Our Team
Our Practitioners
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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