About
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Our Clinic
At Lowcountry Wellness Center, we provide affordable, integrative healthcare through the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model—serving Charleston and surrounding communities with heart and purpose. Our approach blends holistic and functional medicine to treat the whole person, not just symptoms—whether you're managing chronic illness or simply seeking to stay well.
Led by Dr. Penni Vachon, APRN, our compassionate team includes Family Nurse Practitioners Allison Kinghorn, FNP-C and Stella Shifrin-Tatesure, FNP-BC. Together, we offer personalized, team-based care designed to support your long-term health and healing journey.
Conveniently located in West Ashley, our center is easily accessible from North Charleston, Summerville, James Island, Johns Island, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, and beyond.
We’re also partnering with local businesses to bring the benefits of Direct Primary Care to their teams. If you're an employer looking to offer your staff accessible, relationship-based healthcare without the red tape—we’d love to connect.
Here for You
At our office, we are passionately dedicated to providing you with top-quality services that are designed to ensure you leave feeling in better health than when you arrived, with a wider range of health options to choose from. Our collaborative and cooperative approach guarantees that you receive the finest care tailored to your specific needs, as we strive to deliver an experience that exceeds your expectations and enhances your overall well-being. With our commitment to excellence and personalized care, we are here to support you in achieving your health and wellness goals.
Meet the Team at Lowcountry Wellness Center, LLC
Every member of our team is here to support you and we have made it our mission to make high-quality healthcare affordable for all.
Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Hey there! I'm Dr. Penni Vachon, APRN, ANP-BC, the driving force behind our Nurse Practitioner team.
My journey in nursing began back in 2004 when I graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from the New Hampshire Technical Institute. Over the years, I've continued to advance my knowledge, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2009 from Excelsior College, and in 2010, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). I didn't stop there; I returned to UAB and completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in 2017. I'm proud to hold board certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
In August 2017, I embarked on an exciting journey by opening the Lowcountry Wellness Center, LLC. My passion lies in nursing, nurturing, and a holistic approach to healthcare. As someone who has battled autoimmune and Chronic Lyme disease, I'm dedicated to helping patients enhance their quality of life. I firmly believe in identifying and treating the root causes of health issues, just as I would for my own family – with care and kindness.
My spiritual journey took a turn in 2019 when I became a Reiki practitioner, training under Kris Pratt and Keely Nichols. This led to my creation of the PEACE Center for Healing, LLC in July 2022. Here, I offer Reiki services and Transpersonal & Trauma Healing Hypnosis (TTHH), a powerful method to help clients heal and grow on all levels – mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Beyond my clinical work, I'm an active member of several nursing organizations, including the Lowcountry Advanced Practice Nurses, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Association, and the South Carolina Nurses Association. I've had the privilege of teaching classes on pain management and orthopedics at nurse practitioner conventions and mentoring nursing students from various schools.
On a personal note, I've been married to my high school sweetheart since I was 18, and we have three wonderful daughters and two grandchildren. My family is deeply involved in various ventures, including my co-ownership of Bra Emporium LLC, a company that provides comfortable and affordable bras for women with unique sizes.
I'm also a proud cat lover, and our home is filled with the joyful presence of our four furry companions: Blossom, Bronco, Callie, and Daisy.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like to explore the holistic approach to your health. Looking forward to connecting with you!
Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Hello, I'm Allison Kinghorn, a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. I embarked on my journey in healthcare and recently graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in May 2022 from George Washington University.
What drives me is the opportunity to put into practice all that I've learned, blending my education with past experiences to make a real impact on the lives of individuals in our community. Providing exceptional and patient-centered care is my true calling.
My professional background spans across various areas, including medical-surgical nursing, working on a COVID-19/telemetry unit, and managing outpatient wound care. These diverse experiences have shaped me into the caring and compassionate healthcare provider that I am today.
In 2021, I made a life-changing decision to move to the beautiful Charleston area to be closer to my family. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for every moment spent in this welcoming community.
Outside of my healthcare commitments, I treasure my free time. I find joy in spending quality moments with my nieces and nephews, staying active to nurture a healthy lifestyle, and immersing myself in the beauty of nature.
If you're seeking compassionate and skilled healthcare, or if you'd like to chat about the best hiking spots in Charleston, feel free to reach out. I'm here to make a positive difference in your health journey and share some outdoor adventures along the way!
Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Hey there, I'm Stella Shifrin-Tatesure, a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. I proudly earned my MSN from Anderson University in 2022.
What drives me is patient advocacy and serving my community. I firmly believe that healthcare should be personalized and tailored to the individual, as there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach.
My diverse experience spans across various medical fields, including surgery, oncology, urology, trauma, and telemetry. This breadth of knowledge enables me to provide well-rounded care to those I serve.
My journey brought me to Charleston 5 years ago, and I've fallen in love with this vibrant city. In addition to my professional roles, I wear the hats of a devoted wife and a loving mother to two amazing humans and one cherished feline companion.
When I'm not at work, you'll often find me soaking up quality time with my family or nestled in a cozy coffee shop, savoring the simple joys of life.
Feel free to reach out if you're looking for personalized healthcare or simply want to chat over a cup of coffee. I'm here to make your health journey as unique as you are!
As Practice Director at Lowcountry Wellness Center, LLC. Shelby oversees the day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and overall team management that keep the practice running smoothly. With a strong focus on patient experience and team collaboration, she leads initiatives in HR, compliance, billing, onboarding, and long-term growth planning.
With a passion for creating an organized, welcoming environment, Shelby ensures that both patients and staff feel supported every step of the way. She brings 6 years of experience in healthcare operations and is committed to making Lowcountry Wellness Center, LLC a trusted and efficient space for care.
Outside of work, Shelby enjoys cherishing quality moments with her family, enjoying a Starbucks coffee, or indulging in some retail therapy at Target (her all-time favorite place!)
Hey there, I'm Ashlee, and I proudly serve as the Registered Nurse at the office.
I've been a Charleston resident since 2009, and I've been on a journey of learning and healing ever since. My nursing career began when I graduated with an Associates Degree in Nursing from Trident Technical College in 2021. Since then, I've been diligently working as a Registered Nurse, bringing my passion for healthcare to life.
Before my nursing career, I spent six rewarding years as a medical assistant in a local Dermatology practice. This experience has enriched my understanding of patient care and the intricacies of healthcare.
Helping people has always been at the core of my purpose, and I've had a deep interest in exploring alternative forms of healing. My commitment to holistic wellness aligns perfectly with the mission of the Lowcountry Wellness Center.
I'm thrilled to be a part of the Lowcountry Wellness Center team, where I can contribute to patients' healing journeys and provide compassionate care.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you're looking for support on your path to wellness. I'm here to help and support you every step of the way!
Hello, I'm Kaitlin! I am your patient coordinator - meaning I am you're go to for all scheduling needs. I can answer about 99% of your questions and that last 1% I'll refer you to Shelby. I've been a part of Lowcountry Wellness Center since the creation of it - my mom is Dr. Penni, APRN. You won't see me in office as I work from home with my two littles.
When I'm not working - you can find me working on my business, Bra Emporium. My mom and I started Bra Emporium as a way for ladies to find comfort and their true bra size. In 2024, we sized 298 ladies and not one person was in the correct size. You can find our store just down the hall in the new office!
