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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Dr. Rohit Suri is a board-certified obesity medicine specialist at Nova Physician Wellness Center. Serving patients in Fairfax, Arlington, Tysons Corner, Sterling, Woodbridge and Lansdowne/Ashburn, Virginia, he is dedicated to providing individuals with care to ensure their future health, using both cutting-edge medical research and more traditional, conventional methods.

As an expert in weight loss, he helps men and women navigate the challenges associated with nutrition, exercise, behavioral change, and more.

He is a board-certified obesity medicine specialist and also a long-standing member of the American Society of Obesity Medicine and has completed specialized training in this new and emerging field. He is also a board-certified family physician and has been practicing medicine for the last 12 years.

Dr. Suri enjoys creating trusting, confident relationships with his patients. His goal is to help each individual prevent disease, achieve a healthy weight, and reduce risk factors for health complications through positive lifestyle changes. With an emphasis on safe, long-lasting results, he helps patients transform their bodies and their lives.

Anise Green, MSN, NP-C, is a board certified Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with a Master's of Science in Nursing from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, OH. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining NOVA Physician Wellness Center, Anise worked with a transplant nephrology practice. She has a varied nursing background caring for patients in both the acute and long term care settings. Anise is passionate about reducing health inequalities and promoting a holistic, preventive care model. She focuses on providing individualized care tailored to each patient's weight loss and lifestyle goals. In her leisure time, she enjoys scuba diving, baking, and cuddling her two dogs.