Grasshopper Education

Member Directory

Kenneth is a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in orthopedic and sports medicine. His patients include elite and professional athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone whose daily activities of work, exercise, recreation or hobbies are affected by injury.

As an Athletic Trainer, certified by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association Board of Certification, Kenneth has thirty years of experience working with patients in physical therapy clinics, overseeing high school and college sports medicine programs, and as a member of the medical staff of many professional and United States Olympic teams.

Kenneth completed graduate studies in Traditional Oriental Medicine and earned his acupuncture license in 2000. He combines the art, knowledge and techniques passed down from eastern traditional medicine with western modern orthopedic medicine to create an integrated and holistic style of treatment. This unique combination of skills has proven to be effective for his patients and provided opportunities for him to teach on the faculty of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, to present courses at conferences around the US and Canada, and to continue to work with professional and Olympic teams and athletes.

Before moving to Santa Barbara, Kenneth has had successful private practices in San Diego, Oakland, Sonoma and Marin.

Kenneth specializes in:

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Grasshopper asks Ken: What is your favorite Chinese herbal formula?

"Cong Chi Tang. It is the antithesis to Western pharmaceutical medicine. It is simple and it is food, and it is very effective."

Lillian Pearl Bridges is the world's leading authority on Face Reading and Facial Diagnosis. She is credited for reawakening Chinese Medicine to this body of ancient knowledge and introducing it to Western Medicine and Business. She has taught to Complimentary and Allopathic Doctors, Acupuncturists and other Natural Health Practitioners, CEO's and Executive Management Teams around the world. Lillian is the founder of The Lotus Institute, Inc. and The Lotus Institute Press based in Seattle and trains students in her comprehensive Master Face Reading Certification Program. She has over 25 years experience as a featured speaker at international conferences and symposiums. She is a lineage holder from a long line of Master Chinese practitioners in her Chien Family and received her degree in Psychology from UCLA. She is the author of Face Reading in Chinese Medicine, 2nd Edition.

Karen earned her Masters degree at the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine in 2006, she is board certified in acupuncture and herbal medicine by the California Acupuncture Board, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and the State of Colorado.

For most of her career, she has worked with patients suffering from chronic neurological, immunological, and hormonal conditions. She has specialized training in neurological rehabilitation and cancer therapy in both children and adults, as well as hormone balancing and stress related health issues. She has also specialized in nutritional therapy for the past 10+ years.

Karen has worked in a variety of integrated clinics amongst medical doctors, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, and nurses. She combines a solid Chinese medical foundation with an integrative approach, using her knowledge of nutrition, lab testing, and supplements to benefit her patients. She lives with her husband and two children in Colorado.

Grasshopper asked Karen: What is your favorite herbal formula and why?

"My favorite herbal formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang. Simple, yes. And that is why I love it. So many patients come into my office with a long list of supplements, herbs, and medications that they are currently taking. I have seen the simplicity of this Rx help to shift patients in a positive direction without adding yet more complex pharmacology to their systems. Sometimes even in medicine, less is more."

Brian holds a Master's Degree in Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz. He also earned a PhD in Somatic Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate University.

Brian has integrated his formal education with extensive travel abroad. He worked in the hospitals in Hang Zhou, China, where he was exposed to pediatric massage, herbal treatment for stroke patients, and advanced acupuncture techniques. He ran a Chinese medical clinic on the Caribbean Princess cruise lines, treating people from around the world. Extended time in Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, and Europe has given Brian a rich cultural education that has allowed him to connect with various types of people and life situations.

In addition to running his medical clinic in Carpinteria, he is a teacher and writer, with an intention to spread Wisdom traditions for the benefit of humanity and Nature.

Grasshopper asks Brian: What is your favorite acupuncture point and why?

My favorite acupuncture point (over the last few years!) is Small Intestine 11 (Tian zong). Heavenly Gathering or Heavenly Ancestor. This point carries an enormous amount of Qi, opens up the whole shoulder, arm, and neck, and unblocks held emotions, especially those related to one's family and close relationships.

Over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry
National and California State Board Certified Acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor
Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Master of Arts Kinesiology: Exercise Science with a focus in nutrition and metabolism
Certified in Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation
Advanced training in Microneedling for aesthetics and skin disorders
Nutrition and wellness author and educator for other health care professionals
Lifestyle and wellness consultant to professional and recreational athletes as well as general health
Extensive experience working in fitness including working with USA Track and Field, USA Olympic Lifting, USA Triathlon, taught college level courses in Tai Chi and Pilates
Experience with working in-house in medical spas, eating disorder clinics, weight-loss clinics, hospitals, and USA Olympic Training Centers
Advanced nutrition training in autoimmune conditions, immune compromised conditions, food allergies, gastro-intestinal disorders, mental dysfunction disorders, and sports nutrition
Professor at Pacific College of Health Sciences-Doctorate level courses

Grasshopper asks Tara: What is your favorite Chinese herb?

My favorite herb is ginger. It is great for sports injuries - it is warming, circulating, easy to use, and tastes great.

Monica Kaderali graduated from Tulane University in 1994 and the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 1998. Over the past 15 years she has worked in clinics doing pain management, palliative cancer care, chronic disease management and women's health. Currently she is working in a clinic focusing on infertility and pregnancy. She has a passion for continuing education and instructs several online courses for Grasshopper Education. Monica lives in Santa Barbara, Ca. with her husband and two kids.

I'm a nurse, a dad, a spiritual seeker and I'm great at strategy games.

I'm a cat. So I like chasing things and climbing trees and long naps.

I love to wander the world in search of ligthouses of love and inspiration