TCMABC Board Members
Poppi Sabhaney – President
Poppi is a BC Registered Acupuncturist with advanced training in Acupuncture Injection Therapies (AIT) with a private practice specializing in trauma and head-injuries.
Shannon Larson – Vice-President
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.”
Paul Ho – Treasurer
Paul Sit Cheong Ho is a Registered Acupuncturist who has practiced in Vancouver for a number of years. He is a graduate of Langara College, Vancouver. Mr. Ho is currently registered in the Master Degree in Pharmacology program at the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China. He received his Bachelor Degree of Business Administration from CHU, China. He is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. With his business background he has wide experience in organization, administration and management.
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.
Anita Chopra – Membership
Anita Chopra specializes in applying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote wellness and balance in the lives of her clients. She has displayed an intuitive understanding of her patient’s personal health needs during her many years of learning and applying TCM.
Anita earned her Doctor of Chinese Medicine Diploma in Victoria after five years of intensive study. She sharpened her skills by interning in Tianjin, China at their famous second hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Anita has supervised the student clinic at the Calgary College of TCM and Acupuncture and is now practicing in Victoria.
Her passion is educating the public about TCM and empowering people to create health by focusing on the cause, not the symptoms to achieve holistic health balance. She intuitively understands what actions need to be taken to reset personal balance.
Katarinna Heigelmann – Island Rep
Dr. Katarinna (Kasia) Heigelmann was born and raised in Poland. From 1991 to 1995, she studied Nutritional Science at the Agriculture University in Warsaw. In 1995 she immigrated to Canada and embarked on studying Traditional Chinese Medicine at ICTCM in Vancouver, B.C. After graduating from Chinese Medicine College in 1999, she has undergone practicum in Anhui Hospital of Acupuncture in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. Upon her return to North America, she opened her private practice and continued serving patients in Vancouver, BC, for 10 years.
In 2009, Dr. Heigelmann moved to Morocco, Marrakesh. There, she set up an official practice and served the expatriate community as well as Moroccan patients. Finally, In 2012, Katarinna and her family moved to Victoria, B.C., and has since opened up a new practice in her home.
Kat Ao – Interm Island Rep
Katrina is a Registered Acupuncturist practicing in Victoria. She studied at Pacific Rim College and practiced in Vernon and Kelowna. Because of this she has insights on the Chinese Medicine community outside of Vancouver. Her past work in community engagement will come in handy as she works on education and public awareness activities, and clearing practitioner qi stagnation.
Lisa Kramer-Hunt – Member at Large
Lisa Kramer-Hunt attended the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine where she received her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is a Diplomat of the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine which is the governing body of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in the United States. She is also a member of the National Acupuncture Detox Association. As a Registered Acupuncturist in British Columbia, she has maintained an active practice in Trail, BC for over 20 years. Her areas of focus includes pain using a combination of traditional acupuncture with sports medicine acupuncture, migraines, stress, menopausal symptoms, addictions, digestive concerns, allergies, and neurological conditions.