Speaker Bios and Session Information
Read about each Homecoming speaker by clicking on their photos below.
Keynote Speaker
Jason Hao, DOM, MBA
Jason Hao is editor in chief and translator in chief for the textbook THEORY ANDPRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION published by World Federacy of Chinese Medicine Society. Jason Hao currently serves as the vice-chairman for the education guiding committee and translation committee at World Federacy of Chinese Medicine Society. Jason Hao is the president of the Neuro-acupuncture Institute in the USA. He was former chairman of the acupuncture committee in the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). He is the co-author of the book, Chinese Scalp Acupuncture. Jason Hao specializes in treating neurological disorders, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, cerebral palsy, autism, complex regional pain, phantom pain, and long COVID-19 disorders. Many America newspapers, journals, televisions reported his successful cases and stories in past 35 years. The documentary film by Doug Dearth on him and his wife, Linda Hao’s treatment “RETURN TO LIFE” is released on May, 2021.
Keynote Session
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Chinese Scalp Acupuncture for Difficult Neurological Disorders, Part I, II
Jason Hao, DOM, MBA
Session Speakers
Sophia Bouwens, L.Ac., M.S.Ac
Sophia Bouwens is a licensed acupuncturist with an undergraduate degree in neuroscience and post-graduate training in functional neurology through the Carrick Institute. With a strong educational background in neuroscience and her own personal experience with traumatic brain injury, Sophia is passionate about helping to support others to optimize their brain health, traumatic brain injury recovery, neurodegenerative disorders, and finding relief from pain. She has been involved in collaborations for acupuncture research at Health Partner’s Neuroscience Center to further the use of acupuncture in frontline neurological rehabilitation. She works in private practice at Healing Response Acupuncture and Functional Neurology and as a provider in outpatient neurological rehabilitation with Regions Hospital at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center. She is passionate about acupuncture’s applications to the nervous system and health optimization. When she is not working, she loves spending time with her three girls and spending time outside!
Session
SATURDAY, MARCH 14 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Acupuncture: The Ancient Practice of Neuromodulation, Part I
SATURDAY, MARCH 14 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Acupuncture: The Ancient Practice of Neuromodulation, Part II
Sophia Bouwens, L.Ac., M.S.Ac
Mark Brinson, DOM, L.Ac.
Mark T. Brinson, is a globally recognized expert in integrative Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, osteopathic principles, and manual therapies to help patients get better—fast.
He is the founder of Saint Acupuncture & Wellness, a thriving clinic based in a rural Georgia town of just 15,000 people, which has served a patient base of over 30,000. Over the years, Mark has helped establish more than 15 clinics across the country, sharing his expertise in both clinical excellence and operational success.
These days, most of his energy is devoted to Saint Apothecary, home of the cult-favorite Evil Bone Water. What began as a small-batch remedy mixed on a porch seven years ago has grown into a global brand, now supplying over 2,600 clinics in more than 10 countries and growing at a rate of 40% each year.
With 35 years of clinical experience, Mark is passionate about openly sharing the lessons—both wins and mistakes—he’s learned along the way. Whether it’s helping practitioners succeed in clinic, guiding product development, or scaling ethical, impactful businesses, his goal is simple: to help as many people as possible.
Through an unconventional social media approach he has reached over 100,000 people, Mark freely mentors others on how to achieve clinical results and financial success—always rooted in a business model built on mutual benefit. His greatest hope is to empower others to heal more people, build thriving practices, and do so with integrity and abundance. Mark and his team have one singular mission, to help you and TCM succeed.
Mark is licensed in the state of Georgia – License number 289.
Session
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Ethical Repacking of Herbs & Shoulder Girdle Pain Resolution – Upper Thoracic and Ribs, Part 1
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ethical Repacking of Herbs & Shoulder Girdle Pain Resolution – Upper Thoracic and Ribs, Part 2
Mark Brinson, DOM, L.Ac.
Nicholas Carlson, DC
Nicholas Carlson graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2022 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. He also completed a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Michigan Technological University in 2018 and is currently completing a Master of Education in Educational Technology and Instructional Design. Dr. Carlson is an Assistant Professor of Anatomy at Northwestern Health Sciences University, where he teaches gross anatomy and cadaver-based laboratory instruction. He also maintains a part-time chiropractic practice with an emphasis on evidence-informed, patient-centered care.
Sessions
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where Signal Lives: Neural and Fascial Architecture of High-Impact Acupuncture Points
5:30 p.m. – 6:05 p.m.
Cadaver Lab #1
6:05 p.m. – 6:35 p.m.
Cadaver Lab #2
6:35 p.m. – 7:05 p.m.
Cadaver Lab #3
Nicholas Carlson, DC
Shuqing Ding, LAc, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), MD & PhD (China)
Shuqing Ding is an integrative pelvic floor medicine specialist with over 25 years of experience bridging colorectal surgery, acupuncture,
and interdisciplinary care. She received her medical and doctoral training at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine and led a pelvic floor unit at a national center in China. Dr. Ding completed advanced research training in the United States, including postdoctoral work at the University of Minnesota Pelvic Floor Center, as well as research appointments at Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic. She currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Northwestern Health Sciences University and is the founder of Zero Distance Acupuncture & Ding Pelvis Health Clinic in Minnesota.
Her clinical and scholarly work focuses on functional pelvic floor disorders, chronic pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and neuromodulation‐based acupuncture. She has authored over 100 publications, contributed to multiple professional textbooks, and holds 10 medical patents in China. She is a former Secretary General of the Pelvic Floor Multidisciplinary Committee of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Association and currently serves as an Associate Editor of Pelviperineolog.y
Session
FRIDAY, MARCH 14 | 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
How Acupuncture Treats Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: An Evidence-Informed, Interdisciplinary Approach
Shuqing Ding, Ph.D., L.Ac.
Jason Hao, DOM, MBA
Jason Hao is editor in chief and translator in chief for the textbook THEORY ANDPRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION published by World Federacy of Chinese Medicine Society. Jason Hao currently serves as the vice-chairman for the education guiding committee and translation committee at World Federacy of Chinese Medicine Society. Jason Hao is the president of the Neuro-acupuncture Institute in the USA. He was former chairman of the acupuncture committee in the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). He is the co-author of the book, Chinese Scalp Acupuncture. Jason Hao specializes in treating neurological disorders, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, cerebral palsy, autism, complex regional pain, phantom pain, and long COVID-19 disorders. Many America newspapers, journals, televisions reported his successful cases and stories in past 35 years. The documentary film by Doug Dearth on him and his wife, Linda Hao’s treatment “RETURN TO LIFE” is released on May, 2021.
Keynote Session
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Chinese Scalp Acupuncture for Difficult Neurological Disorders, Part I, II
Jason Hao, DOM, MBA
Amanda Herrmann, PhD
Amanda Herrmann is a Research Investigator at the HealthPartners Institute Neuroscience Research Center and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Minnesota. She earned her doctorate in Health and Rehabilitation Science from the Medical University of South Carolina, as well as her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Herrmann’s passion for research is deeply personal, stemming from her experience supporting family members with Parkinson’s disease. This inspired her to pursue a career focused on improving treatments for individuals with neurological disorders. She leads and contributes to research aimed at enhancing the use of evidence-based practices in rehabilitation and advancing our understanding of managing neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Her primary research interest is in exploring complementary and integrative health approaches, with the belief that a holistic, integrated care model can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with neurological disorders.
Session
SATURDAY, MARCH 14 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Acupuncture: The Ancient Practice of Neuromodulation, Part II
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Amanda Herrmann, PhD
Brandon LaGreca, L.Ac., MAcOM
Brandon LaGreca, grew up on the East Coast of the US and attended Montclair State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in science with a
minor in religion, summa cum laude. He then moved to the West Coast to fulfill a dream he had from the age of 12 of studying traditional Chinese medicine. He was accepted to the prestigious Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, where he earned a master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. His postgraduate work included studying and working at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in China. After 10 years of private practice, Brandon experienced firsthand the journey of the wounded healer when a series of small bowel obstructions led to hospitalization and diagnosis of stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He achieved remission eight months later following an integrative oncology protocol that included immunotherapy without surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
He now lectures and writes on the epigenetics of cancer and has dedicated his career to empowering patients through and beyond chronic illnesses such as cancer. His latest interests include studying indigenous forms of healing and eco-spirituality. He is the author of “Cancer and EMF Radiation: How to Protect Yourself from the Silent Carcinogen of Electropollution,” “Cancer, Stress & Mindset: Focusing the Mind to Empower Healing and Resilience,” and “Cancer, Trauma & Emotions: A Traditional Medicine Path to Spiritual Wholeness.” He shares his thoughts at EmpoweredPatientBlog.com.
Session
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Distal Acupunture for Neuroplastic Pain
Brandon LaGreca, L.Ac., MAcOM
Alane Lucht, DC, PhD, LADC. LPCC
Session
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Boundaries and Ethics in Practice: A Psychological Perspective (2 Ethics Hours)
Alane Lucht, DC, PhD, LADC, LPCC
Joseph Muldoon, DC, MS, DABCI, DACBN, CCWPJoseph Muldoon graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1991 as a Doctor of Chiropractic, and he completed his BS in human biology in 2002. He completed his Master of Science in Human Anatomy and Physiology from New York Chiropractic College in 2017. He is an assistant professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University, and he contributes to the cadaver labs held at numerous continuing education seminars offered by the University.
SessionsSATURDAY, MARCH 14 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. – 6:05 p.m. 6:05 p.m. – 6:35 p.m. 6:35 p.m. – 7:05 p.m. |
Joseph Muldoon, DC, MS, DABCI, DACBN, CCWP
Stephen Thompson, DC, DACM, LAc, BCTMB
Dr. Stephen Thompson is an integrative clinician and educator with over 20 years of experience in chiropractic medicine, acupuncture and Chinese medicine, clinical bodywork, neuro-orthopedic acupuncture, functional medicine, and functional nutrition. He holds dual doctoral degrees and is a Fellow of the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine. Dr. Thompson has worked with Northwestern Health Sciences University in clinical and educational roles and is known for teaching an anatomically grounded, systems-based approach that integrates anatomy, neuroscience, and traditional healing frameworks. He is also an author and frequent speaker on human performance, nervous system regulation, fascia, and integrative clinical reasoning.
Sessions
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where Signal Lives: Neural and Fascial Architecture of High-Impact Acupuncture Points
5:30 p.m. – 6:05 p.m.
Cadaver Lab #1
6:05 p.m. – 6:35 p.m.
Cadaver Lab #2
6:35 p.m. – 7:05 p.m.
Cadaver Lab #3
Stephen Thompson, DC, DACM, LAc, BCTMB
Larissa Vados, PhD, LAc
Larissa Vados (she/her), is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Minnesota and is board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). In 2012 she graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University with a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree, and in 2015 completed her PhD in Acupuncture, Tuina and Moxibustion at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Tianjin, China. Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine specialize in the treatment of neurological diseases. Taking advantage of this expertise, her main focus of study was treatment for stroke rehabilitation. She designed and carried out a randomized control trial in the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine looking at the use of both acupuncture and physical therapy in the treatment of acute and sub-acute ischemic stroke. Larissa has several years experience working with a hospital-based inpatient interdisciplinary acute care pain management team, and an outpatient based chronic pain center in a large hospital system. Larissa and her colleagues have worked together to treat some of the most difficult pain management cases in the hospital system from both Eastern and Western perspectives. During those years she enjoyed working every day to promote the use of effective and evidence-based integrative treatments such as
acupuncture within the allopathic medical system. She is now the co-owner of Minnesota Integrative Health Studio, and continues to help patients fulfill their health goals in this integrative and holistic community-based clinic.
In addition to her acupuncture and Chinese medicine training, Larissa is a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor in both Mat and Reformer, having completed over 310 hours of training at Minnesota’s STOTT Certification Center in 2009. Larissa has also taken advanced training in Pilates for neurological conditions. Larissa finds that Pilates is a wonderful form of rehabilitative exercise that can be modified to suit anyone’s situation and circumstances. She loves combining Pilates with her acupuncture patients to address chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, neurological and other movement
disorders, mental health and more! Specialties: Stroke sequelae treatment and other neurological disorders, pain (acute and chronic), stress management, insomnia, allergies, auto-immune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. In her Pilates practice she enjoys working with injured populations looking for rehabilitation, seasoned athletes looking to improve athletic performance and everyone in between.
Session
FRIDAY, MARCH 14 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Xing Nao Kai Qiao “Activate the Brain and Open the Orifices” Treatment Method for Stroke in First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
