Domenic Thomas - M.S.O.M., L.Ac.
President / Owner

Domenic enrolled at SAMRA University in Los Angeles and earned a full tuition scholarship to study Traditional Chinese Medicine. He went on to graduate with a Masters of Science degree in Oriental Medicine in 2001.

At SAMRA he was fortunate to study under some of the brightest Chinese, Japanese, and Korean professors in the science of oriental medical diagnosis, acupuncture, and herbology. Domenic also studied optional advanced coursework in Chinese herbal theory, diagnosis, and massage therapy.

After leaving SAMRA, Domenic moved to New York City for a position at a physical rehabilitation clinic in Bronx, NY where he was able to perform over 5,000 acupuncture visits in his first year of practice. After his extensive clinical experience in New York, Domenic decided to re-locate to Baltimore, MD and opened his current practice in February of 2003, specializing in obstetrics, pregnancy support, physical medicine, and pain management.

Brian Jackson, L.Ac.

Brian was classically trained at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. There he had the opportunity to study under some of the greatest contemporary scholars in the field of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Beyond competency in Acupuncture he is also adept at Tuina, and Qigong External Therapy. During his graduate work and residency program within one of the largest and most modern TCM hospitals in China, the Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the majority of his clinical work was in the field of post-stroke care, muscular-skeletal disorders, and pain management.

He is nationally certified and holds a Maryland license in acupuncture. Due to his extensive training in China he has seen a high volume of patients with a vast array of disorders. He has just recently moved to the Baltimore area to share his knowledge of classical Chinese acupuncture with our growing patient population.

READ MORE about Brian Jackson...

Donna Degnan, L.Ac.

Donna Degnan earned her Acupuncture degree from the New York College of Health Professions, is Nationally Board Certified from NCCAOM and is licensed in the States of MD and NY.  In addition, Donna has a B.A in Psychology, an M.Ed. in Education and has also completed training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and Columbia University and is now a Certified Health Counselor.  Working in a busy Medical Office for the last several years Donna has utilized this training to successfully treat a vast array of medical conditions.  Donna specializes in helping her patients manage stress and develop a healthier lifestyle in order to minimize or heal from medical conditions such as:  infertility, gastro-intestinal disorders, eating, emotional and sleep disorders, muscle pain/tension, adrenal fatigue, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, pain management and PTSD.  

Other educational training:
Donna continued her post-graduate degree by studying Pathophysiology, 36 Classical Needle Techniques and a year of Medical Qi Gong at the Institute of Classical Asian Studies (ICAS). In 2009 Donna completed her training at the Lincoln Recovery Center in NY and is certified as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist.  This method is currently being used by the US military for treatment of PTSD for active military and veterans. Donna has been practicing Reiki for many years and has completed her Reiki Master level training. 

William Zvarick, L.Ac.

Bill Zvarick, L.Ac. completed his acupuncture studies at the Maryland Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition he has studied acupressure with Michael Reed Gach through the Acupressure Institute at Berkeley, California, and massage at the Baltimore School of Massage.

He has extensive experience in massage and acupressure, working with a wide range of skeleto-muscular conditions, and he utilizes these modalities together with acupuncture to address patients' health issues on multiple levels.

Mr. Zvarick also treats a wide range of other conditions, including migraines, depression, anxiety, infertility, digestive disorders and immune disorders.

Karisa Grudi - L.Ac.

Karisa Grudi is a state licensed acupuncturist in Maryland and Virginia and a nationally board-certified Chinese herbalist. She holds a 4-year Master of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City. She is also a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Karisa’s passion for acupuncture and oriental medicine coupled with her ongoing research in the fields of natural health and nutrition has inspired her to educate, empower, and motivate her patients to take control of their own health and strive for a state of well-being. Her focus is in treating fertility issues as well as an extensive variety of conditions including weight management, digestive disorders, smoking cessation and pain management.

Jessica Ellerman, L.Ac.

Jessica Ellerman, L.Ac., is a state board licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in Maryland and California. She completed a 4 year program of study at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, graduating with honors, and obtaining a Master's of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. Jessica is also nationally certified to practice acupuncture and chinese herbology by the NCCAOM as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (Dipl. OM).

Jessica also received additional training in massage therapy, including deep tissue and swedish massage, Tui Na (a type of acupressure), and craniosacral therapy.

Clinically, she has had the opportunity to work with a very diverse patient population. In addition to her private practice, she has treated patients at San Diego Hospice, UCSD Free Clinic for the homeless and low income families, and within the Integrative Medical wing at Rady's Children's Hospital in San Diego. There she worked with patients and their families in the oncology and chronic pain units.

For the past eight years, Jessica has worked in the field of holistic healing and is truly passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal health and vitality. Her specialities include; women's health issues, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, supporting thyroid and adrenal health, pain management, and digestive disorders. She offers comprehensive treatment tailored to each patient's individual needs, while providing the inspiration and tools for healthy living.

Maria Kimos, CMT, CPT

Maria is a graduate of Baltimore school of Massage and has been a certified massage therapist in Maryland for over 12 years. She is nationally certified in bodywork through the National Cerification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Maria's expertise lies in deep tissue massage, sports/ injury related massage, Swedish massage, certified in prenatal & peri-natal massage and La Stone Therapy.

Maria is also a Certified Personal Trainer.
(National Strength Professionals Association)

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Christina Rutheiser, CNHP

Christina Rutheiser, CNHP, completed a Bachelor of Holistic Nutrition degree and is currently a Naturopathic Doctoral candidate. She is a Certified Natural Health Professional through the The National Association of Certified Natural Health Professionals, Inc. Christina also interned for two years with a local naturopath, working with clients to find the healthiest state for every body with natural supplements, herbs, and whole foods.

As a Holistic Nutrition Consultant, Christina helps people to improve the quality of their lives by making healthier food choices. By working in partnership with clients, options are explored for improving diets in ways which are workable, convenient and delicious.

Read more...

Email Christina: christinarutheiser@mbsmed.com

Susan Miller
Vice President & Marketing Manager

Susan Miller has been in the field of health and wellness for over a decade, dedicating herself to educating the community about the benefits of holistic medicine. Advocating and promoting internally to patients, as well as in the public sector, she is committed to making CAM a household name. Susan has developed numerous corporate wellness programs throughout the greater Baltimore area.

She has experience as a chiropractic assistant working with physical rehabilitation and related therapies. Susan worked as a certified personal trainer for several years as part of an ongoing commitment to wellness in her personal and professional life. She is currently the Vice President and Marketing Director for Integrative Health Centers.

Email Susan: susanmiller@mbsmed.com

Monique Savits
Parkville Office Manager

Monique comes from an artistic background - previously the Internal Marketing Manager at the Maryland Athletic Club - and currently has her own freelance graphic and website design company (www.conceptsbyq.com). She designed the IHC logo and all marketing materials, as well as the redesign of the IHC website.

Monique has been with Integrative Health Centers for over 3 years and loves seeing the patients leave with a smile on their face and a rejuventated spring in their step!

Email Monique: moniquesavits@mbsmed.com

Colleen Dunnigan
Towson Office Manager

Colleen has worked in the medical administrative field since 2004, beginning in a local hospital. Coming to work for IHC in November 2008 after many surgeries and illness', she had no idea how working in an acupuncture center would change her life in more ways than one. Acupuncture drastically changed her quality of life and she loves seeing patients get the same life changing results that she has gotten.

Like Monique, Colleen is also trained in the arts field as well. She has her Certificate of Photography from Harford Community College and Bachelors of Science in Art History from Towson University.

Email Colleen: colleendunnigan@mbsmed.com