Mind Body Wellness Team

Julie Hackmann is a licensed acupuncturist and herbal medicine practitioner who graduated from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco.  Julie is the founder of Retreat Acupuncture in San Francisco. Julie specializes in reproductive medicine, pregnancy and endocrine disorders. Julie has extensive post-graduate training and certification in reproductive medicine, infertility, obstetrics and internal medicine.

Julie combines the best of Traditional Chinese Medicine with experience in the western sciences to formulate a unique and caring style of acupuncture that is based on ancient tradition and the best of modern science. She is committed to approaching each patient individually and compassionately with a holistic and integrative approach to treating fertility.

Julie is a professional member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), RESOLVE - the national infertility association, the American Fertility Association and the American Pregnancy Association.

East-West founder Marnie McCurdy is a licensed practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Marnie earned her Masters in Science at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She spent her internship in Hangzhou Province in China working in several hospital settings, with a focus on gynecology and pain. In the field of infertility, Marnie apprenticed for two years in the well-respected Dr. Lifang Liang’s practice in San Francisco. Marnie is a member of the National Infertility Association, Resolve, and a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine.

Early in her career, Marnie studied to become a birth coach and recently had the privilege of studying with acupuncturist and midwife Raven Lang. Marnie is pleased to be able to integrate her training as a doula with her acupuncture practice.  Marnie spent five years providing pro bono acupuncture services such esteemed organizations as The Sage Project, Inc., the Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, Three Keys Community Medicine, and at shelters throughout the city.   Marnie is a Diplomate, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM); FABORM; and a Certified HCV Practitioner.

As an expressive art therapist, Valerie uses creativity as a portal to alleviate pain. Creativity and play provide a balance to structure and flow.  Valerie’s modalities include Expressive Arts Therapy (Drawing, Writing, Movement, Dance, Drama, Music), Symbolism, Guided Imagery, Dreamwork, EMDR, CBT, Jungian, Gestalt, and Transpersonal. Areas of focus include: Trauma, Parenting, Couples, Sexuality, Artists, Pregnancy, GLBT, Alternative Relationship/Marriage, and Career transition.

Renee Zensen attended the renowned “Yoga for Fertility” Teacher Training in 2008.  Renee has taught and practiced yoga for ten years in the Bay Area, and brings a light-hearted and scientific approach to her teaching style.  She has completed a degree in The Kinesiology of Exercise Science & Human Movement Studies, and was certified to teach yoga at Bikram’s Yoga College of India.  Renee has a deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology, especially in regard to reproductive health, pared with a passion for teaching women.

Amanda Bilecki has been practicing Vipassana meditation for ten years, since learning to meditate in Bodh Gaya, India with renowned masters. After falling in love with the elegance and power of the practice, she began doing 2-5 month meditation retreats, mostly in Myanmar. She began basic instruction in meditation techniques at the Yellow Springs Dharma Center, and from there began teaching teens to meditate at weeklong residential retreats.  Amanda is most excited about bringing a non-judgmental awareness to everyday experiences, so that wisdom and love can grow.