Let the journey begin.
Maryland University of Integrative Health is dedicated to serving individuals who seek to learn the art of caring for themselves and each other in the course of life’s journey. Through the Natural Care Center and throughout our Baltimore/Washington region clinical network, we offer more than 30 years of experience in delivering relationship-centered care in integrative medicine and healing arts. Since our beginning, MUIH practitioners have seen over 20,000 individuals and performed over 200,000 treatments.
We are pleased to offer the experience and healing presence of our staff and affiliated practitioners at the Natural Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call the Natural Care Center at 443-906-5794.
Jonathan Bronson L. Ac., M. Ac.
Jonathan has had an interest in healing arts since childhood. During his first treatment as a patient of acupuncture, his acupuncturist put a needle in a point and Jonathan instantly felt calm. So, he asked the acupuncturist, “What did you put in the needle?” The acupuncturist replied, “Nothing, these are your points.” Jonathan never recovered from that moment in the best possible way. It ultimately led him to Maryland University of Integrative Health where he graduated from the Acupuncture Program in 2013. He endeavored to deepen his knowledge and experience base by studying for a few months in Japan after he graduated.
Now as a licensed practitioner of acupuncture, Jonathan has been able to help people suffer less from a wide range of symptoms. Whether it’s of an emotional/spiritual cause or more physical pain, many people have reported greater quality of life under his care. The length of time it takes for a reduction of suffering to occur is on a case-by-case basis and will be explained according to the principles of Chinese Medicine at your intake. Jonathan is also happy to coordinate with your conventional medical practitioners to offer the most comprehensive care possible.
Jonathan is currently an Adjunct and Clinical faculty at Maryland University of Integrative Health where he teaches in the Acupuncture Program and guides students’ treatment designs in the school’s Natural Care Center. He looks forward to being of service to you on your journey toward greater health and wellbeing.
Specialties: general practitioner, pain management, addiction, mental/emotional health
Deneb Falabella, D.O.M., M.Ac., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)®, ADS, L.Ac.
Dr. Deneb Falabella has been a licensed acupuncturist supporting the natural health and wellness of patients in Maryland for over 20 years. She earned a Master of Acupuncture degree from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute and a Doctor of Oriental Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH). Dr. Falabella holds a certificate in Chinese herbal medicine, is board-certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and is recognized as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) by the National Association of Detoxification Acupuncture (NADA). She was an appointed member of the Maryland Board of Acupuncture from 2010-2015, serving as board chair for much of her term.
Dr. Falabella currently maintains a part-time clinical practice at the Natural Care Center while acting as MUIH’s associate provost of assessment and accreditation. She has been affiliated with the University since 1999 and previously held the roles of associate vice president for teaching clinics, associate director of acupuncture programs, clinical supervisor, and assistant faculty member.
Specialties: general practitioner
S. Hunter Thompson, B.A., M.A., M.Ac., L.Ac., NADA Certified
S. Hunter Thompson is a graduate of the Traditional Acupuncture Institute (now MUIH). He is Chair of the Theory Division of MUIH’s acupuncture and Oriental medicine program. Dr. Thompson has been affiliated with the University since 1997, and has served in many roles including staff positions such as Director of Alumni Relations. In addition to maintaining an acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine practice at MUIH’s Natural Care Center, he is currently serving as an adjunct faculty member as well as lead teaching clinic supervisor.
Dr. Thompson holds a Certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine, retains Diplomate status in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and holds Detoxification Specialist status by the National Association of Detoxification Acupuncture (NADA). He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Lebanon Valley College.
Dr. Thompson brings his passion for holistic healing to his teaching and practice. His willingness to provide compassionate listening, along with his knowledge of Oriental medicine, are used to benefit students and patients alike.
Specialties: men’s health, pain, sports injuries, LGBTQ-related issues
Brianna Livesay, M.Ac., L.Ac.
Brianna L. Livesay is a licensed acupuncturist and graduate of Maryland University of Integrative Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hood College of Frederick, Maryland, where she was selected to conduct Departmental Honors Research on integrative medicine. She is enrolled in the Doctor of Oriental Medicine program, expanding both her scope of practice and knowledge base.
Specialties: She holds certifications in neuroscience of the brain, acupuncture electrical stimulation and has researched the integration of acupuncture with in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg harvesting, and cryopreservation.
Dr. Julia Mandes DOM, LA.c.
Dr. Julia Mandes is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in the State of Maryland holding the degree of Doctor of Oriental Medicine from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), where she also serves as faculty and a lead clinical supervisor in the student clinic. She is a specialist in reproductive medicine as well as maintaining a general practice for teenagers and adults. While a serious and resolute practitioner, Dr. Mandes is also gentle and warm and a good fit for nervous patients. She has compassionate expertise with most areas of reproductive health: menstrual disorders, gynecological concerns, hormonal changes, and fertility challenges.
Specialties: whole-health, full-spectrum and inclusive reproductive medicine: gynecology, fertility, IVF/ART, pregnancy, and postpartum care; reproductive health: menstrual disorders, gynecological concerns, hormonal changes, and fertility challenges
Laurie Kane, LMT
Laurie Kane, Licensed Massage Therapist, received her Diploma from the Alpha School of Massage, in 1998. Laurie’s early study of massage therapy and bodywork includes the structural and functional movement training of the Feldenkrais Method by David Zemach-Bersin, and the Self-healing techniques of Meir Schneider Ph.D. These trainings became the foundation of her practice for her patients. Laurie’s focus of a whole-body approach to wellness includes Ohashiatsu, CDT/Manual Lymph Drainage, Pregnancy Massage, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Craniosacral Therapy I and II.
Laurie’s therapeutic approach helps restore balance to the musculature and assists in rejuvenating the body’s healing potential. Other areas of interest include nutrition, yoga, and Ayurveda.
Specialties: Structural integration, Self-healing techniques, Trigger Point Therapy, Pregnancy, Manual Lymph drainage, Sports massage
Elina Ackley, M.S.
Nutritionist
I worked in conventional healthcare for 22 years and continue to do so in Radiology. I have been a business consultant for small businesses because they matter to our communities. I owned a cafe and a laboratory, and learned from both businesses what is necessary to educate the next generations to follow. I am nestled in a small town with my lovely husband, four kids, and two dogs. My journey in life and passion was always nutrition, so I ventured on my own to seek its knowledge and graduated from the Maryland University of Integrative (MUIH) Master’s in Science and Integrative Health program.
During my internship at MUIH, I worked with Joy Wellness in Baltimore, MD, and Maryland Psychiatric Research Center in Catonsville. I gained a strong foundation of learning about various nutritional needs and built a wonderful network of connections in my field.
My passion is people and their well-being, so I come to you with an open mind with knowledge to guide you to where you need my expert advice in your moment of life today. I have a strong background in nutritional support with autoimmune disorders, cancer, gut health, and hormonal dysregulation for I myself have struggled with these paths in my own health. Reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I enjoy conversing and connecting.
I am a Veteran of the US Navy and am here for all veterans transitioning to civilian life that need nutritional support. In my spare time, I enjoy researching and learning about updated information in the nutrition world. I love traveling, soccer, reading, music, and cooking. Let me help you create a plan that has a destination for optimal wellness.