Practitioners & Staff
OUR AMAZING TEAM OF SPECIALISTS
At Hilltop Family Acupuncture, we are proud to have assembled a team of skilled and compassionate practitioners, each bringing a wealth of expertise and a unique perspective to the art of healing. With specialties spanning pain management, mental health, women's health, digestive disorders, and more, our team is committed to providing the highest quality care tailored to each individual. Together, we combine traditional Chinese medicine techniques like acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tui Na, Qigong and cupping with modern knowledge and holistic approaches to restore balance and well-being. Whether you're seeking relief, rejuvenation, or a deeper connection to your health, our team works collaboratively to ensure every patient feels supported and empowered on their journey to wellness.
Jason Frye, L.Ac.
OWNER/ACUPUNCTURIST
Jason Frye, L.Ac., is a dedicated practitioner of Chinese Medicine with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in Pain Relief, especially Low Back Pain Relief with his Back Vitality Class. He also specializes in Transformative bodywork and Energy work with Qigong and Tui Na. His journey began in 1998, studying Tai Chi, Qigong, Acupressure, and Tui Na with Sifu Brian O’Dea, Simu Ou Yang Min, and Master Zi Shen Wang. Jason earned his Master’s degree from The Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland, CA, becoming a licensed acupuncturist in 2010.
Jason has also delved deeply into Daoist and Buddhist practices, Chinese Astrology, and philosophy with teachers like Liu Ming and Lama Palden Drolma.
As an educator, he has taught at the Acupressure Institute, McKinnon Body Therapy Center, and The Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences. Currently, Jason offers his healing services at Hilltop Family Acupuncture, inviting you to embark on a transformative journey toward wellness.
Michael Fitzgerald, L.Ac.
ACUPUNCTURIST
Michael Fitzgerald is a highly regarded Acupuncturist and Herbalist, having practiced and taught Chinese medicine for over 20 years. After earning a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of TCM in San Francisco, Michael spent 8 years in Taiwan and China, studying clinical medicine with numerous highly respected and well-known doctors. It was in during this time that he began his specialization in internal medicine and mental health. Michael has extensive clinical knowledge, experience and success treating pain, arthritis, gynecological disorders, anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiac disease, asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
Michael FitzGerald has served as the Clinical Director of the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland, CA. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for Chinese medicine with aspiring students and the general public.
Michael also speaks Mandarin and Cantonese.
Sophie Cui, L.Ac.
ACUPUNCTURIST
Sophie Cui is a Licensed Acupuncturist & Wellness Specialist Languages: English | 한국어 | 中文
Healing is about restoring harmony to both mind and body. As a Licensed Acupuncturist with a background in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Psychology, she offers an integrative approach that bridges Eastern tradition with Western insights. Her passion for this medicine is a family heritage. Growing up in a family of TCM practitioners, she witnessed firsthand the profound power of holistic healing from an early age. To complement this lifelong foundation, she formally studied TCM and psychology in the United States, giving me a unique understanding of how deeply emotional well-being impacts physical health.
Specialties
Pain Management: Relieving chronic and acute pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring mobility.
Stress Management: Calming the nervous system to ease anxiety, burnout, and physical tension.
True healing begins with feeling understood. Whether you are looking to manage pain, reduce stress, or optimize your health, we look forward to partnering with you on your wellness journey.
Sophie also speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean
Michiko Marx, L.Ac.
ACUPUNCTURIST
Michiko is a licensed practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), specializing in acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and other holistic modalities tailored to individual patient needs. Her journey with TCM began when she experienced chronic, unexplained symptoms that conventional medicine could not fully address. Through TCM treatments and lifestyle adjustments, she found significant relief and a deeper understanding of holistic health, inspiring her to pursue this path professionally. Michiko holds her degree from the University of East-West Medicine in Sunnyvale. She is dedicated to helping clients improve and maintain their health, manage symptoms, and prevent illness through integrative and personalized care, fostering a balanced, energetic, and pain-free life.
Michiko is also fluent in Japanese.
Ethan Ramirez, L.Ac.
ACUPUNCTURIST
Ethan hails from the Bay Area and is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. He has a passion for healing processes, strengthening mind body connections, balancing qi and helping people feel agency over their health. His holistic approach is rooted in the potent practice of traditional East Asian healing practices which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na, cupping, gua sha and nutritional counseling. With these techniques, we can restore holistic well-being, inviting joy, vitality, and balance into the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our being. Ethan specializes in treating acute and chronic pain, hormone imbalances, migraines, insomnia, anxiety, and digestive and auto-immune disorders. In his leisure time, Ethan enjoys a good book, playing guitar, singing with friends, surfing and foraging while hiking in the many California national and regional parks.
Ethan also speaks Spanish.
Rosa Padilla
OFFICE MANAGER
I am a loving, caring, and patient person who is passionate about the healthcare industry. With over 10 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to supporting patients and enhancing their healthcare experiences.
My journey began in senior homes, where I took vital signs and provided essential support at the front desk. I further developed my skills at the Osher center for Intergative Health UCSF Center, where I earned my Administrative Certificate. Additionally, I hold a Medical Assistant Certificate, which has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various healthcare roles, including working in workers’ compensation, and handling front and back office tasks skillfully.
Currently, I am proud to be the office manager at Hilltop Family Acupuncture where I utilize my multitasking abilities and communication skills. Being bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish, allows me to connect with a diverse range of patients.
Magic
LAB ASSISTANT
Magic is Jason’s friendly Labrador who brings joy and calm to our acupuncture practice. With a wagging tail and a gentle presence, Magic is here to make every visit a little brighter.