Family Health
MAHEC Family Medicine provides comprehensive, full-spectrum care for all ages, newborn to adults, including Geriatrics. We focus on delivering high quality and thoughtful medical care to patients through a comprehensive approach using evidence-based medicine and decision-making. We strive for a team-based approach and put the patient first. Our comprehensive approach provides care for short and long term (chronic) illnesses, acute issues, and age based preventive care.
Our office is pleased to offer patients a convenient and secure way to virtually check in for upcoming visits.
Depending on whether you join from a computer or a mobile device, you may need to download the FollowMyHealth app.
Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm (in-person and telehealth)
Tuesdays: 5pm-7pm (telehealth only)
24/7 Call Answering Service
Susan Alexander, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Susan Alexander, MD, is a family physician at the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) in Asheville. She is board-certified in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. She is a clinical assistant professor with the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
Dr. Alexander practices full-scope family medicine at the MAHEC Family Health Center at Enka/Candler. She provides primary care for newborns, children, and adults, and she provides pregnancy care. Dr. Alexander also provides inpatient care at Mission Hospital, including some obstetrics and deliveries. She also offers a wide array of in-office procedures. Additionally, Dr. Alexander provides office-based opioid medication-assisted treatment services. She speaks Spanish, and interpreter services are available as needed.
Dr. Alexander completed her undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and her family medicine residency at MAHEC in Asheville.
Julia Ceglenski, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: Saint Louis University
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)
Dr. Julia Ceglenski is a third-year family medicine resident with a strong passion for providing comprehensive patient-centered care to diverse patient populations. Her clinical interests include preventative medicine, outpatient procedures, women’s health, and addiction medicine. Dr. Ceglenski encourages a team-based approach to healthcare, focused on engaging patient’s support systems, specialists, allied health professionals, and greater surrounding community. She is dedicated to improving patient health literacy and navigating the complex healthcare system to best help patients meet their needs and promote their overall wellness.
Sandra Clark, MD, MPH
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Katherine Crider, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)
Dr. Katherine Crider is a resident physician in Family Medicine who is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to all ages and identities. Passionate about building meaningful relationships, Dr. Crider values the continuity of care and strives to foster trust with each patient. With a patient-centered approach, she is dedicated to addressing both the immediate health needs and long-term well-being of those she serves.
Graham Custar, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Residency Program: Mountain Area Health Education Center (Chief Resident)
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine
Dr. Graham Custar is a primary care physician who sees patients of all ages. His interests include comprehensive primary care, substance use disorders, weight management, integrative medicine, value-based care, and health technology. He promotes team-based, patient-centered care to build fulfilling, long-term relationships to optimize patient experience and health outcomes. He is passionate about advocating for his patients, and he sees his role as promoting and supporting their health needs in ways that best fit their values and preferences.
Nicole Evans, DOPronouns: she/her/hers
Family Medicine Faculty Physician
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences of the Pacific
Residency Program: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine
Dr. Nicole Evans is a devoted family physician with over 10 years of experience of providing full spectrum primary care within the MAHEC organization. Dr. Evans enjoys the opportunity at MAHEC to care for patients of all ages and backgrounds, often caring for multiple generations within the same family, including newborn, prenatal and geriatric care. Some of her clinical interests consist of women’s health, dermatology procedures and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
E. Blake Fagan, MDClinical Director of Substance Use Disorders at MAHEC
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Diplomate of the American Board of Preventative Medicine, Board-Certified in Addiction Medicine
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Residency Program: MAHEC Family Medicine
Board Certification: Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine
Dr. Fagan is the Clinical Director of Substance Use Disorder Initiatives, a family physician at MAHEC in Asheville, NC, and a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has 26 years of experience as a physician, 23 years of experience teaching medical residents and residents, and 11 years of experience treating opioid use disorder and chronic and acute pain in the primary care setting. He enjoys seeing children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant and parenting patients. He performs a variety of procedures including circumcisions, IUD placement and removal, contraceptive implant, endometrial biopsy, cryotherapy, incision and drainage of abscesses, and steroid injections of joints.
Carriedelle Fusco, MSN, FNP-BCNurse Practitioner
Co-director, MAHEC Office-Based Opioid Treatment Services
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Carriedelle Wilson Fusco, MSN, FNP-BC, holds a master’s degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University and is board certified as a family nurse practitioner. Carriedelle joined the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency program in Asheville in 2012 and works with an interdisciplinary team to care for patients with chronic pain on chronic opioid therapy and patients struggling with opioid addiction and other substance use disorders. She also teaches medical, nursing, and pharmacy students; medical residents; other learners; and community providers in the management of chronic pain and substance use disorders. Carriedelle is the co-medical director for office-based opioid treatment services at MAHEC Family Health Centers.
Josh Gettinger, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Kontia Grant, MSN, FNP-BC
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Undergraduate:Queens College
Graduate Studies: Western Carolina University (WCU)
Kontia is a dedicated, compassionate FNP with a passion for preventative healthcare. With over 9 years of experience in both Family Health and Skilled Nursing Facility settings, she emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. Her interests include family health, chronic disease management and mental health. She works closely with her patients and the interdisciplinary team to develop and reach patient centered goals. Kontia was the recipient of the 2015 WCU Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award and is passionate about helping patients/families take an active role in meeting their healthcare needs.
Melissa Hicks, MDFaculty Physician
Transitional Year Residency Program Director
35 years experience in Primary Care and OB
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Areas of special interest include the full scope of family medical care, including caring for women during pregnancy and childbirth, along with the family.
Steve Hulkower, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
Residency Program: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Philadelphia, PA
Board Certification: Family Medicine
Dr. Stephen Hulkower is a board-certified Family Physician with decades of experience providing full-spectrum primary care to the WNC community, including acute and chronic care in hospital and office settings, office procedures, and Sports Medicine. His work in rural and underserved settings—such as Native American reservations in Arizona and North Carolina, and in Honduras and Haiti—highlights his commitment to improving access to healthcare for all. The majority of his career has featured his role as a teacher and mentor in the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency Program, training the next generations of physicians for WNC.
Melissa Jenkins Soares, DO
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)
Dr. Jenkins Soares is a dedicated family medicine resident physician with a strong passion for lifestyle and preventative medicine. She is committed to helping her patients actively engage in their healthcare journeys, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health. Her approach is rooted in collaboration; she values the importance of working together with patients to develop personalized care plans that reflect their unique needs and goals. Dr. Jenkins Soares is excited to contribute to the health and well-being of her community through comprehensive, compassionate, and collaborative healthcare.
Sylvia Kauffman, MD, MSPHPronouns: she/her/hers
Family Medicine Faculty Physician
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: University of Virginia
Residency Program: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program
Board Certification: Family Medicine
Dr. Sylvia Kauffman enjoys caring for patients of all ages and providing them with the information they need to make decisions about their own health. She particularly enjoys prenatal and obstetrical care, women’s health, chronic disease management, and caring for Spanish-speaking patients. She believes strongly in physical activity, nutrition, and other lifestyle strategies to prevent and manage illness.
Cicely Krebill, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)
Dr. Cicely Krebill is a family medicine resident physician with a strong passion for full-spectrum care. She enjoys taking care of all members in the family. Her specific passions include obstetric, reproductive healthcare, and in-office procedures. She is committed to collaborating with her patients to create patient-centered treatments informed by evidence-based medicine. She believes in building a strong relationship and fostering open communication with her patients.
Lisa LaVallee, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Areas of special interest include women and children’s health, OB, dermatology and osteoporosis.
Sidney Levingston, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (formerly Medical College of Virginia)
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)
Dr. Levingston is a resident physician dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive and quality care, empowering patients through communication and shared decision-making, and building a strong physician-patient relationship. Her primary interests include women's health, prenatal and obstetrical care, the mother-baby dyad, and caring for infants/newborns. She is also particularly passionate about contraception and reproductive justice, including providing equitable access to full-spectrum reproductive healthcare for all patients.
Boone Marois, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
William McLean, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Jessica McSurdy, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Sarah Beth Neal, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)
Dr. Sarah Neal is a resident physician devoted to providing comprehensive care centered on active, empathetic listening; patient-centered decision-making; and evidence-based medicine. She has a special interest in addiction medicine and seeks to provide medication-assisted treatment to those in our community struggling with substance use disorder. She aims to provide a safe space for all of her patients where they can work together to achieve their health goals.
Rathika Nimalendran, MDPronouns: she/her/hers
Family Medicine Faculty Physician
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
Residency Program: UNC-Chapel Hill Family Medicine Residency
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine
Dr. Nimalendran is a dedicated family medicine physician who provides care to all ages, including prenatal care and children. Dr. Nimalendran enjoys the breadth of family medicine, including acute illness, preventative healthcare, and chronic disease management. Additionally, she has a strong interest in reproductive healthcare, gender-affirming care, substance use disorder treatment, breastfeeding medicine, and health of the underserved. Dr. Nimalendran strives to develop relationships with her patients and utilize her expertise to collaborate with them on their health and wellness goals.
Rebecca Putnam, MDPronouns: she/her/hers
Family Medicine Faculty Physician
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Residency Program: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program
Board Certification:American Board of Family Medicine
Dr. Putnam is a dedicated family medicine physician who loves providing evidence-informed care to people in all stages of life. She believes healthcare is a human right and loves working at MAHEC because it is a place where we strive to provide all patients with the healthcare they deserve. Her clinical interests include whole person care for adults with intellectual disabilities, women’s health, and preventive care including vaccination.
Justin Riederer, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
LeAnne M. Roberts, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Nurse Practitioner Program: Purdue Global
Board Certification: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
LeAnne Roberts is a family nurse practitioner who believes in focusing on the whole person when caring for her patients. She is passionate about understanding the needs and preferences of each individual and tailoring patient-centered care to meet those needs. Building relationships in healthcare is important to LeAnne. Her experience includes managing and setting goals to improve chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and obesity to name a few. LeAnne's special interests include working closely with families from visit to visit to achieve their health goals emphasizing wellness, managing chronic diseases, and providing care and support through illness.
Stephanie Rosener, MD, IBCLC, FAAFP
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Stephanie Rosener, MD, IBCLC, FAAFP, joined MAHEC in April 2024 as Chair of Family Medicine. Prior to that appointment, Dr. Rosener served as Program Director for The United Family Medicine Residency Program, a community-based residency program of Allina Health in St. Paul, MN, which emphasized reducing barriers to care and eliminating disparities for under-resourced populations.
Dr. Rosener began her career as a registered nurse, after receiving a dual degree of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Penn State University. She shared her nursing skills at the University of Pittsburgh’s HIV Treatment Clinical Trials Unit, Presbyterian University, and Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.
The Pennsylvania native continued her education, obtaining her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, followed by residency at United Family Medicine Residency in St. Paul. She completed the National Institute for Program Director Development fellowship while serving as Associate Program Director for the Middlesex Health Family Medicine Residency Program in Middletown, CT.
In addition to her current role, Dr. Rosener has held academic appointments at the University of Minnesota Medical School, the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, Yale School of Medicine, and Boston University School of Medicine.
She is a published author and researcher with a focus on maternal child health, reduction in birth disparities, quality improvement, and innovation in graduate medical education. Dr. Rosener is also a classically trained vocalist and musician (piano, flute, sax, guitar), watercolor artist, outdoors enthusiast, and global traveler.
Amy Russell, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Matt Simpson, MD, MPH
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Ashley Smith, MD, MPH
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: The University of California, Davis
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)
Dr. Ashley Smith is dedicated to whole-person care. She believes that each patient knows their body better than any physician could and likes to bring out "the doctor within." She likes to work collaboratively with her patients to build a healthier future one day at a time. Prior to becoming a physician, Dr. Smith worked in adolescent women's research studying menstruation. She also was a yoga teacher for over seven years.
Genevieve Verrastro, MD, FAAPPronouns: she/her/hers
Faculty Physician – Substance Use Educator, MAHEC
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Residency Program: MAHEC Family Medicine in Asheville, MAHEC Addiction Medicine Fellowship
Board Certification: Fellow of American Board of Family Practice
Board, Certified in Addiction Medicine by American Board of Preventative Medicine
Dr. Verrastro is passionate about care of the underserved. She is a certified Addiction Medicine specialist with interests in Opiate Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder. She is a founding provider in the MAHEC Gender Affirming Care clinic serving the gender diverse patients of the region and provides primary care for people living with HIV and PreP for HIV prevention.
Jan Westphal, MD
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Suzie Willis, APRN, MSN, FNP
MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730
Nurse Practitioner Program: University of Southwest Florida
Board Certification: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Suzie is a family nurse practitioner who enjoys providing care to her patients as individuals while serving members of our community. She is committed to providing patient centered care to optimize health and wellbeing. She takes pride in a comprehensive approach to promoting wellness through shared decision making. She is passionate about health promotion, disease prevention and lifestyle modification with the goal to empower patients to take charge of their health and wellbeing.
