TCMABC Board Members
Kiem Schutter – President
A graduate of the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences doctorate program, Kiem Schutter has extensive experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, with a focus on the treatment of sports-related conditions, soft tissue damage, stress-related syndromes and fatigue. In practice, Kiem uses many aspects of TCM including Biopuncture (point injection therapy), Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, cupping and Chinese massage (tui na). His extensive post-graduate studies have included Biopuncture, pediatric health, dermatology, sinusitis, and facial rejuvenation. In 2004, his clinical experience was strengthened by a visit to China to study with doctors of Chinese medicine in the Tong Ren Hospital of Beijing. In addition, he has studied with Dr. J.E. William, Dr. David Lam and Lorne Brown.
Kiem opened Qi Integrated Health in 2007. The clinic has grown to include 11 practitioners. Qi is a 2010 Westside Business of the Year finalist presented by the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce.
Avery Yackel – Vice-President
Avery Yackel practices Traditional Japanese acupuncture, moxibustion, and shiatsu massage in both White Rock – Surrey and Vancouver.
He continues his work on the TCMABC Board in the hopes of helping to unite the profession in order to create a stronger voice for Traditional Oriental Medicine.
With an emphasis on both government advocacy as well as public education and awareness, Avery’s vision is to see the profession become more respected and equal with other healthcare professions, as well as take a leading role in helping people achive healthier lives.
Shannon Larson – Secretary
Shannon studied at the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Vancouver where she completed a 5 year doctorate program and is a Registered Doctor of Chinese Medicine. Her studies include clinical practice in Taiwan at the China Medical University and Hospital.
While Shannon’s interest in Chinese Medicine is wide ranging, her passion lies in women’s health which has led her to pursue training in workshops by some of the world’s leaders in Chinese Medicine for fertility and obstetrics including Sharon Weizenbaum, Bob Flaws, Debra Betts and Jane Lyttleton. As a birth doula, Shannon is inspired by the strength and innate wisdom of the female body as she brings a new life into this world. “It is during this transformative time I feel truly honoured to be present and offer support.”
Shawn Poppi Sabhaney – Treasurer
Poppi Sabhaney is a Registered Acupuncturist, graduating from the Doctor of TCM program. Having received training in several countries internationally in both Traditional Eastern and Modern Western Medical Acupuncture, Poppi specializes in mental health, addictions and pain management.
Poppi is a registered NADA detoxification specialist and pain management expert.
As a complement to his core clinical work with acupuncture, Poppi works in a variety of medical settings, including VCH Centre City Lodge extended health-care facility, and provides several community acupuncture programs to the DTES and the lower mainland.
Beverly Osachoff – Communications
Beverly is a graduate of the five-year Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine program at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson, BC, and was the valedictorian of 2007. She has an active clinical practice in historic Grand Forks in the heart of south central BC.
Her research work focuses on the systemic effects of trauma and trauma-induced illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition to acute injury care, she enjoys giving cosmetic acupuncture, treating migraines, TMJ, emotional disorders, skin conditions, pain syndromes, chronic sinusitis, sexual health, gout, and children.
Beverly believes in our fundamental right to wellness. This includes our right to wellness models such as TCM that encompass a holistic perspective and sustainable principles. She loves to teach about using herbs and acupuncture in our everyday lives and has become involved with TCMABC to help promote and preserve this important health care treasure.
Kevin Preston – Membership
Kevin lives and works in Cloverdale, BC. As a TCM practitioner he has always been amazed at how this highly specialized medicine can make clear sense of complex diseases and difficult to treat conditions. In today’s world there seems to be an ever increasing need for this type of patient focused healthcare. As such, the TCM community has so much to offer the general public as well as other medical professions. With this in mind we need to continue to develop our profession and strive towards integration into the mainstream.
There have been many individuals who have spent years laying the groundwork for us to move forward, so Kevin hopes that you will become inspired by these people as he has to lend a hand in creating a long lasting and thriving TCM environment.
Michael Cote – Member at Large
Michael is an acupuncturist who graduated from the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) with a doctor of Chinese medicine diploma. He also spent four months in China studying at the Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine Hospital and is currently working on becoming a doctor of Chinese medicine. TCM is his first profession and he was inspired to pursue this sublime medicine from a speech given by Carol Ann Stoll during a high school seminar in Nanaimo. Michael noticed, however, that almost anyone in a health profession can claim to do acupuncture, there are no employment opportunities other than self-employment, student’s loan repayments can be quite high, and the CTCMA increases fees arbitrarily. This creates a strong barrier to entry into the profession for reasons other than competency.
If the TCM profession doesn’t unite and address these issues, then the future success of the TCM profession is questionable. He strongly desires to see TCM succeed by helping to unify the TCM profession. This unification and cooperation will hopefully help change certain government policies and allow TCM to become recognized as a viable means of primary health care.