Dedicated people, driven for your success.
The ASAOM team — a collective of practitioners, educators, and visionaries — united by a passion for healing and excellence.
Governing Board
ASAOM’s Governing Board represents a strong, diverse, cross-cultural foundation of knowledge.
Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Alex Holland, MAc.
Fred Sandlin
Mary Koithan, PhD, RN
Doug Foucheaux
Joshua Hannum
Staff
ASAOM’s staff: a jovial bunch of do-gooders.
Bookkeeper
Admissions Officer
Owner
Interim-President
Clinic Dean, AMB Program Head
Herb Dispensary Director
Clinic Manager
Academic Dean
Facilities Manager/HR
Director of Federal Programs
Danny Muritz, BA, EA
Frank Harris, LAc
Hu Xiaolei
Fred Sandlin
Tony Della Croce, LAc
Dr. Anne Caulkins, LAc
Pamela Appelquist, LMT
Dr. Kara Michalsen, NMD
Tim Dunn, MAc.OM
Dr. Susan Wagner, DAOM, LAc
“Representing our industry and body of students – we are honored to serve.”
Faculty Area Heads
These are the torch bearers, touching their lives of knowledge, experience, and mastery, to the kindling of knew minds and hearts.
Western Clinic Science
Acupuncture
Herbology
Practice Management & Counseling
Tuina Cert. AMB
Clinic
Dr. Edward Shabez, NMD
Aaron Cook, DAOM, LAc
Lisa Mandelbaum, LAc
Dr. Kara Michalsen, NMD
Tony Della Croce, LAc
Nathan Anderson, LAc
Administration
– Site Team, 2022 Accreditation Visit
Dr. Kara Michalsen, NMD
Academic Dean
Email: AcademicDean@asaom.edu
Dr. Kara Michalsen, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, comes to her current position as Academic Dean for ASAOM with experience and excitement.
After graduating California Poly Technic University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in science, she researched and pursued a medical career, attending the medical school, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2013 Dr. Kara was invited to participate in an Internship at Emanuel Hospital’s Trauma Unit in Portland, Oregon. While involved in this internship she was a part of the research for medical case studies that were ultimately published in the Texas Medical Journal, 2015 Vol 42.
Following the medically diverse experience in Oregon, Dr. Kara opened her own medical practice in Southern California. In addition to her practice, she became interested in the educational journey of doctors and the importance of their medical training. Consequently, Dr Kara chose to attend workshops/classes at Harvard University focused on the importance of how doctors/health professional’s medical training directly affects their patient’s health.
She then entered the field of medical education becoming an Assistant Professor and Head of the Integrative Clinical Rotations of the Physician Assistant Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences. Teaching in the Doctorate of Chiropractic, Doctorate of Acupuncture, and Physician Assistant programs increased her understanding of the importance of highly effective medical education and training for all health professionals.
MicroMasters in Instructional Design from University of Maryland was the natural next step for Dr. Kara to take to meld all her experiences and expertise together. She moved to a concierge medical practice while teaching at ASAOM, becoming the Director of Curriculum, and is now serving as Academic Dean.
Beyond her passion for medical education, Dr. Kara relaxes by hiking, preparing dinner and pairing wines, has recently discovered balloon artistry for birthdays of family members, designs cookie art … and so much more.
Dr. Susan Wagner, DAOM, LAc
Director of Federal Programs
Email: FinancialAid@asaom.edu
Dr. Wagner is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She graduated with her Master’s from Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with a MAcOM degree. She completed a six-month externship in Haikou, Hainan Province China, after graduation. She went on to study auricular medicine with Dr. Lichun Huang earning a Master of Auricular Medicine from the Auricular Medicine Institute in Orlando Florida. Her next educational endeavor was obtaining Board Certification in Integrative Medicine (BCIM) and she was appointed as an acupuncturist to the board for three years. Most recently Susan completed her Doctorate of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine while attending American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at California Institute of Integral Studies. She completed her externships for the program spending a month in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and additional training at NYU Langone Hospital, Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Wagner is a current faculty member at ASAOM and has a busy practice in the Tucson area. She also brings to the table 22 years of military medical experience as a retired HMCS(DV).
Tasha Triplett, M. Ed
Graduate of our MAcCHM Program in December 2025 Admissions
Email: Admissions@asaom.edu
Bio coming soon.
— Admin Team