Kristin is a New Jersey native. Her nursing career began over seven years ago working as an oncology registered nurse. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing and later achieved her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Sacred Heart University in 2022. Kristin is Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Kristin has always believed that treating her patients from a holistic approach is the most effective way to help them achieve their goals and be their best selves. She has always placed emphasis on the importance of a lifestyle rooted in health and wellness.
In her spare time, Kristin loves cooking with her husband, taking hot yoga classes, and spending her summers at the beach.
Dusty, a Melbourne native, has joined the NIVA Health Melbourne team as a Clinical Case Manager. He was originally a high school band teacher in Jacksonville, FL but moved to the healthcare industry to share his passion for wellness after making radical changes to his health. While he no longer plays the french horn regularly, you can always find him noodling or strumming on something that makes noise when he's not prepping for a powerlifting meet or watching the game.
Justin is a Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in organ transplant, oncology, and medical/surgical nursing. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida where he received his degree in Biomedical Science. He then obtained his nursing degree at Emory University and went on to pursue becoming a nurse practitioner at the George Washington University.
Justin brings a positive, outgoing and compassionate approach to patient care. He gains fulfillment from building relationships with his patients and working with them to achieve their health and wellness goals. In his free time, Justin enjoys traveling, watching sports, weight-training and exploring new restaurants.
Dr. de Leon is originally from Baltimore, MD in 1994 he moved to Palm Coast, Florida where he still lives today. He finished college at the University of Maryland at College Park Class of 1983. In 1987 he graduated from Medical School from West Visayas State University College of Medicine. He went on to have residency training at Franklin Square Hospital Center in Baltimore, MD where he graduated in 1994 from the Internal Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. de Leon went on to work as a Primary Care Physician for Florida Health Care Plans for the past 27 years in Palm Coast, Florida. He is now the supervising physician for the Florida NIVA Health offices.
In his free time he enjoys boating, fishing and golf. He loves to eat seafood and enjoys his way around the kitchen to cook varies dishes.
Dr. Easley is an accomplished physician with vast and comprehensive medical knowledge. NIVA Health is honored to have him as the Supervising Physician for the Woodstock, GA office. He has been certified by the American Board of Family Physicians since 1978 and has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians since 1993. With over 45 years of experience, his emphasis and insistence on providing the very best quality care has never wavered. He continues to be well respected among colleagues and patients alike for his medical expertise, integrity and delivery of exceptional and compassionate care.
Heather was born and raised, and currently resides in Lake City, FL. She graduated from Florida State University with her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in 1999. Heather worked in Labor and Delivery while going back to school for her Master's of Science in Nursing, and graduated from the University of Florida in 2003. She has more than 20 years in the medical field and has experience in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, weight loss medicine and cosmetic/aesthetic medicine.
She is Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Heather has a passion for making people feel like their best selves, and living their best lives. When Heather is away from work you can find her floating down the river, boating, reading a good book, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying puppy snuggles from her labrador retriever, Harper.
For over 14 years, Dr. Rafael Foss has been a distinguished leader in the field of wellness lifestyle programs, natural pain treatments and cutting edge therapies, including anti-aging and aesthetics services. Over 40,000 people have enjoyed the health benefits and transformational power of Dr. Foss’s health centers, now collectively known as NIVA Health. According to Dr. Foss "to doctor means to teach" and teaching healthy lifestyle choices and lifestyle potential is his top priority. Dr. Foss grew up with many health challenges, including allergies, asthma, and severe back pain due to scoliosis. These challenges drove him to create a pathway to better health for himself and to share that path with as many people as possible. His passion empowers others to live their full expression of health and thereby positively impact themselves, their families, and their community.
Dr. Foss is the founder of NIVA Health, which has become one of the nation’s premier and fastest growing natural health centers. He has been featured on ABC, NBC, CW, FOX, and many talk radio stations across the country to share his knowledge. Dr. Foss’s approach focuses on supporting and utilizing the body's ability to heal itself by creating and maintaining homeostasis within the body.
Dr. Foss received his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from S.U.N.Y. Albany, NY. He is a board certified chiropractic physician and completed his studies in applied kinesiology. He received a Doctor of Pastoral Science and Medicine license from the Professional Wellness Alliance and received training under the Carrick Institute Neurology Diplomate Program. Dr. Foss is also a member of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals, a non-profit that serves the community on a regular basis through educational talks with a focus on disease prevention.
Dr. Foss, his wife Alina, and their daughter currently reside in Jacksonville, Florida. His family enjoys going to the beach, exercising, and experimenting with delicious and healthy foods.
Dr. Gary Guarnaccia earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemical Engineering from Columbia University and received his Doctor of Medicine degree from NJ College of Medicine in 1974. He completed his residency at NYU Bellevue Hospital. Dr. Guarnaccia has been in the field of Gynecology and Obstetrics for over 36 years and has received numerous awards including Castle-Connolly Top New York Doctors Award of New York. He is an accredited GAINSWave® provider specializing in erectile dysfunction treatment for men. Currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Rutgers Medical School and the Medical Director for NIVA Health’s Manalapan, NJ office.
Aya is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in acute coronary care, wellness and aesthetic medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at Wayne State University where she obtained her first degree in Biological Sciences. To further her education, Aya received her second degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Masters in Nursing, both from the University of Detroit Mercy.
Aya’s patients appreciate her for her calm and caring demeanor. She enjoys building a relationship with her patients and providing them with a safe, comfortable and rewarding experience. Her passion for regenerative health and wellness motivates her to care for her patients through their journey to meet their optimal health and wellness goals.
Ryan has 6 years of experience in the medical field. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Applied Biotechnology from the University of Georgia. He started his career as a medical assistant in dermatology in Atlanta. He enrolled at Lincoln Memorial University as a Physician Assistant student in 2019. After working in dermatology briefly after PA school, Ryan joined NIVA Health. In his free time, Ryan enjoys cooking, traveling, UGA football and spending time with his golden retriever.
Dr. James Joseph is a board-certified family medicine physician who has specialized in regenerative medicine for more than 20 years.
Dr. Joseph received his medical degree from Michigan State University in 1998 and then completed a fellowship in regenerative medicine. He has completed additional studies in stem cell harvesting, orthopedic application of stem cell therapy, and advanced aesthetics.
He is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
Dr. Joseph is the Supervising Physician for the Michigan and Illinois NIVA Health offices.
Dr. Jason Lamarche attended the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, ON, Canada to study biology. After graduating with an honors bachelor of science in biology, he moved to Dallas, TX in 2006 to attend Parker College of Chiropractic. He graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic in 2009. During his studies at Chiropractic College, he studied various subjects such as anatomy, physiology, radiology, neurology, pathology, microbiology and many others. Dr. Lamarche earned a certification at Parker College as a Certified Clinical Chiropractic Neurologist in 2009.
Dr. Lamarche decided to attend chiropractic school after his father was diagnosed with a heart and lung condition that was so bad he was given 6 months to live. Medicine had no answers for him. He went to see a chiropractor who found that his spine was out of alignment and was putting so much pressure on the nerves going to his heart and lungs, it was causing those organs to shut down. Once he went through a series of spinal adjustments, his health was restored back to normal.
He is also certified in acupuncture. Acupuncture is a different approach compared to western medicine, and he himself was skeptical of whether or not it actually worked until he had a severe injury to both of his elbows. He had tendinitis that was so bad he couldn't even lift a bag of groceries. After trying everything, with minimal success he was thinking of going for a surgical consult, when a friend of his, who is an acupuncturist, offered to help him. After allowing her to treat him, his arms started to heal almost instantly. It was truly amazing. After that he felt required to learn this craft and now uses acupuncture on many of his patients.
He also served as the team physician for the Joliet Jaguars midget hockey team in 2009-2010. His main areas of interest comprise of neurology, pediatrics and lifestyle wellness. In his time off Dr. Lamarche enjoys playing hockey, golf, fishing and the outdoors.
Jessica is Board Certified as a Nurse Practitioner graduating from Western Connecticut State University, specializing in Adult-Gerontological Primary Care.
After completing her undergraduate studies from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY, Jessica had a profound pull to alternative healing and became certified as a Reiki Practitioner.
Jessica has 20 years of experience with patient care in various health care settings, including home care where she spent much of her career in Westchester, NY. Feeling the call of the ocean, Jessica returned to her home state of Florida, where she worked as a wound specialist within various skilled nursing facilities. Fulfilling her dedication to the future of Nurses, Jessica also worked as an Adjunct Professor, teaching graduate nursing students.
During her experience consulting and educating, she continued to feel a pull towards alternative healing and was immediately drawn to the philosophy of NIVA Health. The idea that she could participate in helping people heal with non invasive methods was exactly what she envisioned for her patients.
Jessica loves everything healthy and promotes positive energy in all aspects of life. She loves being with her family in NY and travels frequently to be with them. In her down time, Jessica and her Fiancé spend a lot of time at the beach both playing and exercising. Jessica is passionate about fitness, clean eating and spiritual wellness.
LaCinda O'Steen is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has served in healthcare for the last 30 years. She began her career spending countless hours in intensive care units and emergency rooms and eventually constructed and operated 70 bed senior assisted living facilities. She learned quickly that primary care was treating symptoms and her sickest residents were handicapped by the system of band aid medicine. Unfortunately, by the time the patient got to her it was too late to make a real difference in their quality of life. So she gained specialty training in anti-aging thru A4M and continued on to residency internships across the country with brilliant physicians that performed countless hours in researching curative approaches to the most complex illnesses. She gained certifications in hormone health, anti-aging, regenerative medicine and men's and women's sexual health thru menopause.
Thru and post COVID she works with athletes even thru video consultation to keep them in their field of sport without down time. Her goal was to find a place that she could share her knowledge and perform procedures that would actually benefit the whole patient without the debilitating side effects of pharmaceuticals and surgeries. She brings over 30 years of hands on health care along with multiple board certifications and an excited and appreciative attitude for the pleasure of trusting her with your care. In her free time you will find her on the golf course or watching a PGA event. She paints and spends time with family, friends and 3 dogs. Fun fact, she has been in a few reality TV episodes on the DIY network in home building. She is motivated, certified and experienced in the field of regenerative medicine to help you achieve your best life!
Dr. Zack Stalnaker is a board-certified chiropractic physician.
Dr. Stalnaker received his undergraduate degree as well as his doctor of chiropractic from Life University in Marietta, Georgia – the largest chiropractic school in the world. In addition, Dr. Stalnaker has undergone training in diet, nutrition, and exercise and is certified in the SHINE protocol for the treatment of ADD / ADHD.
At NIVA Health, Dr. Stalnaker works with many athletes and has extensive experience working with pregnant women and pediatric patients. Dr. Stalnaker works in NIVA Health’s office in Jacksonville, Florida.
Dr. Stalnaker was drawn to chiropractic care after he sustained a neck injury while surfing. After a few months of chiropractic care, he found he had not only recovered from his accident but also solved health problems that had plagued him for decades: sinusitis, migraines, allergies, and acid reflux. He is now able to control these conditions without having to take medication.
Dr. Stalnaker is active in a number of professional organizations, including the Christian Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, and the North Florida Chiropractic Society.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, going to the beach, and working out.
Hillary was born and raised in Illinois. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Northern Illinois University. Hillary worked as an RN in surgery for 8 years until she transitioned into the role of nurse educator for the department of surgery. During this time she earned a Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner from Northern Illinois University.
Hillary is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has 2 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner in interventional pain management prior to joining the team at NIVA Health. Hillary believes in patient care that focuses on the interconnectedness of the mind and body to partner with patients in achieving optimal wellness. In her spare time she enjoys attending concerts, cycling and gardening.
Kristy was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and started her journey in the medical profession 24 years ago working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in long term care facilities. Kristy is also a United States Air Force Veteran in which she served 10 years as an Emergency Medical Technician/Flight Medic.
Kristy obtained her Master of Science in Nursing degree from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2015. Kristy is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Kristy's goal in patient care is to help restore and repair damaged cells with natural remedies in hopes to address the root cause of an individual's pain.
In her spare time, Kristy enjoys home improvement projects, spending time with family and friends and reading/learning new things.
Devyn Bryant has embraced the field of Healthcare for 10+ years. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree and currently finishing her masters in Health Informatics. Previously, Devyn Directed Biomedical Centers and Medical Stabilization Services for 10+ hospitals throughout Nevada, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Kentucky.
Acts of Service is a lifestyle for Devyn, she currently sits on the board of directors’ for: Living Life Better, SS Strong – Tomorrow’s Youth, and Stop Homelessness. Living life for Devyn is white water rafting, Buddhist meditation and enjoying what provides peace for the soul. She’s an avid reader of Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Oriah, and Deepak Chopra, believing that Peace and Traveling are ways of life.
She is honored and excited to join the NIVA Health Family, this opportunity brings true alignment to her life’s journey and mission of assisting everyone in living their best lives unapologetically.
Gilda, a New Orleans native, graduated from the Clark Atlanta University with a degree in Biology in 2014. Soon after she earned her Masters in Health Administration and her Lean Six Sigma certification from Emory University.
Gilda is a wife and boy mom who loves spending time with her family, traveling and shopping. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a Veterinarian. She was a frequent volunteer at many Animal Hospitals and shelters in High School. Soon after graduation she found what she thought was the start to her dream job at an animal hospital. However, her aspirations shifted after caring for her grandfather during his battle with cancer and end of life transition. It was then she realized that she had a passion for helping others, though her love for animals has never ceased!
She comes to NIVA with over 8 years of experience in many different positions including direct patient access, administration, and management. Gilda enjoys being an advocate for her team and values equality and teamwork. She is excited to be apart of the NIVA team!
Amber started her 20+ years in healthcare as a CNA at Medilodge of Howell, transferring to a few other rehab facilities along the way. During her time working in healthcare she learned many different roles, which gave her the opportunity to advance to the Office Manager position. She thoroughly enjoys working with patients and staff, knowing when to be serious while also making it fun. As a mother of 3 beautiful children, two girls and one boy, Amber enjoys hiking, camping and being with family and friends. She has two fur pups Argos and Brick, both were adopted from the local animal shelter in Howell, MI. Having lived in Michigan for 35 yrs, Amber's lifetime family goal is to travel to all 50 states with her children. NIVA Health Novi is thrilled to have Amber as part of the team.
Sparkle has an Associates of Arts degree from Olive-Harvey College. She completed her Bachelors of Arts of Business Administration from National Louis University in 2020. Prior to joining the NIVA Health family, she worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant working with postpartum patients for 8 years. She then began working in management in long-term care and realized her passion for working with people and began her journey in pursuing business school.
She is very passionate about learning and teaching others about wellness. She loves to make an impact on others and spread awareness about the ways to improve the quality of their lives.
Sparkle is a Chicago native that recently moved to the suburbs to enjoy the suburban life. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Michelle has an Associates of Arts degree from Jacksonville University. She is certified through NASM in personal and group fitness training. Prior to joining the NIVA Health family in 2015 she spent 4 years as a personal trainer helping clients lose weight and reach their fitness goals.
She is very passionate about sharing her knowledge of our programs that have specifically helped her overcome some of her own challenges with an auto-immune disease. She loves helping others and being able to share a program that changes lives!
Michelle lives near the beach in Jacksonville with her husband, teenage daughter and 8 year old son. Spending lots of time with her family, cooking, biking, and going to the beach are some of her favorite past times.
Lucy is currently attending Arizona State University, studying for dual Bachelor's Degrees in Biology and Anthropology. Growing up, she always wanted to become a medical examiner and perform autopsies for forensic cases like you see on TV shows like CSI and Forensic Files. Her medical career path began in 2016, when she managed a growing physical therapy office. There, she was able to help people heal from injury, surgeries and chronic pain. After learning how much of an impact she can make for others, she now knows that her place in the world is helping people get back to living their best life!
Cynthia has been in the Healthcare field for 30+ years working in long term care as the Business Office Manager, Admissions/Marketing Director and Social Service Director. She is a proud native Floridian, as her ancestors were one of the first Europeans to settle in all of America right here in St. Augustine. She enjoys spending time by the pool or the beach with her husband and their 5 children. Her hobbies include college football and NASCAR.
She is proud to be joining NIVA Health’s amazing team!
Shannon joins NIVA Health with 35 years in the healthcare industry starting out in Ohio as a medical assistant, mostly working in specialized medicine. Certified in travel medicine vaccinations with the World Health Organization and worked closely with the CDC for Infectious Disease Consultants in Asheville North Carolina. Relocated back to Florida to be close to family, Shannon has 2 dogs, 2 cats and 2 amazon birds. She is an avid kickboxer and enjoys riding her motorcycle and playing softball.
