Asheville Family Medicine Residency
I grew up in Asheville and was actually born here at Mission Hospital. I completed undergraduate studies at UNC-CH, after which I worked in renewable energy for about 5 years before deciding I wanted to become a physician. Along the way this brought me to Atlanta, GA, Denver, CO, Oakland, CA, and eventually back to North Carolina. My wife and I have twin boys which were born after my 2nd year of medical school. I took a gap year to be with them during the first year of their life. I am thrilled to return to Asheville to raise my kids where I grew up, and to join the truly wonderful crew at MAHEC. A few of my specific interests in Family Medicine are pediatrics, preventative care, chronic disease management and dermatology.
Outside of medicine I mostly like to ride bikes, hike, play soccer, or be with friends and family.
Hello friends! My name is Amy Golinker and I grew up in a town akin to a miniature Asheville: Ithaca, NY. I graduated from Union College in Schenectady, NY with a degree in Neuroscience and took a couple of detours prior to starting medical school. I attended medical school at the University of Vermont and am excited to be trading the Green Mountain State for the Blue Ridge Mountains!
I was initially drawn to MAHEC because of the emphasis on community, friendly people, and beautiful setting. In my third year of medical school I completed a longitudinal curriculum and knew I wanted to practice family medicine with an emphasis on continuity of care. I love getting to know patients and seeing how they make a difference in the community. My interests in medicine are quite broad; I am passionate about rural health care, women’s health, palliative care, and patient advocacy.
Outside of medicine, you can find me going for long meandering walks in the woods or in town, baking a batch of cookies to bring in to share with my residency pals, or checking out a local brewery, concert, or craft fair.
Hi all! I’m Cicely Krebill and I am incredibly excited to be joining the MAHEC team in Asheville as a family medicine resident! I grew up in Fairway, Kansas, close to Kansas City, and spent a lot of time visiting my family in rural parts of the Midwest. I had the opportunity to attend college at Northeastern University, where I enjoyed the city life in Boston. After that, I decided to stay up in New England for a bit longer and attended the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
During my time in medical school, I connected with a lot of folks experiencing housing insecurity and found a passion for full-scope medicine that increases access to healthcare for underserved communities which is why family medicine felt like a natural choice. After interviewing at MAHEC, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. It was such a tight-knit community that was committed to meeting the needs of Western North Carolina and I cannot wait to continue to learn and grow as a physician in Asheville.
As a family medicine resident, it is unsurprising that my special interests are broad. They include maternal child health, reproductive justice, dermatology, and sports medicine, and I felt like MAHEC’s diverse opportunities would train me to be the type of physician that is able to serve whatever community I end up practicing in after residency.
Asheville was also an exciting move because in my free time, you can find me outside! I enjoy hiking, skiing, running, and camping with my partner Parker and dog Huck. We are thrilled to be moving to a mountain town and are excited to join the MAHEC community!
Hi! I’m Hannah and I was born and raised in the Kansas City metropolitan area. I graduated from Truman State with a degree in anthropology and went back to get a biology degree at UMKC, followed by a masters in Biomedical Science at A.T. Still University in Kirksville, Missouri, where I also completed medical school. I completed my rotations out in Jersey City, NJ, where I had great exposure to urban medicine and urban life, on top of the rural exposure from Missouri. I am so excited to join the MAHEC family. I was drawn to this program due to the emphasis on reproductive health, obstetrics, health equality and social justice. My interests include women’s health, obstetrics, reproductive justice, health inequality, and wilderness medicine.
I have a 9 month old little boy named Ronan, and my husband Jassour and I love to take him on our adventures. We are so excited to move to Western North Carolina, and get back into our outdoor activities, and explore what Asheville and the mountains have to offer. In my free time, you can find me with my family exploring the outdoors, making jam, gardening, and trying recipes from my cookbook collection.
Hello future friends! My name is Chad Owens, and I am honored to be joining the MAHEC (Mountain Area Health Education Center) Family Medicine program in Asheville soon. I grew up just a couple of hours down I40 West in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee. I was raised by an absolute angel of a single mother and have had the privilege of calling Tennessee home my entire life. I attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) as an undergraduate and helped to institute Neuroscience as a major while studying the same subject. I worked various jobs while at UTK including Papa John's delivery driver, research assistant, dollar store manager, phlebotomist, and many more. I consider myself a Volunteer in heart and spirit and have always strived to be heavily involved in my community. I have had the honor of volunteering at local elementary schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and animal shelters and sincerely strive to give back whenever and wherever I can. I attended the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, TN for medical school. My passion for family medicine grew from the realization of disparities across Tennessee and opportunities to impact the community.
Aside from volunteering, my hobbies include basketball, disc golf, baking, grilling, gardening, board games, pinball, Skee-Ball, and spending time with my dog, among many more. I am so genuinely honored to be part of the Asheville community and look forward to striving to help in any way I can! I look forward to meeting you soon.
Hi there! My name is Bahtya Peterson and I'm excited to join the MAHEC-Asheville family medicine residency program. I was born in Philadelphia and spent most of my childhood in the sunny coastal town of Melbourne Beach, FL. I completed my undergraduate studies in Biology and Anthropology at the University of Florida and went on to work as a research assistant studying breast and ovarian cancer, as well as a medical scribe in a family medicine outpatient clinic.
The experiences from my childhood and work showed me the challenges of our healthcare system in providing equitable care to everyone, which motivated me to attend medical school at NSU -KPCOM. There, I initiated a plant-based health group on campus while volunteering with local organizations focusing on food waste, hunger, and reproductive justice.
I was initially drawn to MAHEC's program near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains for their Lifestyle Medicine curriculum, but as I delved deeper, I found many other opportunities that align with my primary care goals. My interests include preventative care, nutrition and reproductive health literacy, addiction medicine, and social justice centered healthcare. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to join the supportive environment at MAHEC and learn from their incredible faculty and staff.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy swimming, biking, reading travel mystery and science fiction novels, cooking plant-based meals, and going on hikes with my partner, Mario, and our pup, Chewbacca! My personal goals for the next few years include flourishing a vegetable garden in our backyard and becoming part of the Asheville community.
Hi everyone! My name is Michaela Schreyer. I am originally from a really tiny, rural town in western Pennsylvania called Hastings. I grew up there with my mom, sister, and grandparents, who are my best friends and biggest supporters. I did my undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh, where I studied biology, and then moved down to Charlottesville, VA, where I completed medical school at the University of Virginia.
I am beyond thrilled to be joining the MAHEC team as a family medicine resident! MAHEC stood out to me for many reasons, but all come back to the same theme: community. MAHEC is a program unlike most, where I was able to truly see just how integrated this program is in the larger community of Western NC. With my interest in rural medicine, I loved that MAHEC would give me the opportunity to explore this passion in a place with such robust support for it, without having to give up the experience of also practicing within a larger healthcare system. Additionally, the passion that faculty and residents have at MAHEC for improving their community is contagious, and I can’t wait to be a part of that!
In my free time, I really enjoy hiking, singing (plug for a karaoke duet partner!), reading fiction (and re-reading the Harry Potter series of course), crocheting, and painting! I can’t wait to explore everything Asheville has to offer!
Hello! My name is Ashley. I’m originally from Santa Rosa, California, and went to medical school at the University of California Davis. I feel fortunate to have come from this sunny state to yours for residency and beyond.
I have an eclectic background that has provided fertile soil for connecting with others from all sorts of walks of life. For example, my recent work prior to medical school was in international research studying the impact of menstruation on school performance among adolescent girls from India and Kenya. While in these locations, I immersed myself in the different values and experiences of these cultures. I grew my capacity to see what life means from those various angles. In doing so, I continue to strive to be open-minded and welcoming to folks from all walks of life. As a medical provider, I look forward to walking alongside you as I have the pleasure of getting to know you and helping you actualize your future health and wellness goals.
Fun fact: I was named after Asheville, NC!
Medical School: The University of California, Davis
Residency Program: MAHEC Family Medicine (current)
Dr. 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.
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Hello! My name is Liz Strauss, and I am from Norfolk, Virginia. I completed my undergraduate degree in public health at William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA before I returned to Norfolk for medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School.
I am so excited to start my journey in family medicine at MAHEC! This program offers so many opportunities that align with my interests such as lifestyle medicine, global health, and reproductive healthcare.
Outside of medicine, I love food, Premier League soccer, and spending time with my partner Drew who is a general surgery resident at MAHEC and our dog Wren. We cannot wait to explore all the local breweries and restaurants as we learn about all that Asheville has to offer!
Hello, my name is Marcia Thacher and I am excited to be joining the MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine program! A prior career in engineering originally brought my husband and I to the Asheville area in 2011, and, in the time between then and now, I have been fortunate to realize a longtime goal of becoming a physician. I completed undergrad prerequisites from our very own outstanding UNC Asheville (go Bulldogs!) and medical school at East Tennessee State in nearby Johnson City!
Being originally from a rural Midwestern town and having settled in the mountains of WNC, I’m committed to the cause of improving rural healthcare. ETSU’s medical school has an excellent rural track training program that I am proud to have been a part of, and I can’t wait to continue my education in rural family medicine at MAHEC Asheville. A few areas of particular interest to me include studying rural socioeconomic histories that led to the present, as well as emerging concepts for primary care like integrated behavioral health.
I maintain my own physical and mental health through activities that balance life in the hospital. I enjoy experiencing nature through hiking, medicinal gardening, and scuba diving. My second love is working with animals through fostering with the Asheville Humane Society, and looking after our menagerie of pets- currently 6 in total- at home.
Hey, y’all! My name is Trent Younts (rhymes with “fonts”) and I’m beyond excited to join the MAHEC Asheville family. I was born and raised in rural Lexington, NC, and attended Wake Forest University for undergrad and medical school. As a biology major, I developed a passion for science but soon found out that bench work was not for me, as it was missing the interaction with people. Through diverse experiences in medical school, I found that Family Medicine provided a great meeting of science and people.
I look forward to growing my skillset in Asheville while caring for patients of all ages and backgrounds. I’m particularly interested in the Lifestyle Medicine curriculum and the care of rural patient populations that the program provides.
I have my camping gear packed and ready to go at any second, and I enjoy spending time in the mountains hiking, trail running, and fly fishing. As a Double Deac, I’m an avid fan of all things Wake Forest athletics. I also like to spend my free time cooking, golfing, playing pickleball, and exploring all of the local restaurants and breweries!
Hi everyone! My name is Aya Abou-Jaoude and I am thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Program! I am originally from Lebanon but was born in Boston and moved around 11 times before graduating from high school. I completed my undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University, where I double majored in child studies and “medicine, health, and society.” In my gap year, I was lucky enough to join the Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience at Boston Children’s Hospital and worked on a study investigating the impact of toxic stress on early childhood development. I then attended UMass Chan for medical school, where my passion for family and community medicine flourished.
I am very much looking forward to moving to Asheville and becoming a part of the incredible community at MAHEC. The program’s strong mission and dedication to serving the community are what drew me in and I’m honored to be joining such a passionate team. My interests in family medicine include maternal-child health, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
Outside of medicine, I cherish spending time with family, savoring ice cream and coffee, and immersing myself in all forms of music.
I'm Julia Bielanin, and I'm thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Asheville community!
I’m originally from the small town of Cabot, Arkansas. I’m a first-generation college student, so I didn’t travel too far from home for college at the University of Arkansas (Woo Pig!). I attended Vanderbilt for medical school where I discovered I love people of all ages, primary care, lifestyle medicine, and behavioral health. I also taught a cycling class at the Vanderbilt rec center. In my free time, I love to read (basically any genre), host various themed parties (think board games, Taylor Swift album release parties), and play with my dog, Violet.
I chose MAHEC Asheville because of its strong reputation, innovative curriculum, and ability to become board certified in lifestyle medicine. The 2+2 (2 weeks of inpatient alternating with 2 weeks of continuity clinic) schedule offers increased continuity with patients compared to the usual residency structure—a feature that resonates deeply with my desire to build meaningful relationships with patients from the start while reinforcing the range of clinical subjects regularly.
But beyond the professional appeal, my husband and I are excited to immerse ourselves in the mountain life. From scenic hikes to cozy evenings by the fireplace, we can't wait to explore all that Asheville has to offer and become active members of this vibrant community.
Hello! I’m Jackson Carr and I grew up in Spivey’s Corner, NC, which is a rural farming community in the eastern part of the state. After graduating high school, I attended the Honors College at UNCW for my undergraduate education. I still miss riding my bike to Wrightsville Beach on sunny days to surf or play Spikeball on the sand. My wife and I got married after graduation and moved to Greenville, NC so I could start medical school at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. During medical school, we had two boys who are 2 years apart from each other. In Greenville, we have enjoyed attending church, taking our kids to the park, and spending time with family.
I am excited to join the team at MAHEC to continue my training because I know I will receive excellent education and gain the skills necessary to provide for patients in need. My interests within Family Medicine include Global Health, Sports Medicine, and POCUS.
When I’m not at work, you can find me hiking a new trail, playing board games, or hitting pickleballs into the net. My family and I are very excited to get plugged into a church in Asheville and explore western NC!
Hi everyone! My name is Lindsey Clemson and I’m very excited to join MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine! I am originally from Canton, Ohio, about an hour south of Cleveland. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Denison University, where I was also catcher on the varsity softball team. I then moved down to North Carolina to complete medical school at Campbell University.
The MAHEC Asheville program attracted me for a variety of reasons. It was immediately clear that the residents and faculty were committed to building a strong community, both within the program and the greater Asheville area. As I have an interest in pursuing outpatient medicine and preventative care after residency, I loved the idea of the 2+2 curriculum allowing for greater continuity of care within the resident clinic. I can’t wait to explore the area I will be privileged to serve!
In my free time, I love to read, hike, play pickleball, and watch movies. I’m really excited to move to Asheville and explore all of the nearby hiking trails and outdoor activities! Fun fact, I am related to Thomas Green Clemson, the founder of Clemson University! Go tigers!
Hello everyone! My name is Morgan Greenwood. I grew up in Charlotte, NC. I went to UNC Chapel Hill for undergrad where I studied Biology (pre-med!), and Religious Studies (just for fun!). I then studied medicine at UNC. I completed my 3rd year clinic rotations at Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC, with a focus on healthcare for urban underserved populations. I completed a Master's degree in Public Health, during which I worked on projects related to menstrual education and the health care experiences of persons with limited English proficiency in the US. After medical school I spent a year as an Ob/Gyn resident at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont, where I discovered that I missed my NC community and the comprehensive care provided by FM physicians! When (re)applying to residency, I was drawn to MAHEC for the broad scope of FM practice, commitment to serving the Western NC community, and the supportive training environment.
I am thrilled to be home in NC with my partner Paul and my son, Noah, and I am looking forward to learning and serving with my fellow MAHEC residents.
Hello! My name is Melissa Jenkins, and I am thrilled to be back in the mountains of WNC serving my community as a MAHEC resident. I was born and raised in a small rural town in Illinois prior to relocating to Asheville in 2001. I received my undergraduate degree from UNC Asheville where I spent a summer at MAHEC shadowing physicians and assisting with the creation of the woman’s health assessment tool. It was then that I knew I wanted to be part of the MAHEC family. I went on to get my medical degree from Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Buies Creek, NC. I believe growing up in a medically underserved area, seeing the impact the lack of primary care has on individuals and the community, and the difference compassionate physicians can make influenced my decision to pursue family medicine.
Before medical school, I studied midwifery, herbalism, nutrition, and massage therapy. My time as a massage therapist taught me the importance and gratification of building client relationships. I enjoyed getting to know my clients, listening to them, and tailoring plans to best meet their needs, which confirmed that family medicine is the perfect fit for me! I am passionate about weaving my past experiences with massage therapy, my osteopathic training in OMT, and preventative and lifestyle medicine principles into primary care as a way of taking a holistic approach to wellness.
When I am not in the clinic, I enjoy baking, hiking, playing board games with my husband and two children, and keeping myself grounded through my daily yoga practice.
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency Program: MAHEC Family Medicine (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.
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Hello! My name is Emilia Kaslow-Zieve, and I am excited to be heading to Asheville to join the MAHEC Family Medicine Program. I grew up in Washington, DC, and I went to college at Brown University. There I studied Health and Human Biology, a mix of biology and public health. After college, I worked on clinical research at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston before moving back to my home city to attend medical school at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Throughout medical school, I was a leader of GW’s student-run free clinic for uninsured patients, Bridge to Care. I gained a deeper understanding of the barriers to care that individuals and families face as well as the challenges of overcoming them. My time at Bridge to Care reaffirmed my desire to be a physician in service of my community, to focus on expanding health access and reducing health disparities. I see my career in medicine as a career in public service, and when interviewing at MAHEC, it was instantly clear that the program’s values align nicely with my own.
I also am excited about opportunities at MAHEC to pursue my interest in women’s health. I am particularly passionate about reproductive health and justice and look forward to developing more clinical and advocacy skills in this area.
Outside of medicine, I love being outdoors, whether running, hiking, biking, or traveling. I also enjoy reading, cooking, and crocheting. Asheville seems to be an amazing place to live, with such great proximity to the outdoors and a lively community. I am excited to explore!
Howdy! I'm Joe King (he/him). I grew up in central Florida and initially went to college pursuing psychology. After falling in love with both psychosocial and biological aspects of health, I realized medicine was a perfect fit. I attended medical school at FSU at Tallahassee and the Orlando Regional Campus. My goal is to be an actively inclusive physician. Psychology is still near and dear to my heart: I aim to be a mental health resource and advocate for my patients.
If I'm not on the clock, I'm either knee-deep in a bog or reading in a cafe. I'm anavid naturalist, always photographing and drawing plants, birds, and mushrooms. I love citizen science and volunteering with native plant societies. My favorite plants are the carnivores, especially blue butterworts! I'm not ashamed to admit I researched whether they are native to North Carolina while deciding on a residency program...(They are!)
My husband and I are so excited to put down roots in Asheville!
Hi there! My name is Nichole Moore. I grew up in Southern Maine and spent summers in Atlanta (a reverse snow bird). I majored in International Studies at Boston College, which led me to volunteer with the Peace Corps in Senegal for two years. There, I fostered a love for maternal child health and community-based research. I attended Tufts University School of Medicine in their Maine Track, where I was able to connect back with my own community and understand the intricacies of caring for those at the margins of society. For my MPH coursework, I participated in research about the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness - and discovered that Family Medicine was the best route to a career rooted in advocacy and systemic change.
MAHEC is the perfect program for me to continue pursuing my career and research interests while learning full-spectrum family medicine in a community-based program surrounded by supportive faculty and co-residents.
Outside of the hospital you can find me outdoors - I love hiking, camping, snowboarding, gardening, and so much more! On rainy days I love cooking veggie meals with my partner Jackson, reading, and snuggling up with Netflix and my kitty Leo. I cannot wait to join the MAHEC family and be living in beautiful Asheville, checking off breweries and seeing as much live music as humanly possible.
Hello everyone! My name is Afreen Siddiqui and I could not be more excited to be a part of the MAHEC Asheville family. I was born in Queens, New York and ended up moving all over North America – I’m also a Canadian citizen! I completed my undergraduate education at the University at Buffalo, and completed my Masters at Rutgers. I did my medical training back in Buffalo (go Bills!), where I was a board member of the Human Rights Initiative, an organization that provides free medical and psychological evaluations for asylum seekers that are victims of torture.
Through my travels, I learned about the importance of community and how it affects our health. I fell in love with family medicine when I realized it encompassed nearly everything I loved about medicine: integrated, preventative, community-oriented care. I knew MAHEC was the program for me during my interview when I saw my core values echoed, and knew that my training here would allow me to be a full-scope, well-equipped, compassionate family physician. I knew I had found my new community.
My interests include obstetrics and women’s health, including reproductive justice and perinatal mental health. I’m deeply passionate about providing individualized care to marginalized communities, including refugee, indigenous and correctional populations.
Outside of medicine, you will find me enjoying all the arts and all that nature has to offer. I love to cook, collect antique furniture, and pretend to be a film critic. My partner, cat and I are ecstatic to be trading the Buffalo snow for the Carolina mountains!
Hey y’all! My name is Jordan Soupiset, and I am so excited to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency program in Asheville. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and spent much of my childhood in the surrounding Texas Hill Country. I studied Medical Humanities at Baylor University during undergrad, after which I worked as a medical scribe at an orthopedic surgery practice in Waco, TX for a couple of years. In 2020, I married my magnificent partner Olive shortly before we moved to Galveston so I could begin medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch.
My persistently wandering path and broad set of interests steadily led me toward Family Medicine as my specialty of choice, where I can best pursue my dreams of practicing full scope primary care in a rural community. I am beyond honored to become part of the MAHEC family, where I am excited to further my studies and involvement in rural health, reproductive health, sports medicine, patient advocacy through policy engagement, and palliative care, among many others. I am very excited to help meet the health needs of Western North Carolina with MAHEC, joining so many who have come before me.
In our free time, Olive and I enjoy hanging out with our Carolina dog, Lady Bird, and sweet cat, Nimbus. We treasure spending time in nature, meeting new people, and hearing their stories. I also play Ultimate as much as possible and have a great appreciation for the community-centered nature of the sport. We couldn’t be happier to be in Asheville for residency and cannot wait to make lifelong friends in Western NC.
Howdy howdy! My name is Claire Chastain (she/her) and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine team! I have spent my entire life in Alabama so far (Florence -> Huntsville -> Auburn, War Eagle! -> Mobile), but I am super excited to be calling North Carolina my new home for myself and my two pups!
I fell in love with family medicine because of the continuity of care and large scope it offers, from pediatrics and obstetrics to addiction medicine. What drew me to MAHEC Asheville were the many training opportunities this program provides, including many things I am particularly passionate about. Another important factor for me was definitely the people! Have you ever visited an area and instantly felt at home? That was how I felt when I first visited Asheville, and it went beyond the faculty and residents at MAHEC. Every interaction I had with members of the Asheville community was so special, and I am excited to help care for the people here! I am passionate about family planning, public health, patient advocacy, and education.
On my days off, if I’m outdoors you may find me hiking or camping with my pups Nikko and Nova. If I’m indoors, you may find me with a good book (romantasy of course), video game (any Skyrim fans?), or finding some new artistic hobby to pick up (shoutout to wheel-thrown pottery and rug tufting).
I am thrilled to be back in my home area of Southern Appalachia serving the WNC community as a Family Medicine resident at MAHEC.
As a non-traditional applicant, I began as a premedical student but pursued legal training, earning my J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law. I practiced complex pharmaceutical product liability law near Atlanta, focusing on FDA regulatory issues, and later served as a Special Victims Unit Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting felony crimes involving children and the elderly.
My transition to medicine began with a post-baccalaureate program at American University while working as an EMT and Operations Field Supervisor in D.C.’s 911 system. I earned my medical degree from A.T. Still University in Missouri and completed a year of Emergency Medicine residency at UMass-Chan Baystate in Springfield, Massachusetts. While the experience was valuable, I found deeper fulfillment in long-term patient relationships and continuity-centered care—ultimately leading me to Family Medicine.
Growing up in a rural, medically underserved area of East Tennessee gave me a deep appreciation for the resilience of Appalachian communities and the critical importance of accessible healthcare. I am honored to be joining the MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency Program.
Within Family Medicine, my clinical interests include sports medicine—particularly endurance sports—lifestyle medicine with a focus on healthy aging and longevity, in-office procedures, care for underserved and minority communities, and health policy.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy cycling, hiking with my dog, reading, cooking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Hello! My name is Anicka Gajar, and I am excited to be a part of the Asheville MAHEC FM residency! I am originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I grew up with two younger brothers. I went to Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) for undergrad where I majored in Biology and Spanish (todavía hablo español!). After undergrad, I worked as a medical scribe and a Resident Care Assistant and volunteered at a women’s shelter. I completed my medical training at Rocky Vista University’s Colorado campus.
Throughout medical school, I worked to pursue my passions, such as trauma informed care, global medicine, mentoring, and teaching Spanish to my fellow students. I hope to continue furthering these passions during my time at MAHEC.
During my free time, I enjoy building Lego sets, hiking, learning new recipes, and playing games with friends and family. I am looking forward to exploring more of the state I grew up vacationing in, especially getting to experience a new set of mountains during my time at MAHEC!
Hi there! My name is Ellen Guyer (sounds like gwire), and I am so excited to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency! I grew up outside the prairie town of Ekalaka, Montana, where neighbors are often more than a mile away and the cows outnumber the people 70 to 1. In this setting, the community watches out for everyone, and I knew I wanted a career where I could also be of service!
After undergrad at Montana State University, I spent a year in AmeriCorps, dedicated to child abuse and neglect prevention in rural Montana. I then worked as a medical assistant in a family health center, which confirmed that community-centered healthcare was the right path for me. I later attended the University of Washington School of Medicine and fell in love with family medicine. My particular interests include health equity, social determinants of health, and planetary health.
In my free time, I love to hike, read, explore new places (hello NC), and enjoy live music (hello again, NC!!). I’m honored to become part of your community and look forward to meeting you all soon!
Hi! My name is Amanda Husein. I am so excited to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Program!
I was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. I went to Louisiana State University for undergrad, where I double majored in Biology and French (Biology for my pre-med pursuits and French because I wanted to enhance my language skills from high school and have the cultural experience of studying abroad).
I then attended LSU School of Medicine. I quickly recognized the value in the holistic care of a patient, rather than solely targeting one specific system or disease. I became involved with my school’s lifestyle medicine group, solidifying my passion for preventative care. With my parents both originating from Palestine, I was also exposed at a young age to the many barriers involved in healthcare, planting my seed of interest in the social aspects of medicine and in global health.
I hope to practice full-spectrum family medicine, focusing on holistic care that incorporates reproductive health, lifestyle medicine, and global health. The MAHEC program immediately stood out to me, not only for its all-encompassing curriculum but for its people. The passionate and genuine personalities of the faculty and residents truly resonated with me during my interview. I knew instantly that I would receive incredible training at MAHEC and be surrounded by people I could call family, with of course, the cherry on top of such a uniquely beautiful and fun location. I am so happy to now be a part of the MAHEC family!
In my free time, I enjoy yoga, live music events, hiking, reading, crocheting, traveling, forever expanding my movie/ TV- show checklist, and trying every coffee shop near me.
Hey there! My name is Caroline Jonsson and I am incredibly happy about joining MAHEC family medicine in Asheville. I am from WV and have lived throughout Appalachia. I graduated from Guilford College and at this time went plant based and haven’t turned back since. I have a passion for the outdoors and choose to live life as an adventure. l was a raft guide turned video kayaker on the New and Gauley Rivers. I kayaked/backpacked through Chile and volunteered with the Futaleufu River Keepers. Moved by their intention for river health I wanted to explore what health meant to me. Our environment and community is directly related to our personal health. Osteopathy speaks to me- seeing health through connection of mind, body, spirit. I studied Buddhism at Naropa University and enjoyed bringing people together to talk about belief systems and practicing meditation. Community is important to me so I worked as caregiver for adults with developmental disabilities and Chaffee County Public Health in Colorado during the Covid-19 pandemic. I attended medical school at Rocky Vista University in Utah. I enjoyed being a part of the Global Medicine Track and was interested in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) because it shed light on the social implications of disease. I organized a medical trip to Ekwendeni Mission Hospital in Malawi and noticed how access to care directly impacted quality of care and I want to be a doc who can help to bridge these gaps.
I am interested in lifestyle, addiction medicine, mental health, and osteopathic manipulative medicine. I have a passion for helping people faced with stigmatization or limitations to access of care. I enjoy spending time outside, especially in Pisgah Forest with my dog - there are so many swimming holes and places to explore! During my time off you can catch me mountain biking, trail running, or hiking my favorite local trails. I am so excited for this next adventure at MAHEC!
Hey y’all! My name is Christopher Lee. I am honored to be able to join the MAHEC Asheville Family Medicine Residency team. I am a Navy brat and moved around a bit as a kid. But primarily grew up in Currituck County in northeastern North Carolina. I attended East Carolina University for undergrad and received a Bachelors in both Biology and Philosophy, Go Pirates! I also got a Masters in Physiology from NC State University and attended medical School at Virginia Commonwealth University. Where I was a part of their Family Medicine Scholars Training and admission program (FMSTAT), through which I had the privilege to learn more about some of the challenges, obstacles, and opportunities specific to Family Medicine.
My interest in family medicine began when I was a child due to being born with a condition called Hydrocephalus which involved regular appointments and surgeries to address throughout my childhood. I always found the calm and empathetic approach of my primary care providers during this difficult period to be inspiring. This was further crystallized for me in undergrad when I worked with many wonderful and very motivated physicians and volunteers who focused on serving those who are often left underserved in our communities. My passions professionally include rural medicine, as well as preventive medicine and health education, as I believe empowering patients with knowledge of their own bodies and local resources is the best path to achieving and maintaining health. I am excited to work with a program who aligns so well with these goals and can help further my experience and understanding of these issues.
Personally, my hobbies include hiking, white water rafting, paintball, and video as well as board games. I am ecstatic about coming to an area of such natural beauty and working with people capable of such deep compassion and empathy. Thank you to the program and to the local community for trusting myself and my fellow residents with your care, it means the world to us.
Hi there! I'm Nicole Phan, and I’m thrilled to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Program in Asheville, NC. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California, where I spent countless hours in the pool playing water polo and swimming. I later headed down the coast to Orange County to earn my undergraduate degree in Public Health Sciences at University of California, Irvine.
Before diving into medicine, I worked as a medical device sales representative for orthopedic spinal implants and volunteered as an occupational therapy assistant for a karate based OT program. A few years later, my now husband and I moved out to Ivins, Utah, where I earned my medical degree from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Southern Utah. While there, I was honored to serve as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Fellow, which gave me the opportunity to sharpen my OMM skills and teach fellow medical students—an experience I truly cherished.
My clinical interests include OMM, lifestyle medicine, palliative care, and integrative medicine. MAHEC captured my heart during the interview process with its incredibly supportive community, focus on physician well-being, and genuine excitement for the areas of medicine I’m passionate about. I knew right away it was the perfect place to grow into the kind of physician I strive to be.
Outside my wonderful world of medicine, you’ll find me in a Buti yoga class, experimenting in the kitchen (and behind the bar), or turning our home into an ever-growing indoor jungle. You can always find a puzzle and crochet project in progress around our house. During the winters my husband and I enjoy snowboarding different mountains (yeww!) and taking our dog Sakaeda on snowy adventures. During the summers I love a good lounge in the sun or flopping around in the water. We can’t wait to explore all that Asheville has to offer and call this place home!
Hey there friends! My name is Meghan Sadler, and I am beyond excited to join the MAHEC team. I grew up in the small town of Blandon in eastern Pennsylvania and have been slowly moving south ever since. In my undergrad years, I attended McDaniel College, a small liberal arts college in Maryland, where I studied biology and played field hockey.
For my gap year, I worked as an EMT at a correctional facility, which sparked my interest in family medicine. I learned what it looks like to struggle with addiction and how far compassion can go when working in medicine. This experience fueled my desire to practice holistically and address social determinants of health wherever possible. I then headed to Virginia for medical school where I studied at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Volunteering with people of all ages reminded me why I chose this career and solidified my interest in family medicine.
I was lucky enough to rotate at MAHEC during my fourth year of med school and fell in love with the program and Asheville. The residents and staff immediately made me feel valued and I could see myself fitting right in! I’m most excited about the Lifestyle Medicine curriculum, reproductive health, and advocating for our underserved populations.
When I’m not working, you can probably find me cooking, reading, at a farmer’s market, or generally spending time outdoors. I’m always looking for new adventures and take my mission of finding Asheville’s best food spots very seriously!
Hi everyone! I was raised in San Antonio and went to UT Austin for undergrad. While there, I studied Biology and was part of the Longhorn Marching Band. After college, I headed back down to my hometown for medical school at UT Health San Antonio.
I’m so excited to be joining MAHEC, especially with its strong sense of community. I’m passionate about health equity and strive to ensure my patients feel heard, understood, and supported. Some of my interests include preventative care, lifestyle medicine, maternal and child health, and palliative care. In my free time, I love arts and crafts, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and exploring thrift stores!
Hi there! My name is Alexis Thomas, and I’m super excited to be joining the MAHEC Family Medicine Residency Program in Asheville. I was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. I moved to Carbondale to attend Southern Illinois University (go dawgs!) and obtain my undergraduate degree in Microbiology. I chose to stay within the SIU family to receive my medical degree, which provided me with a great opportunity to move back closer to my support system in Springfield for a while.
I always knew I wanted a career in primary care, but it wasn’t until medical school that I truly appreciated my passion for the Family Medicine specialty. I fell in love with this field because of the unique opportunity it provides to form meaningful and long-lasting relationships with patients of all ages and backgrounds. The continuity of care and emphasis on social determinants of health really resonated with me. While I enjoy many facets of Family Medicine, my passions are in women’s health, global health, and medical education. I was drawn to MAHEC, specifically, because of its strong commitment to serving the local community and its diverse clinical experiences.
Outside of medicine, you’ll find me reading, indoor gardening, exploring local coffee shops, and trying my hand at new puzzles. I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking with my husband Jeff and our two dogs, Bruno and Kodak. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to continue my training at MAHEC. I look forward to joining the western North Carolina community and enjoying everything the area has to offer!
Hey Asheville! My name is Carlisle Washburne, and I am so excited to be joining the Family Medicine residency program at MAHEC.
I grew up in Hattiesburg, MS, in a house divided between LSU and Ole Miss fans. When I graduated high school, I left all that petty drama behind to attend college at the University of Alabama. There, I graduated with a B.S. in Biology from the Honors College with minors in Psychology and Anthropology. SEC sports (and tailgates) have been part of my life forever, and I will talk at length about college football to anyone who is interested. Roll Tide!
I attended medical school in the beautiful city of New Orleans, LA, at Tulane University School of Medicine. I also received my Master’s in Public Health from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine while completing my medical degree. In New Orleans, I gravitated toward community service projects in public health and student-run health screening clinics, particularly in food-centered community spaces like food banks and farmers markets. In these settings, I took every chance I could get to develop healthy, long-term patient relationships. I knew I was meant for a career in primary care.
I am thrilled to be starting this next chapter at MAHEC and honored to be able to provide high quality care to the people of western NC. I am passionate about lifestyle medicine, its intersection with public health, and the power of whole foods and movement. Outside of the clinic, you will catch me on a (light) hike, jamming at a live music show, or catching the newest A24 flick at your local AMC movie theater.
