Farris grew up in Georgia and worked for years as a youth wilderness counselor, teacher, and tutor before moving to Maryland to pursue a degree in acupuncture. A Tai Sophia graduate, he is committed to bringing affordable acupuncture and wellness education to groups in the DC Metro area. In 2008, Farris began treating patients through a residency program at Tai Sophia and received his license in the Spring of 2011. 

As Farris puts it, “I am continually amazed that tiny pins inserted just under the surface of the skin and a thoughtful question by a practitioner helped heal my shoulder, strengthen my bladder, and lift my depression; the same medicine has allowed me to help others heal their necks, stomachs, cancers, and spirits. I believe acupuncture is the answer to crises of healthcare, community, and ultimately the planet."

Maureen brings 20 years of Energy Medicine study and practice to OurSpace Acupuncture. "Having received the benefits of Acupuncture since 1989, I'm a believer.  In my world Acupuncture has shifted physical pain, anger, a dark night of the soul, and not being in the driver's seat of my life." 

Acupuncture works. It wakes up our inner resilience factor by moving Qi, our life force. Internal traffic jams clear. Rejuvenation happens. Maureen's 30 years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Masters in Counseling background bring both conventional and alternative methods for evaluating and treating clients.  She earned a Masters in Acupuncture from Traditional Acupuncture Institute (now TAI Sophia) in 2003, is licensed to practice in Maryland and recognized as Diplomat by the NCCAOM.  Maureen has practiced disciplines of Energy Medicine since 1989 including Therapuetic Touch, Reiki, Care and Feeding of the Energetic Core, and Samyama.  She holds deep respect for the uniqueness of each client and their life's curriculum.

Shira Oz-Sinai is a trained iRest® Yoga Nidra practitioner and a candidate for certification in Clinical Acupressure. She offers regular classes and workshops to adults and teens in the greater DC region, as well as private sessions in Downtown Silver Spring. Whether working with an individual or a group, Shira utilizes her wealth of teaching experience from over 12 years in the classroom. She is committed to welcoming people exactly as they are and nurturing their intrinsic path to healing and growth. Shira currently delivers group and individual session, as well as workshops. She continues her work with at-risk youth, educators, and therapists (For more on Shira's work in schools, check out www.ThePeaceZonesProject.org). She has led iRest® Yoga Nidra workshops both locally and internationally, as she proceeds to realize her wish of sharing the practice with anyone willing to try it! Shira offers Yoga Nidra at OurSpace on Sunday evenings. For more information, check out Shira's website at www.awakenmyheartnow.com. 

Aita grew up in Taiwan and has been somewhat of a nomad since coming to the U.S. for college in 2003. She was introduced to the wonderful world of community service through an on-campus federal work-study job. Coordinating student volunteers to help out at local schools, soup kitchens, and the rebuilding effort following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, she knew she wanted to pursue a life path of public service. She has since worked in public health initiatives serving the homeless of Boston, the women of color of New York, the children of the Philippines, and most-recently, the rich communities of East Baltimore where she earned her Master in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. She is now a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Howard University Hospital in DC. She believes deeply in the mission and vision of OurSpace World and has served as a founding board member since its inception in 2011.

Jill is originally from Virginia Beach, but she has called the DC area home since 2007. She works at the DC-VA Medical Center and is currently pursuing her PhD in psychology. Jill began seeing Farris for acupuncture after her master's thesis defense, and she's been hooked ever since. Acupuncture keeps her grounded, lacks side effects, and always leaves her feeling refreshed. Becoming a member of the OurSpace Board made it easy to get more involved in something Jill already enjoyed.

Pam spent the last twenty two years at the Edmund Burke School in Washington; sixteen as the Athletic Director and the last four as Dean of Students.  During that time, she coached both boys and girls in volleyball, basketball and track and field, served 2 years as President of the Potomac Valley Athletic Association and facilitated diversity workshops for both faculty and staff.  Her work with non-profit organizations has been that of Lead Workshop Facilitator for the Positive Coaching Alliance based in Bay Area, CA and Sports Challenge Leadership Academy based in Washington, DC. After leaving her job to study yoga and travel, Pam is currently looking forward to creating a new career path of Life Coaching, Yoga and Sports and Leadership Facilitation.  She believes deeply in the holistic benefits of acupuncture, the healing energy of Farris Johnson and the over arching mission of Our Space. She is very excited to be serving on the board and looks forward to the challenges and growth ahead.

Jeff is a financial planner and helps individuals with their retirement planning and investments.  Jeff enjoys acupuncture to help him relax and to maintain excellent health.  Jeff brings his knowledge of finance, accounting, and marketing to the OurSpace board to help grow OurSpace into a huge success, helping the most people possible.