Malaya

Dr. Emil Velasquez, DAOM, L.Ac, FABORM

My path here started with my mom. When she became seriously ill, I took her to get acupuncture and started her on herbal medicine. I watched her improve in ways conventional treatment hadn't been able to offer. That season was also one of the most stressful of my life — I developed anxiety I'd never experienced before, and TCM helped me through that too. I became a believer, changed course — I'd been about to start my master's in social work — and went to TCM school instead, and the rest is history.

What keeps me here, ten years in, is the work itself. I genuinely love this medicine. I love the depth of it — the way it asks you to look at the whole person, not just the complaint. I love watching someone walk out of a session standing differently than when they walked in. And I love that what I do every day has a direct, tangible effect on people's quality of life. That never gets old.

Outside the clinic, I'm an avid reader of nonfiction, a hiker, runner, and have practiced martial arts for over a decade. I'm also an amateur gardener — and most importantly, a husband and a dad. My family is my why, and it keeps me grounded in exactly the kind of balance I try to help my patients find.

Kristie Le, L.Ac

Kristie is a licensed acupuncturist in California with a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She believes deeply in the connection between mind, body, and environment and uses acupuncture and Chinese medicine to help patients heal by addressing the root causes of their ailments. Inspired by the legacy of the barefoot doctor, Kristie is passionate about improving individual health to foster a healthier community. Outside of her practice, she enjoys rock climbing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and is a big advocate for rest — having spent last year recharging in New Zealand's nature and guiding stargazing tours under the Southern Hemisphere's sky.

Tania Rodriguez

Tania is the vibrant and welcoming presence you'll encounter as soon as you step into our clinic. A mother of two and a proud East Oakland native, Tania has deep roots in the community and is passionate about supporting the neighborhood she grew up in. Her enthusiasm for helping others makes her an invaluable part of our team. Outside of work, Tania enjoys quality time with her family, discovering new foods, and exploring new destinations — and she's an avid collector of Starbucks mugs from all the places she visits — and these days, you'll often find her out on walks with her new puppy, Billet.

Marielle Ramsay, LCSW

Marielle brings warmth, depth, and a genuine gift for connection to everything she does. As a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she works with couples and families using Emotionally Focused Therapy — an evidence-based approach that helps people feel more secure, more understood, and more connected to the people they love most. A UC Berkeley graduate, Marielle has spent over a decade walking alongside individuals and families through some of life's most tender moments. We're proud to have her as part of the Malaya family. To learn more about her work, visit marielleramsay.com or reach her at (510) 499-0078.