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Ambresha Wilder, LMSW, is a licensed master social worker at One Alkaline Life, a telehealth-based mental health practice located in Waldorf, Maryland. She's committed to helping individuals and families navigate their mental health journey with compassion and evidence-based care. 

After serving in the United States Army and receiving an honorable discharge, Ambresha earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Liberty University. She then completed her master’s in social work with a clinical focus and is currently licensed in the state of Texas.

Ambresha brings a wealth of experience working with diverse populations, including older adults, adolescents, individuals living with autism, and those facing challenges related to substance use, domestic violence, or behavioral health concerns. She provides care in individual, family, and group therapy settings.

Using a person-centered approach, Ambresha integrates several therapeutic techniques to meet each client’s unique needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness practices.

Ambresha is deeply passionate about helping clients build healthier thought patterns, improve emotional regulation, and create lasting behavioral changes. Her supportive, goal-oriented style empowers individuals to take control of their mental wellness and work toward greater satisfaction in life.

If you’re seeking a compassionate therapist in Texas who honors your lived experiences and personal goals, Ambresha is here to help. Reach out today to begin your path to healing and personal growth.

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.

Mrs. Monica Lovins, is a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner who has been in health care for the last 40 years, advancing her career as a registered nurse in the ICU, Educator in the ICU as well as teaching at Catholic University of America while attaining her master’s in science with a GPA of 3.89, from Felician University, Lodi, New Jersey. She has received multiple nursing award to include excellence and expertise in multiple nursing modalities.

Monica joined Gastro Center of Maryland in 2017 after many years at John’s Hospital Bayview in the Department of Surgery, Bariatric Department. Her mission to treat all gastrointestinal diseases and facilitate, best outcomes for patients who suffer from chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

When off Monica enjoys quilting as well as spending time with family and friends.

Xinna Yi is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University, which she completed in 2023. She brings a wealth of experience from her work in a family medical clinic and her previous role as a Registered Nurse specializing in cardiology medicine. Before transitioning to nursing, she graduated from medical school in China and gained one and a half years of experience as a gastrointestinal physician at an academic hospital in China.

 Xinna is committed to patient-centered care, employing a collaborative, team-based approach to healthcare. She has a passion for continuous learning and teaching. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching movies, and traveling.

Priscilla Lobo is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in critical care nursing. She began her nursing career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her journey began in telemetry, where she built a strong foundation in patient care and cardiac monitoring. Seeking greater challenges, she transitioned to the intensive care unit, specializing in cardiology and neurology. During this time, she served as a charge nurse and preceptor, mentoring new nurses and leading her team in delivering high-quality patient care.

 

Her passion for advanced practice nursing led her to attain a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, where she became a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, she is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and making a meaningful impact on her patients’ lives.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband, two children, and their dog.

Gastro Center of Maryland (GCM) is one of the largest GI group practices in the state. We provide expert, compassionate care across multiple locations for a wide range of digestive and liver conditions.

We treat everything from acid reflux and IBS to Crohn’s disease, liver disorders, and colon cancer screenings. Our experienced providers use the latest technology to create personalized treatment plans focused on your individual needs.

Our state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Centers offer advanced procedures such as Bravo pH testing, PillCam capsule endoscopy, STRETTA for reflux, and Orbera for weight loss. We also provide onsite pathology and an IBD Infusion Center for faster, more accurate care in one place.

Appointments are easy to schedule with same-week and NextDay GI availability to fit your busy life.

At GCM, we are here to help you feel your best every step of the way.
We are currently welcoming new patients. Call or book online today to get started.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Chantal D. Lewis is a board-certified family medicine physician with over ten years of experience in providing care for the elderly, young adults and children. She was one of the proud recipients of the Northern Virginia Top Doctors award in 2015 and 2016. Naturally enthusiastic, driven, and passionate about learning, she brings a comprehensive approach to medical care by helping patients optimize their mental, spiritual, and physical health. Over the years, Dr. Lewis has recognized the need for providing care for the elderly, disabled and home bound at their place of residence and has spent the latter part of her career providing in home physician services to patients in Northern Virginia. Treating every patient as if they were family, she provides a listening ear, a warm heart, and a patient centered medical home for those in need.