Family Health

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program
Fellowship: Primary Care Sports Medicine, Cone Health Sports Medicine Fellowship
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine, Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine, Diplomate in Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Brian Atkinson brings specialized expertise in family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and sports medicine to his practice. With a focus on musculoskeletal injuries and preventive care for active individuals, he works closely with his patients to develop personalized treatment and recovery plans. Dr. Atkinson is particularly passionate about helping patients of all ages maintain wellness, mobility, and function throughout their lives. He is also team physician for UNC Asheville Athletics, Warren Wilson College Athletics, and medical director for multiple road and trail running races. He takes pride in educating his patients on the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and overall well-being as part of a comprehensive approach to health.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: The Brody School of Medicine at ECU
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)

Dr. Carr is a Family Medicine Resident who started his Residency in the summer of 2024. His interests include preventative care, multi-generational care, POCUS, and practice management. He is committed to improving the health and wellness of his patients through shared decision-making and continuity of care. Dr. Carr is always happy to talk about exercise and diet changes you can implement in your daily life.

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (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.

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: 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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program
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.

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Undergraduate: Queens University of Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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 has a special interest in mental health and has a BS in Psychology. Kontia works closely with her patients and the interdisciplinary team to develop and reach patient centered goals. She 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.

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
Residency: 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.

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program (current)

Dr. Emilia Kaslow-Zieve is a resident family physician committed to providing holistic care to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Her specific clinical interests include reproductive health, lifestyle and preventive medicine, and healthy aging. She values open communication to facilitate informed decision-making, and she aims to create personalized care plans that address both immediate health needs and long-term goals. Recognizing the impact of social determinants on health, Dr. Kaslow-Zieve also strives to acknowledge these factors, connect patients to resources, and provide a comprehensive approach to care.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: University of Virginia
Residency: 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.

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine
Residency: Oregon Health Sciences University Family Medicine Residency Program
Board Certification: Board Certified Family Physician

At the completion of her residency, Dr. LaVallee joined a private practice in Portland Oregon where she practiced full spectrum family medicine including inpatient pediatric, internal medicine and obstetrics for five years. She subsequently began her career in academic medicine at MAHEC Family Medicine Residency program in Asheville, North Carolina. She developed an expertise in osteoporosis. In 2004 she began serving as Assistant Program Director. In 2015 she became Residency Program Director. She has successfully trained residents for rural practice and retained graduates in Western North Carolina. To meet the needs of the region she expanded residency training to include training in addiction medicine, treatment of hepatitis C, gender affirming care and care of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She believes that healthcare is a human right and should be equally available to all. She believes that fostering a nurturing educational environment is the cornerstone in producing the most successful residents.

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.

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
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

Dr. Marina MacNamara is a dedicated family physician who enjoys providing care to folks at all stages of life, including newborn, pediatric, and prenatal care. With experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, she emphasizes a patient-centered approach to care, aiming to empower her patients to take charge of their health. Her interests include maternal and child health, complex medical needs, and mental health integration in primary care.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
Residency: UNC-Chapel Hill Family Medicine Residency Program
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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine
Residency: 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.

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
Board Certification: Board Certified Family Physician

Dr. Riederer is a family physician passionate about providing patient care in the clinic and hospital to infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly in Western North Carolina. His particular clinical interests include substance use disorders, hepatitis C treatment, lifestyle medicine, and preventative medicine. He strives to ensure that all patients, including the most marginalized communities, feel safe, respected, and heard as they seek healthcare. In addition to providing patient care, Dr. Riederer is an educator of future physicians through the UNC School of Medicine, and resident physicians at the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency Program.

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: United Family Medicine Residency Program
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)

Stephanie E. Rosener, MD, IBCLC, is an experienced family physician who cares for patients of all ages. She has a special interest in the care of women and children, including pregnancy care, and enjoys partnering with each patient to achieve optimal health. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Rosener is an active teacher, researcher, author, and national expert on preventing prematurity—improving birth outcomes and developing innovative family medicine residency programs. Dr. Rosener is deeply committed to improving health and access to healthcare for all members of the community.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program
Fellowship: MAHEC Addiction Medicine Fellowship
Board Certification: Fellow of the American Board of Family Practice and Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the 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.

MAHEC Family Health Center at Biltmore
123 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 257-4730

Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Residency: MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

Dr. Jan Westphal is a dedicated family physician with over 10 years of experience. She is passionate about providing comprehensive, patient-centered care, focusing on building strong relationships with her patients. Her interests include chronic disease management, women's health, and mental health integration in primary care. Dr. Westphal is committed to meeting patients where they are and creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard and understood. She believes in empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare through shared decision-making and lifestyle modifications. She is also passionate about educating the next generation of family physicians and serves as the Assistant Program Director for the MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program.

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 well-being. 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 of empowering patients to take charge of their health and well-being.