Faculty

New York College of Health Professions students study and train with a faculty whose members are intimately involved in many facets of the College. For example, they may chair and work with various committees and develop and revise curriculum. Students benefit from their professional expertise in the classroom as well as from assisting their instructors in the teaching clinics and observing their professional treatment of patients at the Integrative Health Center.

Adina Moldovan, BPS MS, LAc (NY)

Acupuncture, Health Sciences

Combined Master’s in Acupuncture and Bachelor’s in Health Sciences from New York College of Health Professions. Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Yoga Instructor.

Al Turner II, BS, CNMT, RTT, LMT (NY, FL)

Asian and Western Technique

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Graphic Design), Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico; Certified in Thai Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy, Sarasota School of Massage Therapy, Sarasota, Florida; Licensed Massage Therapist, New York State and Florida.

Christian Nahas, MS, DO

Health Sciences

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine (1989), Master of Science in Physiology, Rutgers University Graduate School (1984)
Bachelor of Arts, Biology , Catholic University of America (1981)
Family Physician (1992-2012)
Adjunct Assistant Professor NYIT, Adelphi University, Queensboro Community College, Nassau Community College, NY College of Health Professions

Christina Biancaniello, BPS/MS, LAc (NY)

Acupuncture

Master of Science (Acupuncture) and Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Sciences), New York College of Health Professions; Licensed Acupuncturist New York State. Christina began her studies in Acupuncture after a car accident left her with chronic pain as a teenager. A search for natural ways to balance her mind and body led her to acupuncture, nutrition, and physical arts. In 2017, she furthered her post-graduate studies in Traditional Japanese Acupuncture and Meridian Therapy with world-renowned Acupuncture masters from Japan and the United States, learning to bring a gentle and thorough approach to diagnosis, palpation and needling. Christina learns about each patient through active listening and a complete evaluation to create a treatment plan specific to each patient that supports and enhances their foundation for complete health and wellness.

Dimitrios Boules, BPS/MS, AOS, LAc, LMT (NY); DAc-C

Oriental Science

Candidate for Doctorate of Acupuncture, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Master of Science (Acupuncture), Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Sciences), Associates of Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College of Health Professions
Licensed Acupuncturist and Licensed Massage Therapist (New York State)
Certified in Acupuncture Sports Medicine
Author of “The Oak Point Method, The A.R.T.  of Treating Pain & Creating a Successful Practice”

Dina M. Zito, DC

Health Science

Doctor of Chiropractic, The University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic, Class President and Speaker 2005
Accepted into the clinical internship program at the Connecticut Veterans Administration Center in West Haven CT, and Newington CT, 2005
Bachelor of Science in Biology, BA, Manhattan College, 1999
Licensed Chiropractor, New York State

Dr. Bruce Park, DACM, MSOM, MA, BA, LAc

Acupuncture and Oriental Sciences, Director for Manhattan Location

Diplomate of Acupuncture – National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Masters of Science (Oriental Medicine), Tri-State Acupuncture College
Masters of Arts (Education), Dongguk University, Korea
Bachelors of Arts (Buddhist Studies), Dongguk University, Korea
Licensed Acupuncturist
Author of many books, including “A Clinical Manual of Herbal Medicine” and “Buddha Dharma Practice”

Dr. Claude Weinberg, DC, BA

Health Science

Doctor of Chiropractic, New York Chiropractic College
Bachelor of Art (Psychology), SUNY Albany
Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, Certified in Manipulation under Anesthesia, Certified Fitness Trainer (ISSA)
Licensed Chiropractor, New York State

Dr. George Weintraub, DPM, MA, BA

Health Science, Management

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, New York College of Podiatric Medicine
Master of Arts (Political Science), New School for Social Research
Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), CCNY
Assistant Clinical Instructor, Gouverneur Hospital
Secondary School Teacher, New York City Board of Education
Licensed Podiatrist, New York State

Dr. James Marino, BS, MD

Health Science

Doctor of Medicine, graduate of Downstate Medical College, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Post-Graduate Assistant Professor of anatomy at Downstate Medical College
Clinical training in Medicine at Downstate/Kings County Hospitals
Residency at NYU Medical College in Diagnostic Radiology
Training in Gestalt Psychotherapy at The Gestalt Center for Psychotherapy and Training, New York
Licensed Medical Doctor in New York State

Dr. James Vitale, PhD, BPS MS, LAc (NY)

Acupuncture

Doctorate of Acupuncture, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Diplomate of Oriental Medicine – NCCAOM
Master of Science (Acupuncture) and Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Sciences), New York College of Health Professions
Licensed Acupuncturist, New York State

Dr. Lenor Nachef, MD

Health Sciences

M.D. from American University of Integrative Sciences, M.P.H, St. Joseph’s University of Public Health, English Literature, University of Oxford; Oxford, England, BA, English Literature and Pre-Medical Studies, State University of New York at Binghamton.

Dr. Melissa R. Goffinet, MD, MBA, BS

Health Sciences

Doctor of Medicine, St. Matthews University School of Medicine, MBA Healthcare Management Focused, Davenport University, B.S. Psychology, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Certification in Holistic Health & Wellness/Mindfulness Certified Health Coach.

DR. MICHELLE YAN, DACCHM, MSOM, LAC (NY), DIPLOMATE ORIENTAL MEDICINE (NCCAOM)

Acupuncture and Oriental Science

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), Diplomate of Acupuncture
Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Master of Science (Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine)
Licensed Acupuncturist, New York State

Dr. Qi Helen Zhang, PhD, MS (People’s Republic of China), LAc (NY), Diplomate Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (NCCAOM)

Dean Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Oriental Science

Ph.D.  and MS from China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (People’s Republic of China)
Licensed Acupuncturist, New York State
Former Board Member of National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Former Chairperson of Chinese Herbology Exam Committee, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

Dr. Qing Wang, DP

Health Science

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Chemistry, Auburn University, USA (1997)
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Chemistry Chiba Institute of Technology, Japan (1996)
Doctorate of Chemistry, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences (1992)
Bachelors of Chemistry (1982)

Dr. Ramesh Kumar Matcha, MD, MS

Health Sciences

M.D. Gandhi Medical College (India), MS in Biology, Grand Canyon University, Assistant Professor at Queensborough Community College, New York Institute of Technology, York College.

Dr. Sangwon Lee, Ph.D., MPS, Lac (NY)

Acupuncture and Oriental Science

Dr. Sangwon Lee is an Acupuncturist and Herbal Medicine practitioner with over 18 years of clinical experience in multiple settings ranging from hospital to outpatient practice. Dr. Lee earned his medical degree in Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from Mercy College and obtained his Ph.D. in Oriental Medicine from American Liberty University. Dr. Lee was former vice president of Korean Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association of New York and a current member of Pulse Regulating Acupuncture Association to continue to study Oriental Medicine.

Dr. Scott Leslie, DC, BS

Health Science

Doctor of Chiropractic, New York Chiropractic College
Bachelor of Science (Exercise Physiology/Athletic Training), West Virginia University
Licensed Chiropractor, New York State

Dr. Serge Nerli, DC, MS, Health Science

Health Science

Doctor of Chiropractic, New York Chiropractic College
Master of Science (Human Nutrition), University of Bridgeport
Diplomate of American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
Adjunct Faculty, New York Chiropractic College, Queens College
Licensed Chiropractor, New York State and Florida

Dr. Victoria Szafranska, DC, MSACN, BPS, LMT (NY)

Massage Therapy Clinic Director (Syosset), Health Sciences

Doctor of Chiropractic; Master of Science (Applied Clinical Nutrition)
Bachelor of Professional Studies; Graduated from New York Chiropractic College
Associates of Occupational Studies
Licensed Massage Therapist in New York
Graduated from New York College of Health Professions
Adjunct Professor at New York College of Health Professions teaching Swedish, Medical Massage, Reflexology, and Myology

Dr. Yun Li, MD (China), MS, LAc (NY), Diplomate Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine (NCCAOM)

Chair, Herbal Medicine & Director, Herbal Dispensary

M.D. in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei Medical University (People’s Republic of China)
M.S. in Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (People’s Republic of China)
Associate Professor, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (People’s Republic of China)
Vice Chief-Editor, Encyclopedia Publishing House of China
Licensed Acupuncturist, New York State

Frank M. Ventimiglia, MS, LAc, LMT, BPS, AOS

Asian Technique

Professional Practitioner at New York College of Health Professions Integrative Health Center
Supervises the NADA Auricular Acupuncture Substance Abuse Detox Protocol at Nassau University Medical Center, for The Nassau County Department of  Mental Health’s Methadone Program
CCAOM Certified Examiner for CNT Proficiency Exams
Maintains a private practice in Hicksville NY
Participates in a group neurological practice at Island Neuro Care PC in Massapequa, NY
NADA Certified in Battlefield Acupuncture for the  treatment of Trauma and PTSD
Team Leader for The Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps, Trauma Response Team
Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, New York State

Gerald Basile, AOS, LMT (NY)

Western Technique

Associate in Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College for Wholistic Health Education and Research
Certification, Trigger Point Therapy, Sports Massage
Member, American Massage Therapy Association
Licensed Massage Therapist, New York State

Gerard Maggio, BPS/MS, BA, AOS, LAc (NY), LMT (NY)

Acupuncture and Oriental Science

Master of Science (Acupuncture), Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Science), New York College of Health Professions
Bachelor of Arts (Economics), SUNY Cortland
Associate in Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College of Health Professions
Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, New York State

Helen Lind, BS, AOS, LMT (NY)

Western Technique

Bachelor of Science (Psychology), University of London, Bedford College, School of Psychology, London, UK
Associate in Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College of Health Professions
Reiki Master Teacher
Certified Infant Massage Instructor
Practicing Massage Therapist and Reiki practitioner
Long Island Council
Massage Therapist for Life Quest Natural Healthcare and Chiropractic since 2004
Member of the American Massage Therapy Association
Licensed Massage Therapist, New York State

Jason Beickert, AOS, LMT (NY)

Western Technique

Associate in Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College of Health Professions
Licensed Massage Therapist, New York State

Jennifer Glynn, BS, AOS, LMT (NY)

Western Technique

Bachelor of Science (Business Management), Keene State College, NH; Associate in Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College of Health Professions; Licensed Massage Therapist, New York State.

Joseph Sing Cheung, MA, BA

Physical Arts

Master of Arts (East Asian Studies), Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies), St.  John’s University
Advanced Level 8 Senior Instructor Certificate, Wing Hong Yip Dragon Style Kung Fu School
6th Degree Black Belt Master Instructor Certificate, Kukkiwon – World Taekwondo Headquarters
5th Degree Black Belt Instructor Certificate, Chinese Swai Jiao Association
3rd Degree Black Belt Instructor Certificate, World Tang Soo Do Association
National Referee Certificate, United States Chinese Kuoshu (Kung Fu) Federation
Class D-3 Referee Certificate, United States Taekwondo Union
Class R-D Referee Certificate, National AAU Taekwondo & Junior Olympic Taekwondo Program
1996 AAU Taekwondo National Championships Bronze Medalist in Sparring
1995 U.S.A.  Wushu-Kung Fu Federation Northeast Regionals Full Contact Sanshou Fighting Gold Medal Champion and National Championships 2X Silver Medalist in Sanshou and Shuai Chiao
1995 United States Chinese Kuoshu Championships, 3rd Place in Full Contact Lei Tai Fighting
1992 United States Chinese Kuoshu Championships, 1st Place in Advanced Short Weapons, 2nd Place in Advanced Southern Forms, 3rd Place in Full Contact Lei Tai Fighting
Certificate of Completion – Clinical Observation & Discussion Program, International Studies of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
Certificate of Achievement in Chinese Culture, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan

Joyce D. Boffert, DC, BS

Health Science

Doctor of Chiropractic, New York Chiropractic College; Bachelor of Science, SUNY
Adjunct teaching positions at New York Chiropractic College, Dowling College, Nassau Community College, Queensborough Community College and Hofstra University
Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified in Acupuncture (FL), Certified Naturopathic Physician, Certified Addictions Professional
Member National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, New York State Chiropractic Association, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, American Association of Drugless Practitioners
Licensed Chiropractor, New York State, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona

Kathryn McGinley, MS, BS, LAc (NY)

Acupuncture

Master of Science in Acupuncture, TriState College of Acupuncture, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, University at Buffalo, Licensed Acupuncturist (NY). Trained in cosmetic acupuncture and acupressure.

Lauren Giacopino, BS, AOS, LMT (NY)

Asian and Western Technique

BS in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences from Queens College, AOS from Swedish Institute. NYS Licensed Massage Therapist. Career professional with 20 years practical massage therapy experience. Certified in Pre-, Peri- & Post-natal massage and Medical massage.

Marcia Fishkin, BPS/MS, MS, Family Nursing, MS Economics, BS, AOS, CNS, CNAT, RN, LMT (NY)

Oriental Science

Master of Science (Oriental Medicine), Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Science), New York College of Health Professions
Master of Science (Family Health Nursing), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Mercy College, NY; Master of Science (Economics), Universidad Central Del Ecuador
Bachelor of Science (Nursing), College of New Rochelle, NY
Associate in Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College of Health Professions
Certified Nurse Amma Therapist, New York College of Health Professions, NY
Holistic Nurse Practitioner with Wholistic Nurse Practitioner Associates, NY
Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist, New York State

Martha Ma, BPS/MS, BA, LAc (NY), LMT (NY)

Acupuncture, Asian Technique and Western Technique

Master of Science (Acupuncture), Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Science), The Swedish Institute
Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Arts), Touro College
Acupuncturist, ACQC-AIDS Center of Queens County
Adjunct Faculty, Swedish Institute; Clinic Supervisor, Acupuncturist
Arrive Program, Drug Treatment Program
Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, New York State

Martin Silber, MS, BPS, Dipl. LAc, MQG, ADS/RT, CHy

Masters of Science (Acupuncture) and Bachelors of Professional Studies (Health Sciences) Tri-State College of Acupuncture NY, NY (1995)
Diplomate of Acupuncture with the National Council for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) (1994)
Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) with National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) and at The Lincoln Hospital Substance Abuse Program, Bronx, NY (1997)
Instructor/Clinic Supervisor at the New Center for Wholistic Health Education and Research (NCWHER), Syosset, NY (1997-2009)
NADA Registered Trainer (RT) at The Lincoln Hospital Substance Abuse Program, Bronx, NY (1998)
Originator of the Long Island chapters of the Acupuncture Society of New York (ASNY) (1997,1999 and 2007)
Senior Acupuncture Supervisor (SAS) for Nassau County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Detoxification program (NCDDA) in the Substance Abuse Clinic (SAC) (1998-2012)
Originator and Clinic Supervisor of the first acupuncture detoxification program for Catholic Charities (2000-2003)
Instructor/Clinic Supervisor/Clinic Director at the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NYCTCM) in Mineola, NY (2009-Present)
Clean Needle Technique Training Instructor and Examiner for the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) (2009-Present)
Acupuncture Team Leader for the Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps (NCMRC) (2015-Present)
Instructor/Clinic Supervisor New York College of Health Professions (NYCHP) in Syosset, NY (2019-Present)

Mei-Hua Chen, BPS/MS, MPH, MS, LAc (NY), Diplomate Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), RDN, CDN, CNSC, CDE, CSP

Oriental Science

Master of Science (Oriental Medicine), Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Science), New York College of Health Professions
Master of Public Health (Environmental Health Sciences), Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health
M.S.  (Human Nutrition), Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Institute of Human Nutrition
Master of Science (Food and Nutrition), Chinese Cultural University
New York State Licensed Acupuncturist (L.  Ac.); National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Dipl.  O.M.)
New York State Certified Nutritionist-Dietitian (C.D.N.)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Registered Dietitian (R.D.N.)
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (C.N.S.C.)
American Association of Diabetes Educators, Certified Diabetes Educators (C.D.E.)
American Dietetic Association, Board Certified as Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (C.S.P.)
Certified Infusion Specialist
Certified Insulin Pump Trainer (C.P.T.)
Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Certified Zumba Instructor

Michael Kim, BPS/MS, BS, LAc (NY)

Assistant Dean Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Director Graduate School of Oriental Medicine Clinic

Master of Science (Acupuncture), Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Sciences), New York College of Health Professions
Bachelor of Science (Health Sciences), Stony Brook University
Emergency Medicine Technician and Paramedic, New York Methodist Hospital Paramedic Program

Rachel Dorfman, MBA, BA, LMT

Western Technique

Master of Business Administration, Colorado Technical University
Bachelor of Arts (Business Administration), New York Institute of Technology
Certificate of Massage Therapy, New York College of Health Professions
Certificate of Medical Billing and Coding, Certified American Red Cross Instructor
Licensed Massage Therapist (New York State)

Robin Choi, BPS/MSOM, BS, AOS, LAc

Oriental Science, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine

Master of Science (Oriental Medicine) and Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Sciences), New York College of Health Professions
Bachelor of Science (Engineering), University of Pennsylvania
Associates of Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College of Health Professions
Certificate in Acupuncture Cancer Care, Sloan Kettering Hospital

Ron Kornfeld, MA, BA, LMT (NY)

Western Technique and Asian Technique

Asian Technique, Oriental Science, Western Technique – Adjunct Master of Arts (Eastern Religions), Temple University
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Vassar College
Pennsylvania Institute of Massage Therapy
International School of Shiatsu
Adjunct Instructor Queensborough Community College, Pennsylvania Institute of Massage Therapy
Temple University Graduate Teaching Fellow
Licensed Massage Therapist, New York State

Ruth Albright, AA, Certified Yoga Instructor

Physical Arts

Ruth is now a certified Yoga Instructor. In 2013 she became an entrepreneur when she launched her own business (The Traveling Trainer). Ruth works as a fitness and yoga instructor for the Town of North Hempstead.

SCOTT GRALLA, BPS/MS, BA, LAC (NY), DIPLOMATE ACUPUNCTURE (NCCAOM)

Acupuncture

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), Diplomate of Acupuncture
Master of Science (Oriental Medicine), Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Sciences), New York College of Health Professions
Licensed Acupuncturist, New York State
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), New York University
Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine with specializations in Corrective Exercise and Women’s Fitness

Steven Zore, BPS/MS Ac

Acupuncture, Asian Technique, Oriental Science

Master of Science (Acupuncture), and Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Science), New York College of Health Professions
Licensed Acupuncturist New York State

Tara O’Rourke, BS, AOS, LMT (NY)

Health Science and Western Technique

Bachelor of Science in Professional and Liberal Studies, Dowling College
Associate in Occupational Studies (Massage Therapy), New York College of Health Professions
Licensed Massage Therapist, New York State

Vidhya Rojanavongse, MS, LAc (NY)

Acupuncture

Master of Science (Acupuncture) from Tri-State College of Acupuncture. Apprentice to Kiiko Matsumoto. Clinical supervisor at Pacific College of Health Sciences. Adjunct lecturer at LaGuardia Community College, Adjunct lecturer at Hunter College, Clinical supervisor & Grand Rounds instructor (Tri-State College of Acupuncture). 4th degree black belt in Aikido, Instructor at the NY Aikikai, Certified assistant instructor by the US Aikido Federation, Licensed Acupuncturist.

Zhenjiang Sun, BPS/MS, BA, LAc (NY)

Acupuncture

Master of Science (Acupuncture), Bachelor of Professional Studies (Health Science), New York College of Health Professions
Bachelor of Science (Medicine), Xinjiang Medical College, Xinjiang, People’s Republic of China
Licensed Acupuncturist, New York State