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

Cassie is a certified Yoga Instructor who trained at Urban Breath Yoga in Saint Louis. She is also a certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor, with an additional 95 hours of instruction through Amala School of Prenatal Yoga and her Yoga for Fertility training through Pulling Down the Moon. As a way to offer personalized instruction and build relationships, Cassie prefers to keep her classes small. She employs Kriya yoga, including Hatha Yoga — involving body, breath and mind.

Cassie’s most recent focus is in Yoga for Fertility, and her classes can help you prepare your body and cope with the stress and emotions of the fertility journey. Her own journey led her to acupuncture, nutrition and chiropractic care — a holistic approach that helped her conceive her two sons. Cassie credits teaching Yoga for Fertility classes with truly helping her to heal, and she hopes to provide a supportive environment where students know they are not alone in their fertility journey.

Yoga has been a constant in Cassie’s life since college, providing a healthy, supportive outlet. She believes that it’s possible for anyone and everyone to reap the benefits of yoga. Thanks in part to her calm, friendly demeanor, Cassie’s students frequently say that they’ve forgotten the stresses of the day for a while and go home feeling relaxed. That equals success in yoga terms.

When Cassie isn’t in the yoga studio, she’s balancing life with a family of four and her career as a sales engineer. She loves spending time outside, whether she is cycling, hiking or skiing. Cassie has a passion for cooking — from gourmet meals at home to fancy meals on family camping trips. She lives with her husband and sons in the northwest suburbs of Chicago but stays true to her St. Louis roots as a die-hard Cardinals fan. Cassie@Pullingdownthemoon.com

Cassie is a certified Yoga Instructor who trained at Urban Breath Yoga in Saint Louis. She is als... 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

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

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

Dan Wang L.Ac., Dipl OM

Originally from Northeast China, Dan brings a rich cultural and clinical background rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She earned her degree from the Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the 1990s and has been practicing in the western suburbs of Chicago for the past four years.

Dan is deeply passionate about Chinese medical philosophy and integrates practices such as Taiji, Yijing, and Feng Shui into her holistic approach. She believes true healing comes from achieving balance—both mentally and physically—and strives to support her patients in cultivating this harmony in their lives.

She has a special interest in treating emotional health concerns such as stress and anxiety, as well as women’s health issues including menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, postpartum recovery, sleep disorders, and menopause symptoms. Dan is known for her compassionate presence and her ability to truly listen to each patient’s unique story.

Outside the clinic, Dan enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dan Wang L.Ac., Dipl OM Originally from Northeast China, Dan brings a rich cultural and clinical... Read More