~ Chief Operating Officer ~

Sara Ward, B.A., R.Ac., has been practicing acupuncture since 2010 and is the Owner and Founder of The Village Acupuncture in East Vancouver. She graduated from ICTCMV in 2010, where her practice was forged under Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan. Sara has practiced exclusively with Balance Method Acupuncture and is a Certified Balance System Acupuncture Practitioner (Cohort 1), with advanced training in the Eight Extraordinary Vessels and Complementary Channels for psycho-emotional pain (Cohort 2), both with the Tan Academy of Balance.

Sara’s connection to the Tan Academy of Balance dates back to its earliest beginnings. Early in her career, she joined a small group of practitioners led by Shifu Dr. Sonia F. Tan, meeting in rented rooms about Balance Method refinement. These early enlightenments laid the groundwork for what would become the Tan Academy of Balance, and Sara remains proud to be part of its origin story and deeply grateful for Shifu Sonia Tan’s mentorship, which continues to shape her medicine and leadership.

Sara holds a Pediatric Essentials & ADHD Certificate and is certified in the NADA protocol for trauma, substance misuse, abuse, and supporting people navigating mental health challenges. She is also the co-author of Yin Yang Reset, a guide rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine nutrition and food-as-medicine practices.

Taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer of the Tan Academy of Balance feels like a natural homecoming — an opportunity to honour lineage, pursue excellence, and support the continued evolution of Balance System Acupuncture.

Away from her practice, Sara is a proud hockey mom, cookbook collector who rarely follows recipes, beachgoer, forest wanderer, SUP enthusiast, writer, glimmer seeker, and an unapologetic fan of early nights and quiet mornings.