Natalie Maddox Rougie, DACM, Dipl OM, NCPT

I grew up with a passion for the performing arts, studying dance from a young age.  It is without a doubt the defining force and common theme, which brought about a lot of my life experiences. As a teenager I danced professionally with a small performance company in South Jersey, throughout the greater Philadelphia area, and New York City. Dancing provided me an outlet for expression, built my character and strength, and taught me why optimal health is so important.  

Dancing also exposed me to both acupuncture and Pilates. Acupuncture helped address some dance related issues and while in college, Pilates played a part in my ballet training. Being able to personally experience the benefits of these two practices, I decided to explore the possibilities of combining these disciplines and build a career path that would continue to help others. 

​In 1996, I attended Jacksonville University where I was pursuing a double major in biology and dance. I then transferred to the University of South Florida two years later, and decided to follow a pre-med path while simply taking classes at the dance department instead of completing a major. After graduating in December 2000 with degrees in Chemistry and Biology, I spent two years working as a cytogenetic technologist with Genzyme Genetics before starting a Masters degree program in Chinese Medicine at the East West College of Natural Medicine in Sarasota Florida.  While studying, I spent three seasons with the NFL as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader and completed a six-month Pilates certification with Polestar Pilates in the fall of 2005 and later becoming a nationally certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT).  Upon graduation in February 2006, I became a licensed Diplomat of Oriental Medicine through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which encompasses Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology.  Early in practice, I was located inside a charmingly historic victorian home located on Palm Avenue, hence the name.  It was there that I began to integrate the modalities of acupuncture and Pilates.  Years later I moved my practice to its current location, an equally charming 100 year old historic bungalow in Hyde Park.  Most recently, in 2021, I obtained my Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Health Sciences.  During this program, I took a very deep dive into the mechanisms of action of both acupuncture and Pilates as an integrative treatment strategy for musculoskeletal conditions, the pharmacology of Chinese herbal medicine to treat infectious diseases, current public health struggles that could improve greatly with the integration of acupuncture, and the functional approach to lab testing using nutraceuticals, herbs, and acupuncture in treatment.

​As both the owner and lead acupuncturist I have dedicated my energy in growing and evolving Palm Wellness into a space of serenity, empowerment, and positivity.  I enjoy treating a wide variety of patients including professional athletes, weekend warriors, fertility cases, and  hard working individuals in need of a little TLC. My vision for natural healing and integration of the mind, body, and spirit are the foundations of Palm Wellness.  

Jessica Ciallella 

In most cases, Jessica’s smiling face will greet you as you walk through the door. With a calm and friendly nature, she will help facilitate the smooth transition from checking in to making future appointments. Through quick communication or friendly conversation, she plays a fundamental role in ensuring you receive that individual attention Palm Wellness is known for.  As an acupuncture student at the East West College of Natural Medicine pursuing a master's degree in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture, Jessica is completing her clinical internship here at Palm Wellness, graduating in the Spring of 2022.