Our Staff

Jane Grissmer Tiffiny Gilreath Cathy Miller
Alaine D. Duncan Lynne Gist Gillian Powers
Emory Baldwin Barbara Glenfield Philomena Queen
Stephanie Mwangaza Brown Mari Katsumi Christina Steele
Ricey Clapp Ruth Anne Keister Ed Sweeney
Marie E. Connor Holly Markush Andres Vergara
Ryan Conroy Greta McVey Brigit Viksnins
Lucia Mercer Mary E. Warfield

 


Alaine D. Duncan, M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., ext.101, aduncan@crossingshealing.com, is Founder and Director of Crossings.  She has worked at the interface of individual and social/cultural healing since the mid-1970's.  Learning, practicing and loving Chinese medicine since 1988, she works with care, compassion, and a profound sense of respect for healing in the body, the mind, and the spirit. A writer, an empty-nester, and a soulful seeker — she creates and nurtures community wherever she is.  Alaine received her Master's Degree from the TAI Sophia Institute, where she is an adjunct faculty member.  She also provides post-graduate clinical education at Crossings. (back to top of page)


Jane Grissmer, M.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., ext. 314, jgrissmer@crossingshealing.com, is Founder and Director of Crossings.  She holds a Masters in Acupuncture; a certification in Chinese Herbs, and a background in the practice of massage therapy and the bodywork traditions. From 1984-1997 she was on the faculty of the TAI Sophia Institute where she served as Dean of Faculty.  She is the author of “Notes of a Qi Tender,” which appeared in Contemporary Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and other articles on acupuncture as a healing art, the emotions as qi, and the healing power of the seasonal cycle.  Jane is a practicing acupuncturist and a mother -- a learner, a teacher, and a coach of life as the movement of qi. (back to top of page)


Emory Baldwin, MS, ext. 319, is both a parent educator and a family therapist who helps families throughout the Washington, DC area "grow well" together. Bringing together family therapy and play therapy skills with parenting and child development expertise, Emory works with children, adolescents, and adults.
Her parent education background comes from the Parent Encouragement Program (most frequently known as "PEP") in Kensington, Maryland. As a senior PEP Leader, Emory has taught classes for parents of babies through teenagers over the past 12 years. She is also a popular speaker on many topics concerning children, teens, and families; and she has given parenting talks at Goddard Space Center, NIH, and many other less formal organizations.
Emory contributes frequently as a guest author for the "Ages and Stages" feature in "Washington Parent Magazine" and has a monthly parenting advice column in the Takoma and Silver Spring "Voice" newspaper entitled "The Heart of Parenting." (back to top of page)


Stephanie Mwangaza Brown, L.Ac, CCP, CEEA, ext. 316, mbrown@crossingshealing.com,is a licensed Acupuncturist, a certified Colorpuncturist, an Energy Emissions Analyst and a Reiki Master. Colorpuncture is a healing therapy that uses color, light and crystals. It combines the modern knowledge of light biophysics, the ancient wisdom of crystal healing and the concepts of nature-based medicine. Energy Emission Analysis is a diagnostic method that uses a Kirlian camera to take photographs of body energy to determine a client's level of wellness. Reiki is a hands-on healing technique. See www.healthyselves.com for more information. (back to top of page)


Ricey Clapp, PA-C, NCTMB, CMT, ext. 303, rclapp@crossingshealing.com, has been practicing manual approaches to health since 1984. As a physician assistant and massage therapist, she facilitates individual self-healing and wellness through the use of Integrative Bodywork, Bach Flower Essences, and health education. Ricey is also a licensed aesthetician specializing in natural and holistic skincare. She graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute and George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. (back to top of page)


Marie E. Connor, M.Ac., L.Ac, ext. 322, mconnor@crossingshealing.com, is an acupuncturist and intuitive counselor. She earned her Masters Degree from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute. Marie has been practicing bio-spiritual healing for more than 13 years and has used several modalities including massage, chakra energy balancing, and more. (back to top of page)


Ryan Conroy, M.A., M.Ac., L.Ac, Dipl.Ac., ext. 330, rconroy@crossingshealing.com, Having spent more than twenty years in public service and international relations, Ryan brings a broad perspective and deep appreciation for the importance of balance and healing in all walks of life. She is a graduate of the TAI Sophia Institute and is also a certified animal acupuncturist, believing that balance and healing is crucial to all beings. (back to top of page)


Lynne Gist, PT, ext. 310, lgist@crossingshealing.com, Physical Therapist, graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1985. She has strong manual skills and emphasizes a total systems approach for health concerns. Her training enables her to work on specific structures, such as a specific artery, vein, or nerve. She is also able to work on specific systems of the body such as lymph, connective tissue, and organs. Lynne utilizes techniques such as muscle energy, myofascial release, and cranial therapy. She believes in using the body’s innate ability to heal and focuses on patient education. Lynne’s post baccalaureate training is in Integrative Manual Therapy and Neuro Developmental Technique. (back to top of page)


Barbara Glenfield, P.T., ext. 304, is a physical therapist in practice since 1981. She specializes in easing pain and improving mobility through the use of manual therapies, instruction, and self-care. Her background includes joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and Huma bodywork. At the heart of Barbara’s practice is the belief that we need only to facilitate the body’s natural tendency to self-correct and heal by helping to identify and release the primary barriers to full and free mobility. (back to top of page)


Mari Katsumi, M.Ac., L.Ac. mkatsumi@crossingshealing.com Mari grew up in Japan immersed in the traditions of Oriental Medicine. She earned her Master's Degree in acupuncture from the Tai Sophia Institute. She is certified as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. Mari uses Acupuncture and Zero Balancing in her treatment. She brings to her work a harmonious sensitivity of East and West. (back to top of page)


Ruth Anne Keister, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 306, rakeister@crossingshealing.com, nationally certified massage therapist, graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute in 1999. She uses Swedish, Deep Tissue, Connective Tissue, Esalen massage, Craniosacral Therapy, aromatherapy, and Reiki to promote relaxation and stress relief and to treat both chronic and acute injuries. She believes that healing comes from within, and that outside assistance - like massage - can greatly facilitate this process. Ruth Anne brings to her work a lifelong interest in health, fitness, and finding balance in life, as well as a background in environmental work. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and is licensed in both Maryland and Washington, DC. Ruth Anne is currently a part-time student at the North Carolina Alexander Technique Teacher Training program in Greensboro, NC. (back to top of page)


Holly Markush, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 329, hmarkush@crossingshealing.com is a nationally certified massage therapist, graduated from the Baltimore School of Massage in 2005, uses Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, and Swedish massage to promote peace of mind, relaxation, and relief from stress and pain, believes compassionate touch is essential for overall healthfulness, is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, and is licensed in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. (back to top of page)


Greta McVey, M.Ac., L.Ac., ext. 308, gmcvey@crossingshealing.com, received her degree from the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia, Maryland. A former landscape architect, she is a steward of the earth and has an intimate understanding of humankind’s relationship to nature and nature’s role in healing. She is one of the few acupuncturists in the nation certified to treat animals, and she is also certified in the healing protocol known as detox acupuncture, which is especially effective when addressing the issue of substance abuse. (back to top of page)


Bailey, CGC (Canine Good Citizenship), TDI (Therapy Dog International) Bailey is a chocolate labrador retriever who works with staff acupuncturist Greta McVey as a certified therapy dog. She meets and greets clients in the Crossings waiting room, assists Greta in helping clients to further their relationship with nature, and is an all-around guide to the healing power of love. (back to top of page)


Lucia Mercer, CMT, NCTMB, RGST, ext. 309, lmercer@crossingshealing.com, nationally certified massage therapist, specializes in helping people tap their inner wisdom and resources, using their body as a guide. She has been studying the art and science of bodywork since 1990. She is trained by and at times instructs at the Potomac Massage Training Institute, and is a graduate of the Gestalt Training Center of Washington, DC. Lucia’s advanced trainings include Craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), Reiki, Somatic Integrity, and pregnancy massage and working with couples before the birth experience. Her work is grounded and multi-dimensional - knowing true health and healing is attained through the integration of bodymindspirit. (back to top of page)


Cathy Miller, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 313, cmiller@crossingshealing.com, Dipl. of Asian Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM) is a Certified Massage Therapist and a Diplomate of Asian Bodywork Therapy of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is also a certified Process Acupressure Therapist and a certified instructor of Basic Acupressure. She draws upon aspects of Five Element and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zen Shiatsu, Swedish Massage, and Process Acupressure in the spirit of creative partnership with her clients, to assist them in moving toward health and balance. After working for twenty years as a professional musician, music librarian, and graphic artist, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to be of service in a different way, through the practice and teaching of acupressure. In addition to practicing acupressure and massage at Crossings, and at the Center for Integrative Medicine in Easton, Maryland, Cathy enjoys teaching acupressure workshops nationwide. (back to top of page)


Gillian Powers, M.Ac., L.Ac., ext. 328, gpowers@crossingshealing.com, is a licensed acupuncturist. She earned her Masters Degree from the premier TAI Sophia Institute. A charter member of Crossings HealingWorks, Gillian is active in the Caring for the Caregivers and Restore and Renew programs' complementary medical services to help those most personally affected by war find peace through acupuncture and bodywork. Gillian uses Acupuncture, Acupressure, Zero Balancing, massage, chakra energy balancing, and more to facilitate wellness in clients of all ages. For more information, check out www.powersacupuncture.com (back to top of page)


Philomena Queen, CMT, NCTMB, ext. 312, is a nationally certified massage therapist and Dean of Students at the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI). She practices Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, incorporating Reiki, polarity therapy, and reflexology. She regularly serves at lead practical instructor at PMTI where she graduated in 1992. Philomena is also a member of the Maryland Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association. (back to top of page)


Christina Steele, D.O. M.P.H., ext. 301 csteele@crossingshealing.com. Dr. Christina Steele completed medical school in Los Angeles, California, where in addition, she completed a Masters degree in International Health and Health Education, summa cum laude. After completing a residency in family practice, Dr. Steele completed a second fellowship in Neuromuskuloskelatal Medicine with the American Academy of Osteopathy. She is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practitioners, and holds an associate professorship in Anatomy at Husson College in Maine; where she previously maintained an independent practice for women and children. She has been a recurring guest lecturer at the U of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Eastern Maine Medical Center, and Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine. Prior to her medical training Dr. Steele worked in the international relief field, primarily in the field of refugee health. For more information, see www.WomenAndChildrensOsteo.com (back to top of page)


Ed Sweeney, L.Ac., ext. 311, is a licensed Acupuncturist and Guild Certified Feldenkrais practitioner. He completed graduate programs in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs at Tai Sophia Institute and Nutrition Training at the New York Institute for Integrative Nutrtion. Since 2003, Ed has been a member of the graduate faculty, practitioner and student clinic supervisor at Tai Sophia Institute. He has also studied movement education, body therapy and hands on healing and has trained in Shiatsu, Process Acupressure, Therapeutic Massage, Chakra Balancing and Reiki Energetic Healing. Ed completed post graduate training in Individual, Couples and Group therapy at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.
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Andres Vergara, L.Ac., M. Ac., ext. 332, avergara@crossingshealing.com, is a licensed acupuncturist, certified and full Qi Gong instructor with the healing tao, a certified zero balancing practicioner and a certified Chinese herbalist. He has over 400 hours of qi gong training with various healing tao instructors including Michael Winn, Mantak Chia, Marie Favorito, Karen Sorvik, Joyce Gayheart and Masahiro Oichi. He has practiced these methods for many years. Andres Vergara is certified as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. He uses these modalities to promote health, balance, harmony and a profound peace and vitality in his clients and students. (back to top of page)


Brigit Viksnins, NCTMB, RCST®, ext. 324, bviksnins@crossingshealing.com, practices Massage Therapy and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy at Crossings, a Center for the Healing Traditions, at home north of White Oak, and in a private meditation room in Takoma Park. She specializes in relaxing therapeutic massage, and her deep, slow style facilitates a decompression from today's stresses. She works with a variety of people: she loves introducing newcomers to bodywork as well as helping practitioners come into deeper relationship with their bodies. Along with a variety of other advanced courses, she has studied massage as a medical intervention, which she integrates with the meditative healing practice of cranial work (www.craniosacraltherapy.org). She is also a student of Somatic Experiencing (www.traumahealing.com). Brigit loves using therapeutic grade essential oils (www.youngliving.us) in her practice, particularly in the transformative and regenerative Raindrop Therapy and individual Chakra Anointing sessions. She is also a distributor of a line of essential oils and non-toxic personal care and household products.
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Mary E. Warfield, M.D., M.A (Bioethics), L.Ac., ext.320 mwarfield@crossingshealing.com, is a Board Certified physician in Internal Medicine and an acupuncturist. Her 30 years of health care experience include: the practice of adult medicine; ethics consultation and end of life care as well as the teaching of clinical practice and ethics to medical residents. As a medical doctor in these settings, she sensed the importance of a person's whole story in their health and illness. This holistic perspective drew her to the study of acupuncture as a healing art. She received her initial training at the University of California, Irvine program for physicians and has since continued with an intense and focused study of Five Element style acupuncture. Her knowledge of western medicine brings a unique perspective to her practice of acupuncture, and a special capacity to bridge western medical care with complementary care.
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Tiffiny Gilreath, ext. 400, tgilreath@crossingshealing.com,happily joined the Crossings family in the role of Office Manager in May 2007. In 2008 that role also expanded to Education Director. Tiffiny holds an MFA in theatre, with a concentration in dance and has worked locally as a director, choreographer and stage manager. Before Crossings, Tiffiny managed a Curves franchise and worked in the non-profit sector. She has been a Pathworker for over ten years and is a 2008 graduate of the the Transformation Program at Sevenoaks Pathwork Center.. Her most recent project is a book entitled, "Emotional Weight Loss" which focuses on the emotional and spiritual aspects of creating a healthy body. She is committed to empowering people to live more fully. (back to top of page)
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