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Abbi Lamparelli is a Nurse Practitioner with Gastro Centers of Maryland, bringing over a decade of hands-on clinical experience to her role. She began her career in medical-surgical and emergency medicine and transitioned into advanced practice nursing in 2023 after completing her training at Drexel University. She further advanced her education by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Aspen University.

 

Abbi’s approach to patient care is deeply rooted in compassion and respect. She emphasizes a patient-centered, holistic, and evidence-based philosophy—ensuring that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their unique health journey. She remains committed to empowering patients with clear communication, shared decision-making, and attentive follow-up.

 

Beyond her clinical work, Abbi has a strong interest in healthcare research and ongoing professional development. Outside of work, Abbi enjoys reading, birdwatching, and trying new restaurants—interests that highlight her curiosity and appreciation for both quiet moments and fun new experiences.

Colleen Abell is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in 2006. She has practiced as a nurse practitioner for the past sixteen years. Ms. Abell's experience includes working in a family medical clinic, but she spent most of her career providing care for patients recovering from Bariatric and GI surgical/oncology procedures. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Ms. Abell worked as a Registered Nurse in cardiology and emergency medicine.

Colleen joined the Gastro Center of Maryland in 2021 after relocating from the NY/NJ area. She is dedicated to being a great provider and advocate for her patients. Outside of work, Ms. Abell enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys.

For over 10 years, I have been combining conventional and innovative methods to modern medicine in order to attain unbelievable healing results for my patients. Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I am able to deliver high-quality care that utilizes the most advancement in medicine. I am particularly interested in health prevention, creating access and delivery of care that is cost-effective and appropriate for the individual. I graduated in 2009 with honors, where I completed my clinical training in Family Medicine. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. I was also a clinical faculty at DeSales University for 5 where I had the privilege of helping to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners.

For over 10 years, I have been combining conventional and innovative methods to modern medicine in order to attain unbelievable healing results for my patients. Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I am able to deliver high-quality care that utilizes the most advancement in medicine. I am particularly interested in health prevention, creating access and delivery of care that is cost-effective and appropriate for the individual. I graduated in 2009 with honors, where I completed my clinical training in Family Medicine. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. I was also a clinical faculty at DeSales University for 5 where I had the privilege of helping to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners.

For over 10 years, I have been combining conventional and innovative methods to modern medicine in order to attain unbelievable healing results for my patients. Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I am able to deliver high-quality care that utilizes the most advancement in medicine. I am particularly interested in health prevention, creating access and delivery of care that is cost-effective and appropriate for the individual. I graduated in 2009 with honors, where I completed my clinical training in Family Medicine. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. I was also a clinical faculty at DeSales University for 5 where I had the privilege of helping to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners.

Sultana Afrooz, DO, is a holistic and integrative medicine physician at Be The Change Health & Wellness, located in Columbia, Maryland. Dr. Afrooz specializes in diagnosing and treating highly complex health challenges confronting many patients and providing them with the in-depth, compassionate, and individualized care they deserve.

Dr. Afrooz has practiced osteopathic medicine since receiving her doctorate from Des Moines University – Osteopathic Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2002. Her training included an osteopathic internship and family practice residency at the Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Afrooz was board certified in family practice from 2005 to 2014 and is currently board-eligible. She has successfully completed the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners NBOME Part I, II, III Boards, the State Osteopathic Licensing Examination, and is licensed to practice medicine in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

Dr. Afrooz is committed to evaluating and treating the individual while improving their physical health and spiritual well-being. She is well-versed in testing and discovering environmental, genetic, and infectious factors connected to chronic health issues. Dr. Afrooz utilizes the best available integrative laboratory evaluations to get to the root cause of disease and help patients regain their health. Dr. Afrooz brings to her practice of medicine a history of continued excellence in her training and education, an intellectual curiosity that's motivated by compassion, and a life-long commitment to learning. Dr. Sultana Afrooz specializes in treating patients who have been chronically ill from the effects of tick-borne infection, mold toxicity, and environmental toxicity.

Dr. Afrooz uses an integrative approach to treatment using prescription antimicrobials, herbal supplements, and nutritional supplements. She has an exceptional knowledge of mind-body medicine, food as medicine, and other integrative functional approaches to health and healing. Dr. Afrooz is dedicated to helping her patients achieve wellness and healing in all aspects of their lives. She believes that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself and that it is her goal as a practitioner to guide patients in their journey to healing. Dr. Afrooz has had extensive training in the treatment of tick-borne infections and has attended annual ILADS conferences to keep up to date on the latest research and treatments in tick-borne infections and Multiple Infectious Disease Syndrome. With this training, she has become extremely involved in learning about the systemic effects of mold toxicity and treating the chronic systemic effects of mold illness. Dr. Afrooz has also spent years studying the various methods of persistence in chronic infections.

John Watts Haresch, MD is a family medicine physician who joined the practice in 2024. He currently focuses on the care of older adults. He previously served as a Regional Medical Officer with the U.S. Department of State, operated a full-spectrum private practice, and has been medical director of organizations meeting the needs of underserved communities. He completed medical school and family medicine residency in the University of North Carolina system.

For over 10 years, I have been combining conventional and innovative methods to modern medicine in order to attain unbelievable healing results for my patients. Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, I am able to deliver high-quality care that utilizes the most advancement in medicine. I am particularly interested in health prevention, creating access and delivery of care that is cost-effective and appropriate for the individual. I graduated in 2009 with honors, where I completed my clinical training in Family Medicine. I am a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. I was also a clinical faculty at DeSales University for 5 where I had the privilege of helping to mentor the next generation of nurse practitioners.

Akukeng W. Mba, MSN, FNP, CFCS, is an experienced family nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience, including almost five experience as a foot care specialist. She’s highly skilled in exceeding the general and podiatry needs of patients aged 12 and older.

Akukeng received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and family nurse practitioner credentials from Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner (FNP) who maintains her advanced medical credentials with continuing education.

Akukeng has worked in hospital and clinic settings. She has expertise in medication administration, nursing education, critical care medicine, healthcare management, advanced cardiac life support, and foot care. Akukeng specializes in routine foot assessments, diabetic foot exams, callus debridement, and managing conditions that affect the toenails.

Akukeng loves spending time with her friends and family when she’s not caring for patients. She welcomes new and existing patients to Diversity Health Clinic LLC and looks forward to improving their health and quality of life. 

Abraham Mbangowah, MSN, FNP, is a compassionate family nurse practitioner with nearly 15 years of experience working with patients of all ages. He’s highly skilled in all areas of primary, urgent, and preventive care.

Abraham earned his associate's degree in general studies at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland. He received his bachelor’s degree in nursing at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he graduated cum laude and was a member of the Mary Mahoney Honors Society. Abraham received his master’s degree and family nurse practitioner training at Chamberlain University in Irving, Texas. 

He’s a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP). Abraham specializes in general medicine and all areas of primary care, including the treatment of illnesses, diseases, and mental health conditions. He completes continuing education to provide the latest advances in medical care.

Abraham speaks English, French, and Creole. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Abraham is passionate about caring for his patients and warmly welcomes them to Diversity Health Clinic LLC.