Our Team

Our Practitioners

  • A smiling woman with light brown hair wearing black medical scrubs standing against a light blue background, arms crossed.

    Alexandria Russell, D.Ac., L.Ac.

    Alex is a NCCAOM Diplomate and Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in the state of Tennessee at Maryville Acupuncture. She graduated at the top of her class from Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in 2021 and went on to earn her doctorate from Five Branches University in 2022. Alex provides thoughtful, well-rounded care with specialties in general wellness, psycho-emotional support, orthopedic pain, digestive health, fertility, and reproductive care. She is passionate about blending traditional techniques with modern, evidence-based acupuncture practices, and enjoys staying up to date on the latest research to better serve her patients. In addition to her clinical work, Alex is an active board member of the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and serves on the nominations committee for the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA). She is also deeply passionate about mentoring and supporting the next generation of acupuncturists. Alex lives in Norris with her husband, daughter, and grandparents. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling.

    Education:

    D.Ac., Doctorate of Acupuncture, Five Branches University, 2022

    M.S. of Acupuncture, Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, 2021

    NCCAOM Diplomate of Acupuncture

    Zheng Gui TuiNa Training, 2019 

    B.S. Psychology, Minor Biology; Summa Cum Laude: Old Dominion University, 2016

    RYT-200, Atma Bodha Yoga, 2016

    Tennessee License 460

  • Smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair featuring purple streaks, wearing a black jacket and a green polka dot skirt, standing against a light blue background.

    Kate Sisson L.Ac., Clinic Director

    Kate is the Clinic Director at Maryville Acupuncture and a NCCAOM Diplomate, Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), and Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Tennessee. Since beginning practice in 2014, she has blended her diverse background—including experience as a personal trainer, bellydancer, and aerialist—with both Eastern and Western approaches to care. Kate specializes in pain management, injury and post-surgical rehabilitation, stress support for neurodivergent individuals, anxiety and depression, women’s health, and cosmetic acupuncture. She has a particular passion for helping patients feel confident in their skin through cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling, combining results-driven treatments with a holistic approach. As Clinic Director, Kate is dedicated to fostering a supportive, growth-focused environment for both patients and practitioners, while maintaining the high standard of care the clinic is known for. She lives in Maryville with her daughter, two sons, partner, two very independent cats, and one very codependent dog. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys hiking, caring for her ever-growing collection of houseplants, practicing yoga, and brewing the perfect cup of chai.

    Education:

    B.S., Science Technology and Culture, Ga Tech, 2004

    M.Ac.OM, Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine, 2014

    Detox Specialist, NADA, 2014

    Fellowship, Pain Management and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Seattle Acupuncture Associates, 2015

    Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture training, Hampton’s Acupuncture, 2017

    RN/ADN, Chattanooga State Community College, 2019

    Advanced Facial and Cosmetic Acupuncture Certificate, Michelle Gellis Acupuncture, 2022

    NCCAOM Diplomate of Acupuncture

    Tennessee License 312

  • A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a black work uniform stands with her arms crossed against a light blue background.

    Jennifer Broadwell L.Ac.

    Jennifer is an NCCAOM Diplomate and has been a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist since 2011. She has also been a licensed nurse since 2000, offering patients a unique blend of conventional medical knowledge and holistic care. Her clinical background includes work in hospital settings such as women’s health, oncology, and neurology, where she gained extensive experience caring for patients with complex and diverse health needs. She also has experience in private practice which allows her to focus on creating individualized treatment plans that support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. She is deeply committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care and believes in meeting each patient where they are on their health journey. Her calm, compassionate approach helps create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and well cared for.

    Education:

    M.S Acupuncture and Massage College, FL, 2011

    Detox Specialist, NADA, 2012

    Dr Tan's Balance Method, 2015

    Dr Jason Hao Scalp Acupuncture, 2016

    NCCAOM Diplomate of Acupuncture

    Florida AP 3041

    Tennessee License 453

  • Photo of acupuncturist smiling with long dark hair. Her arms are crossed, she is wearing black scrubs.

    Elizabeth Newman, L.Ac.

    Elizabeth is a graduate of Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine and a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in the state of Tennessee at Maryville Acupuncture. She previously served as our part-time office manager while completing her acupuncture training, giving her a well-rounded understanding of both patient care and clinic operations. Her professional background includes nonprofit advocacy and case management, and she brings those values into her practice—meeting patients where they are, honoring their autonomy, and supporting their whole health. Elizabeth is passionate about creating a grounded, supportive space for healing and connection. She takes a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to care, helping individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout their treatment. She and her partner spend most of their time outdoors mountain biking, camping, and attempting to garden. When inside, she enjoys cooking, eating, and making art. Her cats name is Bobby after Bobby Hill.

    Education

    B.A. Writing/ Communications, Magna Cum Laude: Maryville College, 2011

    Master's Diplomate in Acupuncture, Jung Tao School of Chinese Medicine, 2025

    TN License: 582

  • A young woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing glasses and a black top, sitting on a wicker chair against a light blue background, smiling at the camera.

    Sarah Prater, L.Ac., Clinic Owner

    She has been practicing acupuncture since 2008 has devoted her career to supporting couples struggling with infertility at her Knoxville practice, The Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture. In addition to practicing, Sarah is a past president of the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and is Tennessee’s representative for the American Society of Acupuncturists. She lives in Maryville with her husband and 2 children and spends as much time in the mountains as she can.

    Education:

    B.S. Biology: Indiana University-Bloomington, 2005

    M.S. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Southwest Acupuncture College-Santa Fe, NM, 2008

    NCCAOM Diplomate in East Asian Medicine Medicine

    Tennessee License 297

Our Support Staff

  • A smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing black glasses, a black top, a necklace with a heart-shaped pendant, and makeup including false eyelashes, standing against a plain beige wall.

    Jessica Payne

    Office Manager

    Jessica is the Office Manager at 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