Alisyn Benkowski, L.Ac., M.S., is a licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Kinesiology. Her work is rooted in an integrative approach that weaves together acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, sound healing, and movement-based therapies to support the body’s innate wisdom and capacity to heal.
After breaking her back as a gymnast, Alisyn’s healing journey led her to yoga, where she experienced profound physical and emotional transformation. This path opened the door to sound healing and ultimately Chinese medicine, shaping her belief that while movement restores the body, deeper healing unfolds when the nervous system and spirit are supported.
Alisyn holds a special place in her practice for supporting women through fertility, pregnancy and the many transitions of womanhood. Outside of the clinic, she is a mother of two and finds deep nourishment in farming, ancestral living, and life outdoors. She is honored to walk alongside patients as they reconnect with their own inner light.
“A happy and healthy community is not a fairytale. All you need is a seed.”
— NADIA Shabazz, FOUNDER
Shabazz had to extend the garden to her front lawn but even then, it wasn’t enough to feed all who wanted to be involved. With neighbors January Blum and Lucas Dupont, Shabazz found a large vacant lot on Main Street and secured it as a farming cooperative. Word about Project Sprout spread throughout Kent County, so the team was invited to help start other community gardens.
Our Mission
Kent County is one of the most severely underserved communities in Tennessee. To combat this adversity, Project Sprout seeks to nourish our neighbors at the most fundamental level with healthy food options and a strong support network. All members get a portion of each harvest and surpluses are donated to low-income families whose work schedules prevent them from volunteering.
With ten gardens and counting, Project Sprout has seen a significant improvement in mental and physical health for all participating community members. Other than lowering obesity, blood pressure, and depression rates, the crime rate has also fallen. Our children are doing better in school, reporting higher grades and aspirations, and better job prospects.
Get Involved
If you live near one of our gardens, get involved to receive portions of each harvest. We accept volunteers regardless of skill level. There is a rotation in roles, but we’ll teach you all the skills you need to know. Teenagers 14 years and older can earn community service credits for school in addition to getting produce for their families. Donations are also vital to our growth, as we use them for seed, fertilizer, tools, and outreach.