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.
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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:
After completing her degree, she furthered her education in fertility and prenatal acupuncture and has exclusively specialized in infertility since 2011. She has published research in the American Acupuncturist, written for Meridians: The Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and worked with the Patient Centered Research Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). She came to Tennessee and started the Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture in 2016.Sarah has also had the honor of working in community health as well as the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Integrative Cancer Institute.
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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
Experience:
Alex has worked and interned in various acupuncture clinics since 2015. She furthered her education while in school by taking classes in fertility and prenatal acupuncture along with continuing to study with Sarah. Alex is an active board member for the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and serves on the nominations committee for the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA). She served as the ASA-Student committee chair from 2019-2021. -
Elizabeth Newman
Office Manager
Elizabeth is our office manager and currently attending school at Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, where she'll build on her passion for holistic healing practices. Elizabeth's professional background is in trauma and crisis work, as well as advocacy and nonprofit development. Strengths-based approaches that honor every individual's experiences and agency, as well as the greater collective, resonate with her. She and her partner spend the majority of their energy outdoors- mountain biking, camping and attempting novice herbalism and gardening. When inside, she likes to cook, eat and make art. Her cat's name is Bobby, after Bobby Hill.
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Jessica Payne
Office Manager
Jessica became a part of the Maryville Acupuncture team in June 2024 as their new office manager. She has a professional background in customer service, management, and western healthcare. She is excited to grow in her position and aims to maintain a positive and welcoming environment. Jessica is a Maryville native and enjoys spending her free time with her partner, family, and fur babies. She loves a good book, traveling, and helping others.
Education
B.S. Exercise Science, Maryville College, 2023
Media Appearances and Publications
