Jennum, DOM, L.AC., has her Doctorate in East Asian Medicine from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), formerly the Tai Sophia Institute – the first accredited acupuncture school in America. Dr. J has worked as a teacher and clinical supervisor for Masters level students at the MUIH Natural Care Center and in their Community Health Initiative sites. Jennum has studied extensively since earning her degree and always seeks to learn more about this amazing medicine. She has been treating patients with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine since 2011 and has owned her practice in Ellicott City, Maryland since 2014.
Jennum’s volunteer experience includes an overseas medical mission with Refuge International, where she introduced a remote Guatemalan village to acupuncture, effectively treating the villagers with a wide range of symptoms. In the future she plans to establish an acupuncture clinic there so the residents have continued access to acupuncture treatment.
Additionally, Jennum worked weekly for five years at Penn North, a health and wellbeing facility located in Baltimore, MD, that assists those struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment, poverty, crime, and violence. Penn North is “recognized by the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy for its innovative programs and leadership in the recovery movement.” Dr. O’Hara served as their director of acupuncture for part of her time there serving the community.
Dr. Jennum O’Hara
Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine
Missy Steger
Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine
Massage Therapy
Melissa, L.Ac. comes to us with over 20 years of patient care experience in the integrative medicine field. She joined Jennum O’Hara Acupuncture in 2022 after treating patients with Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine for four years in private practice. Melissa integrates a deep understanding of the human body with dependable and professional integrative healthcare; applying the principles of the time-honored traditions and science-based methods of acupuncture and massage therapy. “I have spent my whole life working with people with various types of pain. Something so physical can greatly impact the spirit, and vice versa.” As a very physically active person, Melissa understands that athletic drive and how to support patients to maintain their strength and aid in recovery.
Melissa has been practicing Neuromuscular Massage Therapy since 2003 and has continued with her education earning a Masters of Acupuncture at MUIH (formally Tai Sophia). In Melissa’s previous Georgetown private practice, she worked as part of a team to support patients referred by physical therapists, various Western doctors, athletic coaches, trainers, and psychologists. Melissa has extensive experience working with trauma survivors to provide a safe space for survivors to feel safe touch in an environment they have total control. She has also taken extra coursework to provide oncology massage for those in current treatment and in remission. This led her to a part time position working with the Claudia Mayer Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center at Johns Hopkins. Through acupuncture, Melissa has expanded her practice to not just working with muscular issues, but all realms of pain, anxiety, insomnia, GI upset and the list goes on. A particular area that Melissa specializes in, is with TMJ disorders and those suffering from the atopic triad (allergies, asthma, eczema).
As an active suburban mom, Melissa understands the demands on each individual in the household as we try to keep up with the demands of life. “Acupuncture is a way to nourish and strengthen your body so that you can walk your path with a strong mind and resilient spirit”. When Melissa is not at the office, she is reading, researching East Asian Medicine, weightlifting, and attempting to navigate her kids’ teenage years.
Annette Gagné, DAcCHM, LAc, is a dedicated Jennum O’Hara Acupuncture team member, guiding individuals toward better health, balance, and inner peace in body, mind, and spirit. Her journey with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine began in her early teenage years as a quest for personal relief from chronic pain and health issues.
Her life-changing experiences profoundly powered her passion for Chinese medicine and alternative healthcare. Annette’s journey led her to become a skilled practitioner with a Clinical Doctorate of Acupuncture specializing in Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Annette’s commitment to Chinese and complementary medicine extends beyond her clinical practice. She plays a pivotal role at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, where she manages their herbal dispensary, compounds formulas, and mentors doctoral students in the clinical portion of their herbal program. She also shares her knowledge by supervising acupuncture students during clinical rotations.
Annette finds deep fulfillment in witnessing the remarkable transformations of her patients and students. She actively encourages creative expression as a means of healing and self-discovery.
Beyond her work in Chinese medicine, Annette is an avid gardener, cultivating beautiful, medicinal, and rare plants. Additionally, she is a passionate sailor, finding inspiration from the beauty and power of nature.
Dr. Annette Gagné
ACUPUNCTURE AND EAST ASIAN MEDICINE
Ray McDonald
Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine
Ray McDonald’s journey into healing began with a case of wrist arthritis in 2017. Frustrated with other approaches, he tried acupuncture. Its emphasis on whole-person health fascinated him. After feeling long-lasting effects far exceeding simple pain relief, he realized his future lay in helping others live more fully. In 2018, he entered the Master of Acupuncture program at the Maryland University of Integrative Health. As a licensed acupuncturist, Ray utilizes many skills and modalities, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. When seeing Ray for treatment, he may incorporate:
- Five Element Acupuncture
- TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
- Moxa treatment using warming herbs
- Gua Sha, to move and clear the body of toxins
- Cupping, especially useful in aiding muscular and skeletal movement.
Ray is constantly adding to his skill set, helping patients maximize their health and well-being. He is particularly interested in easing arthritis pain and the effects of trauma. Research has shown that acupuncture is effective in relieving feelings of PTSD, stress, and anxiety. Ray employs the principles of safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment to create a welcoming space for all patients.
Dr. Deidre Chupalio
ACUPUNCTURE AND EAST ASIAN MEDICINE
Dr. Deidre Chupalio, DACM, MSTOM, L.AC, is a nationally board-certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and Herbalist under the NCCAOM. She received her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) and Master’s (MSTOM) degrees from Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego in April 2021. Her education included over 3,500 hours of clinical and didactic training in Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, and Western medicine. Her extensive clinical experience includes externships at the Downtown Senior Clinic of the First Lutheran Church in San Diego and participated in advanced clinical training at the Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center in Beijing, China in 2019 with rotations in Pain Management, Neurology, Orthopedic, Psychiatric, and the Gynecology departments.
Dr. Chupalio firmly believes in the mind-body connection, as well as the necessity for self-awareness and responsibility for one’s health. She graduated from Temple University with a B.S. in Kinesiology (Fitness/Wellness Specialization) and a B.A. in Psychology in 2011. She deepened her knowledge and understanding of the mind-body-spirit triumvirate by studying massage therapy and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in January 2012. This is when she was first introduced to Shiatsu (acupressure) and acupuncture which profoundly changed her life and improved a variety of health issues stemming from her childhood.
Her clinical and treatment style is based on Japanese Meridian Therapy, a gentle, constitutional and thorough approach for those who are new to acupuncture or may be needle sensitive. In her treatments, she is dedicated to addressing women’s health, pain management, mental health, and digestive disorders. Dr. Chupalio continues her studies to effectively address a wide range of health concerns by completing Dr. Arya Nielsen’s Gua Sha Certification as of November 2023 and is currently pursuing a Facial Rejuvenation and Microneedling certification with Michelle Gellis.
In her free time, Dr. Chupalio enjoys hiking, cooking new recipes, practicing yoga, and exploring her new home state of Maryland.
Qin Wang had no exposure to either Western or Traditional Chinese Medicine before 2014. Her academic path followed a very different direction—she moved to Beijing in 2004 to pursue graduate studies and earned her master’s degree in philosophy in 2007. She then spent several years working in the software industry, believing she had a clear understanding of her life’s direction.
Everything changed in 2014, when her father suffered a debilitating stroke. Witnessing his struggle reshaped her perspective entirely. Determined to help him recover, she immersed herself in medical research—exploring both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with physical therapy. What began as a personal effort to support her father soon became a deeper calling.
In 2015, Qin began a formal apprenticeship in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing. Over the next four years, she trained under a master physician, studying acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, and therapeutic massage. Through this experience, she came to understand Traditional Chinese Medicine not only as a system of healing, but as a holistic path to restoring balance and transformation.
Since 2019, Qin has worked in both fast-paced community clinics and tranquil holistic healing centers, helping patients manage pain, reduce stress, and regain a sense of balance in their lives.
In 2024, she earned her diploma from the NCCAOM and relocated to the United States from Beijing then became a licensed acupuncturist in Maryland. Today, Qin practices with both scientific rigor and deep compassion, guided by the belief that true healing goes beyond symptom relief—it is about restoring harmony to the body, mind, and whole person.
Qin Wang
ACUPUNCTURE AND EAST ASIAN MEDICINE
Sam Rakhman
Massage Therapy
- Reflexology
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Deep Tissue
- Sports massage
- Ayurvedic Thai massage
- Jaw & TMJ massage
- Active Assisted Stretching
- Myofascial Work
- Swedish Massage
- Muscle Recovery
- Holistic Relaxation
Noreen Baroya
Patient Care Coordinator &
Social Media Manager
Ingrid Delespierre
Office Manager
Originally from France, she has been a proud Marylander for over 14 years. Outside the office, you’ll usually find Ingrid in the kitchen trying new recipes, working on home renovation and decorating projects, or walking while listening to a good book or a favorite podcast. She also loves Zumba – it keeps her energized – and traveling with her family always brings her joy.
Tulani Gilyard is a seasoned Accountant and Office Manager with over 20 years of experience. She is a graduate from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. In her spare time she loves to cook, travel and spend time with her family, friends and fur babies.
Tulani Gilyard
Office Manager.
For Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in Ellicott City, Columbia, Baltimore, and surrounding areas, contact us!
