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.

Zsanett Purszki L.Ac

Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Zsanett is a skilled and dedicated practitioner of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Her journey began with a deep curiosity about healing, which led her to explore a variety of modalities including massage, Reiki, Emotional Freedom Technique, and Chinese astrology. This exploration ultimately guided her to Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she discovered her true passion.

She earned her National Board Certification in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Miami, Florida, where she also worked at a fertility and prenatal acupuncture center. In early 2025, Zsanett relocated to Austin to continue her studies in integrative medicine and expand her clinical practice.

Zsanett is passionate about supporting couples on their path to parenthood and specializes in treating fertility challenges. She also helps women manage conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and PMS, with a focus on achieving a healthy, balanced menstrual cycle. Her approach considers the mental, physical, and emotional dimensions of health as essential components of optimal reproductive wellness.

She is honored to support women throughout their reproductive health journey.

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.

Emily is out on Maternity leave March 20th - July 11th 2025

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.

Raelin has been a part of the team at TCRA since 2025. She understands how overwhelming the healing process can feel and strives to create a safe, compassionate space where patients feel truly heard and cared for. She is NCCAOM-certified and licensed by the Texas Medical Board.