Qualifications
Acupuncture should only be administered by a practitioner who has specific training in this field, due to risk of improper needling, inadequate understanding of Eastern Medical diagnostic procedures (such as tongue and pulse diagnosis), transmission of disease, or ethical violations. For more information, or to find a qualified practitioner in your area, visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
You're in Good Hands Here
Donna Huber, M.Sc., L.Ac., FABORM
About Donna
In 2009, in an effort to legitimize, grow respect and legislate for Eastern Medicine, Donna founded and funded the Nebraska Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association and was President of it until 2016. It has grown from a 5 member organization to over 30. From 2003-2017, Donna blazed a trail and led the legislative effort to remove physician visit requirement from Nebraska Statute. In March of 2017, the Governor signed our bill into law, effectively reducing healthcare costs and removing barrier to access.
In addition to her specialty in reproductive health, Donna also focuses on digestive health, emotional health, stress reduction, acute and chronic pain management and now more than ever, building immunity. She has been studying Human Mind, Body and Spirit for over 30 years and loves to teach people how to take care of and be responsible for themselves! Donna has an impeccable reputation in the community and operates the largest, and most well-known clinic in Omaha.
Donna lives in Omaha, NE, with Tracy, her husband of 28 years and as of January 2023, a goldendoodle puppy named Henry. She loves being outside in nature, gazing at the stars with her telescope and seeing the country in her camper. When not running her business and seeing her beloved patients, she can be found in a hammock cleaning out her email inbox, trying to organize hundreds of photos or journaling her life experiences.
John Hurt, B.S., M.Sc., L.Ac.
About John
John is a T'ai Chi Chuan and Qigong exercise instructor since 2012 and teaches Tai Chi introductory courses to the Livestrong Cancer Support groups at his local YMCA. His many life experiences help him to listen to and empathize with his patients. He found many answers to his own struggles while studying Traditional Chinese Medicine.
John’s journey to acupuncture began with his dog, named Buster. Buster was a Border Collie and was in the geriatric stage of life. He was beginning to experience painful degenerative back issues. He was treated by a Holistic veterinarian with acupuncture and supplements. Through a series of treatments, Buster was able to regain his mobility without pain and went on to live the remaining years of his life pain free and enjoying a typical dog’s life.
John equated his experience with Buster to the realization that his own body was beginning to break down while he was working his remodeling and construction business. It was at that point that he decided to divert his energies to going back to school to study Traditional Chinese Medicine and become an Acupuncturist. He wanted to help himself and others to realize the power and healing of bringing the body and mind to a more balanced state using the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
John focuses on acute and chronic pain management, emotional health, and stress management. He has been trained in many types of acupuncture including but not limited to auricular therapy, abdominal, electrical stimulation, scalp, and facial. He is currently studying Tung style acupuncture. He also has been trained in Moxibustion, Cupping, Gua Sha, Tui Na Anmo and various muscle melting techniques. John is excited to join Thirteen Moons and looks forward to using his talents and knowledge to serve the community.
John is a native of Omaha, NE. He lives here with his wife, Jonna. Together they have four boys and Standard Poodles. John enjoys fishing off his boat, hiking, riding his bike, and football.
Ava Cardinale B.A., M.Sc., L.Ac.
ABOUT Ava
Ava received her Master’s in Acupuncture at the New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS, trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a specialization in Japanese style acupuncture. Ava loves using the Japanese style for the minimalist and gentle approach. Ava has been treating patients with a wide variety of health concerns since 2018. Some conditions include musculoskeletal issues, pain management, digestive issues, mental and emotional issues, women's health, sleep issues, autoimmune and migraines. Ava is currently licensed in Nebraska, New York and Utah.
Ava has a background in movement, including her 200 hour yoga teacher training, a decade of teaching yoga as well as other fitness classes. Ava uses this background to aid her patients in regain functionality in their lives.
Ava found her career as an acupuncturist as a patient. While in her undergraduate studies, Ava began to experience daily headaches. After many doctors visits and several scans, Western medicine declared everything was normal and there was nothing to be done. Feeling discouraged and hopeless that the daily headaches would endure, a friend of Ava's recommended she try acupuncture. After her first treatment, the headaches were gone. After graduating from undergraduate studies, Ava wanted to share the healing she was able to experience with others. These events were the catalyst that brought Ava into the field.
Ava is originally from the East End of Long Island, New York. In 2021 she and her boyfriend, David, moved to Utah, where they enjoyed the mountains, hiking and other outdoor activities the area offered. In 2024 Ava, David and their dog, Bodi, packed up again to move to the Omaha area. They have been enjoying the area and are settled in! Ava enjoys running, fitness, yoga, baking and crafting on her down time.