Our Team

Our Practitioners

  • 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.

    Sara 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

    Not Available for Appointments
  • 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.

    She is an NCCAOM diplomate and licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in Tennessee. She graduated at the top of her class from Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in 2021 and then went on to finish her doctorate at Five Branches University in 2022. She specializes in general wellness, psycho-emotional support, various orthopedic pain, digestive symptoms, fertility and reproductive health, just to name a few. One of her hobbies involves keeping up with evidence based acupuncture practices and research. Alex is an active board member for the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and is serving on the nominations committee for the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA). She has a passion for mentoring up-and-coming acupuncture students. She lives in Norris with her husband, daughter, and grandparents. 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

    Make an Appointment with Alexandria
  • 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

    She is an NCCAOM diplomate, licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) and registered nurse (RN) in the state of Tennessee. Since beginning practice in 2014, Kate uses both her education and life experience - as a personal trainer, bellydancer, aerialist - to support her patients. She specializes in pain management, injury/surgery rehab, stress management for neurodivergent folks, anxiety/depression, women’s health and cosmetic acupuncture. She lives in Maryville with her daughter, sons, partner, two very independent cats and one very codependent dog. She loves hiking, house plants, yoga, and brewing 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

    Make an Appointment with Kate
  • 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

    Make an Appointment with Jennifer

Our Support Staff

  • Young woman with long dark hair, smiling, wearing black scrubs, standing against a light blue background, with one hand on her hip.

    Elizabeth Newman

    Office Manager

    She 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.

  • 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 Maryville Acupuncture office manager and keeps our day to day running smoothly. 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 husband, family, and fur babies. She loves a good book, traveling, and helping others.

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