Our Team

Kathleen is from Tyler, Texas. She has lived all over Texas from Galveston to South Padre Island, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. Most recently living in Van Horn, Texas. She met her future husband, the love of her life, who is a 5th generation Floridian’s being employed by Blue Origin. Together they moved here to Florida where they live with their Bouvier dog, and a lovely saltwater aquarium.  Kathleen is licensed here in Florida as an Autonomous Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).  She is Board Certified as a Midwife (CNM), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), as well as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).   Kathleen’s undergraduate was from Texas A&M in Corpus Christi, Texas.   Her desire to help under-served women led her to the Indian reservation in Tuba City, Arizona.  She had the opportunity to go straight into Labor and delivery unit that trained  her in the OR, Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum.  While in Arizona, she also took the time to earn her certification as an  International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).   With nothing but work, she took the opportunity to obtain her master's in nursing from Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky. She graduated with her Nurse-Midwifery Education Program (CNEP) and did her post Master’s in Women’s health.   Once again Kathleen found herself in a remote location, this time in Alaska, and went back to school this time for her Family practice. She received her post-master’s as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from South University.  Her first position was in a Critical Access Hospital located in Van Horn, Texas.   While Kathleen was in Florida, she noticed PRP and became increasingly interested in the multiple-faceted purpose of this golden elixir.  She took a certification class in PRP and started reading medical journal articles and listening to podcasts.  It was one of those podcasts where she heard about a new Tony Robbins book.  After reading Life Force, by Tony Robbins, and hearing about some amazing breakthroughs in the field of regenerative medicine.  She found a position in regenerative medicine, she found herself here at NIVA Health.  Here she hopes to continue learning in her new position as she helps patients heal through regenerative medicine. 

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.

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.

Michelle was born and raised in Michigan. With a goal to become an advanced practice registered nurse, she started her nursing journey by receiving her bachelors in nursing from Oakland University.  After receiving her bachelors, she went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to receive her Masters in Nursing, becoming a family nurse practitioner.  Michelle has a passion for helping those in need.  She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in her spare time.  Michelle is excited to focus on providing quality care, with hopes of transforming the healthcare field with each patient she encounters!

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. 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.

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.

Elisa graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from Augusta University in May 2019, and moved to the Atlanta area in 2020.  Since graduating, she has worked different leadership roles in the health and wellness industry.  She is very excited to start her journey as the office manager with NIVA Health to continue her passion of providing quality patient care. Outside of work, Elisa enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their four fur babies.  She is an active member of her church choir and loves finding different ways to give back to the community.  Elisa's hobbies are musical theatre, reading and cooking.

Cheri holds a MBA from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Bachelors of Arts in Mass Communications from Winston-Salem State University.  Since graduating, she's held various leadership roles in healthcare, and in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors.  Cheri is passionate about people development and strategic growth and applying this on her new journey as the office manager with NIVA Health.  This will hopefully strengthen quality patient care within the clinic, yielding a positive return on their investment of care.

Outside of work, Cheri enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  One of her favorite quotes is "Leadership is lifting a person's vision to high sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations." —Peter Drucker

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.

Desiré has been in Brevard County since 1999 and is a proud graduate of Space Coast High School and Eastern Florida State College (AA) in 2009; University of Florida (BS in Microbiology) in 2012; & Florida Institute of Technology (MBA in Healthcare Management) in 2015.  Dedicated to health and wellness, Desiré has worked and consulted with many healthcare providers, non-profits, and business professionals over her career.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her 3-year old daughter, Reagan; home-brewing kombucha; listening to audiobooks; and creating/perfecting choreography for her dance group, Live2Dance.  She is excited by any chance to improve the livelihood for anybody crossing her path!

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!