Deisy Gutierrez

Elder Participant

Deisy Gutierrez, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, grew up immersed in the ancestral medicine of her Zapotec community, learning from the women in her family. Her journey into healing began in 2017, leading her to study various spiritual and wellness practices focused on inner transformation. Deisy has completed advanced trainings in soul-based healing and Alphabiotics, and through her personal healing journey, she is now dedicated to supporting the well-being of others as a guide and healer within her community and beyond.

Han Jik Kim

Elder Participant

Han Jik Kim is a licensed Acupuncturist with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice and teaching. He specializes in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and oriental medicine classic texts such as Shang Han Lun, Jin Gui Yao Lue, and Wen Bing Xue. He is a dedicated teacher who has trained countless students to pass their accreditation and license examination. Han Jik Kim has authored and edited literature on oriental medicine and presented at numerous international conferences.

Sion Kim

Elder Participant

Sion Kim (김석연) is a Korean beekeeping expert with extensive knowledge of traditional beekeeping methods and the healing properties of bee venom. Having practiced for many years, he is experienced in natural healing effects. His expertise includes caring for bees and using bee venom therapy, a practice valued in traditional medicine.

He is a retired pastor who made a living as a handyman. Now, he is busy gardening, raising chickens, and keeping bees.

Junwoo Kim

Elder Participant

Dr. Jun Woo Kim serves as the OMC Director at Dongguk University Los Angeles. He holds a DAcHM and an MSAOM from South Baylo University, and a B.S. in Biological Science-Biochemistry from the University of California Irvine. Additionally, he is a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Dr. Kim's expertise spans herbology, gastrointestinal disorders, emotional disorders, and pain management. His role as OMC Director involves overseeing the clinical operations and ensuring that patients receive high-quality care. Dr. Kim is committed to advancing the field of East Asian medicine through both education and clinical practice, and his contributions to the DULA community are highly valued.

Sejun Oh

Elder Participant

Oh Se-jun, born in Seoul in 1965, is a licensed acupuncturist and healthcare professional based in Koreatown, Los Angeles. From a young age, he aspired to become a doctor or establish a senior care and wellness center to support the elderly. Drawn to the freedom and open spaces of the United States, he immigrated to pursue a life where he could follow his passions without the societal constraints often found in Korea. Currently, he operates an acupuncture clinic in Koreatown while also developing a community health center that integrates both Western medicine and traditional Korean medicine. He strongly believes in the healing power of Korean traditional medicine, which differs from its Chinese counterpart by focusing on individual body constitutions rather than just symptoms. Through his work, he remains committed to blending ancient healing  with modern medical practices to provide great care for his community.

Lauren Kim

Elder Participant

Lauren Kim is a 26-year-old Korean American urban planner, whose work is deeply influenced by her family's legacy of traditional healing. Raised by a father who runs an acupuncture clinic and a mother who is a master fermenter, Lauren grew up surrounded by herbal medicine and the belief that care and nourishment are central to community life. She carries these values into her work by designing public spaces that prioritize collective well-being, cultural connection, and everyday healing.

Kwung Hun Kim

Elder Participant

Kim Gwang-hun, a 56-year-old Korean-born acupuncturist, has lived in Koreatown, Los Angeles, since immigrating to the U.S. in 2000. Growing up, he had no particular childhood dream, as the focus was on graduating quickly and securing a stable job. However, the physical and mental stress of adapting to life as a first-generation immigrant in the U.S. led him to reevaluate his career path. This turning point inspired him to study acupuncture, earning his degree and establishing himself as a licensed practitioner.

Beyond his private practice, Kim has been offering free acupuncture treatments to dockworkers in Long Beach who lack access to medical care. His commitment to helping others extends to short-term mission trips, where he tries to serve underprivileged communities. Now in his late 50s, he remains committed to community service and advancing the recognition of traditional Korean medicine in the U.S.

Edith Rincon

Elder Participant

Edith is an Intuitive Energy Practitioner with over 20+ years of teaching experience in the public school system. I now teach alternative healing methods, mental well-being, and simple daily self-care rituals. My training and certifications include Reiki Levels 1 and 2, Crystal Healing, Curanderismo, and Yoga.

Blanca Rios

Elder Participant

Blanca Lucio has been living in South Los Angeles with her family for more than 20 years. She is originally from Puebla, Mexico, and is very proud to share a little of her homeland. She uses ancestral recipes passed down from her best teacher, her mother. Her recipes for oils, creams, soaps, candles and more are made with native, organic and natural plants including rosemary, lavender, sage, chamomile, and more. These plants can help you improve your mood and external health.

Bob Ramirez

Elder Participant

Bob Ramirez is the president of the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation, and CEO of Ramirez Design Inc., developing custom homes and gardens in the local community. He is currently engaged in creating the Memorial Gardens at the Mission San Gabriel in honor of the original inhabitants of California. Passion for the art of building and love of adventure inspired Ramirez to explore the world as a young man, leading to a multi-year circumnavigation of the globe.