AboutMeet Our Team
Behind every treatment is a team of experienced practitioners devoted to the art of healing and the privilege of walking alongside you on your wellness journey.
Dr. Bianca Di Giulio, L.Ac
Founder, Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese MedicineDr. Bianca Di Giulio founded The Wellness Principle with a vision of integrative, compassionate care in 2009. She earned her Master’s of Science in traditional Chinese medicine at AIMC Berkeley and completed her clinical doctorate at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco in 2015, where she specialized in integrative cancer care with internships at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and other oncology programs. Recognizing the profound impact Chinese medicine could have on cancer patients, Dr. Bianca launched Insight Cancer Care in 2022 to provide highly personalized, one-on-one integrative support.
Dr. Bianca is deeply committed to holistic medicine, inspired not just by science, but by ancestral wisdom and intuitive healing. When she's not at the clinic, you'll find her tending her garden, studying Italian, or advocating for dog rescue—a cause close to her heart thanks to her beloved rescue pup, Rufus.
Notable Highlights:
Founder, The Wellness Principle (2009) and Insight Cancer Care (2022)
"Best Acupuncturist" North Bay Bohemian (2021, 2022, 2023)
“Best Holistic Practitioner” North Bay Bohemian (2023)
“Best Alternative Therapies” Best of Napa County (2023, 2025)
Dr. James Munson, L.Ac.
Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Health and Life CoachDr. James Munson joined The Wellness Principle in 2014 after completing his doctorate from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, where he received the school's first-ever doctoral fellowship. Dr. Munson specialized in treating PTSD and trauma with Chinese medicine, a focus that continues to shape his clinical work today. He's a pain management specialist with particular expertise in diagnosing and treating complex conditions, creating integrative treatment plans that bridge traditional Chinese medicine with modern Western approaches.
Dr. Munson is also a Certified Health and Life Coach and Certified Personal Trainer. Outside of clinical practice, he’s an avid adventurer–from scuba diving, to skydiving, hiking, camping and traveling all over the world. He’s also dedicated to supporting dog rescue organizations by fostering and volunteering, in honor of his rescue pup, Rufus, who keeps an eye on things from across the rainbow bridge.
For more information about his Health and Life Coaching services, download this program guide.
Co-Authored Publications:
“Quality of Life in Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer," Medical Acupuncture, 2015.
“Moxibustion Therapy in the Treatment of Radiation Fibrosis of the Throat,” Journal of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, January 2019.
Co-Author, “Bridging the Gap: Integrative Oncology and the Practice of Chinese Medicine” (2020)
Notable Highlights:
“Best Holistic Practitioner” North Bay Bohemian 2023
“Best Tele-Health” North Bay Bohemian 2023
“Best Nutritionist” North Bay Bohemian 2023
Dr. Katie Keville, L.Ac.
Doctor of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine
Dr. Keville grew up in a family of holistic health practitioners and first discovered acupuncture while helping run her family's horse farm, where she witnessed its powerful effects on her equine partners. After earning her Masters and Doctorate in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine from AIMC Berkeley, she joined TWP in 2017. Her specialties include women’s health, from fertility to postpartum care, as well digestive health and pain management. Her mission is simple: help people find happiness through healing and everyday wellness. When she's not at the clinic, you'll find her equestrian vaulting, scuba diving, or caring for the animals on her farm with her husband and two young boys.
Dr. Melena Smith, L.Ac.
Doctor of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine
Dr. Melena's calling to acupuncture came during a powerful treatment when she felt qi moving through her body and thought, "I need to learn this!" After training in massage at Esalen and studying Daoist medicine in Santa Fe, she earned her Master’s and Doctoral degree from AIMC Berkeley. She specializes in emotional wellness, pain management, sleep, and autoimmune conditions, using everything from gentle Japanese needling to herbal medicine. A lover of joy and self-expression, Melena lives in San Rafael with her wife, daughter and cat– and enjoys singing, dancing, and tending to her many plants.
Mellissa Tate-Dougherty
Office Coordinator & Scheduler
Mellissa joined The Wellness Principle in 2018 and we can’t imagine our practice without her. She keeps everything running smoothly—from coordinating schedules for five practitioners, to insurance billing and more. Her enthusiasm for Chinese medicine (especially cupping!) makes her our biggest fan and helps patients feel welcome and comfortable. Beyond the clinic, Mellissa is a talented hairstylist with her own creative styling business (just check out her amazing hair!), and she's become the go-to stylist for our entire team and many of our patients.
