berkeley treating Cal student-athletes and at Charlotte Maxwell Clinic serving low-income, underserved, and immigrant women with cancer. She was also a student fellow for Influential Point, a social venture organization working towards advancing health justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the East Asian medical community. As someone who is a queer, mixed-race Chinese American, Sam's mission to serve and care for underserved communities is what motivated her to become a practitioner.

Credentials & Training

• Apprentice - Acupuncture Sports Medicine Apprenticeship Program

• Master of Science in Traditional Asian Medicine - AIMC Berkeley

• Master of Business Administration, Design Strategy - California College of the Arts

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photography - San Francisco Art Institute

• Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Visual Art - University of Washington

Ari (they/he/she) is the Clinic Manager at Tendervine Health currently pursuing their Master’s in East-Asian Medicine at the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College (AIMC) in Berkeley. Prior to starting their master’s, 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. Their motivation to pursue a career as a practitioner is providing health access and paths to care. Ari aims to bring drive and compassion to care delivery whenever possible.

Credentials & Training

• Master of Science in Traditional Asian Medicine (candidate) - AIMC Berkeley

• Bachelor of Arts, Sociology - UC Berkeley

Yucca (they/them) is a Clinic Assistant at Tendervine Health and is currently pursuing their Master’s in East-Asian Medicine at the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College (AIMC) in Berkeley. They previously worked as a Community Health Worker and Patient Navigator at Legacy Community Health in Houston, TX where they specialized in providing reproductive and queer & trans health resources to working class, uninsured, and Spanish speaking communities. They are a community herbalist, birth and abortion companion, and have been involved in various health justice projects over the last 13 years. In 2019, they volunteered with acupuncturists and provided support to their border town community along the South Texas/Mexico border. Yucca is committed to continuing the legacy of liberation acupuncture and is excited to grow as a future practitioner!

Credentials & Training

• Master of Science in Traditional Asian Medicine (candidate) - AIMC Berkeley

• Community Herbalist, Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine

• Full Spectrum Doula & Childbirth Educator

• Certified Community Health Worker, Texas DSHS (CCHW)

• Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology - University of North Texas