Before co-founding LA Herbs & Acupuncture, Laura spent nine years in the field of therapeutic massage. A graduate of The Swedish Institute in New York City, Laura holds a degree in Swedish, shiatsu and medical deep tissue massage. Additionally, she holds a certificate in pre-natal, post-partum and labor massage from Niara Childbirth Services, and received her birth doula certification from Doulas of North America in 1999. Over the years, Laura has worked with hundreds of expecting and birthing families. As a student of Chinese medicine, Laura trained extensively in conditions pertaining to women’s health and fertility, as well as general internal medicine and orthopedics. She spent a full year of her clinical internship under the supervision of Dr. Ray Rubio, L.Ac, DAOM, who specializes in reproductive medicine. Laura graduated summa cum laude from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine.

LA Herbs & Acupuncture co-founder, Trace Albrecht has fourteen years of experience working with the human body as a licensed massage therapist. She graduated from Educating Hands School of Massage in Miami, and has attended The Upledger and The Milne Institutes pursuing the study of craniosacral therapy. Trace graduated summa cum laude from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, where her training included orthopedic medicine and general internal medicine, with a special focus on menstrual and menopausal disorders. Trace’s fascination with the wisdom and resilience of the body inspires her to assist her patients in creating personal regimens for optimal health.

Yvonne has been involved in helping others to restore balance in their lives for 22 years . In 1986 she was certified in Trager bodywork. She is also certified in a 10-session system called Neuro-muscular Re-education (NMR), acupressure and therapeutic massage.

In 1996, she graduated from Emperor’s College with a Master’s in Chinese Medicine. As part of her clinical training in Chinese medicine, Yvonne did a 2 month internship in Shanghai China in an integrated hospital setting.

She has been in private practice since 1997. She has been a member of the faculty at Emperor’s College for the past 11 years. In addition to her faculty duties at Emperor’s, Yvonne is also a clinical supervisor. Yvonne directs her teaching towards the empowerment of students to embody Chinese medicine and make it their own. To that end, she has also been on the leadership team of many spiritual retreats and self-empowerment workshops.

Yvonne received her doctoral degree (DAOM) from Emperor’s College in 2007 with specialties in pain management and integrated medicine.

Although she has a general practice, her specialties include the treatment of psycho-emotional disorders or stress induced illness.

LAc, MTOM, CPOMP, BS

• Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
• Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine
• Certified Pediatric Oriental Medicine Practitioner
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Shelly’s interest in the emotional and physical aspects of family health led her to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University, and to receive her Masters Degree from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine. While obtaining her Masters Degree, she had the privilege of working for the world renowned fertility specialist, Richard P.Marrs, M.D. During her four years with Dr. Marrs she gained extensive knowledge of Western fertility treatments, and a great respect for the unique challenges that fertility patients face.

Once becoming licensed as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist, she focused her continuing education on the use of Chinese Medicine in male and female fertility, pregnancy and post-partum health, and labor assistance. Her passion for helping patients become parents led her to further become a Certified Practitioner in Pediatric Oriental Medicine, so that she could assist her patients with their new challenges involving their children’s health. Shelly practices medicine with a holistic approach, allowing her to utilize her Eastern and Western training for complete family healthcare.