About AcuMedVA
Berry Franko, L.Ac.
Berry was introduced to Chinese medicine in 2003, and the following year accepted an invitation to a four-year formal apprenticeship which focused on Jin Shou Tuina™ (Golden Hand Tuina) – a style of therapeutic bodywork that uses Chinese medical theory, along with specific hand techniques, to address structural problems and internal illness. In short, it is hands-on medicine.
Sometime during the Apprenticeship, she realized she too would like to be able to stick people with needles and in 2012 she graduated from the Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in Sugar Grove, North Carolina. The curriculum was outstanding, based on teachings from Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi, a Vietnamese-French physician who was prominent among those credited with bringing Chinese medicine to the West.
Berry is a life-long-learner and continues to seek out and train with the top Neurological Doc’s, Pain Specialists and Lyme disease experts in the country. She is always looking for ways to improve the health and well-being of her patients and is passionate about achieving measurable, long-lasting results.
Amara Franko, L.Ac. — Co-Founder
In loving memory of our cofounder, Amara Nora Serafina Franko, who passed away on November 11, 2025 at age 50 after a brave five-year battle with cancer. Amara was not only a gifted practitioner but also a loving mother, sister and daughter. Her compassion for patients and dedication to healing touched countless lives, and her legacy continues to guide our practice.
Our Team
Deborah, Patient Care Technician
Deborah grew up in the Shenandoah Valley. She began working in the medical field as a Patient Service Representative, and put her career on hold when she started a family 17 years ago. Now that her 2 boys are growing up, she has reentered the work force as a Patient Care Coordinator! Deborah resides in Augusta county and enjoys spending time with her family and their beloved animals. She also loves camping, meeting new people, and taking care of others.
Kimberly, Patient Care Technician
Kimberly was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, She has been in customer service for 30 years, getting to know and love her customers. Wanting more out of life and the love of helping others, she joined the Acupuncture Medical Center and has never Looked back. She has two grown boys that are married to two beautiful wives and three grandchildren. Kimberly loves animals, horseback riding and spending time with her loving husband.