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Tania Nunez earned her Master of Science in Community Counseling from National Louis University and completed her practicum at Rainbow House in Little Village working with survivors of domestic violence. She is credentialed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and is a member of the Illinois Counseling Association and the Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing International Association. Tania chose to serve in community health after witnessing health disparities within her own community growing up. She works alongside her patients to ensure they are reaching their health goals and provides the best level of care to address their needs. Outside of work, Tania enjoys reading, listening to music, and connecting with her community. She is fluent in Spanish.  

Dr. Hemlata Meena received her medical degree at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi and completed her residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She is credentialed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and is a member of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Meena is passionate about providing women’s health care in community health care settings and helping patients to empower themselves take care of their own health. To Dr. Meena, health is our biggest asset and it must be taken care of to live happy, full lives. She believes women have a unique opportunity to be role models and significantly shape the health of their families and communities. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, meditating, spending time with family, and interior decorating. She is fluent in Hindi.

Luiz Barbosa received his Masters in Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago after completing his internship at the Catholic Charities of Chicago. He is licensed through the National Association of Social Workers and continues to be an active member. Luiz has a long history of working in cross-cultural settings and decided to work in a community health center setting to empower and support his community. His philosophy of care includes working to enhance and empower the well-being of his clients by meeting their basic and complex needs. Luiz is also interested in cultural events and philosophy. He is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

Claudia Garcia completed her Master of Science in Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed her dietetic internship at Loyola University Chicago. She is credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Claudia is committed to making a positive impact on her patients’ lives through nutrition and health education. Working in community health care allows Claudia to reach a diverse population and provide accessible, evidence-based nutritional guidance. Claudia utilizes shared decision making to collaborate with patients on a personalized treatment plan that works for them and helps achieve their health goals. Outside of work, Claudia enjoys biking, paddleboarding, and hiking. She is fluent in Spanish.

Marina Ibrahim completed her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Midwestern University. She is certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. In her practice, Marina provides patient-centered care and treats each patient like family. She believes in giving back to her community through preventative medicine and providing accessible, quality care to all patients. When not at work, Marina can be found exploring new places and spending time with her family and friends. She is fluent in Arabic.

Michelle Toledo completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. She is certified through the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the Physician Associates for Latino Health. Having grown up on the South Side of Chicago, she has firsthand experience with the health care challenges these communities face. Her practice is centered on providing compassionate, patient-centered, and culturally sensitive care that goes beyond treating physical symptoms to include patients’ mental health and wellness. Her goal is to build trust and empower her patients to actively participate in their health journey. When not at work, Michelle can be found cooking, reading, or spending time with family and friends. She is fluent in Spanish.  

Zane Elgogari completed the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Pittsburgh. He is certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates and the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants. Additionally, he is an HIV Prevention Provider through HealthHIV. Zane chose to work in a community health center because he values being on the front lines of patient care and helping people navigate their healthcare journey. He believes in guiding and empowering patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions that will positively impact their overall health and wellness. When not at work, Zane enjoys cooking, exploring Chicago, and spending time with his cat Augustine. He is fluent in Spanish and Arabic.  

​Dr. Brown received her medical degree from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine at Rockford and completed her residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital. She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Brown is a member of the American College of OB/GYN, and the American College of Surgeons. She strives to provide excellent care and to help the community. When not working, Dr. Brown enjoys traveling, exercising and fashion design. 

Sanah Ruhullah earned her medical degree at the Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad, India and completed her residency at the Puerto Rico Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ruhullah is licensed through the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She decided to work in a community health care setting because she enjoys providing holistic care to diverse communities. Dr. Ruhullah believes that all children deserve access to high quality, patient-centered care. She is a self-described foodie and also enjoys gardening and traveling. She is fluent in Spanish and Urdu.

Justin Poole earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Butler University. He is credentialed through the Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant Studies and is a member of the National Association of Emergency Medical Service Educators, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Prior to coming to ACCESS, Dr. Poole worked in emergency medicine and witnessed firsthand the disparities that exist within health care. Dr. Poole believes providing high quality care is the core of the patient-provider relationship and a kes the time to actively listen to patients needs and provide quality education. Dr. Poole is a supporter of the LGBT community and has experience in administering PrEP, PEP, and Doxy-PEP. Outside of work, he enjoys playing trombone in a community concert band and going to different venues throughout Chicago.  

Tara Kristiansen received her Master of Science in Nursing at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. She is credentialed through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a current member of the Illinois Society for Advance Practice Nursing. Tara is eager to work with the West Chicago community to provide high quality, patient-centered care. She believes that everyone deserves access to care, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Outside of work, Tara enjoys coaching others on budgeting and saving, as well as staying active and travelling.  

Katarzyna Ceglinski graduated from Maryville University St Louis an completed her practicums at Kids First Pediatrics Partners and Dr. Efraim Flores Pediatrics. She is a licensed pediatric nurse practitioner through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and is an international board-certified lactation consultant through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Katarzyna’s practice centers on providing patient centered care focused on listening, reassurance, and education. She values being an active member of her community by providing quality health care to the people of Chicago. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, gardening, and camping. Katarzyna is fluent in Polish. 

Colleen Joseph, D.N.P., I.B.C.L.C., received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Loyola University. She is credentialed through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health and Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society. Colleen has committed her medical career to providing care to those who need it most and believes everyone should have access to quality, affordable health care. Every patient she sees, she strives to provide them the same care and attention she would show to a member of her family. Outside of work, Colleen enjoys running marathons, CrossFit and spending time with friends and family. She is fluent in Spanish.

Peter Johnson earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago and completed his residency at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. He is a Board-certified physician in the state of Illinois and is a member of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Johnson values serving a diverse patient population and takes a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. He wants to empower his patients to make the best decisions for their health and treats each of his patients like family. When not at work, Dr. Johnson enjoys staying active through yoga, swimming, biking, and traveling. He is fluent in Spanish.