Our Practitioners and Team

Every acupuncturist at Meridian is licensed by the State of Tennessee and board certified by the NCBAHM. License numbers are listed so you can verify them with the Tennessee Department of Health.

Licensed acupuncturists

M. Rachelle Poffenberger, MSOM, L.Ac.

Co-owner, Licensed Acupuncturist

M. Rachelle Poffenberger, MSOM, L.Ac.

Fertility, Pregnancy, Longevity

  • Tennessee license TN362
  • Brentwood
  • Murfreesboro

Rachelle is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, an acupuncturist, and an herbalist. She graduated magna cum laude from the Florida College of Integrative Medicine with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine in 2009.

Practicing Eastern medicine for over 15 years, she has traveled the world advancing her knowledge of alternative and complementary healthcare to broaden the care she offers for modern health concerns.

While the focus of her practice has largely been fertility and reproductive health, she believes that the same principles of balance and sustainability applied throughout the stages of family planning can also be applied to the stages of building, or rebuilding, physical and mental health.

Rachelle serves as Secretary of the Tennessee Acupuncture Council.

Author of our guides.

Dr. Sylvia Phillips, D.Ac., L.Ac.

Licensed Acupuncturist

Dr. Sylvia Phillips, D.Ac., L.Ac.

Pain, Aesthetics, Chronic Illness

  • Tennessee license TN357
  • Brentwood
  • Murfreesboro

Dr. Sylvia Phillips, D.Ac., LMT, LE, is a licensed acupuncturist with additional professional licensure in massage therapy and esthetics, which gives her a well-rounded, integrative approach to patient care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and her master's degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida College of Integrative Medicine, followed by her Doctorate in Acupuncture from the Won Institute of Graduate Studies.

She is passionate about helping patients manage pain, reduce stress, and support their overall well-being through personalized, evidence-informed care. Known for her gentle treatment style and patient-centered approach, Dr. Phillips is committed to creating a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Phillips enjoys spending quality time with her children, watching sports, and creating meaningful experiences with her family.

Richard Vigorelli, L.Ac.

Licensed Acupuncturist

Richard Vigorelli, L.Ac.

Chronic Pain, Oncology, Mental Health

  • Tennessee license TN466
  • Murfreesboro

Richard graduated from Emperor's College of Oriental Medicine in 2013 with his master's degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. While there, he worked in the college's herbal pharmacy and bookstore, supporting students' education and fostering learning.

He has been recognized for his outstanding performance with the VA and is Meridian Acupuncture's designated VA provider.

Richard's work spans clinical care and education. He works with patients on a wide range of concerns, including pain, mobility, support during cancer care, stress, anxiety and depression, exhaustion, and immune health.

Clinical concierge team

The people who answer the phone, set up your visit, and keep things running

  • Jillian Zurliene

    Jillian Zurliene

    Manager, Clinical Concierge

  • Merna Labib

    Merna Labib

    Clinical Concierge

  • Haven Trimbach

    Haven Trimbach

    Clinical Concierge

  • Alexia Amobi

    Alexia Amobi

    Clinical Concierge

Credentials

What the letters mean

L.Ac., Licensed Acupuncturist
Licensed to practice acupuncture in Tennessee through the Board of Medical Examiners' Advisory Committee for Acupuncture.
Board certification, NCBAHM
National board certification from the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, the national certifying body known until 2026 as NCCAOM. Our practitioners complete continuing education every two years.
MSOM and D.Ac.
Master of Science in Oriental Medicine, and Doctor of Acupuncture, graduate degrees in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
LMT and LE
Licensed Massage Therapist and Licensed Esthetician, additional Tennessee professional licenses.

Book with any of our acupuncturists