About SCCIM
At the South Carolina Center for Integrative Medicine, we believe that optimal health is achieved by blending the best of functional and modern medicine. By integrating advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments with a holistic approach to wellness, we provide a comprehensive healthcare experience tailored to each patient. Our goal is to address not only symptoms but the underlying causes, leveraging functional medicine’s focus on root-cause healing while benefiting from the proven strengths of conventional medical practices.
We view the body as a complex, interconnected system that thrives on balance and care. By combining the insights of functional medicine with the advancements of modern medical science, we can offer a more complete approach to managing and preventing illness. Our team takes the time to understand your health story, using extended appointments to explore how we can best integrate these approaches to guide you toward long-term wellness.
With a commitment to both innovation and tradition, we’re here to support you on your journey to becoming the healthiest, most empowered version of yourself.
Our Story
Our Practitioners
“We're here to empower you to take control of your health.”
Kimberly Shirk,
PA-C
Kimberly Shirk is a dedicated and compassionate Physician Assistant who has been serving patients with a focus on holistic, functional medicine since 2016. She graduated from Saint Francis University in 2008 with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Sciences and has built a diverse career spanning ENT, pediatric urgent care, and functional medicine.
Kim’s passion for functional medicine began after the birth of her first child in 2009. Experiencing the transformative benefits of functional medicine during her second pregnancy deepened her commitment to this approach. Since joining South Carolina Center for Integrative Medicine as one of its first providers, Kim has become a trusted advocate for patients seeking personalized, root-cause-focused care.
Over the years, Kim has been mentored by remarkable supervising physicians and leaders in functional medicine, shaping her into the provider she is today. She is a passionate supporter of medical freedom and the use of nutrition as medicine. Kim has a special interest in helping children with PANS/PANDAS and is committed to supporting families navigating complex pediatric health challenges.
Outside the clinic, Kim treasures time with her husband and their five children. Whether camping on weekends or enjoying family adventures, she values creating meaningful moments together.
Kim is grateful to serve the greater Columbia community and looks forward to continuing her work at South Carolina Center for Integrative Medicine, helping patients achieve their best health and thrive in all aspects of life.
Mary Elaine Boswell,
CPNP-PC
Mary Elaine “Lainie” Boswell (formerly Mary Elaine Hyman) grew up at the beach in Jacksonville, Florida, where she believes her love of natural medicine began; there are few issues that a little salt air cannot help relieve.
Mary Elaine went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion from the University of Georgia. Shortly after, she attended an RN/MSN graduate program at Vanderbilt University, ultimately earning her master’s degree in Pediatric Primary Care.
Mary Elaine started her career in 2017 and quickly discovered that the traditional medical system did not allot the time or resources to address many root causes of disease and discomfort. Dozens of children she worked with were experiencing chronic issues that were often bandaged with a prescription rather than corrected. This never sat well with Mary Elaine. Simultaneously, she was experiencing health concerns of her own, which led her to explore functional medicine for herself. She knew this was the missing piece to her career in pediatrics and preventative medicine.
Mary Elaine moved across the country with her husband, Bo, who is an officer in the U.S. Air Force. When his career brought them to Columbia in January 2020, she was determined to find a practice that pushed conventional boundaries and fostered her motivation for true disease prevention and holistic wellbeing. She is grateful to have landed at SCCIM, where individualistic care is valued and health means far more than just the absence of disease. She is inspired by each of the families she has met and looks forward to working with many more. She is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s growth, development, and wellness, as she helps you navigate the world they are growing up in together.
Dr. Ruby Albert,
MD
Meet Dr. Ruby Albert, our esteemed pediatrician specializing in a functional and holistic approach to healthcare. Dr. Albert earned her medical degree from UERMMC before embarking on her journey into the world of medicine. While her initial focus was on traditional pediatric care, it was during her tenure at her previous practice where she began to explore the principles of functional medicine.
Driven by a deep-rooted belief in understanding the root causes of illness and disease, Dr. Albert decided to transition her practice towards a more holistic approach. With 24 years of experience under her belt, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team, combining her traditional medical training with a newfound passion for functional medicine.
When she's not in the office, Dr. Albert finds joy in spending time with her family. She shares her life with her husband Jimmy and their four wonderful daughters: Lilly, Elle, Sophie, and Catie. Family is at the core of everything she does, and she cherishes the moments spent nurturing and supporting her loved ones.
Outside of her medical practice and family life, Dr. Albert finds solace and community within her church, Our Lady of the Lake. She is an active participant in the choir, where she channels her love for music and spirituality through the timeless tradition of Gregorian chant.
Dr. Ruby Albert embodies the epitome of compassionate care, blending her expertise in pediatrics with a holistic approach rooted in the belief of the body's natural healing abilities. With her unwavering dedication to her patients and her community, she continues to make a profound impact on the lives she touches.
Sara Williamson,
CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
Sara is a dedicated holistic health coach with a deep commitment to well-being and nutrition. As a wife to retired military service member Jason and a mother to her two children, Luke and Aslynn, her family shares a love for the outdoors, often hiking, camping, fishing, and traveling together.
Sara’s passion for nutrition and wellness began with her own transformative journey. Through lifestyle improvements, she experienced remarkable positive changes that now inspire her holistic approach to health. Originally from Nashville, TN, Sara started her career as a paramedic, finding fulfillment in serving her community and supporting patients during challenging times. Her time in emergency medical services provided invaluable experience that she now uses as a health coach to offer empathetic and comprehensive care.
She relocated to Columbia due to her husband's military service, and her family decided to settle there permanently after his retirement. A pivotal moment in her journey came when she faced her own health struggles and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Frustrated by the limitations of conventional medicine, she sought an alternative path. Declining pharmaceutical interventions, she discovered the South Carolina Center for Integrative Medicine.
At SCCIM, Sara embraced holistic practices, transforming her health through dietary adjustments, mindful movement, and targeted supplements that facilitated her body’s natural healing processes. Her triumphant journey ignited a passion to guide others on a similar path, empowering them to achieve balance in their lives and bodies through the healing power of nourishing foods.
Inspired by Hippocrates’ words, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” Sara channels her passion, knowledge, and personal experience to help individuals find harmony and vitality through holistic health practices. Connect with Sara to embark on your journey towards holistic wellness, where nourishment and balance converge to foster lasting vitality.
Maegan Ransome,
FNP, IFM-CP
Maegan Ransome is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, bringing her extensive knowledge and experience to SCCIM. Originally from Bedford, Virginia, she earned her Master of Nursing from Radford University, focusing on the effects of a low-inflammatory diet on autoimmune diseases. She also holds a Functional Medicine certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine and degrees in Public Health, Nursing, and Health Sciences.
Maegan's professional journey includes a robust background in emergency medicine, with eight years in the ER and five as a traveling nurse. Her military service as a medic in the Air Force, where she was awarded Medic of the Year in 2010, further highlights her dedication and expertise.
Her personal health journey ignited a passion for functional medicine. After struggling with chronic health issues during her active duty in Korea, she found healing through functional medicine, inspiring her to specialize in this field. Maegan is particularly passionate about gut health, autoimmune disorders, and reducing toxic load in the body.
Maegan believes in addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms, providing comprehensive and individualized care.
Outside of work, Maegan enjoys outdoor activities, kayaking, beach trips, and spending time with animals—a reflection of her upbringing on a farm. She is excited to join Epic Health and looks forward to meeting and working with everyone. Her commitment to holistic and integrative medicine aligns perfectly with SCCIM's values, and she is eager to contribute to the well-being of the community.
Lacey McKeowen,
CPNP
Lacey McKeowen grew up in the small town of Elloree, South Carolina, where her passion for pediatrics took root early on. From a young age, she dreamed of a career dedicated to helping children thrive, a path she has pursued with commitment and heart.
Lacey earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in 2010, followed by her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2014. She went on to achieve her Master’s in Pediatric Primary Care from the University of South Alabama in 2016. Her 14 years as a pediatric RN and 8 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care pediatrics have provided her with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges families face.
Over the years, Lacey noticed a recurring issue in traditional medicine: patients with chronic conditions like autism, ADHD, and mental health disorders were often treated with surface-level solutions, leaving underlying causes unaddressed. This realization, combined with personal experiences supporting family members—particularly her mother—through autoimmune diagnoses, inspired her to explore functional medicine. She has long believed that true healing begins with the mind and that nutrition, exercise, and total body health are essential to wellness.
The pandemic reinforced her decision to transition away from conventional care. Witnessing the focus shift to patient numbers rather than individualized care left her burned out but determined to find a better way to serve families. At SCCIM, Lacey has found a practice that aligns with her philosophy of addressing root causes and empowering patients to achieve holistic health.
Outside of work, Lacey cherishes time with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, their two boys, and their Boykin Spaniel puppy. As a family, they love spending weekends at the lake, where laughter and togetherness fuel their joy. Lacey also enjoys photography, capturing life’s moments both big and small.
She is honored to bring her passion for pediatrics, mental health, and whole-body wellness to SCCIM and looks forward to partnering with families to create lasting health for the next generation.
Amy Derry,
MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Amy Derry is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a deep passion for functional medicine and a focus on uncovering root causes to support optimal health and wellness. Originally from Chicago, Amy’s journey brought her to Columbia, SC, in 2009 through her husband Mike’s service in the U.S. Army.
Amy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana University and Purdue University at Indianapolis in 2005, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis in public health from Grand Canyon University in 2017. She completed her Family Nurse Practitioner certification at the University of South Carolina, combining her clinical expertise with a passion for personalized care.
Amy’s professional background includes a wide range of nursing roles, from OB/GYN and pediatrics to maternal-newborn care and school nursing. Her personal journey as a mother navigating her son’s health challenges—autism and chronic illness—was transformative, leading her to functional medicine after conventional approaches fell short. This experience fuels her passion for helping others with complex health needs, particularly in areas like autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and PANS/PANDAS.
Amy is also a lactation expert and plans to expand services in this area soon, continuing her commitment to supporting families at every stage of life.
Outside of her work, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband of 21 years and their four children. Whether cheering on her kids at athletic events, exploring the outdoors, or cooking healthy meals, she prioritizes family connection and wellness. Amy also loves her family’s pets—three dogs and a bearded dragon—and the joy they bring to daily life.
Amy is thrilled to bring her expertise and personal understanding to South Carolina Center for Integrative Medicine, where she looks forward to walking alongside patients on their journey to better health.
“We’ll help guide you on your individual healthcare journey in a family oriented culture.”
