The Blue Heron Wellness team of acupuncture practitioners:
Susan Berman
M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., LCSW-C
Susan is licensed by the state of Maryland in both acupuncture and clinical social work. As a couples, family, and individual therapist for twenty years, she has applied her skills in promoting and building relationships with and among people as a practitioner of Traditional Five Element Acupuncture. Her current healing work is based on traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean theories of the several thousand-year-old practice of acupuncture that works with people interested in a holistic approach to balancing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual facets of wellness and health. She holds graduate degrees from the George Washington University in counseling, from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute, (now called the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts) where she also teaches classes in diagnostic interaction and was a clinical supervisor in the student clinic. She is a member of the Maryland Acupuncture Society and the National Alliance of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Sue has specialized in working with clients in the areas of addiction, sexual and physical abuse and bereavement. She is also a clinical hypnotherapist. For clients who have experienced trauma, Sue’s training in Somatic Experiencing® augments her acupuncture treatment.
Susan Dykeman
M.Ac., L.Ac.
Susan is a licensed Acupuncturist and certified Chinese Herbalist. Born and raised in Bethesda, MD, Susan graduated cum laude from both the Sidwell Friends School and Yale University. She earned her Masters of Acupuncture degree from the Tai Sophia Institute, and completed an additional two year training program in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using the powerful twin modalities of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, Susan addresses concerns ranging from a general sense that life could be better to difficult physical issues including chronic pain, infertility and cancer treatment support. Because Chinese medicine is a truly holistic approach to wellness, clients find that as they work with Susan to resolve the concern that brought them in the door, seemingly unrelated positive physical, emotional and even spiritual changes often occur. As clients become more harmonious on all levels, symptoms tend to resolve, while whole new possibilities open up for vitality, satisfaction and peace of mind.
Kathy Gonzalez
M.Ac., L.Ac.
Kathy has spent many years in the healthcare environment after earning a BS in Healthcare Administration from Columbia Union College (cum laude). Seeking a broader perspective than the prescription pad and scalpel of western medicine, Kathy embarked on a journey in which she could use her gifts to influence others on a natural path to wellness. She completed the Masters of Acupuncture degree at the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts and enjoys the possibility of empowering others to uncover their own potential for a greater well being through the practice of Five Element Acupuncture. Kathy is also certified in Facial Rejuvenation acupuncture.
Chichio Hand
R.N., M.Ac., L.Ac.
Chichio began to study the art of acupuncture after she found that her own body was not responding to western medical treatments. Chinese medicine had a profound impact on her healing and she was so enthralled with the results that she decided that she had to be a part of acupuncture’s healing circle. Coming from a strictly western medical training herself, it was at first daunting to make the switch but as she witnessed more and more dramatic, powerful and wonderful changes in patients, including some of her family members, at the student clinic she knew she had made the right choice.Chichio received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and her masters degree in Acupuncture from the TAI Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts, in Laurel, Maryland the oldest accredited acupuncture school in the United States. She also has a certificate in Chinese Dietary and Nutrition. Chichio continues her studies with world renowned acupuncturist and 88th generation Daoist priest, Jeffrey Yuen. She also regularly attends seminars to expand her knowledge of Chinese traditional healing, concentrating on weight loss, preventive care for cancer, fertility and other chronic diseases that are so prevalent in our country today.
Chichio’s enthusiasm and strong desire to create wellness for herself and her patients is enhanced by her many years of practicing as a registered nurse. She is known to create special bonds with her patients in both modalities and has received many accolades for her caring and compassion.
Farris Johnson
M.Ac., L.Ac
Farris grew up in Georgia and worked for years as a youth wilderness counselor, teacher, and tutor before moving to Maryland to pursue a degree in acupuncture. A recent Tai Sophia graduate, he is committed to bringing affordable acupuncture and wellness education to groups in the DC Metro area.As Farris puts it, “I am continually amazed that tiny pins inserted just under the surface of the skin and a thoughtful question by a practitioner helped heal my shoulder, strengthen my bladder, and lift my depression; the same medicine has allowed me to help others heal their necks, stomachs, cancers, and spirits. I believe acupuncture is the answer to crises of healthcare, community, and ultimately the planet.”
Rebecca Snyder
M.Ac., L.Ac
Rebecca has been studying and practicing Chinese medicine and related fields for 12 years. A licensed acupuncturist, Rebecca earned her Masters of Acupuncture degree from Tai Sophia Institute and is currently doing post-graduate study with Lonny Jarrett. Rebecca’s treatment approach addresses not only physical and emotional imbalances, but reaches toward even higher goals – promoting the personal evolutionary edge of each patient. This involves a working partnership where the patient may discover their highest potential. Her acupuncture style blends meridian, TCM and 5-Element acupuncture traditions. Additionally, Rebecca offers acupressure and chi gong healing, two powerful healing modalities that do not require needles.
