Gwen Thomas has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area for 10 years. She brings her prior career as a surgical nurse to the natural healing approach of traditional Chinese medicine; offering blood and diagnostic review to treat conditions with nutrition, herbs and acupuncture.

“I feel so privileged to be in the position, for the rest of my life, to help others. The best part of my job is being able to help people truly heal. Most people, to some degree, are in some level of pain, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. My goal as a provider is not only to treat symptoms, but more importantly to treat the root causes of those symptoms to help people truly be well and live vibrantly. That’s what wellness is, and that’s what I love to help others achieve.”

When Melinda is not treating patients, you will most likely find her in the ocean with her family on the Seacoast of NH. Melinda is an avid surfer (yes, even during the New England winters!), certified yoga teacher, and lifelong athlete. She possesses an innate appreciation of the importance of developing and maintaining a strong and healthy body and mind.

As a licensed Acupuncturist, Melinda blends the best of both eastern and western medicine. In addition to her education and clinical experience, Melinda spent over a decade training doctors in medical devices and robotic surgical technology. As a result, she has an excellent foundation and appreciation for western medicine, while recognizing the importance of comprehensive, integrative care for patients. Compelled by helping others, she made the decision to leave her career and become a healthcare provider herself. Melinda chose the field of Acupuncture because it gives her the unique opportunity to provide personalized, holistic, patient-centered care.

Melinda Ferreira is a nationally board-certified Diplomate of Acupuncture, and is licensed to practice in the state of NH. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters Degree in Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture at MCPHS University. During her 3 years of training, she completed clinical internships at Massachusetts General Hospital, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Cambridge Health Alliance, MCPHS University, and Element Care Senior Clinic. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.

Shannon Caperton, L.Ac was inspired to become an acupuncturist after witnessing the power of this type of medicine. It improved the health of family members struggling with health issues and who were bereft of relief using standard medical care.

She attended graduate school at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago where she earned her Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine. During her time in Chicago she was privileged to work in underserved communities at the Project Vida clinic in the Little Villages neighborhood on the city’s west side, as well as at Chicago Women's Health Center. In addition to these experiences, she worked extensively in the school’s student clinic, which prepared her for working with a diverse population and gave her the experience to treat a wide variety of disorders.

Shannon is nationally certified by the NCCAOM, as well as licensed by the Ohio Medical Board.

RUHE Fertility + Prenatal Acupuncture, founded by Ivelisse DeJongh, AP, FABORM, offers integrative fertility and prenatal care in Trumbull, Connecticut. Ivelisse is a licensed and board-certified Acupuncture Physician in both Florida and Connecticut with more than 17 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and Psychology, a Master’s in Oriental Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM).

Her journey began in Miami in 2009, where she opened her first practice treating general wellness, pain management, weight loss, cosmetic acupuncture, and men’s and women’s health. Over time, her passion for fertility medicine grew, and her clinic evolved into RUHE Fertility + Prenatal, a dedicated space for women and couples seeking support on their path to conception, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. After more than a decade in Miami, Ivelisse relocated with her family to Trumbull, CT, bringing her expertise and compassionate approach to the local community.

RUHE’s philosophy combines the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern integrative therapies. Each treatment plan is personalized, targeting the root causes of imbalance while supporting the emotional and physical aspects of the fertility and pregnancy journey.

Specialties and Services Include:

• Fertility Support: Natural fertility enhancement, fertility coaching, and support before, during, and after IVF or IUI cycles.
• Prenatal and Postpartum Care: Acupuncture and holistic therapies to ease symptoms, prepare for birth, support healthy pregnancies, and restore balance postpartum.
• Advanced Therapies: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), infrared therapy, and ozone therapy to improve circulation, egg quality, implantation, hormonal balance, and overall reproductive health.
• Holistic Modalities: Customized herbal medicine, energy-based healing (Body Intuitive), nutrition and supplement planning, functional lab review, stress reduction, and lifestyle guidance.

Conditions and Concerns Addressed:

• Irregular cycles, hormone imbalances, PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids
• Unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage
• IVF/IUI preparation, implantation support, and improved outcomes
• Pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, back pain, anxiety, insomnia, and heartburn
• Postpartum recovery and emotional well-being

Patients describe RUHE as a calming, supportive environment where they feel guided and cared for every step of the way. Many share stories of successful conception, smoother pregnancies, and restored confidence after years of struggle. Ivelisse’s patients often highlight her deep knowledge, compassionate approach, and ability to explain complex fertility challenges with clarity and hope.

Whether you are just beginning your fertility journey, seeking integrative support alongside reproductive medicine, or preparing for a healthy pregnancy and birth, RUHE Fertility + Prenatal Acupuncture in Trumbull, CT provides expert, compassionate care tailored to your unique path.