Meet the team at Balanced Thistle
Sara Bates, L.Ac.
MAcOM, L.Ac., Doula
Sara earned a Master's in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAcOM) from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2012 following a bachelor's degree in Zoology from Miami University. Sara went on to practice in Nashville, TN for 3 years with the mentorship of a fertility specialist who helped fast track her understanding of combining traditional Chinese medicine in all things reproductive health. Immersed in fertility and women’s health cases, Sara went on to purse a Doula certification. In her 15 years of clinical practice, Sara has pursued considerable focused training in fertility, endometriosis, PMOS, peri menopause/menopause, and labor/birth prep. With the addition of functional medicine to her care 5 years ago, Sara feels she has finally found a good balance of East meets West.
Sara has always described herself as a scientist at heart and likes a systematic approach to treatment, carefully considering the most sustainable, effective and streamlined recommendations so her patients have clear achievable steps to meet their health goals.
Sara’s approach to care is gentle and rooted in really hearing her patients. She brings a good dose of honesty and sass, informed by good research AND intuition. She believes that her patients know their bodies better than anyone else and that when they have all the tools needed to heal, they will!
Sara joined Balanced Thistle in 2021 while she and Dr. M were both pregnant with their first babies. After swapping maternity leaves (a couple times), Sara settled in and loves working as part of a team of women and other moms in a similar stage of life- finding joy and fulfillment in both part time work and family time. When Sara isn’t at work, she can be found adventuring outside with her two boys and husband, cooking and practicing yoga. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with an expected completion date in mid 2027.
Brooke Wells Recchia, L.Ac.
M.S.O.M.
Brooke is a northern Colorado native who loves paddle boarding, wind chimes, cooking healthy meals with her three boys, and going on adventures with her family! She embarked on her journey in healthcare by earning a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Northern Colorado. Initially drawn to acupuncture as a way to treat sports injuries, Brooke discovered a profound passion for the women’s health field during her studies at Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, where she also served as the student body president. While adept at addressing sports injuries, Brooke found her true calling in women's health and supporting women. Through her own struggle with fertility, she experienced firsthand the transformative power of a holistic approach that combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary advice, and functional medicine. This personal experience ignited a deep passion within her, leading her to dedicate her life to helping both men and women balance their hormones, regulate their natural cycles, achieve emotional balance, and detoxify from environmental chemicals. With a firm belief in healing the body through natural means, Brooke strives to support her clients in all areas of life. Her expertise and specialization in women's health have empowered her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients.
Dr. meghan gray peckinpaugh, l.ac.
dacm, mshnfm, functional nutritionist
Dr. Meghan earned her Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Southern California University of Health Sciences with a concentration in nutrition and holds a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States.
Dr. Meghan has been in blessed with a very busy nine years of clinical practice and founded Balanced Thistle in 2019. She’s so grateful to have filled this clinic with an array of highly skilled and passionate providers to bring every patient the power of team work (no one can know it all!).
After navigating her own struggles with autoimmunity, Dr. Meghan originally imagined dedicating her career to gut health. Instead, she discovered her true passion in hormone health and fertility, which have become the focus of her continued education and clinical practice. She loves supporting women through every stage of life, from the onset of menstruation through the many years beyond menopause. She also enjoys working with men, recognizing that they are often offered surprisingly few holistic options for their own hormone health. She particularly loves working with fertility, PMOS/PCOS, endo, and the frustrating experience that is peri-menopause and menopause.
Dr. Meghan genuinely loves what she does and feels fortunate to spend her days helping patients find realistic, sustainable solutions to their health concerns. Her approach combines clinical knowledge with kind honesty, a little tough love if needed, and always an empathetic ear. She loves blending modern evidence-based science and nutrition with the ancient wisdom and just a little "woo" of classical Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
When not at work, Dr. M can be found reading a book, whipping up a one pan dinner with her hubby sous chef, or hunting dinosaurs in her home state with her three and five year old.
Riley amber, l.e.
Riley is a licensed esthetician, skincare enthusiast and someone who truly believes in the power of self-care, inside and out.
Born and raised in sunny California, I've always had a deep love for wellness, nature and nurturing others. My love for travel has taken me across many states, but I have called Colorado my home for the past four years. I live here with my amazing man of seven years and our lively bunch of animals - life on our small homestead is full of joy, muddy boots and lots of love.
When I am not in the treatment room, you'll find me cooking, creating tonics and syrups, working out, tending to the garden or animals, or just soaking in the beauty of simple living. I have a passion for creating and spreading light and encouraging others to live their best, most authentic life.
I carry that same heart into every service I offer. In my practice, my goal is to create a wholesome space where you feel cared for, and confident. Whether you're coming in for a facial, or a moment of peace, I'm here to support your journey with genuine love and care.
When you visit, expect more than just great skin - you'll leave feeling refreshed, confident and truly cared for. Thank you for being here - I can't wait to be a part of your self-care routine.
Schedule Your First Appointment and Meet the Balanced Thistle Practitioners
Featured in Voyage Denver and with Dao Labs regarding Clean Beauty and Autoimmune Disease
