Christine is a Licensed Acupuncturist and the Acupuncture Director at Pulling Down the Moon, a fertility-focused integrative complementary medicine center in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Christine holds a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine. She has been a Board Certified practicing acupuncturist since 2004.

She has studied Chinese Tai Ji Quan at Wu Dang Mountain and Gong Fu at Shao Lin Temple in China. In addition, she studied Chinese herbology at the Beijing University of Traditional Medicine in 2003. She is a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor in the Iyengar method and has been practicing for over 20 years.

Christine focuses on helping people achieve maximum, lasting wellness by giving them the tools to heal themselves. She believes that health can be improved by using traditional methods of moderation and balance. Christine has helped support many couples on their journey to conceive.

She believes it is important to address both the body as well as the mind and the spirit, especially while trying to conceive. When Christine is not treating patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sweet daughters, listening to all kinds of music, strolling through the Chicago Botanic Garden and reading. Christine@pullingdownthemoon.com

Christine is a Licensed Acupuncturist and the Acupuncture Director at Pulling Down the Moon, a fe... Read More

Hi, I’m Jen. It’s nice to meet you!

My journey into healthcare began in my teens after watching a family member struggle to find help in the western medical world. I knew there had to be a different way to find relief and move towards real healing.

My first love is Nutrition and I earned a Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health. I am still a foodie and love to cook. I believe in the power of plants and food as medicine.

I am a graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Chicago. A rigorous program of over 3000 hours, with over 500 clinic hours. My background includes training not only in acupuncture, but in a wide array of Chinese medicine modalities. I am licensed by the state and recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and a certified NCCAOM Herbalist.

I have enjoyed specializing in women’s health and fertility care in my private practice and I am thrilled to continue to support this community in this integrated group practice. I consider it an honor to walk alongside my patients’ on their journey towards better health.

Hi, I’m Jen. It’s nice to meet you! My journey into healthcare began in my teens after watching ... Read More

Ronni is a Licensed Massage Therapist and a graduate of Lexington Healing Arts Academy with a passion for learning and embracing diverse massage techniques to help others feel centered in their body and able to move through life with reduced pain. She’s gone on to become fertility massage certified through the Integrative Care for Fertility Institute, is certified in prenatal massage, and comes to Pulling Down the Moon excited to use her knowledge and care to be a positive part of her clients’ fertility, perinatal, and wellness journeys.

As a former women’s college basketball player, Ronni came to massage as a way to aid in her sports recovery and relieve pain from chronic injuries. “I believe that it is so important to support and take amazing care of our physical form and to listen to our body, mind and soul with kindness and respect. I decided to become a massage therapist after my own journey as an athlete helped me realize how very important it is to allow your body to reset, recover, and relax.”

In her spare time, Ronni loves spending time with her rescue dog ‘Indy’, hiking, and crocheting/sewing.

Modalities: Fertility Enhancing Massage, Prenatal Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage

Ronni is a Licensed Massage Therapist and a graduate of Lexington Healing Arts Academy with a pas... Read More

Michelle Johann is the friendly and compassionate face that greets you at the door or on the phone, but also our “behind the scenes gal” that gets things done! She considers herself a planner, and “type A” who believes that hard work and determination always gets you through. Until it didn’t.

In Michelle’s words, “Community got me through my journey of infertility and loss. Community that I found at Pulling Down the Moon. That is why I am here–to outreach and connect others; to help you on your journey in whatever way I can.

My experience as a former fertility patient, counselor, director at our center for a decade, and working in healthcare for many years helps me navigate systems and provide support. I am a Patient Advocate here to help you on your get started.

When I am not at The Moon, this Pisces loves to be outdoors, to get my feet in the water, enjoy good food–especially brunch, and spend time with my husband Brian and Moon baby Gavin. I am grateful for this center and for the opportunity to make a difference as we can move mountains when women support other women.”

Michelle@pullingdownthemoon.com

Michelle Johann is the friendly and compassionate face that greets you at the door or on the phon... Read More

Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified FEM Practitioner, Prenatal Massage Certification

Victoria studied Applied Sciences in Massage Therapy at Rasmussen College, where she earned her Associates in 2011. She’s gone on to become fertility massage certified through the Integrative Care for Fertility Institute, is certified in prenatal massage, and was voted Massage Envy’s Massage Therapist of the Year in 2018 (West Loop location). For over 10 years Victoria has brought deep tissue sensibilities to a clinical relaxation massage, and loves exploring new ways to profoundly impact the body. She is passionate about holistic medicine and the physiological benefits of massage, achieving the client’s goals (whether increasing pelvic blood flow, improving egg quality, or relieving pain), and making her clients feel amazing in the process. In her spare time, Victoria loves spending time with her Cavalier Spaniel, immersing herself in self-development, entrepreneurship, dance and dance ministry, and volunteering with her church. Modalities: deep tissue, sports massage, body mobilization/stretch, hot stones, prenatal massage, fertility massage. Victoria@Pullingdownthemoon.com

Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified FEM Practitioner, Prenatal Massage Certification Victoria ... Read More

Kelsi Karch (she/her) decided to become an acupuncturist after feeling a desire to help people in a more profound way. Kelsi has always been interested in the differences and similarities of humanity. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and she dreamed of a life in the spotlight. But years in the restaurant industry taught her that she genuinely loves helping people and she received her Master of Science Traditional Oriental Medicine in 2017 from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

Kelsi has spent the past several years as a general practitioner and has experience treating numerous conditions. Throughout her career she has volunteered at a rehab facility, worked in community style acupuncture, and works with Pacific College supervising acupuncture students at the Chicago Women’s Health Center and Tapestry 360.

Additionally, women’s health and fertility has been an area of great interest to her and she marvels at how effective this medicine can be to treat and regulate a menstrual cycle. Kelsi utilizes acupuncture, moxibustion, diet and lifestyle suggestions to bring the body into balance.

After becoming a mother in 2015, she became more personally involved with how beneficial acupuncture and herbal medicine can be to experience a healthy pregnancy.

Kelsi hopes to someday perform on stage again and loves to sing Karaoke with friends. She also enjoys spending time with her daughter and volunteering at her school.

Kelsi Karch (she/her) decided to become an acupuncturist after feeling a desire to help people in... Read More

Meredith Nathan, L.M.T., Massage Director, graduated with honors from Northwestern University and Chicago School of Massage Therapy. Meredith has continued her education through the Upledger Institute as well as Mercier Training Institute, and is certified in Gynovisceral Manipulation, Lymphatic Drainage Technique, CranioSacral Therapy, and Prenatal Massage. Meredith created the Fertility Enhancing Massage (FEM) Protocol™ in 2008 after working with thousands of women seeking to improve their fertility since 2004.

In 2017, in partnership with Pulling Down the Moon, Meredith became an approved provider of Continuing Education in the field of Fertility Massage with the NCBTMB. Meredith was the esteemed recipient of the AMTA’s 2018 Pioneer Award, has been highlighted in Massage Magazine and Conceive Magazine, and was a contributing author to ‘Fully Fertile: A 12-Week Holistic Plan for Optimal Fertility’. Meredith@Pullingdownthemoon.com

Meredith Nathan, L.M.T., Massage Director, graduated with honors from Northwestern University and... Read More

Regina brings several years of experience to Pulling Down the Moon. Regina has worked at our center as a massage therapist and now we are thrilled to have her support our patients through yoga. She has a warm, very friendly and energizing personality. Regina has always had a passion for women’s health and wellness.

Regina Palmer is a Hatha trained yoga instructor buoyed by twelve years of bodywork. Her flows are inspired by her dance and massage background and revolve around the idea of joyful movement for every body.

Regina brings several years of experience to Pulling Down the Moon. Regina has worked at our cent... Read More

Trina Palomarez, MS, CNS, LDN is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and Integrative Health Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience helping women navigate fertility challenges, hormone imbalances, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and overall reproductive wellness. Her compassionate, whole-person approach blends evidence-based nutrition with functional medicine to support women through every stage of their health journey.

Trina specializes in supporting women experiencing infertility, irregular cycles, PMOS, PMS, digestive dysfunction, thyroid concerns, perimenopause, and hormone-related symptoms that can impact fertility and quality of life. She works collaboratively with clients to uncover root causes, restore balance, and create individualized treatment, plans that feel realistic and sustainable.

Her clinical work integrates advanced functional medicine testing, including GI Map, DUTCH hormone testing, SIBO breath testing, HTMA, and food sensitivity assessments to identify underlying imbalances that may affect reproductive, gut and hormonal health. She combines these insights with personalized nutrition therapy, diet plans, therapeutic supplementation, lifestyle support, and herbal medicine to help clients optimize fertility, support healthy pregnancies, and improve postpartum healing and recovery.

Trina served as an adjunct professor for the University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, where she taught nutrition and medical nutrition therapy to future healthcare providers. She is also an experienced clinical herbalist and natural products formulator with a longstanding passion for integrative women’s health.

Trina earned her Master of Science in Nutrition from the Maryland University of Integrative Health and is board certified through the American Nutrition Association as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). She is also a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist and has additional training in eating disorder-informed care and birth support as a certified doula. Her background allows her to support women through the physiological and emotional aspects of fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum transitions with warmth, empathy, and clinical expertise.

Due to demand for nutrition appointments, if you do not see online time slots that fit your schedule, please call us at (312) 321-0004 so we can work with our provider to see if we can accommodate your request.

Trina Palomarez, MS, CNS, LDN is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and Integrative Health Practi... Read More

Patrick Riley (he/they), L.Ac., Dipl. OM, MSTOM, is a licensed Acupuncturist and NCCAOM board-certified Herbalist in Illinois and Wisconsin. He specializes in supporting both male and female fertility and has worked in conjunction with KindBody fertility clinic providing acupuncture treatments for people undergoing embryo transfers. In addition to helping people with their reproductive health, Patrick has particular interest in treating psycho-emotional well-being, chronic pain, digestion imbalances, auto-immune disorders, and men’s health.

Guided by an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Patrick’s time at Chicago Women’s Health Center (during his 1000 clinical hour master’s program in acupuncture and herbal medicine), ignited a passion for aiding women, transgender, and nonbinary individuals on their reproductive health journeys.

In 2016 he earned the 500hr yoga teacher distinction (RYT) and taught classes throughout Chicago, with a focus on restorative and therapeutic yoga, hands on healing, and pranayama breath work. During this time, he also began working for various chiropractors in the city furthering his education in anatomy and kinesiology, postural alignment, structural integrity, and physical therapy regimes.

He is currently in a two-year post-grad mentorship studying classical herbal medicine with renowned doctor, Sharon Weizenbaum.

Prior to working in this field, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theatre from University of California, Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in acting from University of California, San Diego.

His diverse background of study and experience allows him to truly see and treat the whole person, in body, mind, and spirit.

In his free time he enjoys stewarding and tending to various native plant restoration projects he began in both Chicago and southern California, as well as practicing yoga, running, writing, playing music, and nurturing quality time with his community, wife, and daughter.

patrick@pullingdownthemoon.com

Patrick Riley (he/they), L.Ac., Dipl. OM, MSTOM, is a licensed Acupuncturist and NCCAOM board-cer... Read More

Sydney Stefanik, LMT (she/her/hers)

Sydney became a Licensed Massage Therapist through William Rainey Harper College, and went on to become fertility massage certified through the Integrative Care for Fertility Institute. Sydney has also studied under Dr. Jennifer Mercier and become certified in Mercier Therapy. Sydney’s warm and approachable personality helps create a safe and nurturing environment for all, so clients can process life at their own pace, free of judgment and full of comfort.

Her primary focus is on providing individualized care tailored to each client’s unique needs while encouraging their goals. “I believe in fostering open communication, encouraging everyone to be their own advocates through introspection, and truly listening to their bodies. Each body holds its own truth, and I am honored to support my clients on their journeys in fertility, reproductive wellness, and beyond!”

Having personal experience living with PCOS, Sydney understands how female reproductive health can impact daily life. Through her own journey and the challenges life presents, she has learned the importance of maintaining balance among emotional, physical, mental, social and spiritual health.

When she’s not at work, Sydney cherishes time spent with loved ones and her furry companion: Persephone, a 7-year-old long-haired sassy cat. Sydney also enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons with fellow TTRPG enthusiasts and indulging in her addiction to The Sims by exploring the latest expansion packs.

Modalities: Fertility Enhancing Massage, Prenatal Massage, Postpartum Massage, Mercier Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Friction Techniques, Joint Mobilizations, Trigger Point Therapy

Sydney Stefanik, LMT (she/her/hers) Sydney became a Licensed Massage Therapist through William R... Read More