Acupuncture

Mend acupuncturists are kind, caring and compassionate, and licensed for practice in the state of Maryland. Each of our practitioners have a range of backgrounds allowing us to offer varied acupuncture care with further reach. Check out our Providers’ Special Interests for more info.

While it’s great to see the same practitioner, we work as a team. If you are unable to schedule with your usual acupuncturist, no worries. With our coordinated patient care, you can be assured to receive continuity in your personalized treatment plan.

We offer the following acupuncture styles:

  • Five Element Acupuncture

  • Eight Principle Acupuncture

  • Balance Method Acupuncture

  • Auricular and NADA Protocol Acupuncture

  • Japanese Acupuncture

Sarah O'Leary, L.Ac.
Sarah O'Leary, L.Ac.Owner & Acupuncturist
Sarah was born into a healthcare family; her grandparents, parents and sister all have worked in primary care. The landscape of healthcare has changed dramatically in those 3 generations – from small town family doctors to big managed care settings. Sarah’s personal mission is to bring acupuncture’s methods (patient centered, effective, non-pharmacological care for many conditions) into the current healthcare fold. Between seeing patients and running the clinics, Sarah is a wife and mom of two little ladies here in Baltimore.
Kim Hennessee, L.Ac.
Kim Hennessee, L.Ac.Director of Operations & Acupuncturist
Kim Hennessee, L.Ac. has worked in a variety of healthcare settings since she began practicing acupuncture in 2006. She is a graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture and is an NCCAOM Diplomate. Since 2014, Kim has worn multiple hats serving as a provider, a clinical educator, and as the VP of Operations at Mend Acupuncture in Baltimore. In recent years, Kim has taken the lead in spearheading numerous initiatives at Mend. These include the establishment of a Fellowship Program for Post-Grads, collaboration on two Clinical Trials with nearby academic institutions, and the introduction of on-site Acupuncture programs in three area Cancer Centers. Kim’s dedication to our field is unwavering, and she tirelessly champions our profession. Outside of her professional life, Kim finds joy in laughter, the great outdoors, and spending quality time with her family in Baltimore, MD.
Dani Hy Dennenberg, M.A.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.
Dani Hy Dennenberg, M.A.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. Acupuncturist
Dani is a Licensed Acupuncturist and holds a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. She has a Masters of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM). She also holds a Masters in Education from the Institute for Humane Education and Cambridge College and a Bachelor’s from UC San Diego in Sociology with minors in Environmental Studies and Law.

Dani’s fascination with Chinese Medicine began during her volunteer work in a holistic women’s recovery program and deepened when her beloved parents were diagnosed with breast and colon conditions. This allowed her to witness the pivotal role of preventative medicine in their treatment.

She takes pleasure in creating tailored, goal-oriented treatment plans, approaching each case with diligence, much like a detective, to uncover clues from the body, mind, and spirit, helping patients regain balance. She also enjoys sharing the theoretical and wisdom aspects of this ancient medicine with curious individuals. Dani specializes in treating gastrointestinal issues, migraines, allergies, arthritis, neuropathy, fatigue, pediatrics, oncology, menstrual and sleep irregularities, as well as mental health, addiction, complex trauma, and climate crisis grief. She emphasizes a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed clinical experience for patients.

Outside the clinic, Dani embraces nature, whether it’s in a garden, on a hiking trail, during camping trips, kayaking, or exploring on snowshoes. She also enjoys creative pursuits like upcycled art, baking, cooking, volunteering and quality time with her partner and cats.

Dr. Brian Dougherty, D.OM.
Dr. Brian Dougherty, D.OM.Acupuncturist
Brian believes in empowering the patient to take charge of their own wellness. As an experienced general family medicine practitioner, Brian has treated pain, women’s health, fertility, and even pediatrics. He also has had clinical success in treating patients with emotional trauma, PTSD, and depression/anxiety. Brian’s journey into a life of healing began when he served in the United States Air Force and developed a bond with his fellow veterans. He has a special love for veterans, and wants to bring true healing to this often underappreciated population. Brian has a passion for learning and teaching, and has taught everything from community wellness classes to quantum mechanics, history and theology. He earned his Master’s and Doctorate of Oriental Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Brian enjoys spending time with his three amazing kids, and burying his nose in a good book.
Julia Flaccavento, L.Ac., RYT
Julia Flaccavento, L.Ac., RYTAcupuncturist
Julia was led to study acupuncture through her own transformative experience with the medicine. She earned her Master of Acupuncture and is now pursuing her Doctorate from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and is working towards an advanced certification in Functional Medicine.

As a practitioner, Julia is passionate about providing care that combines evidence-based science with the innate wisdom of the human body. She believes healing is a collaborative process and cares deeply about incorporating sensitivity, listening and patient empowerment into healthcare. She enjoys treating a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, allergies, headaches, anxiety, sleep disturbances and menstrual cycle imbalances.

Outside of the treatment room, Julia is a singer and songwriter. She enjoys a good laugh with her partner, friends, and family, watching spooky movies and cuddling with her cats.

Dr. Staycie Francisco, L.Ac., DACCHM
Dr. Staycie Francisco, L.Ac., DACCHMAcupuncturist
Staycie works with patients to expand their spiritual, emotional, and physical awareness by using straightforward and deep-level treatments. She has experience helping patients with chronic conditions such as pain, stress/anxiety, and autoimmune diseases; psycho-emotional disorders; metabolic and gastrointestinal issues; and addiction support. She earned a Doctor of Acupuncture with Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DACCHM) from Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Staycie is fond of scientific research and strives to find a balance between scientific and holistic approaches to healing. She also enjoys broadening her knowledge of different Chinese Medicine strategies and theories. She enjoys wandering around varied landscapes, knitting, creating art, and taking online dance classes when not seeing patients.

Isabel Hulkower, L.Ac.
Isabel Hulkower, L.Ac.Acupuncturist
Isabel is overjoyed to share the profound healing power of Chinese medicine with her patients. With roots in the local sustainable agriculture movement, some of her favorite topics are nutrition, seasonality, and our connection to the natural world. Her holistic care is grounded in the belief that our bodies, like the earth, require balance and attention.

Isabel thrives in guiding individuals through times of change, providing gentle, transformative treatments to help them find harmony and wellbeing. She also loves working with those struggling with mental health, headaches/musculoskeletal pain, and helping new parents prepare for pregnancy and birth. Outside of the office you can usually find her at the thrift store or a pilates class.

Sarah Humpal, L.Ac.
Sarah Humpal, L.Ac.Acupuncturist
Sarah received her first acupuncture treatment somewhat skeptically from Mend’s community clinic. Over a series of treatments, she noticed not only her symptoms subsided, but she found a greater sense of calm and richer sense of self, which led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. She is delighted to be coming full circle to serve as an acupuncture practitioner at Mend.

Prior to her acupuncture studies, Sarah earned a Master’s of Arts in social work and public policy from the University of Chicago and worked in adult literacy education and in multiple levels of government. Sarah is constantly curious about the way that systems and individuals influence each other’s wellness, and this interplay is foundational for Chinese Medicine. When not practicing, Sarah loves porch-sitting, exploring power dynamics, snacking, and adventuring to places near and far.

Yan Jiang, L.Ac.
Yan Jiang, L.Ac.Acupuncturist
Yan offers a combined background in Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. In 1987, she received a medical degree from Shanghai Medical University and practiced as a radiation oncologist. In 1998, Yan completed her PhD with a focus on the interactions between the human body and pharmaceutical drugs. However, acupuncture, above all, is what she was meant to do in life. Her deep love and neverending curiosity towards Chinese culture and medicine have all come together to motivate her to be a lifelong learner, thinker, explorer and practitioner. In order to better serve her patients, after graduating from Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2009, she continues to participate in workshops in China and implement meditation, Tai Chi, Chinese Medical literature and Ancient Chinese philosophy as part of her everyday self-cultivation routine. Yan cherishes every minute in the treatment room with her patients in supporting their journey towards wellness.
Dr. Dexter Kendrick, D.Ac., L.Ac.
Dr. Dexter Kendrick, D.Ac., L.Ac.Acupuncturist
Dr. Dexter has been practicing for over a decade as a doctor of spiritual Five Element acupuncture and has delivered this evidence-based technique to patients in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Middle East, South and Central America, Mexico, Canada, Alaska and the Caribbean islands.

He has been published in the Journal of Asian Medicine (2021), and currently serves as lead supervising doctor of clinical interns at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, where he also teaches as adjunct faculty and senate member.

Dr. Brianna Livesay, L.Ac., DOM
Dr. Brianna Livesay, L.Ac., DOMAcupuncturist
Dr. Brianna Livesay is a Doctor of Acupuncture who graduated from Maryland University of Integrative Health. She has completed advanced training in psychoendoneuroimmunology (PENI), electroacupuncture, facial rejuvenation for neurological conditions and cognitive neuroscience. She helps patients understand how the body, mind and spirit function as an integrated whole and how symptoms arise from an imbalanced nervous system. Dr. Livesay sees patients with concerns of stress, trauma-related symptomatology, as well as neurological symptoms including headaches/migraines, PTSD, depression, anxiety, Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and those seeking optimal brain functioning or experiencing unexplained symptoms. Dr. Livesay is also well-versed in women’s health and oncology. She utilizes the various pillars of Chinese Medicine to treat patients including acupuncture/electroacupuncture, nutritional therapy, Chinese herbs, exercise, gua sha, tui na, and essential oils. She loves partnering with patients on their journey to live their most fulfilling life in all aspects of their being. When not in the treatment room, you can find Dr. Livesay spending time with family, writing, learning new healthy recipes, and exercising.
Ray McDonald, L.Ac
Ray McDonald, L.Ac Acupuncturist
Ray has experienced firsthand the transformative power of Chinese medicine. In 2017, he began experiencing arthritis pain in his left wrist. When conventional treatment failed to bring relief, he tried acupuncture. Not only did he feel better, he noticed how his entire outlook began shifting in a more positive direction. This discovery coincided with a change in his life goals. After more than 30 years in Federal Government service, he decided that Chinese Medicine was the path forward for his life’s second act.

In 2018, Ray began pursuing a Master of Acupuncture degree at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. Today, as a licensed acupuncturist, Ray utilizes many skills and modalities tailored to each patient’s special needs.

Ray is always adding to his skill set to help patients live their best lives. He is particularly interested in easing arthritis pain, helping seniors thrive, and easing the effects of trauma. He employs principles of choice, collaboration, empowerment, trustworthiness, and safety to create a welcoming space for all Patients.

Ray also loves a good laugh, and enjoys discussing food, wine, and cars. He looks forward to seeing you in the treatment room!

Alexandra McElwee, L.Ac.
Alexandra McElwee, L.Ac.Acupuncturist
Alexandra McElwee is a Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturist. She studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at AIAM in Columbus, Ohio and has been in practice since 2014. She is most passionate about treating mental health and internal conditions (digestion, sleep, hormonal imbalances ), as well as any type of musculoskeletal pain issues. Alexandra often incorporates a variety of modalities into her treatments including aromatherapy, breathing and grounding techniques. Her favorite part of being an acupuncturist is being the facilitator of ‘adult naptime’ in a society that values productivity over rest and wellbeing. As patients blissfully doze during their treatments, it is a beautiful reminder that we are all truly human beings, not human doers. Alexandra is recently certified in guiding Yoga Nidra and she looks forward to offering this as another way to help ease people into a state of deep relaxation and conscious awareness. Outside the clinic, Alexandra can be found hiking in the woods with her pup Niko, rock climbing, cooking, creating textile art (or resting!).
Marie Najjar, L.Ac., D.Ac.
Marie Najjar, L.Ac., D.Ac.Acupuncturist
Marie received her Masters and Doctorate of Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. She discovered Chinese medicine while having her own healing challenges and was inspired to learn more about Chinese medical philosophy and share it with others.

Marie works to help patients overcome individual healing challenges related to the body, mind, and spirit. She has successfully treated pain, autoimmune disorders, anxiety, digestion issues, skin diseases, headaches, high blood pressure, blood disorders, gynecological disorders, joint inflammation, sciatica, emotional trauma, PTSD, stress disorders, long-Covid issues, sinusitis, chronic fatigue, and more.

When she is not practicing or studying acupuncture, she enjoys spending time in nature, reading, meditating, and crafting.

Susannah Neal, L.Ac
Susannah Neal, L.Ac Acupuncturist
Susannah brings compassion and over 20 years of experience to her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal medicine, the Arvigo Techniques of Abdominal Massage, and Reiki. She is a native Marylander who lived in Colorado for 23 years and graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999. She studied abdominal massage with Dr. Rosita Arvigo in Belize and has worked in multiple settings, including private and group practice. She also served as the director of the Southwest Acupuncture College, Boulder Campus.

Susannah is passionate about natural medicine, and while she has a general practice, she specializes in women’s health. Her sessions often include Reiki, gentle abdominal massage, and herbal consultation. Susannah has a Master’s Degree in Medical Anthropology and has traveled in Peru, including as a practitioner in a clinic for underserved Andean communities. She and her husband recently relocated to Baltimore, and she enjoys practicing Neelakantha meditation and yoga in her free time.

Dr. Jaqui Oetzel, DACM, L.Ac
Dr. Jaqui Oetzel, DACM, L.Ac Acupuncturist
Dr. Jaqui Sayers is a Masters prepared acupuncturist and herbalist (graduate of New York College of Health Professions), a Doctoral candidate (Pacific College, CA) and a nationally board-certified Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM). Prior to becoming an acupuncturist, Dr. Jaqui worked in health care for over 20 years. Throughout the course of her career, she experienced firsthand the limitations of conventional medicine. She fell in love with Traditional Chinese Medicine for its efficacy and ability to offer non-pharmacological support to her patients and she eventually went on to study the medicine herself. Dr. Jaqui is a natural educator who loves partnering with her patients. She is particularly interested in treating women’s health, GI disorders, and pain management. In her free time she loves spending time in nature, near the ocean, and with her husband and family…between the two, they have four adult children and 11 grandchildren. On any given Sunday, their home is filled with love, laughter and great food.
Aurora Raiten, L.Ac.
Aurora Raiten, L.Ac.Acupuncturist
Aurora graduated in 2010 with a Masters degree from Tri-State College of Acupuncture. She synthesizes several traditions of East Asian medicine in her practice, drawing heavily from the Japanese style of one of her college mentors, Kiiko Matsumoto. Aurora is especially interested in treating the varied presentations of chronic illness such as Lyme disease, particularly focusing on neurological, gastrointestinal, and pain. With a long history of training and competing in Muay Thai, Aurora always appreciates the opportunity to work with athletes of all levels. Having worked as a full-spectrum doula for many years, Aurora also loves treating reproductive health in people of all genders, and has found acupuncture to be extremely helpful through the gender affirmation process. It is Aurora’s intention to to create and hold a radically inclusive, individually empowering space for all bodies to receive care.

Hiking, wildcrafting, and mushroom hunting have become favorite pastimes when not in the clinic, as well as very loudly playing bass guitar in her band. After spending a few years away, Aurora is ecstatic to be back in Baltimore with her amazing partner and two ridiculous cats.

Dana Robinson, L.Ac.
Dana Robinson, L.Ac.Acupuncturist
Dana sees acupuncture as an amazing, deep tool for personal revolution and stepping into one’s own authenticity. They enjoy working with patients on pain and chronic conditions, and in all types of recovery. A treatment with Dana balances the present moment with long term goals, with clear communication and boundaries. Previously, Dana worked teaching Spanish and English to adults and teens and translates the skills that help with language acquisition to their work with patients: curiosity, safety, and a sense of play. Dana is an avid meal prepper, a minimal footwear nerd, and loves to watch the seasons change while outside with their dog.

Massage Therapy & Reflexology

Alaina Grim, LMT
Alaina Grim, LMTMassage Therapist
Alaina has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 12 years. She practices Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage. She is also certified in prenatal, hot stone, and cupping. When not in the clinic, she is a runner and triathlete. She enjoys being outdoors and being active in the community. Alaina also has studied Art Education, and can be seen in the fabulous Fluid Movement floating productions. She believes her love of movement and outdoor fun brings a healing energy to her practice.⁣

Special areas of interest: Pregnancy, Sports Performance

Kourtney Hartmoyer, LMT
Kourtney Hartmoyer, LMTMassage Therapist
Kourtney is fascinated by the power of touch, the mind, body, spirit connection, and the body’s ability to return to homeostasis when in balance. She offers an intuitive and integrative approach to her massage sessions and is especially interested in therapeutic massage and nervous system regulation.

Kourtney’s massage may include Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, Stretch Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy and Energy Healing. She hopes her clients leave the table feeling more in tune and better aligned with themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Kourtney is a graduate of Holistic Massage Training Institute in Baltimore, MD. She is also a Basic Master Level Shamballa Energy Healer.

Prior to massage, Kourtney taught yoga for over 7 years. Outside of the clinic she is a mother, nature lover, gym-goer, and lifelong astrology student. She considers it a great honor to collaborate with you on your wellness journey.

Tara Monet, LMT
Tara Monet, LMTMassage Therapist
Tara loves being able to physically and energetically assist in bringing the body back to homeostasis. She is very integrative in her approach to bodywork, incorporating both Western and Eastern techniques of healing. Overall, she leans more towards an Eastern approach to healing, as Ayurvedic Bodywork & Traditional Chinese Medicine are her favorite modalities to study.

Tara has been a Birth Doula since 2018 and services families throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Along with prenatal massage, Tara loves working on postural and structural issues relating to the muscles and fascia in the body. Her style combines Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Acupoint work, and Myofascial Release.

A Fashion Merchandising student at LIM College, Tara also uses her talents to merchandise the product and retail sections here at Mend. When she’s not working with clients, Tara spends her extra time curating her brand that focuses on alternative wellness and alternative fashion through an anthropological approach.

Special areas of interest: Pregnancy, Myofascial/Scar, Release Lymphatic Drainage

Anya Sharif, LMT
Anya Sharif, LMTMassage Therapist
Anya received her massage training from the Fortis Institute and carries a dual license for massage therapy and skin care. She has taken on the nickname “Magic Hands” by her clients and has been known to heal headaches, calm the nerves and release tension. By sharpening her senses, Anya’s intuition listens to your body’s needs. Using a variety of techniques with an ever-building tool kit, Anya enjoys working with the amount of pressure needed to get the job done. That could be the gentle 5 grams of lymphatic drainage and craniosacral or lowering the table to deepen the work. Anya has been a lifelong advocate for acupuncture and bodywork. She believes that one modality/healer is never as effective as many working together to create homeostasis. She is excited to be apart of your wellness journey! 
A. Wells, LMT
A. Wells, LMTMassage Therapist
Wells views massage as an amazing tool to restore wellness and maintain balance in the body, mind, and spirit. They are an alumnus of Holistic Massage Training Institute, as well as Washington College; from which they received a B.S. in Physiology & Organismal Biology. Wells combines their background in anatomy with their keen intuition to deliver relaxing and healing massages. Massage and energy work modalities they enjoy include: Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, Acupressure, Reflexology, and Reiki. Andrew is also a soft sculpture artist, nature-lover, and caretaker for people recovering from gender-affirming surgeries.

Special areas of interest: Myofascial/Scar Release, Lymphatic Drainage

Naturopathy

Stacey Kargman N.M.D., LAc
Stacey Kargman N.M.D., LAcNaturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist
With more than 26 years of clinical practice, Dr. Kargman has had a broad range of experiences that help inform how she supports her patients’ individual needs. As a Complementary Medicine Doctor, she has a wide variety of patients of all ages, with both acute and chronic conditions, and improves their health as well as quality of life. Dr. Kargman’s primary modalities include acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional/lifestyle counseling, hypnotherapy, and craniosacral therapy. Her specialties include women’s health, hormonal balancing, fertility support, gastrointestinal disorders, allergy testing/elimination, endocrine imbalances, mood disorders (including chronic anxiety, depression and panic attacks), as well as management of chronic pain and migraine headaches.
Dr. Kargman enjoys working collaboratively with other healthcare providers to provide the best, most comprehensive care for her patients. When not in the office, Dr. Kargman enjoys spending time with her wife and children (both 2 and 4 legged), creatively cooking, exploring the outdoors (hiking, kayaking, or biking), playing pickleball and traveling the world with camera in hand.