Visana is where women's health finds a home

Barbara Levy, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is a lifelong advocate for advancing the quality of women’s health.   Dr. Levy was in private practice and served as a Medical Director for Women’s and Children’s Services for the Franciscan Health System. She was elected as the first female president of AAGL in 1994-1995. 

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In 2012 Dr. Levy joined the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first full-time woman physician leader. She built a quality, safety and informatics team dedicated to supporting improvement in health care for women. 

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Her research interests span from outcomes research in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to optimizing care for women with chronic pelvic pain.  Her clinical work focused on evidence-based, equitable, comprehensive care for women throughout their life course.

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Dr. Levy graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University. She obtained her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, followed by an internship and residency at the Oregon Health Sciences University.  She currently holds clinical professorships in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and UCSD Health.

Dr. Chardonnay Vance is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician.  She started her career working as a lay midwife, then worked as a research scientist, and now a Primary Care Physician.  She began her medical practice in a small town and shifted into telemedicine over the last few years.

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When the opportunity to be a part of designing and building the next generation of primary care on a national scale through telehealth presented itself, she was excited to play a role in it.  Her mission is to always put the patient first and foremost in every encounter and honor the sacred doctor-patient relationship.  

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In her time away from caring for patients and building better medical tools, she enjoys spending time with her family and neighbors, exploring the outdoors, and breeding a flock of chickens that is laying a rainbow of different-colored and delicious eggs.

Katrina is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner dedicated to decreasing disparities in Women's Health. She received a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Midwifery/Women's Health from Emory University. Additionally, she studied public health to better understand the causes, as well as solutions for the frightening inequalities present in health care. Katrina is an advocate for providing education and respect to women so that they feel empowered to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.

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As a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) warrior herself, she has a special interest in helping other women manage their symptoms with a holistic approach that creates true, sustainable results. She understands the value of cultural practices when making health decisions and has worked with women all over the world, including South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Haiti.

Chelsea is a board-certified health coach through NBC-HW. She previously worked at Noom as a health coach and health coach manager. Prior to that, she worked as a nurse and has always been passionate about wellness and lifestyle medicine.

Chelsea earned her Master’s degree in Health and Wellness Coaching from Maryland University of Integrative Medicine. She is also a certified yoga instructor.

Debra is a dual-certified Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner (WHCNP) andFamily Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Debra completed her WHCNP for UCLA-HarborMedical Center and later her Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Phoenix.Debra has over 26 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner with a primaryfocus on women’s health. Debra has experience in many areas of primarygynecological disorders and specialty concerns, including infertility, endometriosis,peri & post-menopausal care, overactive bladder syndrome, and PolycysticOvary syndrome (PCOS).

As an educational advocate in the community, Debra has worked as an AmericanCancer Association Breast Health Advocate and Instructor, an American CancerSociety Health Disparity ambassador, and worked with the Center for Disease Controland Prevention’s national Well-Woman Program to offer free pap smears andmammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. Debra is an infertility warriorand now a peri-postmenopausal warrior. She has weathered those challenges andseeks to educate others in this area.

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Debra believes proactive health care will help women live longer with minimalhealth challenges. She believes proactive treatment and preventive health canhelp improve health outcomes for women.

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Tasha Thomas is a passionate Certified Nurse Midwife whose journey into women's health began in her childhood. With over 8 years in the field, she skillfully supports her patients' healthcare needs with empathy and understanding, drawing from a foundation of evidence-based practice. Her expertise extends to preconception, postpartum, and gynecological care, reflecting her dedication to comprehensive healthcare for women.

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Having worked in various settings, from inpatient facilities to out-of-hospital environments, Tasha brings a wealth of experience to every interaction. Her goal? To dismantle the taboo surrounding women's health and empower her patients to take charge of their well-being. A graduate of Frontier Nursing University, Tasha considers herself a supportive, patient-focused midwife who is eager to disrupt the status quo. Despite the challenges of being part of an Active Duty military family, juggling deployments, trainings, and relocations, Tasha remains dedicated to her profession.

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Alongside her commitments to healthcare, she is also a devoted mother raising two boys. Through her work at Visana Health, Tasha is breaking down barriers and shaping the future of women's healthcare, one patient at a time.

Kristin has a contagious passion for serving women and creating optimal health outcomes through a personalized and holistic care approach. Her experience includes 3 years in Oncology nursing and over 7 years as a Certified Nurse Midwife. Kristin enhanced her knowledge and expertise with a master’s degree in Women’s Health from Georgetown University.

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What sets Kristin apart is her emphasis on building relationships with her patients based ontrust, compassion, and education. This approach not only fosters better patient outcomes but also empowers women to take charge of their health.

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Her experience spans various settings, from birth centers to hospital environments, where she has provided comprehensive care in maternity and gynecologic health. This breadth of experience equips her to address a wide range of conditions, from polycystic ovarian syndrome to pelvic floor dysfunction, with expertise and empathy.

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Beyond her professional endeavors, Kristin's dedication to her family, her involvement in her church community, and her love for road trips and quality time with her pets showcase her well-rounded nature and her ability to balance her personal and professional life effectively.

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Joining Visana represents a new chapter in Kristin's career, where she can continue her mission of patient-centered care alongside a like-minded team. Her enthusiasm for treating the whole person underscores her commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare to her patients.

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Libby Newsome is a dedicated Certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with a passion for empowering women across their lifespan has more than 30 years of experience caring for women. Originally hailing from Chapel Hill, Libby now proudly calls Greensboro, NC, her home.

With a robust background in healthcare and wellness, Libby's journey began as a professional fitness and lifestyle coach, where she designed tailored programs focusing on individuals struggling with weight management. Her commitment extended beyond the gym walls through community outreach, where she passionately spoke on health, wellness, and longevity.

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Driven by her belief in holistic care, Libby spearheaded a groundbreaking prenatal fitness program at a local hospital and one of Greensboro's largest fitness centers. Inspired by her father, a prominent physician and oncology specialist in Chapel Hill, she learned the invaluable lesson that there's more to a patient than their diagnosis.

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Libby's professional ethos centers around making women feel heard and understood, addressing the unique health challenges they face throughout their lives. Whether guiding expectant mothers through prenatal care or supporting women in navigating complex health issues, she strives to provide compassionate and comprehensive care.

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Beyond her healthcare endeavors, Libby finds joy in her passions for interior design and cooking, often enjoying both alongside friends.

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Heather is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to empowering patients through compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized care. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and brings over 8 years of experience providing reproductive healthcare within major healthcare systems across the West Coast.

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Heather’s expertise includes pregnancy and postpartum care, pre-conception health optimization, fertility and infertility care, management of gynecologic infections and chronic pelvic pain, peri/menopause, and sexual health. She is deeply committed to trauma-informed care and ensuring access to the full range of reproductive care options. As a queer woman, Heather is also passionate about ensuring this care is affirming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ and gender-expansive individuals.

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Heather believes her job as a midwife is to listen deeply, offer accurate information, and serve as a trusted partner and advocate. She takes a holistic approach to care, recognizing that our health is influenced by physical, emotional, historical, and environmental factors. Her goal is to collaborate with patients to develop personalized solutions that align with their unique values and priorities.

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Outside of work, Heather loves exploring the outdoors with her spouse and toddler, listening to podcasts while walking her dog, and relaxing with a good book and a cup of tea.

Caroline is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing high quality, inclusive care to her patients. She received a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Women’s Health from Vanderbilt University. Her interest in women’s health stems from a strong desire to help individuals overcome systemic barriers to reproductive and sexual health services. She specializes in all things women’s health, but has specific experience managing complex gynecologic conditions including endometriosis, pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, and abnormal uterine bleeding.

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She strives to provide women with comprehensive, patient-centered, supportive care allowing her patients to be in control of their health and wellness.
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When not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and golden retriever, Todd, as well as baking and traveling.

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Nicole Shin is a seasoned women's health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience, having graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a focus on empowering women to take control of their health and well-being.

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She has a deep commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to her patients. Throughout her career, Nicole has built a reputation for her dedication to excellence to quality and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of those under her care.

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Nicole's areas of expertise include sexual reproductive health, thyroid management, family planning, and menopause management. She is known for her ability to establish strong, trusting relationships with her patients, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their health journeys.

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Nicole is passionate about patient education and advocacy. She believes in equipping patients with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health, empowering them to lead healthier, happier lives.

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Sasha is a dedicated and pragmatic board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and healthcare leader. She has over a decade of experience in providing high-quality care across complex health systems. Sasha is proficient in telehealth services, advanced gynecological procedures, and quality improvement studies. Her professional interests focus on optimizing reproductive and sexual health. Sasha’s care philosophy centers on building patient relationships through compassion, empathy, and education, with a strong emphasis on cultural competence and representation.

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Sasha holds a master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in healthcare administration from the University of New Haven, blending advanced clinical expertise with strategic administrative skills.

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Always an advocate for patients, Sasha has collaborated with her local organizations to offer free pap smears and breast exams to uninsured and underinsured individuals. She has expanded access to birth control and family planning services and empowered women through quality improvement studies on sexual health counseling.

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Her dedication to clinical excellence is evident in her commitment to staying current with industry trends and advancements. Additionally, she is devoted to providing trauma-informed care, and is thrilled to partner with you in this endeavor. 

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With over 30 years of dedicated experience in women's health, Judy is a compassionate advocate and expert caregiver. Specializing in preventative gynecology, contraception, sexual health, genital dermatology, menopause, PCOS, breast health and cancer, endometriosis, bleeding disorders, PMS, postpartum depression, and urinary stress incontinence, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice.  She is recognized for her empathetic approach and proficiency in educating and supporting women throughout all stages of life.

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Judy has an undergraduate degree from Duke University, followed by nursing and master's degrees from Yale University, where she honed her clinical skills and deepened her passion for women's health.

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Beyond her clinical practice, Judy is committed to education and advocacy, her mission is to empower women to take charge of their health and well-being, equipping them with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions.

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With over 15 years of experience in advanced nursing, Christie is a dedicated Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in peri-operative care, outpatient gynecology, family planning, menopause management, hormone replacement therapy, STI screening and treatment, and trauma informed care. Her career spans across various roles, demonstrating leadership and expertise in both clinical practice and management.

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She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Boston College and a Master of Public Health with a focus on Maternal Child Health from Boston University. She used her foundational public health skills to create a strong pillar in her clinical practice as a Nurse Practitioner.

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Passionate about education and mentorship, Christie enjoys teaching patients about their health, lifestyles, and the importance of what we put in our bodies.

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With a comprehensive background in women's health, crisis management, and functional medicine, Shardai is dedicated to advancing patient care and enhancing patients' confidence, self-esteem, and overall wellness. Her diverse experience includes roles as a Certified Nurse Midwife, Postpartum and Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse, Trauma Registered Nurse, and Crisis Travel Nurse during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.  She is dedicated to evidence-based practice and ensures to deliver the most up-to-date and effective care to patients remotely. 

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As a woman of color, drawing from her own experiences with uterine fibroids and infertility, as well as utilizing the exceptional resources at Visana, she aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help and advocate for their well-being. Shardai is dedicated to dismantling the barriers to mental health support and ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, receives the care and support they deserve.

Dorothy (she/her) is a dual Board-Certified Women's and Adult Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of experience, passionately dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care to women across the lifespan. Dorothy earned her Ph.D. at the University of Utah and holds a Master of Science degree as a Perinatal-Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Health Nurse Practitioner from Stony Brook University. She also has a post-graduate certificate in Bioethics and Medical Humanities from New York University.

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Dorothy’s practice reflects her core values—cultural awareness, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every individual. Her extensive experience spans a range of specialties, including preventative gynecology, preconception counseling, reproductive and sexual health, perimenopause, abnormal uterine bleeding, bone health, and midlife wellness. She is also deeply committed to supporting breast and gynecological cancer survivors in their journey to reconnect with their health and fulfillment.

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As an experienced telehealth provider, Dorothy embraces the power of relationship-based telemedicine, bringing quality care to those who might not otherwise seek medical attention. She believes that healthcare can transcend the need for in-person clinic encounters, making it more accessible and effective for all.

Summer Felcyn-Ghenco is a Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner. She has been a WHNP since 2022 and was an acute care obstetric and postpartum registered nurse for four years. Additionally, Summer was a Certified Health Education Specialist for ten years prior to nursing. She is committed to empowering clients through education and shared decision-making. Raised in a rural community in Honduras, Central America, where medical resources were limited, Summer’s early experiences ignited her passion for quality healthcare access, trauma-informed care, and disease prevention.

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Fluent in Spanish and deeply familiar with Central American culture, Summer brings a valuable approach to her practice. She honors cultural perspectives and invites individuals to incorporate this into their care plan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing. In addition to her clinical instruction, Summer has received specialized training in assisted reproductive technology, enhancing her ability to provide a comprehensive practice. 

Adetowun (Toun) Sogbein is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a foundation in community health. With a bachelor’s degree in community health, nursing and advanced training in nursing, Toun has honed her ability to listen attentively and connect with patients on a deep level, ensuring they feel heard and supported.

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Toun’s diverse experience spans various settings, from public health clinics to remote care, where she has managed a wide range of gynecological and sexual health concerns. Her experience enables her to fill in critical gaps of information, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health. She is dedicated to providing patient-centered care, whether through comprehensive contraceptive counseling, managing the range of simple to complex gynecological conditions, or addressing the unique needs of patients during menopause.

In every interaction, Toun prioritizes creating a safe and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health concerns. Her ability to build trust and provide tailored, compassionate care has made her a trusted provider who consistently delivers high-quality healthcare that meets the unique needs of each patient. 

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Toun's dedication to continuous learning ensures she remains at the forefront of best practices, consistently delivering high-quality healthcare that meets the unique needs of each patient.

Ashley Payne is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC) who offers a holistic and comprehensive approach to treating the unique health care needs of women across their lifespan. She integrates her expert knowledge and experience with determinants of health such as access to care, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender. She earned her Master’s degree from The Ohio State University. 

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She is passionate about women’s health and believes in patient-centered, trauma-informed, equitable care. She provides an excellent customer service experience to all of her patients and ensures that they have the support they need to meet their goals. She believes no topic should be taboo when talking to your healthcare team and has experience treating a wide range of gynecologic conditions. 

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She currently resides in the Midwest and enjoys reading, cooking, pilates, zumba, and traveling with her husband and children. When not in the Midwest, you can find her spending a lot of time in the Southeastern US and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. 

Bethany is a distinguished Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife with 19 years experience in women’s healthcare.  Her professional experience includes treating menopause , family planning, gender affirmation hormone therapy, and contraceptive counseling and application.

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A graduate of Texas Woman's University and Frontier Nursing University, Bethany combines a solid educational foundation with practical experience. She is renowned for her proficiency in patient rapport and medical critical thinking, and she excels in developing innovative care plans that significantly enhance patient outcomes.

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Bethany believes that her role as a provider is to listen to, empower, trust, and advocate for her patients, ensuring that each individual receives respectful and personalized care.

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Currently, Bethany is traveling across the country, exploring diverse healthcare approaches and learning from various perspectives. This journey enriches her understanding of different practices and informs her patient care strategies. Her renewed personal interest in perimenopause, which she is experiencing firsthand, further deepens her empathy and insight in supporting women during this transitional phase.

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In her free time, Bethany enjoys spending time with her wife, diving into a good book, knitting, and practicing yoga, which contribute to her overall well-being and balance.

Chrystelle is a dedicated Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with over 8 years of experience in women's healthcare. She earned her Bachelor's degree at Florida Atlantic University before advancing her education at Frontier Nursing University, where she specialized in women's health.

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As a passionate advocate for women's health equity, Chrystelle is committed to providing comprehensive care across all stages of a woman's life. Her areas of expertise and passion include preconception care, pregnancy, postpartum care, contraception, and family planning. She has a particular interest in menopause care, as she believes this is an under-treated area of women's health. She is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of women during this significant life transition, aiming to improve their quality of life and overall well-being. Chrystelle’s philosophy is driven by shared-decision making. She believes women should be active participants in their healthcare journey and works collaboratively with them to develop personalized treatment plans. By providing comprehensive information and openly discussing all available options, she ensures that each patient can make informed choices that align with their individual values, preferences, and lifestyle.

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With a strong commitment to advancing women's health, Chrystelle continues to work towards closing gaps in healthcare by leveraging telehealth technologies and providing compassionate, patient-centered care. 

Marissa is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with a diverse healthcare background. She graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Tyler with her Masters degree in 2017, with an undergraduate from Texas Tech University. Marissa has experience in various fields including women's health, urgent care, telemedicine, and primary care. Her broad experience allows her to approach each patient from a well-rounded perspective, ensuring that each individual receives comprehensive and personalized attention.

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Marissa is particularly committed to patient education, believing that informed patients are empowered patients. She takes pride in developing tailored care plans that address the unique needs and preferences that each patient brings. She believes the patient should always be involved in the process of creating their own healthcare journey.   She is devoted to addressing the unique challenges women face and ensuring they have access to high-quality care, no matter where they live.

Nancy Wilk, a dual certified nurse practitioner in women’s health and psychiatric-mental health, has been committed to providing compassionate, holistic care to women of all ages for over 38 years. Her experience includes preventative services and wellness management, menopause management, preconception counseling, obstetrical care, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, menstrual irregularities, PCOS, and chronic pelvic pain.  

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Her practice is based on a trauma informed approach and is shaped by the concept that the mind and body are interconnected influencing a person’s health and well-being. She advocates for and provides evidenced-based care for women during normal life transitions characterized by major hormonal shifts, as well as for women who have experienced sexual trauma and dating violence.  As a psych-mental health NP, she incorporates strategies that provide women choices about care related to these issues, including prescribing medications for depression, including PMDD, and anxiety if appropriate.  

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Nancy earned a master’s degree as a NP in Women’s Health at the University of Rochester, a doctorate in nursing from the University at Buffalo, and a master’s certificate in Psych-Mental Health Nursing from Johns Hopkins University.  Having taught nursing for over 25 years, educating women about life transitions and options for treatment utilizing shared decision making is a priority.

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Nancy has a passion for mission work and has provided care to women from various cultures traveling to Kenya, Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. She spends her time between New York and Arizona and enjoys bicycling and staying active. 

Emily (she/her) is a dedicated Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) with a rich background in providing compassionate and comprehensive care. She earned her credentials from The Ohio State University and has been serving patients since 2009. Her diverse experience spans academic medical centers, private practices, federally-qualified health centers, and freestanding birth centers.

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Emily’s approach to health is grounded in individualized, person-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care. She believes in meeting patients where they are, trusting that they are the foremost experts on their own bodies, and working collaboratively to ensure their voices are central to their care. By prioritizing active listening, thorough education, and shared decision-making, Emily ensures that each patient feels heard, informed, and empowered to take control of their health journey.

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While Emily is well-versed in all facets of sexual and reproductive health, she has a particular focus on queer health, PCOS, fertility, perinatal mental health, and peri-menopause. Her personal experience with PCOS and infertility—navigating choices such as single parenthood through donor sperm, IUI, and IVF—shapes her empathetic approach. She is now happily childfree by choice and uses her experiences to support and advocate for others.

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At Visana, Emily is committed to driving transformative change in the healthcare system and addressing health inequities. Outside of her professional role, she is passionate about animal rescue (including volunteering at a local shelter and enjoying her elderly, charmingly grumpy Shih Tzu), puzzling, and exploring new destinations.

Teri Berry DNP, FNP-c, is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience. She earned her Post Master's FNP and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from Indiana State University. Board-certified and specializing in Women’s Health, Teri has particular interests in sexual and reproductive health, menopause management, primary care, and preventative services. Her compassionate approach ensures that her patients receive the highest quality care.

Teri is deeply committed to her patients, drawing from her own experiences to empathize with those who may feel unheard in the healthcare system. She understands the unique challenges women face and strives to create a supportive environment where every voice is valued.

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Tumesha is a dual board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and a Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing comprehensive care to women across all stages of life. With a specialized focus on reproductive health, she is deeply committed to empowering her patients with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their health.

As someone with a personal history of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Tumesha brings a unique and empathetic perspective to her practice. She understands firsthand the challenges that come with managing PCOS and is dedicated to offering individualized care plans that address both the physical and emotional aspects of this condition. Her approach is holistic, integrating lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidance, and medical management to help her patients achieve optimal health outcomes.

Tumesha earned her Doctorate from South University and has extensive experience in contraceptive counseling, fertility planning, menstrual disorders, to name a few. She is passionate about patient education and advocacy, ensuring that every woman she sees feels heard, respected, and empowered in her healthcare journey.
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In her free time, Tumesha enjoys Yoga, powerlifting, traveling, and all things boy with her son. Her unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience makes her a valuable resource for patients navigating their health journeys.