"None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful."
– Mother Teresa
– Mother Teresa
Meet Our Team
Melissa Stein
Clinical Director, Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Melissa's career in health and healing began over 25 years ago with the study of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts. During that time she became an avid yoga student and was instantly drawn towards the field of mind-body medicine.
Upon graduation she began studying massage therapy and also continued to delve deeper into her studies of yoga and meditation which took her to India where she started teaching while living in a meditation retreat center. While in India she helped out by cooking in the center's kitchen and came upon many books relating to nutrition and eastern medicine. This is where the concept of 'food as medicine' became a passion for Melissa and upon coming home from India, she decided to study Chinese medicine and Acupuncture. One of her main goals for Open Circle Acupuncture & Healing is to draw upon all of these different areas of healing that she has learned and make it a place for ongoing learning, education and inspiration.
Melissa graduated from acupuncture school in 2006 and has been passionate about her continuing studies in the areas of women's health & pain relief. Throughout her many thousands of treatments since graduation, she has also observed the power of acupuncture to relieve stress & anxiety. The amazing part about this, is that once the stress is lessened even a small amount, healing of many different aspects of the physical body from pain, to sleep etc. begin to resolve as well. She has dedicated her career to trying to make this powerful mind-body medicine accessible to as many people as possible.
Melissa has completed advanced studies in the fields of pediatric acupuncture, Dr. Tan's balance method, Master Tung acupuncture and fertility/women's health studies. While these continuing education classes have refined her skills as a practitioner, she truly believes that acupuncture is activating the self-healing capabilities of the patient and strives to teach her patients that they are their own best healer!
Melissa lives in Maynard, Massachusetts with her husband and three beautiful & outgoing children. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, yoga classes, cooking, hiking, spending time with friends and soaking in her hot tub :)
Clinical Director, Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Melissa's career in health and healing began over 25 years ago with the study of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts. During that time she became an avid yoga student and was instantly drawn towards the field of mind-body medicine.
Upon graduation she began studying massage therapy and also continued to delve deeper into her studies of yoga and meditation which took her to India where she started teaching while living in a meditation retreat center. While in India she helped out by cooking in the center's kitchen and came upon many books relating to nutrition and eastern medicine. This is where the concept of 'food as medicine' became a passion for Melissa and upon coming home from India, she decided to study Chinese medicine and Acupuncture. One of her main goals for Open Circle Acupuncture & Healing is to draw upon all of these different areas of healing that she has learned and make it a place for ongoing learning, education and inspiration.
Melissa graduated from acupuncture school in 2006 and has been passionate about her continuing studies in the areas of women's health & pain relief. Throughout her many thousands of treatments since graduation, she has also observed the power of acupuncture to relieve stress & anxiety. The amazing part about this, is that once the stress is lessened even a small amount, healing of many different aspects of the physical body from pain, to sleep etc. begin to resolve as well. She has dedicated her career to trying to make this powerful mind-body medicine accessible to as many people as possible.
Melissa has completed advanced studies in the fields of pediatric acupuncture, Dr. Tan's balance method, Master Tung acupuncture and fertility/women's health studies. While these continuing education classes have refined her skills as a practitioner, she truly believes that acupuncture is activating the self-healing capabilities of the patient and strives to teach her patients that they are their own best healer!
Melissa lives in Maynard, Massachusetts with her husband and three beautiful & outgoing children. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, yoga classes, cooking, hiking, spending time with friends and soaking in her hot tub :)
Kim Flaherty
Director of Business Operations
Kim discovered acupuncture through a long medical journey. After trying everything to relieve her symptoms and finding that her story fell on deaf ears, she found an acupuncturist who actually listened to her concerns, understood her feelings and reassured her that he could help. She knows first-hand how acupuncture & Chinese medicine can heal the body, mind, and spirit. She is thrilled to be able to help others discover how this medicine can help with so many health issues. Kim feels strongly that people should be educated and given all options available to them so they can make the best decisions for their health and wellness. After a health crisis she could not return to her career and Kim began working as a receptionist in the acupuncture clinic that she was receiving treatment in. They quickly realized they could utilize her experience in the business world and she was soon managing two clinics and their staff; a position she held for 6 years. Coming back from any health issue is never easy and along the way, we sometimes wonder why? It became clear that this was her path, every moment of the journey lead her to this new venture and bringing community acupuncture back to the area and sharing all that she has learned with all of you was meant to be. She has experienced such positive benefits from this medicine that she wanted to give back. As a mom and care giver, Kim has always been a nurturer and loves to help and care for people. She was able to do that in her first career as well and it makes her happy to be able to do it again. Prior to finding her second act in life Kim enjoyed many years in the Floral industry.
After graduating high school, Kim took an apprenticeship as a floral designer at her hometown florist and then entered the floral industry where she worked her way to head designer, wedding specialist, manager, and eventually opened her own flower shop. She operated The Blossom Shop in Westboro for 10 years before selling the business to be home more for her growing family. She spent the next 10 years watching and cheering her boys as they played hockey, baseball, golf, and rowed crew.
Kim was raised in Grafton where she met and married her high school sweetheart Kevin. Kevin is a physical therapist who owns and operates Flaherty Physical Therapy. They landed in Shrewsbury, a community they love and have been a part of for 27 years. They have raised two sons, Shane and Ryan who are now in their 20's and starting their own careers.
In her spare time, Kim enjoys hanging out with her girlfriends over coffee or wine, gardening, decorating, and entertaining friends and family. Spending time near the ocean on the coast of Maine and sitting on her patio by her firepit make her happiest! In addition to regular acupuncture treatments and massage, she loves to walk, practice guided meditation and yoga as part of her health and wellness routine.
Director of Business Operations
Kim discovered acupuncture through a long medical journey. After trying everything to relieve her symptoms and finding that her story fell on deaf ears, she found an acupuncturist who actually listened to her concerns, understood her feelings and reassured her that he could help. She knows first-hand how acupuncture & Chinese medicine can heal the body, mind, and spirit. She is thrilled to be able to help others discover how this medicine can help with so many health issues. Kim feels strongly that people should be educated and given all options available to them so they can make the best decisions for their health and wellness. After a health crisis she could not return to her career and Kim began working as a receptionist in the acupuncture clinic that she was receiving treatment in. They quickly realized they could utilize her experience in the business world and she was soon managing two clinics and their staff; a position she held for 6 years. Coming back from any health issue is never easy and along the way, we sometimes wonder why? It became clear that this was her path, every moment of the journey lead her to this new venture and bringing community acupuncture back to the area and sharing all that she has learned with all of you was meant to be. She has experienced such positive benefits from this medicine that she wanted to give back. As a mom and care giver, Kim has always been a nurturer and loves to help and care for people. She was able to do that in her first career as well and it makes her happy to be able to do it again. Prior to finding her second act in life Kim enjoyed many years in the Floral industry.
After graduating high school, Kim took an apprenticeship as a floral designer at her hometown florist and then entered the floral industry where she worked her way to head designer, wedding specialist, manager, and eventually opened her own flower shop. She operated The Blossom Shop in Westboro for 10 years before selling the business to be home more for her growing family. She spent the next 10 years watching and cheering her boys as they played hockey, baseball, golf, and rowed crew.
Kim was raised in Grafton where she met and married her high school sweetheart Kevin. Kevin is a physical therapist who owns and operates Flaherty Physical Therapy. They landed in Shrewsbury, a community they love and have been a part of for 27 years. They have raised two sons, Shane and Ryan who are now in their 20's and starting their own careers.
In her spare time, Kim enjoys hanging out with her girlfriends over coffee or wine, gardening, decorating, and entertaining friends and family. Spending time near the ocean on the coast of Maine and sitting on her patio by her firepit make her happiest! In addition to regular acupuncture treatments and massage, she loves to walk, practice guided meditation and yoga as part of her health and wellness routine.
Kylie Blodgett
Licensed Acupuncturist
Kylie’s passion for helping others started over 15 years ago when she experienced first-hand how important a holistic approach to healing is. She realized she had a passion for acupuncture during her final year at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Originally on the path to becoming a physical therapist, she realized how beneficial acupuncture is during the road to recovery from any injury, trauma, or chronic condition. After experiencing how much acupuncture helped her during a long recovery of her own medical journey, she wanted to be able to provide the same relief and comfort for as many people as possible.
While in school, she had a strong interest in orthopedic style acupuncture and completed many courses focusing on additional points specific to helping with pain management. Kylie graduated with her Masters in Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture and is a Diplomat of Acupuncture granted by the Nation Certification Committee for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
In her spare time, Kylie enjoys traveling somewhere new in the world or spending time with her beloved dog.
Licensed Acupuncturist
Kylie’s passion for helping others started over 15 years ago when she experienced first-hand how important a holistic approach to healing is. She realized she had a passion for acupuncture during her final year at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Originally on the path to becoming a physical therapist, she realized how beneficial acupuncture is during the road to recovery from any injury, trauma, or chronic condition. After experiencing how much acupuncture helped her during a long recovery of her own medical journey, she wanted to be able to provide the same relief and comfort for as many people as possible.
While in school, she had a strong interest in orthopedic style acupuncture and completed many courses focusing on additional points specific to helping with pain management. Kylie graduated with her Masters in Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture and is a Diplomat of Acupuncture granted by the Nation Certification Committee for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
In her spare time, Kylie enjoys traveling somewhere new in the world or spending time with her beloved dog.
Tess Bois
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Tess has been an Acupuncturist & Herbalist licensed since 2000. As former owner of One World Acupuncture for 15 years she has given many thousands of successful acupuncture treatments and prescribed hundreds of herbal formulas for joint pain, migraines, menstrual dysregulation, fertility, gastro-intestinal problems, vertigo, hypertension, mental health and others.
She learned about Traditional Chinese medicine from Chinese practitioners treating road workers in the north région of Benin, a country located in West Africa where she served as a Peace Corps volunteer. It was there that they treated her for an intestinal disorder from which she was greatly helped. It’s been a long and fruitful journey since first experiencing acupuncture in 1987, then becoming an acupuncturist in the Bay Area of California in 2000, owning and working for a few acupuncture practices since then,
Now as she transitions from being a business owner, to working here at Open Circle, she's excited about having the privilège of assisting the lovely Community of Northborough with keeping its citizens healthy. Since her style of practice is similar to that used at Open Circle, it makes fitting in all the easier for both clients, staff and her as well. Let’s do some healing together!
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Tess has been an Acupuncturist & Herbalist licensed since 2000. As former owner of One World Acupuncture for 15 years she has given many thousands of successful acupuncture treatments and prescribed hundreds of herbal formulas for joint pain, migraines, menstrual dysregulation, fertility, gastro-intestinal problems, vertigo, hypertension, mental health and others.
She learned about Traditional Chinese medicine from Chinese practitioners treating road workers in the north région of Benin, a country located in West Africa where she served as a Peace Corps volunteer. It was there that they treated her for an intestinal disorder from which she was greatly helped. It’s been a long and fruitful journey since first experiencing acupuncture in 1987, then becoming an acupuncturist in the Bay Area of California in 2000, owning and working for a few acupuncture practices since then,
Now as she transitions from being a business owner, to working here at Open Circle, she's excited about having the privilège of assisting the lovely Community of Northborough with keeping its citizens healthy. Since her style of practice is similar to that used at Open Circle, it makes fitting in all the easier for both clients, staff and her as well. Let’s do some healing together!
Michele Roy
Licensed Acupuncturist
Michele has worked in a healthcare setting most of her life. Her first full time job was as a unit secretary in an ICU at UMass Memorial Healthcare. However, it was working as a chiropractic assistant in the late 1980's that gave her the first experience of hands on patient care and the satisfaction of seeing people get relief from pain and decreased mobility. This was the experience that led her on the path of becoming a practitioner of a complimentary medicine.
Michele began her education with a BS in Psychology and Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston in 1997 and continued on to graduate with a Master of Acupuncture degree from the New England School of Acupuncture, Watertown in 2000. She is also NCCAOM Board certified Diplomate of Acupuncture. Michele started her acupuncture practice as owner/acupuncturist of The Acupuncture Center in Worcester & West Boylston for 16 years. In 2016 she transitioned to a part-time practice for 3 years, sharing space with a colleague in Holden prior to moving to Arizona for the past 6 years. In Arizona, she once again worked along side a chiropractor and PA treating an array of musculoskeletal issues from sports injuries to automobile accident injuries to arthritis.
Michele has completed many years of advanced study with Kiiko Matsumoto and more recently many hours of continuing education with Whitfield Reaves, a renowned sports medicine acupuncturist. Michele’s passion is to help people decrease pain, increase mobility, and maximize their quality of life!!
Michele is an avid painter in oils and watercolor. She also cherishes her weekly Svaroopa Yoga classes and spending time taking long walks and visiting the dog park with her bestie, a Mini Schnauzer named Jack.
Licensed Acupuncturist
Michele has worked in a healthcare setting most of her life. Her first full time job was as a unit secretary in an ICU at UMass Memorial Healthcare. However, it was working as a chiropractic assistant in the late 1980's that gave her the first experience of hands on patient care and the satisfaction of seeing people get relief from pain and decreased mobility. This was the experience that led her on the path of becoming a practitioner of a complimentary medicine.
Michele began her education with a BS in Psychology and Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston in 1997 and continued on to graduate with a Master of Acupuncture degree from the New England School of Acupuncture, Watertown in 2000. She is also NCCAOM Board certified Diplomate of Acupuncture. Michele started her acupuncture practice as owner/acupuncturist of The Acupuncture Center in Worcester & West Boylston for 16 years. In 2016 she transitioned to a part-time practice for 3 years, sharing space with a colleague in Holden prior to moving to Arizona for the past 6 years. In Arizona, she once again worked along side a chiropractor and PA treating an array of musculoskeletal issues from sports injuries to automobile accident injuries to arthritis.
Michele has completed many years of advanced study with Kiiko Matsumoto and more recently many hours of continuing education with Whitfield Reaves, a renowned sports medicine acupuncturist. Michele’s passion is to help people decrease pain, increase mobility, and maximize their quality of life!!
Michele is an avid painter in oils and watercolor. She also cherishes her weekly Svaroopa Yoga classes and spending time taking long walks and visiting the dog park with her bestie, a Mini Schnauzer named Jack.
Lisa Carpino
Front Desk Administrative Assistant
Lisa’s path to Open Circle Acupuncture emerged after the completion of a 4-year hiatus
from higher education to help raise her young grandsons. With a background that
includes teaching in the fields of psychology and health, Lisa brings strong interpersonal
skills to the position of front office assistant.
Having spent many years working while raising a family, Lisa understands the demands
of a busy schedule and the importance of finding work/life balance. During her years of
teaching, Lisa spent much time working with students to develop academic schedules
that would meet program requirements as well as complement their otherwise very busy
lives.
Lisa quickly realized that listening to a student’s needs was an important first step
in helping them to achieve success. She brings the same care and attention to the position of front office assistant. In 2018, Lisa achieved Master’s level certification in the Usui System of Reiki Healing. She has always had a keen interest in energy healing and has worked as a volunteer Reiki practitioner in a hospital setting. In addition, she practices self-Reiki for relaxation.
The mission and culture at Open Circle Acupuncture and Healing resonates with Lisa’s views on lifestyle and wellness. The opportunity to work in an energy healing environment allows Lisa to bring her professionalism and wellness philosophy to the
clinic.
Lisa is a mom and stepmom to four grown children and has two grandsons. In addition to keeping up with her family, Lisa enjoys yoga, cooking, gardening, and feeding hummingbirds. She lives in Auburn with her husband Shashi
Front Desk Administrative Assistant
Lisa’s path to Open Circle Acupuncture emerged after the completion of a 4-year hiatus
from higher education to help raise her young grandsons. With a background that
includes teaching in the fields of psychology and health, Lisa brings strong interpersonal
skills to the position of front office assistant.
Having spent many years working while raising a family, Lisa understands the demands
of a busy schedule and the importance of finding work/life balance. During her years of
teaching, Lisa spent much time working with students to develop academic schedules
that would meet program requirements as well as complement their otherwise very busy
lives.
Lisa quickly realized that listening to a student’s needs was an important first step
in helping them to achieve success. She brings the same care and attention to the position of front office assistant. In 2018, Lisa achieved Master’s level certification in the Usui System of Reiki Healing. She has always had a keen interest in energy healing and has worked as a volunteer Reiki practitioner in a hospital setting. In addition, she practices self-Reiki for relaxation.
The mission and culture at Open Circle Acupuncture and Healing resonates with Lisa’s views on lifestyle and wellness. The opportunity to work in an energy healing environment allows Lisa to bring her professionalism and wellness philosophy to the
clinic.
Lisa is a mom and stepmom to four grown children and has two grandsons. In addition to keeping up with her family, Lisa enjoys yoga, cooking, gardening, and feeding hummingbirds. She lives in Auburn with her husband Shashi
