Meet the AcuMantras Team

“ I help people who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. I specialize in utilizing advanced laboratory testing to get a comprehensive understanding of what is going on inside your body so I can then appropriately treat your concerns and facil… — “ I help people who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. I specialize in utilizing advanced laboratory testing to get a comprehensive understanding of what is going on inside your body so I can then appropriately treat your concerns and facilitate you on your journey to optimum wellness."

DR. JENNIFER CRUZ

CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR, VISIONARY

Dr. Jennifer Cruz is a primary care physician specializing in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Jennifers’ particular approach to achieving well-being for her patients combines advanced laboratory testing with Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat the root cause of any imbalance, not just the symptoms.

After completing her masters in Oriental Medicine at the Atlantic Institute, Jennifer interned in China working in hospitals across the country for four months. She completed her clinical Doctrine and Research Ph.D. at Shanghai University and the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine.

Mrs. Cruz’s thirst for knowledge combined with our countries’ constantly evolving health care system, has fed her drive to continuing her education and refining her skills in administering holistic medicine. In 2014, Jennifer served as an apprentice at Whitfield Reeves in the department of advanced diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of Sports Injuries and Pain. In 2015, Jennifer then completed the advanced level training in Orthodox Tung Acupuncture, used for immediate relief of pain. In 2016, Jennifer became certified in disaster relief with Acupuncturist Without Borders.

Jennifer started her professional career in 2007 with a dual-license awarded to her by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the State of Florida in massage therapy. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Cruz left for Thailand where she studied for approximately two months after which she became licensed in three levels of Thai Massage and Reflexology. She then enrolled in an apprenticeship led by Tricia Baughman and in 2009 they combined their techniques to come up with a unique style of massage called TJ Advanced Massage Therapy.

"I help people to live inside their bodies."

TRICIA BAUGHMAN

CO-FOUNDER

Tricia Baughman is a licensed Massage Therapist and Yoga Instructor with 27 years of experience. She specializes in problems related to the neck, shoulder, back and sciatic issues.

Ms. Baughman has mastered the art of combining Deep tissue, Shiatsu, and Acupressure to produce a completely unique experience that yields highly beneficial results for her patients.

Tricia is also a proficient stretch therapist. “Stretch therapy is not stretching as you know it. This is a proven proprietary system of practitioner-assisted stretching. You can stretch back the years!”

Ms. Baughman’s years of dedication to her craft has given her the skills to get to the root of the problem.

DR. TAI JOHNSON

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PRACTITIONER

Tai Johnson is a licensed Acupuncture Physician with an extensive background in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Nutrition. Tai began her educational journey with a massage therapy license and treated patients requiring manual therapy throughout her college career, honing her skills for intuition and bodywork. Tai has a bachelor’s degree in alternative medicine, as well as a second bachelor’s in Health Science. She has since received her master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and has been a board-certified Acupuncturist in the state of Florida since 2013. On October 2021, she completed her journey in the DAOM program at her alma mater Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine. Tai finds her passion in treating patients with ailments such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, postpartum, hospice and palliative care, herbal medicine, and so much more. She looks forward to meeting with you and helping you find your happy, healthy balance.

Taina Rodriguez AcuMantras Team Physician

DR. TAINA RODRIGUEZ

PRACTITIONER

Taina Rodriguez is a National Board-Certified Licensed Acupuncture Physician in the State of Florida. Before and during her journey to becoming a Physician of acupuncture she crafted her skills for understanding the body as a licensed massage therapist. Taina has completed the DAOM program at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, FL as of 2021. She takes the time getting to know her patients, and provides medically necessary acupuncture, consults, assessments and treatments. She has a gift and extensive knowledge which provides an accurate diagnosis, supported by findings based on standardized examination and technique. Taina is gifted in treating patients suffering from pain, autoimmune disorders, women’s health, orthopedics, sports and athletes, and the list goes on.

LISA SHIELDS

PRACTITIONER

Lisa Shields graduated from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine with her master’s degree. Before her journey at OCOM began she completed her undergraduate work at Oregon State University. She is licensed in acupuncture and herbal medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the Oregon and Florida medical board. She has spent her time further studying various modalities of Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, gua sha, tui na massage, fire cupping, and herbs. Lisa is certified in facial rejuvenation therapy. This is a gentle and effective way to combat the signs of aging without the risk of scars, infections and toxic build up of chemicals. Lisa is also trained in the Master Tan balance method of acupuncture for immediate relief of pain. She can offer you tools and guidance for you to be empowered on your own path and help you to achieve your best overall health.