Leading Ladies: Sherri Newman and Michelle Smith

Story by Amelia Bowen

At R+ Med Spa, caring for the whole person means recognizing that wellness rarely comes from a single approach. For Nurse Practitioner Sherri Newman and Acupuncturist Michelle Smith, that philosophy takes different forms, but their work is connected by a shared desire to help people feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. For Sherri, healthcare was the plan from an early age. When her father underwent open heart surgery when she was 14, watching what he experienced inspired her to pursue nursing. A Bowling Green native, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Kentucky University. Today, she sees leadership as advocacy, listening to clients and giving voice to needs that can too easily go unheard. Her own experience with menopause has deepened that commitment, particularly her focus on women’s health and hormone replacement therapy. A breast cancer survivor herself, Sherri brings personal perspective to conversations about health, change and perseverance. She credits her sister ,also a nurse, with helping shape her path and hopes to offer that same support to women coming behind her. Michelle’s path to acupuncture grew from both professional experience and personal success with the practice. While working in an operating room with the military, primarily in orthopedics, she saw a need for greater support before and after procedures. After experiencing the benefits of acupuncture herself, she pursued a master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, building on bachelor’s degrees in psychology and health science. What Michelle loves most is acupuncture’s adaptability. No two days or visits are exactly alike, requiring her to ebb and flow with each person and what they need in that moment. Earning her master’s while living away from family and friends challenged her, but mentors including acupuncturist Larissa Stewart and her mother taught her about balance, support and knowing that not every path is the right one. That individuality is also central to how both women define success. For Michelle, a small win can be every bit as meaningful as a big one because success looks different for each person. For Sherri, meaningful care begins with asking the right questions and making people feel seen and heard. Together at R+ Med Spa, they bring two distinct journeys to one shared purpose: meeting people where they are, advocating for their well being and caring for more than a condition.