staff & board
Staff
Oren “Ren” Pilinger, executive director
Ren is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist who has worked in community acupuncture clinics around Massachusetts since 2016.
In his words: “I came to acupuncture as a patient who could not afford treatment until I found a community acupuncture clinic. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine made such a big difference for my health that I wanted to help other people the same way. So I went to the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) and earned a Master’s Degree to be able to get licensed to practice this medicine.
My dream has been to start a non-profit POCA clinic in Boston, with a collaborative management structure. I love doing this work and want to help make acupuncture, herbs, and all types of holistic health care more available to more people.”
Tony Beal, substitute acupuncturist
Anthony “Tony” Beal is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. He earned his Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine with a focus in Japanese Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University.
In his words: “My goal as a practitioner of East Asian Medicine is to provide patients with access to affordable, safe, and effective healthcare. I practice acupuncture as well as LED/LASER, and Asian body work therapies.
In addition to Acupuncture, I am certified as a reiki master/teacher and yoga teacher. I enjoy being able to give patients coping tools such as breathing exercises and meditations to help them with their healing process. I look forward to working with you to manage your health concerns.” Book with Tony now!
Nicole Brown, substitute acupuncturist
Nicole Brown is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in private practice at Inner Sage Boston Acupuncture & Wellness, LLC. She earned her Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) in 2008.
Nicole also has extensive training in nutrition and functional medicine. She specializes in women’s health issues, fertility, hormones, and stress-related conditions.
With her multicultural upbringing and background in psychology, Nicole has a unique perspective on health and healing focused on mind/body root cause and solutions. Nicole combines conventional and holistic approaches, educating and empowering patients to achieve lasting health and wellness. Book with Nicole now!
Alexandra “Ali” Buzzeo, substitute acupuncturist
Alexandra (Ali) Buzzeo, Lic.Ac., received her Master of Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture. She is nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Ali formerly worked as a therapist with neurodiverse children and their families. Ali’s approach to treatment is an integration of her study and practice of energy medicine, psychology, and acupuncture. She practices meditation, breath work, and hoop dancing daily. Book with Ali now!
Andrew Cheever, substitute acupuncturist
Andrew Cheever is a licensed acupuncturist practicing mainly at Open Space Community Acupuncture in Somerville, MA and Acupuncture Together in Medford, MA. Andrew is a master practitioner and teacher of the Korean martial art, Soo Bahk Do. He earned his Acupuncture Master’s Degree from the Tri-State Acupuncture College (2011).
Andrew began practicing Soo Bahk Do in 1989 and earned his master rank in 2005. Andrew practiced acupuncture at the New York Presbyterian Hospital’s pediatric oncology ward and as a detox acupuncturist for Fenway Community Health in Boston. He has experience working with individuals with physical, cognitive and social disabilities.
Miranda Gerzon, substitute acupuncturist
Miranda Gerzon is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in the Boston area, primarily practicing at The Meeting Point in Jamaica Plain. She holds a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture and a Bachelor of Arts in International Development & Social Change from Clark University.
In her words: “I’m honored to be able to share this empowering medicine with you. Whether you’re new to acupuncture, dealing with aches and pains, or feeling anxious and wanting to feel more grounded, balanced, and like yourself again—you are welcome just as you are. Bring your curiosity and an open mind and I hope to see you soon.”
Lisa Keyes, substitute acupuncturist
Lisa Keyes graduated with a Master of Acupuncture degree from Tai Sophia Institute (now Maryland University of Integrative Health) in 2009. She was licensed and practicing acupuncture in Maryland before moving to Massachusetts. Lisa is licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and is a certified Acupuncture Detox Specialist.
She has completed the Acupuncturists Without Borders Healing Community Trauma training and is a member of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) and the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA). Lisa is a certified Reiki Level II practitioner and appreciates how acupuncture and Reiki complement each other. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in psychology and a minor in Women’s Studies.
Board of Directors
LaTeisha “Tj” Johnson, Director
Born and raised in Boston, Tj earned her Masters in Acupuncture degree from the New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS University and her B.A. in Counseling and Health Psychology at Emmanuel College. She has over 10 years of experience in client care coordination and management, including at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, FlexPlus Physical Therapy, ATI Physical Therapy, and Boston Public Schools.
In her words: “Four years ago, I set out on this journey in Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture with one goal: to make it accessible to my community and effectively integrate it into preventative medicine. At the time I had no knowledge of the community acupuncture model. The only thing I knew was that this was a powerful medicine and a permanent answer to a biased medical system at the mercy of insurance conglomerates…and my community needed it.
We need a proactive and preventative medicine that is unbiased and free from merciless regulations that stifle our ability to provide the care that is needed. This is where Eastern Medicine comes in. The Boston Acupuncture Project is an opportunity to accomplish the goals set forth four years ago and bring the type of healing to communities who, for too long, have been without it and desperately need it.”
Steve Kingsbury, Director and Chair
Steve is an acupuncturist and active volunteer for People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA). He started Ashland Community Acupuncture, LLC in 2008 and took over ownership of MetroWest Community Acupuncture in 2014. He is fully committed to providing affordable health care to his local communities in metrowest Massachusetts. In his words:
“I am committed to POCA’s mission of making acupuncture more affordable and more accessible. Lending support to a new POCA clinic is a great way to help realize POCA’s mission and goals. I have 10 years of experience as a community acupuncturist and a POCA clinic owner.”
Pamela Lomax, Director and Clerk
Bio coming soon
Christine Rose, Director
Christine Rose is the founder and owner of Imani Massage in Jamaica Plain and co-founded 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness. Her professional career spans the food service industry, financial services, service-based businesses, and the not-for-profit sector, while her volunteering and community leadership have taken her from Big Sisters, to Hebrew Senior Life Nursing Home, to her current Board position at educational non-profit Abraham’s Tent. Christine is an active member of and volunteer with the American Massage Therapy Association and the Dorchester Food Coop.
Christine now brings her entrepreneurial brilliance and passion for helping others to Boston Acupuncture Project!
In her words: “As a wellness practitioner, I believe in all complementary modalities to help affect change in the mind, body, and spirit. I also believe whole-heartedly in accessibility. I love that BAP is located in an adjacent neighborhood to me.”
Angela “Angie” Wolfrum, Director and Treasurer
Angie is currently a student at the New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS University, expecting her degree in May 2021. In her words: “As an acupuncture student, I’m learning again and again that healing is more than physical — it is social, environmental, political, emotional, and spiritual. Community Acupuncture was my first introduction to this practice and continues to support me in my imagining of a just world.”
