Our Staff

Alaine D. Duncan, M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., ext.101, aduncan@crossingshealing.com, is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Crossings.  She has worked at the interface of individual and social/cultural healing since the mid-1970's.  Learning, practicing and loving Chinese medicine since 1988, she works with care, compassion, and a profound sense of respect for healing in the body, the mind, and the spirit. A writer, an empty-nester, and a soulful seeker — she creates and nurtures community wherever she is.  Alaine received her Master's Degree from the TAI Sophia Institute, where she is an adjunct faculty member.  She also provides post-graduate clinical education at Crossings. (back to top of page)

Jane Grissmer, M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., ext. 314, jgrissmer@crossingshealing.com, is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Crossings.  She holds a Masters in Acupuncture; a certification in Chinese Herbs, and a background in the practice of massage therapy and the bodywork traditions. From 1984-1997 she was on the faculty of the TAI Sophia Institute where she served as Dean of Faculty.  She is the author of “Notes of a Qi Tender,” which appeared in Contemporary Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and other articles on acupuncture as a healing art, the emotions as qi, and the healing power of the seasonal cycle.  Jane is a practicing acupuncturist and a mother -- a learner, a teacher, and a coach of life as the movement of qi. (back to top of page)

Stephanie Mwangaza Brown, L.Ac, CCP, CEEA, ext. 316, mbrown@crossingshealing.com,is a licensed Acupuncturist, a certified Colorpuncturist, an Energy Emissions Analyst and a Reiki Master. Colorpuncture is a healing therapy that uses color, light and crystals. It combines the modern knowledge of light biophysics, the ancient wisdom of crystal healing and the concepts of nature-based medicine. Energy Emission Analysis is a diagnostic method that uses a Kirlian camera to take photographs of body energy to determine a client¡¦s level of wellness. Reiki is a hands-on healing technique. See www.healthselves.com for more information. (back to top of page)

Tracey Horner Burde, M.S., M.Ac., Dipl.Ac., ext. 337, tburde@crossingshealing.com, holds a Masters in Acupuncture, a certificate in Chinese Herbs, and a certificate in Jin Shin Acupressure Massage. Tracey is a clinical supervisor at the faculty-student clinic of the Traditional Acupuncture Institute. A wife, a mother of school-age children, and a spiritual seeker, Tracey is a grounded partner for people on the path to healing. (back to top of page)

Gail Chinoy, MSN, RNC, ext. 302, gchinoy@crossingshealing.com is a nurse practitioner.  She earned her Master’s degree in nursing at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in 1986.  She is board certified in women’s health.  Gail provides health care from a holistic perspective.  She values the best of conventional medicine and complementary therapies in guiding her clients towards health and wellness.  Her services include women’s health exams, diagnosis and treatment, as well as education, counseling, and advocacy.
"On Leave as of Spring 2007." (back to top of page)

Ricey Clapp, PA-C, NCTMB, CMT, ext. 303, rclapp@crossingshealing.com, has been practicing manual approaches to health since 1984. As a physician assistant and massage therapist, she facilitates individual self-healing and wellness through the use of Integrative Bodywork, Bach Flower Essences, and health education. Ricey is also a licensed aesthetician specializing in natural and holistic skincare. She graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute and George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. (back to top of page)

Marie E. Connor, M.Ac., L.Ac, ext. 322, mconnor@crossingshealing.com, is an acupuncturist and intuitive counselor. She earned her Masters Degree from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute. Marie has been practicing bio-spiritual healing for more than 13 years and has used several modalities including massage, chakra energy balancing, and more. (back to top of page)

Ryan Conroy, M.A., M.Ac., L.Ac, Dipl.Ac., ext. 330, rconroy@crossingshealing.com, Having spent more than twenty years in public service and international relations, Ryan brings a broad perspective and deep appreciation for the importance of balance and healing in all walks of life. She is a graduate of the TAI Sophia Institute and is also a certified animal acupuncturist, believing that balance and healing is crucial to all beings. (back to top of page)

Deb Earley, M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., ext. 327, Deborah.Earley@att.net. Prior to becoming an acupuncturist, Deb spent over 20 years in the non-profit and corporate sectors as a manager and organizational development consultant, and as a business coach to individuals. Now Deb uses her coaching skills, along with acupuncture techniques, to empower clients to take better care of their health. With compassion and an open heart, Deb works in partnership with her clients, helping them to heal from pain, illness, and dis-ease. (The word dis-ease is used to express sicknesses that are created when we are not at ease with life.) As a health coach, Deb first helps each patient define their health goals and determine what steps they need to take to live fuller, healthier lives. Using the art and science of acupuncture, Deb then works at the energetic level to help clients discard or redirect old patterns and discover a new sense of vitality. In addition to her general practice, Deb specializes in providing acupuncture support to patients who are living with cancer. As a certified Reiki practitioner, Deb works as a volunteer with the Washington Cancer Institute. In addition, she serves on the faculty of TAI Sophia acupuncture school. To learn more about Deb's practice, visit her website at www.EarleyAcupuncture.com. (back to top of page)

Lynne Gist, PT, ext. 310, lgist@crossingshealing.com, Physical Therapist, graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1985. She has strong manual skills and emphasizes a total systems approach for health concerns. Her training enables her to work on specific structures, such as a specific artery, vein, or nerve. She is also able to work on specific systems of the body such as lymph, connective tissue, and organs. Lynne utilizes techniques such as muscle energy, myofascial release, and cranial therapy. She believes in using the body’s innate ability to heal and focuses on patient education. Lynne’s post baccalaureate training is in Integrative Manual Therapy and Neuro Developmental Technique. (back to top of page)

Barbara Glenfield, P.T., ext. 304, is a physical therapist in practice since 1981. She specializes in easing pain and improving mobility through the use of manual therapies, instruction, and self-care. Her background includes joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and Huma bodywork. At the heart of Barbara’s practice is the belief that we need only to facilitate the body’s natural tendency to self-correct and heal by helping to identify and release the primary barriers to full and free mobility. (back to top of page)

Michael Gray, M.S., M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., ext. 318, mgray@crossingshealing.com, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner, Licensed Acupuncturist, and ACE Certified Fitness Professional created Whole Body Harmony (www.wholebodyharmony.com) to bring together many of the Taoist healing practices together. Mike facilitates healing and builds awareness of the interconnection between body/mind/spirit through Feng Shui, acupuncture, acupressure, fitness-personal training, and other energy work. He holds a Masters in Acupuncture from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute as well as a Masters in Exercise Science and Health. (back to top of page)

Ruth Anne Keister, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 306, rakeister@crossingshealing.com, nationally certified massage therapist, graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute in 1999. She uses Swedish, Deep Tissue, Connective Tissue, Esalen massage, Craniosacral Therapy, aromatherapy, and Reiki to promote relaxation and stress relief and to treat both chronic and acute injuries. She believes that healing comes from within, and that outside assistance - like massage - can greatly facilitate this process. Ruth Anne brings to her work a lifelong interest in health, fitness, and finding balance in life, as well as a background in environmental work. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and is licensed in both Maryland and Washington, DC. Ruth Anne is currently a part-time student at the North Carolina Alexander Technique Teacher Training program in Greensboro, NC. (back to top of page)

Bonnie Kramer, M.S., M.Ac., L.Ac., ext. 315, bkramer@crossingshealing.com, brings over twenty years of professional experience as a consultant, community organizer, and manager to her work as an acupuncturist. The focus of her work has been on change - organization, social, and personal - and her greatest satisfaction comes when she is able to facilitate and support positive change. As an acupuncturist, Bonnie strives to support people as the experience of change occurs in their life. She works in partnership with each person to attain greater well-being and believes that it is through our own healing work that more harmony and health are created - for use personally, for each other, and for our world. Bonnie holds an M.Ac. from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute and an M.S. in Social Work/Business from Columbia University. (back to top of page)

John Lee, RCST®, LMT, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 307, jlee@crossingshealing.com, has been in practice since 1996. His treatment approach to your wholeness incorporates a combination of bodywork styles which are intended to respect your journey to health and well-being whether it is relaxation, stiffness, pain or injury. Utilizing Deep Tissue Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, Thai Table Stretching, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Usui Reiki, and Yamuna Body Rolling, as well as active dialogue and a respect for your needs will result in an experience that can be either a focused short-term treatment approach incorporating a single modality or a more in-depth, long-term approach which may integrate different modalities weaved into several sessions. For more information, see www.wholebodyconcepts.com. (back to top of page)

Holly Markush, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 329, hmarkush@crossingshealing.com is a nationally certified massage therapist, graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage in 2005, uses Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, and Swedish massage to promote peace of mind, relaxation, and relief from stress and pain, believes compassionate touch is essential for overall healthfulness, is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, and is licensed in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. (back to top of page)

Greta McVey, M.Ac., L.Ac., ext. 308, gmcvey@crossingshealing.com, received her degree from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia, Maryland. A former landscape architect, she is a steward of the earth and has an intimate understanding of humankind’s relationship to nature and nature’s role in healing. She is one of the few acupuncturists in the nation certified to treat animals, and she is also certified in the healing protocol known as detox acupuncture, which is especially effective when addressing the issue of substance abuse. (back to top of page)

Bailey, CGC (Canine Good Citizenship), TDI (Therapy Dog International) Bailey is a chocolate labrador retriever who works with staff acupuncturist Greta McVey as a certified therapy dog. She meets and greets clients in the Crossings waiting room, assists Greta in helping clients to further their relationship with nature, and is an all-around guide to the healing power of love. (back to top of page)

Lucia Mercer, CMT, NCTMB, RGST, ext. 309, lmercer@crossingshealing.com, nationally certified massage therapist, specializes in helping people tap their inner wisdom and resources, using their body as a guide. She has been studying the art and science of bodywork since 1990. She is trained by and at times instructs at the Potomac Massage Training Institute, and is a graduate of the Gestalt Training Center of Washington, DC. Lucia’s advanced trainings include Craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), Reiki, Somatic Integrity, and pregnancy massage and working with couples before the birth experience. Her work is grounded and multi-dimensional - knowing true health and healing is attained through the integration of bodymindspirit. (back to top of page)

Cathy Miller, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 313, cmiller@crossingshealing.com, Dipl. of Asian Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM) is a Certified Massage Therapist and a Diplomate of Asian Bodywork Therapy of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is also a certified Process Acupressure Therapist and a certified instructor of Basic Acupressure. She draws upon aspects of Five Element and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zen Shiatsu, Swedish Massage, and Process Acupressure in the spirit of creative partnership with her clients, to assist them in moving toward health and balance. After working for twenty years as a professional musician, music librarian, and graphic artist, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to be of service in a different way, through the practice and teaching of acupressure. In addition to practicing acupressure and massage at Crossings, and at the Center for Integrative Medicine in Easton, Maryland, Cathy enjoys teaching acupressure workshops nationwide. (back to top of page)

Melinda Paul, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 321, mpaul@crossingshealing.com (back to top of page)

Lucía G. Perillán, M.Ac. L.Ac. Dipl.Ac., ext. 325, lperillan@crossingshealing.com. helps patients cultivate wellness by re-invigorating their vital spirit, promoting the resolution of illness, and encouraging the integration of self. She recommends dietary changes and simple qigong exercises to enhance and prolong the benefits of acupuncture treatment and is a beginning practitioner of Chinese Herbology. Lucia's clinical practice and advanced studies in Classical Chinese Medicine focus on preventative medicine with a special emphasis on women's health and oncology. Licensed to practice acupuncture in Maryland and the District of Columbia, Lucia is certified as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association and treats clients at the only Spanish speaking residential rehabilitation program in Washington, D.C. (www.neighborsconsejo.org). In addition to practicing yoga for over a decade, Lucia studies internal martial arts (for health benefits, to cultivate her skills as a healer, and for fun) with Master Liu Xiao Ling of the Wudang Longmen (www.wudanglongmen.com). (back to top of page)

Carolyne Pion, L.Ac., M.Ac., Dipl.Ac., ext. 311, cpion@crossingshealing.com, brings a twenty-year commitment to both individual and community health and well-being. Her studies include yoga, spirituality, homeopathy, Eastern and Western herbs, as well as Japanese and Chinese acupuncture. Her Japanese acupuncture techniques allow her to treat children (or adults) without inserting needles! A writer, mother, and community activist, she believes that with a little tending the seeds of wellness can blossom in all of us. Carolyne received her Master of Acupuncture degree and Chinese Herbology training from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute. (back to top of page)

Gillian Powers, M.Ac., L.Ac., ext. 328, gpowers@crossingshealing.com, is a licensed acupuncturist. She earned her Masters Degree from the premier TAI Sophia Institute. A charter member of Crossings HealingWorks, Gillian is active in the Caring for the Caregivers and Restore and Renew programs' complementary medical services to help those most personally affected by war find peace through acupuncture and bodywork. Gillian uses Acupuncture, Acupressure, Zero Balancing, massage, chakra energy balancing, and more to facilitate wellness in clients of all ages. For more information, check out www.powersacupuncture.com (back to top of page)

Philomena Queen, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 312, is a nationally certified massage therapist and Dean of Students at the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI). She practices Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, incorporating Reiki, polarity therapy, and reflexology. She regularly serves at lead practical instructor at PMTI where she graduated in 1992. Philomena is also a member of the Maryland Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association. (back to top of page)

Jeremy Riesenfeld, ext. 402, jriesenfeld@crossingshealing.com (back to top of page)

Christina Steele, D.O. M.P.H., ext. 301 csteele@crossingshealing.com. Dr. Christina Steele completed medical school in Los Angeles, California, where in addition, she completed a Masters degree in International Health and Health Education, summa cum laude. After completing a residency in family practice, Dr. Steele completed a second fellowship in Neuromuskuloskelatal Medicine with the American Academy of Osteopathy. She is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practitioners, and holds an associate professorship in Anatomy at Husson College in Maine; where she previously maintained an independent practice for women and children. She has been a recurring guest lecturer at the U of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Eastern Maine Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine. Prior to her medical training Dr. Steele worked in the international relief field, primarily in the field of refugee health. For more information, see www.WomenAndChildrensOsteo.com (back to top of page)

Naomi Starr, ext. 400, Front Desk (back to top of page)

Catherine Varchaver, CHHC, MAT, ext. 317, cvarchaver@crossingshealing.com, is a certified holistic health and nutrition counselor with a master’s degree in teaching.  She studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York and has used food as medicine for over 20 years. Catherine’s work with individuals and families blends eastern and western traditions to promote mind-body-spirit wellbeing. She offers practical advice about incorporating whole foods-based diets, seasonal cleanses, and simple food preparation tips both as preventative medicine and to support the body through a wide range of chronic and acute health conditions. She helps clients gain awareness regarding the energetics of food and also guides those struggling to find peace in their relationship with food. Clients experience and learn guided visualizations and stress reduction techniques as needed. Catherine teaches and consults in the DC area. For more information, see www.bodyandsoulnutrition.biz/. (back to top of page)

Andres Vergara, L.Ac., M. Ac., ext. 332, avergara@crossingshealing.com, is a licensed acupuncturist, certified and full Qi Gong instructor with the healing tao, a certified zero balancing practicioner and a clinical Chinese herbal Intern at the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts. He has over 400 hours of qi gong training with various healing tao instructors including Michael Winn, Mantak Chia, Marie Favorito, Karen Sorvik, Joyce Gayheart and Masahiro Oichi. He has practiced these methods for many years. Andres Vergara is certified as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. He uses these modalities to promote health, balance, harmony and a profound peace and vitality in his clients and students. (back to top of page)

Brigit Viksnins, NCTMB, RCST^®, ext. 324, bviksnins@crossingshealing.com, practices Massage Therapy and Craniosacral Therapy at Crossings. She studied and has taught massage therapy at the Potomac Massage Training Institute. Brigit practices relaxing therapeutic massage, and her deep, slow style facilitates a decompression from today's stresses. Along with a variety of other advanced courses, she has studied massage as a medical intervention, which she integrates with the meditative practice of cranial work. She practices Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (see www.craniosacraltherapy.org). Brigit is working part-time for now, as her children are also receiving her care and attention.
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Beth Wheeler, ext. 331, bwheeler@crossingshealing.com, is a psychotherapist, who loves to work collaboratively with a diverse spectrum of people and issues. She works with individuals, couples and groups. In addition, Beth is also a certified massage therapist who looks at the interconnections between the mind and body. Therefore, her work incorporates "traditional" talk therapy, as well as a variety of body-oriented techniques to bring awareness to thoughts, feelings and images, which help the client to reprocess, heal old wounds, and grow. She leads groups for lesbian and bisexual survivors of child sexual assault and rape, as well as a residential nine-day retreat for women, looking at women's collaborative leadership and diversity. She is licensed in both Maryland and Washington, DC. (back to top of page)

Tiffiny Gilreath, ext. 400, twolins@crossingshealing.com, happily joined the Crossings family in the role of Office Manager in May 2007. Tiffiny holds an MFA in theatre and has worked locally as a director, choreographer and stage manager. Before Crossings, Tiffiny managed a Curves franchise and worked in the non-profit sector. She has been a Pathworker for ten years and is currently finishing her fifth and final year of the Pathwork Transformation Program at Sevenoaks Pathwork Center.. Her most recent project is a book entitled, "Emotional Weight Loss" which focuses on the emotional and spiritual aspects of creating a healthy body. She is committed to empowering people to live more fully. (back to top of page)