Physicians & Midwives, Mt. Vernon

What is your care philosophy?

Great healthcare is a joint venture between the patient and the doctor, built on a foundation of mutual respect and dialog. I meet so many patients who think that doctors will be dictatorial, but we really listen to patients and respect their wants and needs – I enjoy talking with patients and establishing that foundation with them.
What inspired you to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology?

When I started med school, I originally thought I wanted to be a heart surgeon, but I was still open to other specialties and knew that I really enjoyed being in the operating room. I eventually decided on OB-GYN because I realized that I could stay in touch with my patients across many of life’s milestones. I’ve known many of my patients for over 30 years, and they are like family to me.
What improvements to women’s care have you seen since you began practicing medicine?

There have been so many great changes: fetal monitoring and sonogram are more sophisticated, equipment and technology for minimally invasive surgeries are much better, testing for abnormal pap smears and HPV is dramatically better. The vaccine for HPV is amazing.
Are you from the DC area?

We moved around the U.S. some while I was a kid, but I mostly I grew up in Pittsburgh. When I came to the DC area for school, I just fell in love with it here. I enjoy the DC weather, and despite growing up near the Steelers, I’ve enjoyed adopting the Redskins as my football team. I like to root for the underdog!
What is your best advice for new parents?

Give your kids unconditional love even after they turn left when you wanted them to turn right. Being a parent is one of the best things in the world, and being a father may be the best thing. I’m incredibly blessed to have a wonderful wife and beautiful, talented twin daughters. I love being a doctor and a father.
What are your best tips for staying healthy?

Stay away from sugar and stay active. Our girls are grown now, and looking back, I think it was very important that we encouraged them to play sports. It reinforced our values and beliefs in staying fit and healthy.
What distinguishes your practice from others?

Having both newer and more experienced doctors in our practice is really valuable. It facilitates the combination of new ideas with decades of experience, and our patients receive better care because of it. During my residency, I rotated through Holy Cross Hospital and met the founders of this practice. I joined them because I was impressed by the intellectual integrity and also because we have all of the facilities (in our office) to test and gather information quickly. This has continued to be true across the years, and I’m proud to work with the doctors in our practice.
If I wasn’t a doctor, I’d be…?

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a professional football player, but being a doctor is the perfect profession for me. I find it incredibly rewarding, and I go home at the end of the day feeling really good about the work I’ve done and the patients I’ve helped.

I’m Dr. Diane Snyder, Board Certified Ob/Gyn with a Focused Practice in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

During medical school, I was debating between pediatrics and Ob/Gyn and for a variety of reasons chose Ob/Gyn. During my residency training, I was introduced to the sub-specialty of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) by one of my attending physicians and knew it was an area I wanted to pursue. During my last year of residency, I did an elective rotation at Boston Children’s Hospital which really introduced me to the field. I ended up not doing a fellowship and started to slowly incorporate younger patients into my practice.

Once I stopped practicing Obstetrics in 2002, I was able to focus more on this age group. I started giving lectures to pediatric groups as well as in middle and high schools.

Joining the North American Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG) has been most helpful with monthly journals, international listserve, and annual National conferences. This is a group of many specialties that focuses on delivering medical care to pediatric and adolescent females.

PAG covers many medical and gynecologic conditions and some diagnoses that can be devastating to a young patient (Premature ovarian insufficiency or Mullerian anomalies) and I find it extremely gratifying to be a part of the care journey for these patients.

Helping young women manage their contraceptive choices, feel positive about their sexuality, and improve their menstrual disorders are but a few of the things I love about pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

Dr. Jackson graduated from the University of Hartford in Connecticut with a B.Sc. in Biology. She then attended The Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and completed her M.D. in 2001. Moving to Washington DC, Dr. Jackson completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the George Washington University Hospital in 2005. She is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is a fellow of both the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American College of Surgeons. She has admitting privileges at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Dr. Jackson has been with Reiter, Hill & Johnson since 2006.

Dr. Covlin has over 25 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology and has been with Heartland Women’s Healthcare since 2009. When working with patients, he is a strong listener and finds joy in his work helping his patients to overcome their medical concerns focusing on preventative care.

Dr. Covlin is a native of North Dakota and enjoys visiting the area to hunt. He loves mountain biking, grilling, and prefers sunsets over sunrises. His hidden talent is ballroom dancing, which he taught while in college. He considers being a dad the most daring thing he’s ever done. When not at work, you can find him with his two kids playing catch or lounging in a hammock.

Dr. Kressel is a general Ob-Gyn who loves learning her patient’s stories, counseling them to help them understand any aspect of women’s health, and fine-tuning the patient experience to bring healthcare to the next level.

Fun facts about Dr. Kressel: She was briefly in the “two under two” club with two boys, born in 2018 and 2020. She felt so passionate about the Liv opportunity that she flew to DC for the day and interviewed for her position when she was almost 36 weeks pregnant (and went on to deliver in the 37th week)!

Dr. Zarina Hussain, MD is a top-rated, board-certified gynecologist with more than 17 years of experience in diagnosing and treating women of all ages. At Advantia’s new, state-of-the-art facilities, Dr. Hussain provides comprehensive, leading-edge gynecological care for women from pre-conception nutritional counseling to managing menopause symptoms and performing hysterectomies.

Praised by patients for her empathy, knowledge and willingness to listen, Dr. Hussain has extensive expertise in all aspects of women’s healthcare. The vast number of services she provides include: well-woman exams, adolescent gynecology exams, birth control consultation and services – including IUD placement and removal — postpartum care, cancer screening, treatment of endometriosis, STD testing and treatment, and osteoporosis screening and treatment. She is also skilled and immensely respected in providing several minimally-invasive procedures, which can conveniently be performed at Advantia’s onsite surgical center. These procedures include: colposcopy, laparoscopic surgery, and hysteroscopy.

Dr. Hussain earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and completed her residency at the prestigious Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University and University Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. She served as Chief Resident during her final year.

Additionally, Dr. Hussain is a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Levav is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology. After completing her education at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Levav pursued her residency in Ob-Gyn at the Medical Center of Delaware. Notably, she was recognized as the best Resident Instructor during her time there. Dr. Levav’s contributions to the medical field are evident through her published research in the American Journal of Gerontology and the American Journal of Perinatology – where she has showcased her expertise, presenting research on the management of cervical dysplasia and abnormal Paps.

Prior to joining Women’s Health Specialists in Maryland, Dr. Levav practiced in New York for 6 years. Her diverse background, which includes counseling and mentoring teenagers, has fostered a special interest in addressing the unique health concerns of young women. Furthermore, her extensive experience as a health and fitness instructor, coupled with her research in diabetes and nutrition, significantly informs her compassionate approach to caring for women’s health issues. She has a particular focus on contraception, abnormal Paps, abnormal bleeding, and menopausal issues.

With her wealth of experience and warm demeanor, Dr. Levav is truly an invaluable asset to Women’s Health Specialists. She consistently upholds a genuine commitment to providing expert care that precisely meets the individual needs of her patients.

Dr. Ashley Bellamy is an accomplished OB-GYN physician, her vast knowledge allows her to provide care to women of all ages. Dr. Bellamy attended Morgan State University for her undergraduate degree and Boston University School Of Medicine where she received her M.D. in 2015. She completed her training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Haven Health.

Dr. Bellamy is patient and compassionate, tailoring care to every patient. Her services include well-woman exams, adolescent gynecology exams, birth control consultation and services – including IUD placement and removal — Prenatal care – postpartum care, cancer screening, treatment of endometriosis, STD testing and treatment, and osteoporosis screening and treatment. Dr. Bellamy is well trained and has a passion for minimally invasive surgeries. She believes strongly in patient education, and empowering women of all ages to be an advocate for their own health.

Dr. Bellamy resides in Gaithersburg, MD with her husband and two young daughters.

Dr. Wikoff has over 26 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Providing personal and compassionate care for women of all ages is a point of professional pride.

Her interests include jigsaw puzzles, yard work and gardening, and helping her grown kids “launch” into the world.

Dr. Bishop is a native of Southern Illinois with over 30 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He is certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Bishop lives in Carbondale with his wife and together they’ve raised 6 children.

Dr. Gates received his medical training and OB-Gyn residency at Loma University School of Medicine and Medical Center in Southern California. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Gates is passionate about making every birth experience joyful and memorable. If you are the father, don’t be surprised if he puts gloves on you and puts you to work helping deliver! He has been helping families grow in Southern Illinois since 1995.

During his off hours, Dr. Gates may be found spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. His hobbies include planting trees and maintaining his yard, learning other languages and travel.

Dr. Elena Bryce is a compassionate, experienced, board-certified OB/Gyn providing the full scope of obstetric and gynecologic care. She received her undergraduate degree with honors from Yale University, and received her M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. She then completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University, where she trained under nationally recognized experts in an array of subspecialities including High-Risk Obstetrics, Pediatric/Adolescent Gynecology, and Minimally Invasive Surgery. In her fourth year she was recognized for her academic achievements with an award and was inducted into the AOA Honor Society. After completing her training, Dr. Bryce worked as a full-scope OB/Gyn in practices affiliated with Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, IL and Johns Hopkins in Columbia, MD, before settling with her family in Rockville and joining Advantia OB/Gyn Shady Grove.

Dr. Bryce offers a broad range of obstetric and gynecologic services. For pregnant patients, she provides prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, and offers patients both VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) and External Cephalic Version to promote vaginal delivery. Gynecologic services include contraception (including IUDs and implants), screening for cervical cancer and STDs, treatment of fibroids, endometriosis, menopause symptoms, and surgical procedures including hysteroscopy, minimally invasive surgery, and hysterectomy. Dr. Bryce has a special interest in adolescent gynecology, and is experienced with helping teens feel comfortable in the GYN office and working with them to find solutions that work for them, whether for bothersome periods, PCOS, or contraception. Dr. Bryce is credentialed as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP), which demonstrates her commitment to improving women’s health and healthcare experiences during the menopause transition and beyond. She also is passionate about providing sensitive and excellent care to trans men and nonbinary patients.

Dr. Bryce lives in Rockville with her husband and two young children.

Dr. Boyd has over 16 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She is a Southern Illinois native originally from McLeansboro, Illinois, and a graduate of McLeansboro Township High School.

Dr. Boyd is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP), demonstrating her ability to provide optimal menopause-related healthcare in addition to her expertise in other areas of obstetrics and gynecology.

I was born in Los Angeles, CA. Prior to becoming an OB-GYN, I received my undergraduate degree from Williams College and my M.D. degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. I remained at Georgetown for my OB-GYN residency training. Before becoming an OB Hospitalist at Shady Grove Medical Center (SGMC) in 2015, I was in private practice in Northern Virginia for 25 years. I was a Governor-appointed Member of the Virginia Board of Medicine from 2004-2013 and served as its President from 2009-2010. I am currently proud to serve as a Member of the SGMC Medical Executive Committee. I was honored to be awarded the SGMC Physician RISES Award in 2018. This award is given biannually to the physician who exemplifies the hospital’s values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship. When away from work, I enjoy traveling, taking long walks with friends and family, and spending time with my husband and two adult daughters.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Timofeev served as an Assistant Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and was seeing patients at Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Sibley Memorial Hospital, specializing in high-risk pregnancies and fetal diagnostics. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, completing residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Virginia, and a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown.

Dr. Timofeev has published research in peer-reviewed journals, including Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the New England Journal of Medicine, as well as has co-authored several book chapters. She has also served on the national American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Genetics, as well as the ACOG Obstetric Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee.

Her clinical work focuses on advancements in fetal imaging and early detection of fetal anomalies.

Dr. Lima Redhead is a compassionate, service-driven women’s health professional. She is a practicing OB/GYN at Simmonds, Martin, and Helmbrecht’s newest location in Silver Spring, MD. The youngest of eight children, Dr. Redhead was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago before coming to the US for university. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Towson University while living in Baltimore. After medical school at Meharry Medical College in Nashville and residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Dr. Redhead spent 14 years working with under-served families in the Chicago suburbs. Having recently returned to Maryland, Dr. Redhead is thrilled to be closer to family while continuing to do the work she loves.

Dr. Olufeyisayo (Sayo) Taiwo, MD is an obstetrician-gynecologist who joined Heartland Women's Healthcare in 2020 and practices at the Mount Vernon, IL, location. Her services include pregnancy care, high-risk pregnancy care, infertility evaluation, testing, and treatment, genetic testing, gynecology, birth control, long-term birth control such as IUDs, contraception counseling, STD/STI testing and treatment, adolescent gynecology, pediatric gynecology, minimally invasive gynecological surgery (MIGS) and menopause care.

Dr. Rubenacker has over 10 years of experience and is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. A Southern Illinois native, Dr. Rubenacker is deeply passionate about serving the community that raised her.

Dr. Thompson is a highly accomplished board-certified OB-GYN with a strong passion for providing compassionate and patient-centered care. He completed his training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC, in 2019. Dr. Thompson received his M.D. in 2015 from the Medical University of South Carolina and his M.S. and undergraduate degree in 2011 from the University of Georgia. He has admitting privileges at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Thompson’s professional interests include laparoscopy and general OB/GYN; he has received advanced training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and possesses a deep commitment to women’s health at all stages of life. His career is distinguished by a dedication to empowering patients through education and personalized care plans that prioritize your unique needs. Dr. Thompson’s professional background reflects a blend of technical expertise and a warm, approachable demeanor that has earned the trust of countless patients.

What led you to join this profession?
The versatility within the specialty. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a doctor and always thought I would go into pediatrics. However as I progressed during my education, I began to fall in love with surgery. During my OB/GYN rotation in medical school, I quickly realized that this specialty not only had a surgical aspect but still allowed me to practice foundational/preventable medicine that I had been drawn to in pediatrics.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?
As an OB/GYN I love being able to make life-long relationships with patients and have the ability to support them through multiple stages of their life. We have the privilege to provide care for women for not only their reproductive health but also their general well-being and that is an honor to me.

Tell us a little about yourself.
My husband, Brad, and I just moved here from Kalamazoo, Michigan with our dogs (Louie and Clark). I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago. I completed my undergrad at SLU and am excited to be back in the area. We are outdoor enthusiasts; hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking. I also enjoy reading, photography, running with Clark, and am an avid sports fan.

Donna is a native of Southern Illinois and worked as a Labor & Delivery Nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital for over 14 years. She obtained her specialty nursing certification in inpatient obstetrical nursing from the National Certification Corporation.

Donna grew up in Washington County and was one of 7 girls in her family. When not at work, Donna loves to run and cycle. If she could eat one food for the rest of her life, it would be eggs. She owns several chickens and has become very creative with egg recipes.

Liz is an alumna of the George Mason University School of Nursing Doctoral Program (GMU, 2016) with a Master of Science degree in Nursing – Midwifery (MSN) from Wichita State University (WSU, 2005) and a certificate in Nurse-Midwifery from University of Kansas (KU, 2005).

Liz is originally from Nairobi, Kenya and enjoys taking long trips back to visit family. Liz is an advocate of the Helping Mothers Survive initiative and while in Kenya, she takes part in informal training sessions with local healthcare professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to ensure that no mother dies of preventable causes while bringing life.

“I started working at P&M as a new grad and I love working with Physicians. Mothers have the best of both worlds. Working together with a doctor ensures that even a high-risk mother has access to a midwife. There is also added comfort in knowing that there are no unnecessary delays in case of an emergency. Success is having a healthy mother and a healthy baby.”

Katherine is a board certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife. She received her master’s degree in nursing from Georgetown University. Katherine is passionate about providing kind, compassionate, and quality patient care. She is most looking forward to working alongside strong, intelligent women in the practice!

Fun facts about Katherine: She is a big Disney fan and has been with her family more than 15 times! She enjoys playing pickleball, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Nancy Retter, CNM is a certified nurse-midwife practicing at the Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht Ob-Gyn office in Frederick, MD, an Advantia Health practice. Nancy cares for women of all ages and life stages. Her services include pregnancy care, midwifery care, gynecology, birth control, long-term birth control such as IUDs, and contraception counseling.

Sarah Morelli (she/her) is board certified as both a Midwife and a Nurse Practitioner. She studied at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and has been in practice serving patients since 2014. Sarah’s favorite part about her job is building a relationship with each patient that is built on mutual trust and getting the opportunity to care for patients consistently through the years. She values taking the time to listen to patients’ concerns and questions and she enjoys educating patients so that they have the opportunity to fully participate in decision making about their health care. Her model of care is trauma-informed, consensual nonmonogamy competent, and intentional to uphold bodily autonomy. Sarah has a Certificate of Advanced Training in LGBTQ Healthcare and can prescribe and manage gender affirming testosterone therapy. Additionally, she can guide non-gestational parents, who are interested in chest/breastfeeding, through lactation induction. She is committed to providing patient-centered care to everyone. In her free time, Sarah enjoys baking and being outdoors with her family.

Susan has over 30 years of experience in the Women’s Healthcare field including direct patient care and the clinical management of Ob-Gyn patients.

Danielle is a native of southern Illinois, where she grew up on a farm. She finds immense peace in one of her favorite places: riding on a tractor or combine. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Deaconess College of Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) from Chamberlain College of Nursing. With 18 years of nursing experience, Danielle has dedicated many years to women’s health, focusing on areas such as labor and delivery, research, and fertility. This passion drives her commitment to helping women and attentively listening to their needs.

Danielle is also a proud mother of one little boy. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with friends and family, gardening, and practicing yoga. An interesting fact about Danielle is that she is a leap year baby, born on February 29th.

Gabriela is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about providing accessible and personalized mental health care. Gabriela is skilled in individual therapy with those who are experiencing an array of mental health needs. She can also provide services in Spanish. Gabriela specializes in perinatal mental health, life transitions, parenting, anxiety and depression. Gabriela uses a person-centered approach, drawing from her experience in attachment and trauma-informed care in community mental health, and working with the underserved populations. Gabriela’s experience includes treating symptoms related to behavioral, social, and emotional issues, as well as trauma. In addition, she also has experience in working with adults addressing issues related to grief and loss, parent-child relationships, immigration/acculturation, and self-esteem.

Gabriela’s background and experience guide and inform her therapy approach with the population she works with now. She incorporates psychodynamic and solution-focused treatment approaches in her work. Gabriela uses warmth, empathy, and humor to create an open, non-judgmental and safe space where clients can feel empowered and supported. Gabriela understands how challenging it can be to find the right therapist and reach out for help. She truly believes that building meaningful connections and relationships can promote healing. Her ultimate goal is to work in collaboration with her clients to identify ways to help them move towards living happier and more fulfilling lives.

Amy Olsson, MSN, CNM is a certified nurse-midwife practicing at Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht Ob-Gyn, in Frederick, MD. She is committed to educating and empowering her patients. Her services include pregnancy and midwifery care.

Karen Brindle, MSN, CNM is a certified nurse-midwife practicing at the Frederick, MD, Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht Ob-Gyn location. Karen supports women’s health at every life stage. Her services include pregnancy and midwifery care.

Karen is the proud mother of two daughters and grandmother of four. When not at work, she enjoys biking, crocheting, jewelry making and oiling.

Lyn Gant graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She subsequently received her master’s degree in midwifery from the University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining Susquehanna OB/GYN in 2002, Lyn worked many years as a registered nurse and nurse midwife at Franklin Square Hospital. She enjoys working with women for their gynecological services and providing exceptional care to pregnant women seeking the nurse midwife experience.

Lyn currently resides in Delta, Pennsylvania with her husband. She has three children and two grandchildren. In addition to spending time with her family, Lyn enjoys reading, hiking, traveling and running.

Rachel Simpson, a dedicated Maryland native, has made Frederick County her home for over two decades. Her passion for healthcare began with a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Hood College, followed by a Bachelor's in Nursing at the University of Maryland. Subsequently, Rachel spent a decade as a compassionate labor & delivery nurse, witnessing the profound impact midwifery care can have on birthing experiences and lives. Driven by a desire to enhance maternal care, she pursued a Master’s in Nursing, specializing in midwifery.

With a focus on women's reproductive health and childbirth/post-partum care, Rachel holds certifications as an RN in obstetrics and electronic fetal monitoring. Her philosophy of care is grounded in providing evidence-based practices and ensuring informed consent. Central to her approach is patient education, respect, and the belief in bodily autonomy, fostering a shared decision-making process.

Rachel resides in Frederick with her husband and two young sons, embodying her commitment to serving and giving back to her community. She loves supporting expectant mothers and their families at the midwifery group in Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht, where she nurtures her passion for maternal care and community service.

Sherene Lynnell Broome, MSN, CNM is a certified nurse-midwife practicing at Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht Ob-Gyn. Her office is located in Frederick, MD. Sherene's services include pregnancy and midwifery care, and she is committed to supporting a woman through every stage of life.

Theresa D. Poepperling, MSN, CNM is a certified nurse-midwife practicing at the Frederick, MD, Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht Ob-Gyn location. With services that include pregnancy care, midwifery care, gynecology, birth control, long-term birth control such as IUDs, and contraception counseling, Theresa cares for women of throughout every stage of their healthcare journey.

Meet Tiffany D Lopez, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC, a skilled and empathetic Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who holds a Master of Science in Nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Drexel University, with a specialty in women’s health.

With an unwavering drive to make a positive difference in her patients’ lives, Tiffany is committed to delivering individualized and evidence-based care to individuals from all walks of life. She finds immense fulfillment in guiding women through the different stages of life, recognizing the equal importance of each phase. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that patients leave their appointments feeling heard, supported, and confident in the healthcare decisions they make.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Tiffany treasures her time spent with her loving husband and six amazing children. This well-rounded perspective enhances her ability to understand her patients’ needs holistically and provide comprehensive care that prioritizes their overall well-being.

What is your care philosophy?
Listening to my patients in an open, non-judgemental manner, allows me a deep understanding of their symptoms and concerns leading to the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment plan. Leveraging my empathic personality, I know a little compassion and understanding go a long way to build the patient’s trust in me as their practitioner. I spend the time necessary to explain diagnoses and treatments to patients so they fully comprehend their visit. There are a wide variety of solutions to medical issues in addition to medicine and I am well versed in holistic approaches offering my patients options while helping them to choose the best plan.

What inspired you to pursue a career in gynecology?
Combining my degrees in Nutritional Sciences and Physician Assistant, I discovered that Obstetrics/Gynecology was a field where I could have a large impact in the lives of women. That impact is amplified when you consider the very personal nature of sexuality. I strive to make my patients comfortable enough to talk openly about their most personal issues without making them feel “awkward.” Even as a child I was interested in medicine and was attracted to how “women’s issues” interact with the entire body.

What distinguishes Women’s Health Specialists from other practices?
Women’s Health Specialists is a multifaceted gynecology practice dealing with all women’s health issues from pediatric to geriatric. Our practitioners have a wide variety of interests and specialties including pediatric gynecology, gynecologic oncology, and minimally invasive surgeries. My personal special interests include adolescent gynecology, geriatric gynecology, and pessaries to help women with vaginal prolapse or urinary incontinence.

If you weren’t a Physician Assistant, what would you be?
“A therapist. Speaking with people and really listening to them heals them. I get to utilize these skills in my practice everyday. I love my profession and building long term relationships with my patients. I’m grateful to have had patients for over 20 years and gotten the opportunity to know them and their families, their trials and successes.

Anja Schifano, CNP, WHNP, PMH-C is a women’s health nurse practitioner at the Shiloh, IL, location. Her services include pregnancy care, infertility evaluation, testing, and treatment, gynecology, birth control, long-term birth control such as IUDs, contraception counseling, STD/STI testing and treatment, adolescent gynecology, pediatric gynecology, menopause care, pelvic floor therapy, lactation consulting, and perinatal mental health support. Anja has a certification in Perinatal Mental Health. 

In her free time, Anja enjoys cooking new recipes and considers that her hidden talent.

Ashley’s background is in Labor & Delivery at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis. She is a Southern Illinois native, originally from Freeburg. She currently lives in Edwardsville with her husband and their two children.

In her free time, Ashley loves to travel with her family, remodel homes, and dance.

Bailey Notzke is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). She has been a nurse since 2014. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Capella University. She has experience as a nurse in the following areas: medical/surgical, high-risk Labor and Delivery/Antepartum, and Transport Nurse.

She has worked in Women’s Health since 2015. This experience helped her to realize her passion for Women’s Health. She went back to school and earned her Master’s degree from University of Cincinnati, specializing in Women’s Health. As a board-certified WHNP, Bailey enjoys helping women achieve lifelong health. She believes in patient centered care and keeping her patients educated in the process.

When she’s not at work, Bailey loves to read, travel, and go to the movies. She also loves to spend time with her husband and her dog, an adorable Australian labradoodle named Sophie.

Brianna is an experienced licensed clinical social worker with background in child welfare and community mental health services. Brianna specializes in depression, anxiety, parenting, attachment, perinatal mental health, relationship difficulties, and trauma, with a strong focus on trauma-responsive care. She uses various modalities to meet the individual needs of clients, families, and couples. Some of these modalities include CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, and EMDR. Brianna believes in building strong therapeutic alliances and does so using compassion, empathy, and humor. She graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from University of Maryland School of Social Work with a specialization in children and families.

Eva is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience serving in a wide variety of clinical and healthcare settings and in private practice. She specializes in treating issues related to life transitions and helping people work through depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and addictive behaviors. Eva uses different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, conflict management, communication skills development, mindfulness practices, and stress reduction.

Gina graduated from Frontier Nursing University in 2014 with her Masters of Science in Nursing to begin her career as a nurse practitioner. Her varied clinical background includes working as a hospital staff nurse, in home visitation, and community nursing.

As a women’s health nurse practitioner, Gina provides care for women of all ages. She believes in working together with women to reach their goals for health and wellness. She has a strong professional and personal interest in cancer prevention and survivorship.

Gina has expertise in pelvic floor therapy, which is often helpful for those experiencing issues such as incontinence or pelvic pain.

When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, vegetable gardening, and cooking foods from around the world.

Jasmine received a Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 10 years of nursing experience and a background in gynecologic/obstetric triage, Labor and delivery, and cardiovascular care. She has a strong passion for patient education and health literacy.

She currently lives in Edwardsville and enjoys the arts and outdoors, as well as being a houseplant hobbyist.

Jennifer is a board-certified genetic counselor who has been working with preconception and pregnant patients in the Washington, D.C., area since graduating from the University of Maryland Genetic Counseling Program in 2010. For five years, Jennifer worked as a reproductive genetic counselor in Fairfax, VA, where she gained expertise with assisted reproductive technologies and preimplantation genetic testing of embryos. Since 2015, she has worked as part of a Maternal Fetal Medicine team, providing risk assessments, coordinating genetic testing, and supporting individuals through preconception and pregnancy.

Jennifer is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Maryland and DC Society of Genetic Counselors and has served as a public member of several committees of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, including the Committee on Genetics, the Clinical Practice Guideline Committee for Obstetrics, and the Clinical Practice Guideline Committee for Gynecology. She has taught and supervised genetic counseling students from local genetic counseling programs, given Grand Rounds presentations to local healthcare professionals, and regularly attends conferences and webinars to continue her professional education. Jennifer lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, two sons, and a cat, who enjoys joining telemedicine appointments.

Judy Brady, RN, IBCLC, BCHN, leads the patient education programs at Ob-Gyn Associates. Judy brings over 20 years of experience to this position, spanning a wide range of women’s health needs: preconception nutrition counseling, childbirth preparation, breast feeding/lactation instruction, and nutrition counseling for weight management, cholesterol lowering, and also symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia, as well as many other issues affecting women of all ages.

Judy has an extensive education and is certified in Holistic Nutrition specializing in Women’s Health and Disease Prevention. She received her RN degree from The University of Maryland at Baltimore. She is also an international board-certified lactation consultant and board-certified holistic nutritionist. At Ob-Gyn Associates, she provides patients with one-on-one nutrition and lactation consultations.

Additionally, Judy runs highly-popular childbirth classes that attract women from throughout the greater Montgomery County, Maryland area. Patients praise Judy for her personable and patient teaching style, along with her unparalleled expertise. She is passionate about caring for women.

An expert in all aspects of breastfeeding, Judy successfully teaches women whose babies are unable to latch and women with twins. She also provides advice on what foods to eat and avoid during the lactation process, how to pump and store breast milk, and how to prevent and treat sore nipples.

As an expert in women’s diet and nutrition, Judy provides advice and supervision on dietary choices throughout each trimester of pregnancy, as well as nutrition counseling for weight loss or gain, remedying menstrual disorders such as PMS, decreasing the risk of breast cancer, and boosting immune systems for women undergoing chemotherapy.

Kari Lindner, LCSW-C is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 10 years of experience in the field. Prior to joining the team at Susquehanna OB-GYN, Kari worked as a social worker at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center on the Family Birthplace and Special Care Nursery. She worked directly with pregnant and postpartum women struggling with anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mood disorders. Kari also worked with women struggling with substance abuse, providing support and connecting them with appropriate treatment providers and resources.

Kari is a native to Harford County, Maryland. Kari lives with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Kourtney Hughey is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who brings 12 years of experience as a registered nurse working in labor and delivery, ambulatory care nursing and childbirth education to her role at Heartland Women’s Healthcare.

Kourtney provides care for all women from puberty throughout adulthood, and believes that women’s healthcare should be individualized to the needs of each woman.

She was born and raised in Southern Illinois. Kourtney is a proud mom of two boys who enjoys camping and spending quality time with family and friends.

Malya Druskin is an experienced clinical social worker who has a strong desire to help women address their mental health. Having worked and trained in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, outpatient mental health clinic, and OBGYN office, Malya has obtained a well-rounded knowledge in clinical mental health for over 10 years. She specializes in perinatal mental health including pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and loss as well as depression, anxiety, grief, and relationships issues. Malya obtained her official Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum International and has a passion for working with women in the perinatal period. Malya uses multiple modalities in therapy as she believes no treatment should be one size fits all, including but not limited to: cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution focused approaches. She is a graduate of University of Maryland School of Social Work and specialized in clinical mental health. Malya makes it a priority to attend continuing education trainings to keep growing in her field and is licensed in Maryland and DC to provide therapy services.

Malya believes in the importance of a warm, supportive relationship to aid you in your journey towards personal growth and finding hope even in what feels like the darkest times. It can be difficult to ask for help and choosing to seek therapy services will be met with a smile, and an objective and non-judgmental approach to any struggles you bring to the room. Malya works with you to collaborate care, create personal goals for therapy in a safe and compassionate environment and ultimately make lasting life changes.

Marla was born and raised in Southern Illinois and has been practicing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner since 2007. Additionally, her background includes over 21 years of labor and delivery nursing. Marla enjoys helping women in all stages of their life through preventative health care.

She lives in Waterloo with her two daughters. In her free time, she loves to travel with her friends and family. If she could eat one food for the rest of her life, it would be chicken wings!

Sarah graduated from Towson University in 2010 and began her nursing career as a perioperative nurse. Her interest in women’s health grew after working in the operating room and as a travel nurse for 6 years. She transitioned into the field of REI in 2016 and enjoyed working as an IVF fertility nurse for 4 years. In that role, Sarah thrived in supporting and guiding women and couples throughout their fertility journey. Her passion for women’s health and drive to more comprehensively care for women led Sarah to pursue her master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner. She graduated from Drexel University’s women’s health nurse practitioner program in 2020. She is proud to have the opportunity to provide evidence-based advanced nursing care to women of all ages and believes the key to a healthy life begins with preventive care. Sarah practices shared decision-making to best meet the needs of her patients. Her philosophy is to educate and empower women to take charge of their health, both mentally and physically, to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.

Taylor is a Clinically Licensed Social Worker that is passionate about supporting people through life’s challenges to optimize their health and well-being. She approaches each client as an individual and uses an integrative treatment approach to support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, health stress, grief, relational distress and difficulty with adjustment to life transitions. Taylor believes that with the right support and appropriate tools, everyone has the capacity to create change and work towards their goals.