Meet Our Team

We Are Dedicated to Your Growing Family

Since 2016, we're driven by a commitment to patient-centered fertility and pregnancy wellness.

Crafted on a foundation of evidence-based methodologies, our fertility acupuncture treatment protocols seamlessly align with your unique reproductive journey—whether you're pursuing natural conception or undergoing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, IUI, or medicated cycles. We work in tandem with your healthcare team, harnessing the power of acupuncture to regulate your cycle, minimize side effects, and support your prospects of achieving pregnancy.

Throughout the stages of pregnancy, our prenatal acupuncture treatments nurture your body, mind, and spirit. We use acupuncture to address common pregnancy discomforts such as morning sickness, fatigue, swelling, and pain. Beyond that, we offer dedicated postpartum care that extends support to concerns like milk production, postpartum mood issues, sore muscles and beyond.

Our philosophy is simple: employ natural, evidence-based treatment protocols to optimize your reproductive health.

Sarah Prater, L.Ac.

Education:
B.S. Biology: Indiana University-Bloomington 2005
M.S. Oriental Medicine: Southwest Acupuncture College, Santa Fe, NM 2008

Certification:
Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
(NCCAOM): DIplomate of Oriental Medicine

Tennessee Acupuncture License: 297

Experience:
Sarah has been practicing acupuncture since 2008 and has dedicated her career to helping individuals and couples navigate the challenges of infertility. After completing her degree, she pursued advanced training in fertility and prenatal acupuncture and has specialized exclusively in fertility care since 2011. In 2016, she founded the Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture in Knoxville, where she provides compassionate, individualized support to patients on their paths to growing their families.
Throughout her career, Sarah has combined her passion for patient care with a commitment to research and education. She has published research in The American Acupuncturist, contributed to Meridians: The Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and worked with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). She has also served in community health and at the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Integrative Cancer Institute. Sarah is a past president of the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and currently serves as Tennessee’s representative for the American Society of Acupuncturists.
Outside of her work, Sarah lives in Maryville with her husband and two children. She loves spending time with her family and finds any excuse she can to get out and enjoy the mountains. Her dedication to helping others, both in and out of the clinic, is at the heart of the care she provides.
Dr. Alexandria Russell, L.Ac.

Education:
B.S. Psychology, Minor Biology; Summa Cum Laude: Old Dominion University, 2016
Masters Diplomate of Acupuncture, Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, 2021
Doctorate of Acupuncture, Five Branches University, 2022

Certification:
Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture
(NCCAOM): Diplomate of Acupuncture

Tennessee License: 460
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Experience:
Alex is a NCCAOM Diplomate and Licensed Acupuncturist at Maryville Acupuncture. She graduated at the top of her class from Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in 2021 and earned her doctorate from Five Branches University in 2022. Her passion for acupuncture began long before graduation, with experience in various clinics dating back to 2015. During her education, she pursued additional training in fertility and prenatal acupuncture and continued learning under Sarah, further developing her passion for helping patients feel their best.
Alex takes a thoughtful, whole-person approach to care, believing that every patient deserves to feel heard, supported, and cared for. She enjoys helping patients navigate a variety of concerns, including emotional well-being, orthopedic pain, digestive health, fertility, and reproductive care. By combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern, evidence-based practices, Alex strives to create a welcoming experience tailored to each patient's individual needs.
Outside the clinic, Alex is passionate about supporting the future of acupuncture. She serves on the board of the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and the nominations committee for the American Society of Acupuncturists, and previously chaired the ASA Student Committee from 2019 to 2021. When she's not caring for patients, Alex enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and grandparents in Norris. She also loves hiking, reading, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Jessica Payne

Office Manager
Jessica is the Office Manager at Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture and Maryville Acupuncture, where she keeps daily operations running seamlessly and ensures every patient experience is smooth from start to finish. With a professional background in customer service, management, and Western healthcare, she brings both organization and compassion to her role. Jessica is passionate about creating a welcoming, positive environment for both patients and staff, and she is excited to continue growing within her position. As a Maryville native, she loves serving her local community. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and fur babies. You can often find her with a good book in hand, planning her next travel adventure, running her event coordination business, or finding ways to support and uplift those around her.

Education
B.S. Exercise Science, Maryville College, 2023