Grace Killpack
OWNER OF APO ACUPUNCTURE IN ORINDA, CA
I migrated to the US in 1992, at age 17, carrying nothing but Filipino roots and big dreams. Let me tell you—going from a culture where community is everything to feeling completely alone in a new country? That hit hard. I felt like I was floating between two worlds, not quite belonging to either.
Since I was about 7 years old, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. So I worked my butt off—fast food, banks, retail, hotels, you name it—anything to pay for school. It took me two decades to get through, but I was determined.
Then life threw me a curveball. My husband and I got married in 2007, ready to start our family before I finally entered med school. Except... I couldn't get pregnant. We tried everything—Clomid, IUIs, IVF. When our first round of IVF failed, I was crushed. Here I was, putting my medical school dreams on hold for a family that just wasn't happening.
Around the same time, I fractured my tibia while training for a marathon. My doctor handed me a prescription for Vioxx (yeah, the one that got pulled from the market later) and told me to take it for six months. Something in my gut said "nope"—this wasn't fixing anything, just masking the problem.
That's when I met my acupuncturist. Honestly, I was skeptical. But after a month of treatments and herbs, I was walking pain-free. No more limping, no more constant ache. I was amazed.
When we tried IVF again, I went back to him for fertility support. During one session, he casually mentioned he taught at a school nearby and invited me to check it out. Curiosity got the better of me, and before I knew it, I was enrolled in their Masters program.
Four and a half years later, I graduated with a masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. And here's the beautiful part—with acupuncture and herbs supporting my body through our next IVF round, we had two healthy pregnancies and two healthy kids. I was 44 when my second child was born.
Chinese medicine didn't just change my life.
it gave me back my power.
Chinese Medicine showed me there's always another way, another possibility.
Now I get to share that same gift my acupuncturist gave me: the chance to live differently, to discover what your body is truly capable of, and to find your way back to yourself.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, chronic pain, or just feeling stuck in life, I'm here to help you rediscover your authentic self and live with the freedom and ease you deserve.
Because sometimes the path you never expected is exactly where you're meant to be.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from San Francisco State University
Masters of Science degree from American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she earned 3000 hours of didactic and clinical training
Clinical externship at the Zhejiang University and Medical Center in Hangzhou, China
Clinical Integration of Chinese medicine with Lonny Jarret
Grace visiting the sacred mountain, Apu Ausangate, during a pilgrimage in Peru.
MENTORSHIPS & APPRENTICESHIPS
Currently enrolled in 2nd level of Alchemical Acupuncture mentorship with Lorie Eve Dechar
Currently in a year-long apprenticeship in Cross-Cultural Shamanic Tradition – The Pachakuti Mesa, with sanctioned teacher, Madhu Anziani.
Ongoing certification for Feng Shui mentorship with Marlyna Los
Ongoing mentorship in Chinese astrology and cosmetology (Ba Zi or PIllars of Destiny) with Marylna Los
Ongoing teacher training certification in Mindfulness and Meditation with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield
APO ACUPUNCTURE in Orinda, CALIFORNIA
The Sacred Story behind Apo
In Filipino, Apo means grandparent. It denotes ancestral wisdom, like a wise grandmother. It also is a sacred mountain in the southern Philippines, where my mother is from.
Apo Mountain is said to be the abode of ancestral spirits, who are the guardian of the land and its people.