Kara Kennard she/her/hers Support Staff When she’s not greeting patients at the Encircle front desk, Kara Kennard works as an an elementary school teacher, helping students in pre-K thru 5th grade to build self-regulation skills and strategies through breath and movement. The Encircle environment is the perfect complement to her busy days at school, and…
Maggie Mandell Support Staff Maggie Mandell knows first-hand the benefits of acupuncture—she was a patient at Encircle Acupuncture for years before joining our team as a receptionist. “I love the whole Encircle experience,” she says. “The caring people, the soothing environment, the special kind of rest it gives me, and of course the wonderful healing…
Marcela Bowie, L.Ac. she/her/hers Licensed Acupuncturist Marcela Bowie has always had a passion for learning about different cultures and languages. Originally from Prague, Czech Republic, Marcela moved to Australia as a refugee when she was a child, and relocated to the US in 2003. She earned a Bachelor’s in Asian and International Studies, and speaks…
Chutney Young Support Staff Chutney Young has a heart for youth and families. She works full-time as Child Advocate Team Leader for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Nashville, and she’s been involved with youth and community outreach for the last 15+ years. She has a BS in Community Health Education and is also a Certified…
Kristen Verea, L.Ac. she/her/hers Acupuncturist Kristen is a Licensed Acupuncturist who graduated from Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in the beautiful mountains of Sugar Grove, NC. She practices in the renowned Vietnamese lineage of Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi, whose enormous contributions to Chinese Medicine include translating the Classics sent to Vietnam during the…
Heather Jakes Support Staff Heather serves patients at the front desk in both our East Nashville and Bellevue locations. Previously a receptionist for an orthopedic office, Heather came to Encircle with a healing mentality. She checks in patients, schedules appointments, and helps in every way she can to maintain a comfortable, relaxing environment. Originally from…
Molly Brislin Lead Receptionist Molly has quite a diverse background. Before joining Encircle, Molly was a full-time mom who also managed a horse boarding business, worked for a nonprofit, and practiced as a licensed massage therapist. Now, Molly serves our patients as a receptionist for our East Nashville location. In her current role, Molly still…
Sandra Durham she/her/hers Operations Manager When Sandra came to Encircle, she found a healthy, supportive work environment that she loves. Her role as Operations Manager greatly contributes to that environment, as she works behind the scenes to ensure the clinics run smoothly. Helping to create a space of wellness, Sandra assists with front desk operations,…
Jessica McAliley, L.Ac. she/her/hers Acupuncturist Jessica McAliley grew up in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina. After having bad shoulder pain that was dramatically improved with acupuncture, Jessica was inspired to move to Los Angeles to get her Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Yo San University. After graduating, she practiced acupuncture…
Ali Bellos, L.Ac. she/her/hers and they/them/theirs Acupuncturist Ali began her journey with Encircle working at the front desk. And now, more than five years later, she serves our patients as a licensed acupuncturist. Ali loves that people find relief, relaxation, community, and ease in our space. “I love that our clients, our practitioners, our staff, and…