Foundation Department

Dr. Caitlin R. Dilli is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist, and clinical herbalist. Caitlin is trained in Cosmetic Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, and she regularly helps patients with headaches and migraines, women’s health concerns, fertility, stress and anxiety, altered sleep, and digestive disturbances.  Her patient focus is on children, teenagers, adults, and elders. Caitlin holds a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science, a Master’s of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Colorado Chinese Medicine University®, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Willamette University. She has published research on Parkinson’s disease and acupuncture through the University of Colorado. As a Colorado native, Caitlin yearns to be situated deep in God’s country and is miserably happy with a fly rod and a mountain stream. Her happy hour is practicing Qi Gong or teaching Spanish commands to her rescue pup Lola.

Melissa is a Colorado native. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from CU Boulder in 2003 and a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine from CCMU in 2011. She is a Nationally Certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine through the NCCAOM. She has been in private practice in Denver since 2011 where she specializes in women’s and children’s health. She lives in Englewood, Colorado with her husband, two children, three cats, and many chickens.

Hsiao-Wei holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting from Seattle University in Seattle, Washington. She also received her Master of Science in Finance from the University of Denver. She later completed her Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from CSTCM. She is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Oriental Medicine through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. She is the owner and operator of Life Spring Acupuncture Clinic in Stapleton, Colorado. She is fluent in English, Chinese-Mandarin and Taiwanese.

Dr. Philip “Phil” Garrison, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, DAOM, joined the Colorado Chinese Medicine University® faculty in Spring 2024 as Director of the Distance Education department – the CCMU’s newest programming resource expanding accessibility to TCM education. His  academic specialties include Han dynasty classics literature, specifically the Nei Jing; Herbal Medicine; and the Theory, Medical History, and Philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

As an educator and published researcher, Dr. Garrison has spent more than a decade advancing the field of acupuncture through innovative distance learning tools and instruction. Previous faculty posts include Five Branches University, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine [previous name of Pacific College of Health Sciences], Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (Seneca Falls, NY), and AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine (Austin, TX).

Professional experience in the private sector has included herbal consultation for the Kan Herb Company, and as Chief Science Officer with Immortality Alchemy, LLC.

Dr. Garrison earned his BA in Psychology at Pomona College (Claremont, CA) in 2001 and found a passion for acupuncture working with 18-22 year old students with substantial learning differences. This desire to help life-long learners led Dr. Garrison to earn his Master’s of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University – Santa Cruz in 2009, and a Doctorate of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health Sciences – San Diego in 2014.

A musician from a young age, Dr. Garrison enjoys leisure time spent hiking and skateboarding. 

One of his most notable experiences as an acupuncturist was between 2010 – 2011 as the staff acupuncture practitioner for the O’Neill Coldwater Classic surf competition: treating the world’s top surfing athletes.

Ben Hawes is a graduate of Brown University (1996) and the New England School of Acupuncture (MAOM: 2001). After practicing in rural Southwest Colorado since 2003, he moved to Denver full time in 2020. Ben has studied Kyojung Korean Physical Manipulation, has been practicing distal styles (Master Tung and Richard Tan’s Balance Method) since 2007, and completed an 18 month internship in Japanese Acupuncture with Jeffrey Dann, PhD in 2016. Besides acupuncture, he has studied craniosacral therapy with Pat Cunningham, LAc, has been a long-time student of shamanic healing practices with John Myerson, PhD, LAc. Additionally, Ben has been an instructor of Zen and pain-relief meditation since 1995.

Tara is a Colorado State licensed, nationally certified, and recognized Diplomate of Acupuncture by the NCCAOM, and is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado (AAC). She received a Master of Science Degree from the Colorado Chinese Medicine University® in 2013 and has held a Massage Therapy License since 1999. She is the owner and operator of the Acupuncture Clinic in Parker Colorado.

Judy is licensed as an acupuncturist by the state of Colorado. She earned her Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Colorado Chinese Medicine University® in 2003. Additionally, she is nationally certified as a Diplomate in Acupuncture through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She is also a member and past president of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado. Judy also studied sports medicine acupuncture with Whit Reaves at Southwest Acupuncture College.

Jennie is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado, and nationally certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (NCCAOM). She earned her Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from CCMU (2015), and her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a focus on Integrative medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science (2021). She is also certificated as a Massage Therapy through Boulder College of Massage(1999), and is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist (2006). She has additional training in Visceral/Neural Manipulation through the Barral Institute, extensive training and experience in prenatal/postpartum bodywork, and in working with children with bodywork and Chinese Medicine. She currently has a holistic family practice in Centennial, CO, with a specialty in treating chronic pain and chronic health issues.

Craig Maginness is the creator of Well B-ing Business training designed to help alternative wellness practitioners master the business end of their practices. He is also the managing member of ExIn Global Strategies through which he consults with and teaches people with businesses how to be better businesspeople. Craig has launched and run several small business of his own as well as assisting countless other entrepreneurs, including Chinese medical practitioners, in launching successful businesses. He has taught business in both formal settings including the Executive MBA at Colorado State University, the College of Business at Johnson & Wales University and DU’s Center for Professional Development. He has also taught businesspeople in less traditional  settings including programs he designed to help immigrants and refugees and people getting out of incarceration find economic opportunity. Craig has a BA from Dartmouth College, an MA in economics from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a JD from Syracuse University.

Amy B. Otzel, PC, LMHC, is a retired U.S. Army Behavioral Health Sergeant and Iraq War veteran whose personal trauma healing and health recovery journey has enhanced her contribution forward in helping service as a skilled psychotherapist, passionate educator, and dedicated advocate. She holds three Master level graduate degrees in Psychology (Southern CT State University), Professional Counseling (Central CT State University), and Integrative Health & Healing (The Graduate Institute); served as a Readjustment Counseling Therapist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center Program; co-owned a health & wellness nutritional market; co-chaired several professional and peer advocacy and outreach initiatives; facilitated myriad continuing education seminars; became a published songwriter; and established her private practice, Inner resource Psychotherapy, LLC. At present, Amy is continuing the mission in the states of Georgia, Florida, and Connecticut at Inner Resource Therapy located in Saint Marys, Georgia. She remains committed to holistically minded empowerment-based practices promoting health, healing, resiliency, and personal growth opportunities with military members, veterans, and their families. Maintaining proficiencies in conditions of trauma and stress as well as integrative mental healthcare, Amy routinely contributes as a professional development educator; a Yale University Department of Psychiatry Lecturer; a certified holistic stress management instructor; and an Advanced Level-3 Breath-Body-Mind teacher blending practices of coherent breathing, mindfulness and meditation, and Qi Gong.

Patti graduated from CCMU in 1994. She received her Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from Indiana University and worked as a dental hygienist for more than ten years before studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patti is a Nationally Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology through the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. Patti currently has an Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine practice in Denver Colorado, specializing in gentle Japanese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the whole family, including pediatrics.

Scott has 6 years of graduate and post graduate education in acupuncture and needling therapy. He received a Masters and Doctorate degree from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego California. In additional to his training in the US, Scott also studied at Chengdu University in China and did an apprenticeship in Taipei, Taiwan. He has over 15 years of experience treating athletes and will often combine multiple modalities like manual therapy, Acupuncture, Dry Needling, Injection Therapy, and sports taping to achieve effective and long lasting results. Scott is the President Emeritus of the Acupuncture Association of Colorado. As an Ironman Triathlete, Scott has a unique insight into the needs of athletes and active people. Scott has a private practice in Denver Colorado.

Carol graduated from the Colorado Chinese Medicine University® in 1994, having previously accomplished an Associate of Arts degree in Physician Assistantship and Chair-side Dental Assistance certificate program. Carol has practiced TCM since 1995, while volunteering her time with 9 Health Fairs as a phlebotomist. She is Assistant Clinic Director at the Colorado Chinese Medicine University®.

Emily has a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Healthcare, and a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MSTCM). She is a Nationally Board certified Diplomate in Acupuncture by the NCCAOM. After struggling with chronic illness since adolescence, Emily first found holistic healthcare by learning Reiki in 2007. This propelled her into the world of alternative medicine. A friend recommended acupuncture and CHM later on, which created such profound changes that she felt inspired to learn more. Emily is passionate about helping empower patients on their own healing journeys.

Christopher was educated at CSTCM/CCMU. He received a Masters of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and then earned his Doctorate of Acupuncture, and is a Nationally Board certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine in acupuncture and herbal medicine therapies by NCCAOM. He has also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Shaanxi College of Chinese Medicine in Xianyang, China. He was drawn to Traditional Chinese Medicine after receiving a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. After being introduced to Chinese medicine by a Taiji instructor, he took the steps to begin a path in the medical field. He developed both a love and devotion to Chinese herbal medicine as he was able to find solutions for his own symptoms and illness that simply were not offered or available with the western medical care he was receiving.

Heather “Maya” Suzuki lived and worked in Japan as an acupuncture and moxibustion therapist for over 10 years. Maya studied acupuncture at Toyo Shinkyu Senmon Gakko. She apprenticed and worked at Acura Acupuncture Clinic. During school Maya also became a member of Iyashi No Michi Kyokai and Tanioka’s Daishiryu shonishin styles. In 2015 she attained dual licensure in Japan and the U.S. She is a nationally certified Diplomate of acupuncture through the NCCAOM. Maya teaches Japanese acupuncture nationally and internationally, is the main translator and a mid-level practitioner for Iyashi No Michi, and is a mid-level practitioner of Daishiryu. She volunteers as a translator for the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine where she publishes articles on Japanese acupuncture. She owns and runs Bumblebee AcuTherapy, where she utilizes Japanese acupuncture and shonishin, as well as moxibustion to mainly treat perinatal and pediatric conditions. Maya has many hats. She owns and runs Bumblebee AcuTherapy, teaches Japanese acupuncture workshops around the US and internationally, and is the main translator and a mid-level practitioner for Iyashi No Michi. She is also a mid-level practitioner of Daishiryu style pediatric acupuncture. Maya is the head coordinator and translator for the Annual In-Touch Japan Seminar in Japan. She also volunteers as a translator for the North American Journal of Oriental Medicine where she has published several articles about Japanese acupuncture. She is passionate about allowing acupuncturists to improve their technical skills and therefore their clinical results via Japanese style needling and moxibustion.  Maya founded and teaches the online Japanese acupuncture educational school, ShinKyu University, aimed to educate acupuncturists around the world in Japanese acupuncture and moxa techniques.

Robin got her first ever acupuncture treatment at the CCMU student clinic over 25 years ago, which sent her on the path to eventual practice. Robin is a Colorado native and has been licensed to practice acupuncture in Colorado since 2009. She maintains a general practice in Denver in a multidisciplinary healthcare office and has a practice in Englewood, CO. She graduated from Touro Health Sciences College Graduate Program in Oriental Medicine in New York City and earned a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from PCOM. She is a nationally certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine through the NCCAOM.

Caylor began his oriental medical studies in Santa Fe at the Kototama Institute, where instruction focused on classical Japanese-style acupuncture. After completing that two-year acupuncture program in 1982, he traveled to Taiwan to attend the Taipei Institute of TCM. He then completed his Doctorate in Oriental Medicine at SAMRA University of Oriental Medicine in 1988 where he focused on Chinese medical translation work. He is a nationally certified Diplomate in acupuncture through the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. He practices in Denver, Colorado.

Nicholas originally earned his bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado. After studying abroad in Kunming, China he returned to the U.S. first attending massage school then attending Bastyr University to earn his graduate degree in Chinese Medicine. He is a nationally certified Diplomate in acupuncture through the NCCAOM and is a licensed acupuncturist in Colorado. He has served as a medical volunteer in the barrios of San Jose, Costa Rica, worked in a progressive assisted living center in Seattle, studied sustainable medical practices in Cuba, worked in several low-income clinics, studied medicine in both Shanghai and the Yunnan Province of China. He currently maintains his private practice in Centennial, Colorado.

Rick graduated and received his diploma at CCMU in Fall 2001. His interest in Chinese medicine started after years of working in the Psychology and Western Medical fields. He specializes in the treatment of pain, anxiety, stress and insomnia. He also did a month of intensive clinical training in Bejing in 2006. He enjoys many outdoor activities, especially mountain biking, hiking and golf. He has a practice in Littleton, Colorado.

Zhu Xilin, also known as Drew, was born in Beijing, China, and began studying Wu Style Tai Chi Martial Arts under Chinese Master Wang Pei-sheng before graduating from high school in 1982. He also studied Taiji Qigong and its therapeutic applications for restoring health and recovering from physical injuries. Drew later studied Ru-yi Taijiquan under Master Shi Ming, featuring on Bill Moyers’ PBS series “Healing and the Mind – The Mystery of Qi”. After graduation, Drew worked as a researcher at the Qigong Science and Research Center in Beijing, studying the physical effects of Qigong and Taiji traditional theory. Drew moved to the United States in 1995 and taught Taiji and Qigong classes in the Denver and Boulder area since 1996 between the Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder and the Colorado Chinese Medicine University® for 17 years. Drew is currently practicing Chinese Taoist Healing, and has a hobby as a ballet performer participating in ballet shows with local ballet companies and academies since 2009.