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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.

​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.   

Eileen Baird earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chamberlain University and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Eileen is passionate about providing preventive health care and improving access to quality services for Chicagoland communities, especially those facing barriers to care. She believes that patient education and early intervention are essential to long-term health. Her philosophy of care focuses on building strong relationships and working collaboratively with patients to achieve their health goals. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Outside of work, Eileen enjoys reading, listening to music, attending live concerts, and spending time with friends. 

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.

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.

​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. 

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. 

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.  

Janielle Javier earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Janielle is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants. Janielle's philosophy of care is rooted in the belief that health care is a human right, and that all patients deserve access to high-quality, compassionate care. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, baking, and spending time with family and friends. 

Lina Riaz earned her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Concordia University and is certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Lina is committed to providing accessible, high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals and families from all backgrounds. She believes everyone deserves compassionate care, regardless of their circumstances and is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of her community. Outside of work, Lina enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and trying new restaurants. She is fluent in Urdu.  

Jessica Shaker earned her medical degree and Masters of Biomedical Sciences at Loyola University Medical Center. She is licensed through the Illinois State Board and is Board-certified with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), of which she is also a member. Dr. Shaker is passionate about serving her community and advocating for vulnerable populations, ensuring that all patients have access to high-quality, comprehensive care. Her philosophy of care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and shared decision-making. She strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel informed, respected, and empowered in their health care choices. Outside of work, Dr. Shaker enjoys reading, traveling, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with her husband and puppy.