Meet Our Team of Fertility Acupuncturists

Marisa Kahlich L.Ac

Owner & Clinical Director

Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Marisa has been treating patients with acupuncture and herbal therapy since 2011. After graduating from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, she successfully launched her private practice, treating hundreds of patients—primarily women seeking support for fertility and pain management.

Her passion for acupuncture stemmed from her personal experience with debilitating occipital migraines with aura. After finding relief through acupuncture, she was inspired to shift her focus toward helping others heal.

In 2015, Marisa paused her practice due to her high-risk twin pregnancy. This experience deepened her commitment to supporting women throughout pregnancy and labor. Before joining The Texas Center for Reproductive Acupuncture in 2016, she provided acupuncture for women in active labor at the South Austin Area Birthing Center.

Marisa trained under and worked closely with our founder, Kirsten Karchmer, before taking over as Clinical Director in 2019. She remains deeply dedicated to every patient facing health and fertility challenges, striving to improve reproductive health and overall wellness.

Kara Won L.Ac

Acupuncturist & Herbalist

TCRA Practice Manager

Kara earned her Master’s in Acupuncture with a specialization in Chinese herbal medicine from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M University. After completing her undergraduate studies, Kara worked in the fashion industry in New York City until she was diagnosed with her own health issues, which led her on a personal journey of healing through acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

She is fully dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard and empowered throughout their sessions. Her care focuses on providing an integrative healing experience, specializing in reproductive health, pregnancy support, and helping others achieve their fertility goals. Additionally, Kara’s clinical prowess includes treating anxiety, stress, grief, and the interconnectedness of emotional and physical health. She’s also a member of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia and holds a certification in Acupuncture Theory and Techniques for Facial Rejuvenation.

Kara joined our team in 2024 and has a passion for introducing new patients to acupuncture. She takes the time to guide them through each step of the process, creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs. Having once experienced a fear of needles herself, she understands how intimidating it can be and is committed to making every patient feel comfortable and at ease.

M.J. Stevenson L.Ac

Acupuncturist & Herbalist

MJ is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where each person is seen and treated as a whole being. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy and English Literature from Texas A&M University and an M.A. in Consciousness and Embodiment from University College Dublin. Before pursuing acupuncture, MJ spent three years as a case manager for low-income older adults in Kansas City, deepening her commitment to compassionate, person-centered care.

Her introduction to acupuncture came in 2015, during a period of stress and grief that affected her own health. The experience was profoundly healing, and in 2020 she felt called to follow the path of Chinese Medicine.

MJ’s clinical interests include women’s health, fertility and postpartum care, as well as anxiety, depression, grief, insomnia, and digestive imbalances. She is dedicated to supporting patients through all stages of healing and transformation.

Emily Kim L.Ac

Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Emily Kim, originally from South Korea, made the move to Austin, TX during high school. She holds a bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Washington and a Master's degree from AOMA, graduate school of Integrative medicine. She is NCCAOM-certified and licensed by the Texas Medical Board.

As a fertility Acupuncturist at TCRA, Emily enjoys helping men & women improve their health and hormone issues. Her skills include helping to regulate irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, PMS and pain. She also treats couples dealing with infertility, miscarriage, throughout pregnancy and beyond. Most importantly, she is warm, energetic and passionate about helping women & couples grow their families.

Raelin Tafoya L.Ac

Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Raelin completed her Master’s in Acupuncture with a specialization in Chinese herbs at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine in Austin, Texas. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico. While pursuing a Physician Assistant degree and working in an emergency room, Raelin began experiencing her own health challenges—an experience that ultimately led her to discover the healing potential of acupuncture. Inspired by its effectiveness, she decided to change career paths and hasn’t looked back since.

Throughout her journey in acupuncture, Raelin has been driven by a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in her patients’ lives. She specializes in treating a wide range of conditions, including endometriosis, PCOS, fertility concerns, migraines, tinnitus, as well as emotional and wellbeing support. Her personal experiences with infertility and pregnancy have further fueled her passion for women’s health, and she is dedicated to supporting women at every stage of their healthcare journey.

Having navigated her own healing journey, Raelin understands how overwhelming the process can feel and is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate environment where patients feel genuinely heard and cared for. She is NCCAOM-certified and licensed by the Texas Medical Board.