Wendy Ballen

Wendy Ballen began studying Tai Chi Chuan with Chang I-Chung in 1981. She was a natural foods baker at Staff of Life Bakery in Santa Cruz, CA, where she met Mr. Chang and his senior student Joe Deisher. They bonded over countless discussions on how to make a better ginger cookie. Under the guidance of Mr. Chang, Wendy took over teaching classes in Santa Cruz in 1985.Wendy received a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University, Santa Cruz, in 1994. She is an acupuncturist licensed nationally and in California State and practices in Santa Cruz. Wendy is also a professional sculptor, working in wire. She received a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1980.