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Erin Bracco is an Illinois Professional Educator and a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher. She is the co-founder of both Buddha Belly Kids Yoga and Meet Me in Child’s Pose and recently acquired Youth Alliance Yoga. Previously, Erin was a kindergarten teacher and district leader in the Berwyn South School District 100. She developed and led the first Kindergarten Program at Bubbles Academy during the COVID Pandemic. Erin is a consultant for schools implementing yoga and mindfulness programming and speaks at a variety of conferences each year. She has completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, 95 Hour Kids Yoga Teacher Training, Partner Yoga Training, 85 Hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, and Mindful Schools Mindful Educator Certification. When she is not focused on work, Erin loves traveling with her fiancé, learning all the things, spending time outside, and being an Auntie. Erin is the mother of a sweet baby girl named Hope - who is with us in spirit.

Erin Bracco is an Illinois Professional Educator and a Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher. She is... Read More

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

Tanya Findlay (ERYT-200, RPYT) is driven by a passion to make yoga safe and accessible for everyone. Her style of teaching is dynamic and fun, making anatomy come to life through movement.

She began teaching in 2010 and has since undertaken extensive Hatha yoga teacher trainings, as well as many specialized trainings including the Amala School of Yoga’s Prenatal and Postnatal training. During this teacher training, Tanya met Beth Heller (of Pulling Down the Moon), who was facilitating a discussion and practice around Yoga for Fertility. It was as if her two worlds (yoga and infertility) had collided!

Tanya is a mother to 2 IVF miracles, a daughter and a son. She is especially grateful for the YFF series, which provided a first-time success rate for retrieval and transfer of her second born (compared to the 3 rounds it took to conceive her first, not having gone through YFF). She looks forward to supporting and empowering women to overcome their own fertility challenges at Pulling Down the Moon! Tanya@Pullingdownthemoon.com

Tanya Findlay (ERYT-200, RPYT) is driven by a passion to make yoga safe and accessible for everyo... Read More

Hope Lutz Firsel is a Women’s Life Coach, with a deep expertise in guiding women through life’s unexpected.

Hope has her master’s degree from The London School of Economics in Organizational Behavior, is a certified Life Coach, and most recently, received training in Rapid Resolution Therapy.

In addition to her scholars, Hope offers wisdom from overcoming her own personal traumas; infertility, cancer and divorce.

Hope’s approach a blend from the strongest philosophies from both eastern and western cultures. In her sessions, she empowers her clients to find empowerment and clarity as they move through the fertility journey. She offers an innovative style that focuses on addressing the unconscious mind to improve feelings and emotions during the trying time of the fertility journey. She believes that you can overcome anything, you just need a plan, and a little Hope.

Let Hope help you with a 1:1 life coaching today! She provides private coaching via zoom or in person, at either Pulling Down the Moon Illinois locations.

Hope Lutz Firsel is a Women’s Life Coach, with a deep expertise in guiding women through life’s u... 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

Beth is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Pulling Down the Moon, Inc., Integrative Care for Fertility (ICF ™). Beth earned her Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics in 1999 and prior to founding PDtM, she spent four years working as a Nutrition Researcher for the Women’s Walking Program, a large National Institutes of Health-funded study that examined the impact of walking exercise on the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of menopausal women. As she witnessed women become stronger, less anxious and less depressed as a result of adding walking to their lives Beth had her first introduction to the powerful connection between mind and body.

Beth came to yoga in 1998 when she realized that a stressed out graduate student like herself was likely to have difficulty starting a family. After stumbling into a yoga class and loving it, Beth began a regular practice. Soon thereafter, her periods, which had been absent for four years, returned without change to her diet, body composition or exercise levels. Beth decided there was something unique about yoga that had helped to restore her reproductive function. In confirmation of this hunch, several months after her menses returned, Beth became pregnant. Unfortunately the pregnancy ended in miscarriage and it was back to the drawing board.

Still confident that yoga was a key element of reproductive health, Beth began trying to conceive again. As she struggled with this challenge, her interest in yoga and fertility grew and led her into deeper practices of breathing, meditation and the work of bringing yoga practice “off the mat” into daily living. She entered teacher training at Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago where she researched and wrote her thesis in 2001 on yoga practices to restore fertility. She also began work with an ayurvedic physician who suggested changes to her diet and life habits. Eighteen months after her first miscarriage Beth conceived again, had a wonderful, healthy pregnancy that ended with a sad surprise, the stillbirth of a daughter at 38 weeks due to unknown causes.

It was in that moment of loss that Beth learned the real value of the yoga she had been studying. In addition to calming and balancing her physical body, the practices of asana, breathing and meditation had provided her with an inner stability, or peace, that she had not recognized until that moment. This peace allowed Beth to grieve the loss of her daughter fully, keep an open heart and have hope for the future even in the darkest hours. Shortly after the loss of her daughter she founded Pulling Down the Moon with fellow yogi Tami Quinn.

Simultaneous to the “birth” of PDtM, Beth returned to the work of getting pregnant. This time she went directly into medical fertility treatment. After five rounds of clomid and another miscarriage she conceived the pregnancy that ended with the healthy birth of her son Jackson. At the age of 37, two years after Jack’s birth, Beth added acupuncture and herbs to her yoga regimen and conceived again after only one month of “trying.” With the birth of her second son, Calvin, her family is now complete.

Throughout every aspect of the journey, the teachings of yoga and the wisdom of traditional healing therapies were her guide and solace. Beth’s goal in founding Pulling Down the Moon was to teach the tools that allowed her to learn and grow through one of the most challenging times in her life. Beth is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. She teaches yoga in classes and in one-on-one instruction throughout the Chicago-land area and is a creator, co-director and teacher for Pulling Down the Moon, Yoga for Fertility.

Beth is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Pulling Down the Moon, Inc., Integrative Care for Ferti... 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

Stephen Kelly, L.M.T., Massage Instructor

Stephen is a Vietnam veteran and became a Massage Therapist (after a long career in engineering) to help other veterans who suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The fertility journey can be its own type of battle: stress, anxiety, fear, depression, and loss can all be very traumatic experiences. Just like he saw with Vietnam vets, he knew trauma could live in a fertility patient’s physical, mental and/or spiritual body creating uneasiness or “dis-ease.” Stephen believes a massage therapist can be a conduit to the healing energy in the universe that allows the body to work better and be at greater “ease.”

Along his journey as both a very experienced massage therapist and a teacher of massage at the Soma Institute (where he passes on the love and knowledge of massage therapy to his students), he felt called to help women by becoming certified in Mercier Therapy and prenatal massage.

Stephen has varied clinical skills to help those dealing with physical conditions, pain, injury, and mental health challenges.

Modalities include: Massage for PTSD/Anxiety/Depression, Prenatal Certified, Mercier Therapy Certified, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Orthopedic Massage with specialization in shoulder issues, Trigger Point Therapy, Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release.

In his free time, Stephen describes himself as in constant development of spirit, mind, and body and is an avid researcher. He enjoys community service, live theater, skiing, scuba diving, cooking, and participating in the National Veterans Golden Age Games.

Stephen Kelly, L.M.T., Massage Instructor Stephen is a Vietnam veteran and became a Massage Ther... Read More

Jaclyn is an Illinois licensed acupuncturist with a passion for blending ancient traditions and modern science. She offers an integrative and gentle approach for each individual client; creating tailored treatment plans to support your dreams of creating the family you envision.

Her practice is based in reproductive health, fertility, pregnancy, and postnatal care through various aspects of Traditional East Asian Medicine. She has assisted individuals and couples conceive naturally, through IUI, and IVF. Her clinical practice also has focus within pain management, mental health, and cosmetic acupuncture.

In her spare time, Jaclyn enjoys annual family road trips, supporting her self-proclaimed ‘forever learning’ status with continuing education courses, and enjoying local restaurants.

Modalities: Acupuncture, Acupressure, Moxibustion, Electric Stimulation, Cupping Therapy, and Essential Oil Therapy

Education: Doctorate of Acupuncture, Five Branches University 2021 Masters of Acupuncture, National University of Health Sciences, 2015 Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, Michigan State University 2012

Training and Certifications: Actively pursuing certification with American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine 2022 Motor Point Acupuncture 2019 Cosmetic Acupuncture with Advanced Collagen Techniques 2016 National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 2016 Clean Needle Technique Certification 2014 Jaclyn@Pullingdownthemoon.com

Jaclyn is an Illinois licensed acupuncturist with a passion for blending ancient traditions and m... Read More

Melissa graduated from Morton College with an Associates in Applied Sciences of Massage Therapy, and went on to become fertility massage certified through the Integrative Care for Fertility Institute. She has been a licensed massage therapist for 7 years in the Chicagoland area. Prenatal massage certified and specializing in Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy, Melissa loves bringing deep release and healing to her clients, and strongly believes in the holistic arts to help her clients achieve inner-balance.

The daughter of a bedside nurse for moms and babies, she is ecstatic to be giving women therapeutic treatment with caring hands.

In her free time she enjoys road trips with her mom and rescued Staffordshire terrier mix (Rosita). She enjoys the arts with her friends and spending time with her family and three younger brothers.

Modalities: fertility massage, deep tissue, trigger point, prenatal massage, Swedish massage

Melissa graduated from Morton College with an Associates in Applied Sciences of Massage Therapy, ... 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

L’Oreal Thompson Payton is certified yoga instructor, wellness advocate and author. As a former Pulling Down the Moon client and proud IVF mom, L’Oreal knows firsthand the impact mindfulness can have on fertility and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve holistic well-being through the transformative power of yoga.

Passionate about inclusivity and diversity within the wellness community, L’Oreal is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and empowerment in her classes. Her nurturing guidance enables students to develop a profound mind-body connection, while encouraging them to honor their individual journeys and embark on their own transformative paths toward self-discovery and inner peace.

In addition to her role as a yoga instructor, L’Oreal is an author and journalist, using her platform to advocate for wellness, self-care, and the importance of embracing one’s authentic self. Through her insightful articles and engaging workshops, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the wellness space, promoting self-acceptance and resilience.

When she isn’t writing or in the yoga studio, L’Oreal can usually be found reading, riding her Peloton or watching Real Housewives of Potomac. She lives with her very patient husband and vivacious daughter in Evanston, but will always be a Maryland girl at heart.

L’Oreal Thompson Payton is certified yoga instructor, wellness advocate and author. As a former P... Read More

Sadie is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified personal trainer with 20 years of experience specializing in women’s health, weight loss, gut health, and fertility including PCOS.

No matter how you are trying to conceive or how long you have been trying, Sadie will work with you to develop a customized road map and improve egg quality, sperm quality and reproductive environment to greatly optimize your fertility and increase your chances of taking home a healthy baby. Sadie’s mission is to show you how targeted nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes can really make a difference in your fertility journey. Sadie can also support patients through prenatal care and postnatal recovery.

Sadie holds a BS in Nutrition & Dietetics from Western Illinois University, is a NASM-certified Personal Trainer, has completed a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management, and worked as a dietitian in 3 clinical trials for weight loss devices. Sadie@Pullingdownthemoon.com

Sadie is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified personal trainer with 20 years of expe... Read More

Diana came to yoga after a lower back injury in 2007, with little to no relief from physical therapy, decided to try a yoga class. She soon realized yoga not only eased her body aches, but soothed her racing “monkey” mind. In 2011, she enrolled at Equinox in its Pure Yoga 200hr teacher training program in hopes to share it with other achy bodied, racing mind office workers. In 2015, she left the legal world behind to pursue her passion of helping women become an active participant in their health and well-being. She completed her certification with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in 2017, where she learned innovative coaching methods, practical lifestyle management techniques, and over 100 dietary theories as well as completed her 95-hour prenatal and postpartum certification. In addition, she has obtained continuing education hours in various topics such as: Vin & Restorative, and Yoga for Fertility, Integrative Women’s Health Institute (IWHI) in their Optimal Fertility Program: Preconception Detoxification and Preparedness Program, IIN’s hormonal training course, IWHI’s endometriosis masterclass, Aviva Romm’s Integrative & Functional Medicine Training Program, & Sarah Duvall’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist program. Also, a member of Evidence Based Birth.

Diana encourages women to listen to their intuition whether it’s on the yoga mat or in a coaching session. She believes it’s important to take responsibility for your health and well-being. Diana@Pullingdownthemoon.com

Diana came to yoga after a lower back injury in 2007, with little to no relief from physical ther... Read More