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Karla Vandenbergh’s
journey to Ongiara
College of Acupuncture & Moxibustion began
at age 6 when her family moved from Florida to Buffalo.
A graduate of the University at Buffalo, she holds a BA
with Honors degree in English Literature with a minor in
Theatre and Dance. She is currently in her fifth year of
teaching theater, fashion design, chorus, literature and
self-awareness/conflict resolution to classes ranging from
kindergarten to eighth grade at Tapestry Charter School
in Buffalo, NY. She is also a Fine Arts teacher for the
Salvation Army After-School Program and the Albright Knox
Art Gallery. With over a decade’s experience of performance
art and theatre, she has recently developed a solo show
called Thundering Tara, inspired by traditional
Buddhist chants.
Karla’s exploration of complementary
and holistic health models arose from witnessing family members
and loved ones struggling with physical and mental illnesses. She
has completed 5 years of a traditional apprenticeship with
a master healer & Chinese Vajrayana lineage holder of
the Five Petals of the Lotus Healing Art. This ancient healing
lineage incorporates Tui Na and Emno (Chinese massage), acupressure,
aromatherapy, osteopathic adjustments, acupuncture, and herbs.
Karla has been particularly drawn to work with acupuncture
and was inspired by the teachings of Lorie Dechar, master
practitioner and Senior Faculty at Tri-State Acupuncture
College and author of Five Spirits, who encouraged
her to pursue studies at Ongiara College. |
Ongiara College embodies much of the
philosophy which drives Karla’s life. Firmly grounded in the classics of
acupuncture theory, the program at Ongiara encourages learning
through experience, interaction, reflection and discovery in
the natural world. It takes its students on a “magical
journey from the mysteries of Daoism…to the practice of
acupuncture in the 21st Century”. It demands more
clinical hours than most other programs and, in the 3rd and 4th
academic years, gives students the opportunity to work under
supervision with the local community in the Ongiara College Clinic.
Students will gain experience and exposure to the wide range
of health conditions existing in the Fort Erie and Niagara region. The
Ongiara College Clinic will serve the many community groups and
underprivileged citizens who live on both sides of the Niagara
River.
Upon completion of her training at Ongiara
College, Karla’s
vision is to build a practice in the Buffalo area, committed
to treating all who walk through her door. No-one will
be turned away because of inability to pay. She also plans
to hold free public education classes. Her passions include
the treatment of children, issues of integration, imbalances
of the spine and mental illness.
Karla has already been accepted onto
the program at Ongiara College. She hopes to begin her studies in September 2009
with the inaugural class at Ongiara. Financial hardship
is her only barrier. Will you help her realise her vision?
Thank you for your support! |
