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Our Herbalists
The Dragon Herbs staff of herbalists is composed of superb tonic herbalists and dedicated support personnel. Every employee goes through deep herbal training with Ron Teeguarden and his senior herbalists. Dragon Herbs maintains a crew of over a dozen senior herbalists, all of whom are licensed to perform acupuncture and to provide herbal consultation.
Dragon Herbs herbalists are all extremely expert at tonic herbalism — they are second-to-none in the world. Every member of the staff is dedicated to providing knowledgeable, warm, personalized service whether it is at one of our Emporium or over the phone. The staff never tires of providing whatever service is necessary in order to fulfill the needs of the clients.
Borna Ilić
L.Ac., DAOM
Borna joined Ron Teeguarden’s team in 2001. Dragon Herbs has been the perfect converging spot for Borna’s passions for Taoist wisdom and cutting edge biomedical understanding of healthy aging and longevity. Borna holds both Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
“Look at the simple, embrace the natural.” – Lao Zi
Eric Grant
L.Ac., MSTOM
Eric has been with Dragon Herbs since 2007. He holds a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Emperor’s College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A lifelong martial artist and father of three, Eric is particularly experienced in using Tonic Herbs to support athletes and families.
“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today.” – Chinese proverb
Joan-Angela Hess
L.Ac., MSOM
Joan holds a California Acupuncture license and MS in Oriental Medicine from Samra University, where she taught and supervised student interns after graduation, and maintained a private practice before joining Dragon Herbs in 2007. She’s happy to be of service.
“Keep a quiet heart, sit like a tortoise, walk sprightly like a pigeon and sleep like a dog.” – Li Ching-yun, on the secret of longevity
Gabriel Donovan
L.Ac., MSAOM
Gabriel entered the healthcare field over 15 years ago as an EMT. In 2002, he entered the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine where he earned his Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and Texas Acupuncture license. He is a dedicated martial artist, certified personal trainer, and Qigong instructor. He is Dragon Herbs “master of taste.”
"Don't fight forces, use them." – Buckminster Fuller
Said Faulwell
L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM
Said is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Emperor's College with a Master's in Oriental Medicine and earned his Doctoral degree from Pacific College of Health and Science. Said appreciates the confluence of Biology and Philosophy at the heart of Chinese herbalism, he believes it is a real privilege to help people along on their path to vitality and health.
"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." – Chuang Zi
Kristie Barisdale
L.Ac.
Kristie joined Ron Teeguarden’s team at Dragon Herbs in December 2025. She graduated from Dongguk University in 2011 and passed both her state and national board exams soon after. With over 25 years of experience in teaching subjects like science, biology, health, and physical education, Kristie brings a clear approachable style to her work in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She enjoys connecting with people, especially helping others better understand their bodies, and guiding them toward greater balance, strength, and overall well-being through tonic herbalism.
"Water wears down stone, not through strength, but persistence." – Daoist-inspired proverb
Discover Our Senior Herbalists’ Journeys to Herbalism
Meet Borna Ilić