2013 AAVA Election Announcement biographical statements
Dr. Ken Ninomiya – President
Dr. Ken Ninomiya graduated with a DVM degree from the University of California at Davis in 1977. From 1977 through 1989, Ken practiced companion animal medicine as an associate veterinarian in various practices around Los Angeles and Ventura counties. In 1990, Ken completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (I.V.A.S.) certification training. Following his completion of requirements for veterinary acupuncture certification the same year until the present, Ken has concentrated in practicing as a relief veterinarian and mobile veterinary acupuncturist. Ken has been a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) since its beginning in 1998. Realizing that the AAVA needed to enter the rapidly developing technology of the internet with its potential for mass communication and efficient dissemination of knowledge, Ken joined the AAVA Web Committee in 2001 and continues with technical support of the AAVA Internet presence. Ken was elected to the AAVA Board of Directors in 2010 and Vice-President in 2012. In his position as President of AAVA this year Ken hopes to help maintain the path this organization needs to continue to advance the national, public recognition of veterinary acupuncture/veterinary Traditional Oriental medicine and acceptance by our national, non-acupuncture/non-veterinary Traditional Oriental medicine peers of acupuncture as a recognized specialty.
Dr. Ron Carsten – Board of Directors
Dr. Ron Carsten operates an integrative practice in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. In addition to his DVM degree he holds a MS in Anatomy and Neurobiology, a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, and is IVAS certified. Ron has been involved in an extensive array of professional activities, including nutritional supplement development and clinical evaluation, CE presentations, research, and college and NCI teaching.
With a long-standing, intense interest in the clinical application of a wide range of modalities including acupuncture, he is excited about the opportunity to make contributions to AAVA and its membership as a member of the AAVA Board of Directors.
Dr. Leslie Phillips – Vice President, Elect
Dr Leslie Phillips is a UC Davis 1988 graduate. She was certified with IVAS in 1995 and the AVCA in 1997. In 2006 she was certified in Veterinary Chinese herbal medicine with the Chi Institute.
Dr. Phillips has been a course coordinator for IVAS and a laboratory instructor for Chi Institute. She is presently on the IVAS examination committee.
Dr Leslie treats large and small animals and specializes in acupuncture, chiropractic and Chinese herbal medicine.
Leslie resides in Grass Valley, California with her husband, daughter, two horses, two doggies and a few chickens.
Dr. Liane Sperlich – Secretary/Treasurer
Dr. Liane Sperlich has been a small animal and exotic veterinarian in Washington State since 1988. She finished her IVAS acupuncture certification in 2000, then went to the Chi Institute for herbal certification and advanced acupuncture training. She finished the animal chiropractic course at Options for Animals in 2012. She owns Browns Point Veterinary Clinic, shares her home in Tacoma Washington with her husband Tom and four cats. She enjoys travel, is studying the harp and Aikido, and enjoys knitting and
weaving.