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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.

Patricia J. Zoller, A.P.R.N., F.N.P.-B.C., received her Master of Science in Nursing from Saint Xavier University. She is credentialed through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society. Patricia strives to provide exceptional health care with an emphasis on health education and chronic disease management. She believes everyone should have access to quality health care and through education and strong relationships with patients, find the best care plan that improves health outcomes. Outside of work, Patricia enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Desiree Khan received her Master of Science in Nursing from Olivet Nazarene University and completed her clinical rotation at Little Company of Mary Emergency Room. She is credentialed through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and ANCC. Desiree believes everyone deserves access to quality health care and delivers care by collaborating with patients to create care individualized care plans.

Dr. Khanal received her medical degree from Nepalgunj Medical College in Nepal, and completed her residency at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. She is licensed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Dr. Khanal is passionate about working in a medically underserved community. She is committed to caring for her young patients and ensuring they receive the care they need. She is fluent in Nepali and Hindi. In her spare time, Dr. Khanal enjoys reading books and traveling.

David Sode graduated with his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University. He is certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. David believes in meeting patients where they are at, listening with compassion and working together to empower them in their care. He takes the time to get to know each patient beyond their diagnosis, building trust and making sure they and their families feel understood and supported every step of the way. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and playing the drums. He is fluent in Spanish. 

​Dr. Kim received her medical degree from Rush Medical College and completed the Deaconess Family Medicine Residency at Deaconess Hospital. She is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, and she is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Kim believes in empowering her patients to take optimum care of themselves, while seeing the patient as a person and not a medical condition. She is fluent in Korean. When not working, Dr. Kim enjoys playing the guitar, hiking, gardening, enjoying art and spending time with her family.   

Maria Tejada earned her Certified Nurse Midwife degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is licensed by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Maria is fluent in Spanish and is pleased to be working in a bi-cultural community where she can advocate for all patients. She believes that the birthing process is an opportunity for every woman to have a great experience that she will always treasure. During her spare time Maria enjoys participating in martial arts.

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.  

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.