Our Providers

Tabatha Downey, MD, CMO
Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Tabatha Downey received an MD from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She completed residency at the Cook County Loyola Provident Family Medicine Residency Program. She is American Board of Family Medicine certified. Prior to medical school she was a Registered Nurse, primarily practicing in inner city Emergency Rooms, where she developed an understanding of the importance of primary care and preventative medicine. She witnessed first- hand the challenges faced by many patients who did not have health insurance or access to a primary care doctor. Dr. Downey is committed to eliminating disparities in health care. Her practice is focused on providing high quality care to those with socioeconomic barriers to care. She is fluent in Spanish and loves to travel and read in her free time.

Claudia Gonzalez-Matos, MD
Adult Medicine

Dr. Gonzalez-Matos received her medical degree from the School of Medicine at Universidad Autonoma, Guadalajara, Mexico in 2005 and completed her internship at Hospital del Maestro, Puerto Rico from 2006 to 2007. She joined the Heart of Florida Health Center in September 2015 where she is an Adult Primary Care Physician in our Belleview location. In her off time, she can be found playing volleyball, exercising and playing with her daughter.

Ma. Teresita Ribay, MD
Pediatric Medicine

Dr. Tess Ribay received her medical degree from the University of the Philippines. She completed her Pediatric Residency Training at the University of Florida Shands Children Hospital in Gainesville, Florida in 1995. Dr. Ribay is Board Certified in Pediatrics. She provides general medical care for infants and children at our Main location. She enjoys exercising, going to the beach, and loves spending time with her family.

Millie Poole, MD
Pediatric/Internal Medicine

Dr. Millie Poole brings 17 years of experience as a working physician to Heart of Florida as a Board Certified Internist and a Board Certified Pediatrician. Dr. Poole specializes in all ages and behavioral pediatrics. After earning her medical degree at the University of Miami, Florida, Dr. Poole completed her residency at Metrohealth Medical Center/Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jadira Irizarry-Padilla, MD
Pediatric Medicine

Dr. Irizarry-Padilla completed her training at Hospital Episcopal San Lucas/Ponce School of Medicine Program, Ponce, Puerto Rico. Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. She provides Pediatric care at our Belleview location. Dr. Irizarry-Padilla likes dogs (she has 4 dogs; all of them rescued) and loves to spend time with her husband and son.

George Gilbert, MD
Family Medicine

Dr. Gilbert attended Medical school on the Island of Montserrat in the British West Indies. Clinical training in Ireland and Residency in Ohio. Dr. Gilbert is Board Certified in Family Practice Medicine and provides general medical care for all ages at our Dunnellon location. On his time off, he loves relaxing with his wife on their patio and watching the sunset.

Jennifer Abernathy, DO

Dr. Jennifer Abernathy, DO received her medical degree from William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, MS and completed her residency training in family medicine through the UCF/HCA Family Medicine Residency Program in Ocala, FL. She is a board certified osteopathic physician who enjoys seeing patients of all ages. She loves to promote preventative medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, fostering kittens, hiking, and searching out new interesting food spots around the Central Florida area with her husband.

Caroline Northrup, PA-C
Adult Medicine

Caroline is a certified Physician Assistant, practicing in family medicine at Heart of Florida Health Center’s Main location. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of South Florida in Tampa, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Spanish. She completed her graduate training at Nova Southeastern University in Orlando, earning a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant studies. She is a National Health Service Corps Scholar, passionate about preventive and primary care.

Sarai Vargas-Vera, MMSc, PA-C
Family Medicine Physician Assistant
Quality Project Coordinator

Sarai is a Family Medicine Physician Assistant practicing at Heart of Florida Health Center. She was born and raised in Ocala where at a young age, she developed her interest in primary care traveling to South America to work with underserved patient populations. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Florida in Gainesville, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Disabilities in Society. She went on to complete her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant studies at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She is a National Health Service Corps Scholar. Her passion is enhancing her patients’ quality of life through preventative medicine and patient education. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and traveling.

Yasmin Ramasco, MSN, APRN, ANP-C
Adult Medicine
Provider Support Educator

Yasmin Ramasco became a nurse at the early age of 19 and continued on to obtain her Masters degree from South University. She is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She has worked in the healthcare field for over a decade and has experience in acute care, long-term care, and outpatient primary care. She has been providing adult primary care with Heart of Florida Health Center since 2015 and is currently practicing at our Main Clinic. Yasmin is passionate about preventative care and improving quality of life. She enjoys spending time with her family in her free time. She also loves traveling, exercising, gardening, coffee, and animals.

Diana Ancona, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Pediatrics

Diane has been working in pediatrics for 19 years including 10 years in labor and delivery, 3 years hospital pediatrics. She is also a Lactation consultant. Diane has 8 years as ARNP Pediatrics Provider. Her training allows her to provide mother and baby couplet postpartum care as well as continued care from newborn to adult. She received her degrees from University of Michigan and Frontier Nursing University Kentucky.

Regina Dubois-Rodabaugh, MSN, APRN FNP-BC
Family Medicine

Gina Dubois-Rodabaugh received her early education at local college and USF, Orlando, Florida before pursuing MSN for Family practice at USF, Tampa Florida 6 years ago. She provides medical care to all ages at the Belleview Site. She enjoys NASCAR, camping, music, spending time with her family, and especially teaching her son to play the guitar.

Martha Halsey-Lyda, APRN, FNP-BC, CDCES
Family Medicine
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Martha earned her nursing degree at the University of Florida and spent thirty years in clinical practice and research with pediatric endocrinology at UF. In 2006 she received her MSN from Northern Illinois University (Go Huskies!) and served as a family nurse practitioner in metropolitan Chicago, working as both a clinician and a research coordinator for NIH studies. She returned to Gainesville, Florida in 2016, and maintains her passion for serving children and families with Type I diabetes by volunteering at the Florida Diabetes Camp. She is also a trained Stephen Minister.

Libby Marks de Martino, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
Pediatric Medicine

Libby obtained her nursing education at Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida. For over 30 years, she has provided advanced nursing practice to children from primary care to tertiary care, and is currently providing Pediatric primary care in our Dunnellon location. Family, farm life, and friends, give Libby a full life adventure.

Jessie Caudill, MSN, APRN, NP-C
Pediatric Medicine

Jessie became a nurse (LPN) in 2005 from Glen Oaks Community College Centreville Michigan. She continue her education receiving her Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (RN) in 2006 from Glen Oaks Community College. Jessie went on to complete her training at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana receiving her BSN in 2008 and her MSN FNP-C in 2013. She provides Pediatric Care in our Central location. Jessie enjoys swimming, reading, puzzles, playing video games and spending time with my family, including a yorkie named Bella.

Constance Hargrove, APRN, NP-C

Constance completed her Master of Science Degree with a specialty in Adult and Geriatric Primary Care at the University of South Alabama. She completed her clinical hours in Gainesville, Williston, Trenton and Starke Florida. She is passionate about preventative treatment and management of chronic conditions. She enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with her family, especially her daughter who is the youngest new addition.

Melanie Grizzard, APRN, MSN, FNP-C

Melanie is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who was born and raised in Ocala, Florida. She has worked in acute care, primary care, and specialty care serving the Ocala location since she was 17 years old. Melanie completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of South Florida, in Tampa. She continued to get her Master’s degree at South University in Georgia. She is Board certified by American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Melanie is passionate about treating her patient’s as a whole and welcoming them like family to her practice. In her off time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family out in the sun or on the water.

Shaqwana McCottry, APRN, FNP-BC

Shaqwana begin her nursing career in 2009 in upstate New York. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Russell Sage College in Troy New York. After doing a travel assignment in Ocala, Shaqwana and her family decided to relocate here. She then obtained her MSN from the University of Central Florida in 2017. Shaqwana practices at our West location. She believes in giving her patients the knowledge they need to prevent disease and be the best version of themselves. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Katie Falco, MSN, APRN, PPCNP-BC

Katie Falco APRN is a board-certified nurse practitioner. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida at Tampa, Florida in 1990. She graduated with her master’s degree also from the University of South Florida in 1994. She provides pediatric care at the Belleview location. Her favorite things are being a pediatric practitioner, family, friends, outside activities and horses.

Dr. Ivette Colon-Reyes, MD
Medical Director of Inmate Health of Marion County Jail

Dr. Colon-Reyes graduated with honors from San Juan Bautista School of Medicine in Puerto Rico in 2001. She completed her Rotational Internship in 2002 in Hospital Cristo Redentor in Guayama, Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, she worked in Urgent Care, Primary Care and Correctional Medicine. In 2011, she moved to Florida and has been providing excellent medical care to her patients in correctional settings and outpatient primary care. She is dedicated to her family and her patients and loves to spend time outdoors.

Chandra M. Evans, MS, PharmD, BCGP
Director of Pharmacy

Dr. Chandra M. Evans completed her undergraduate work at UNC-Greensboro in pre-medicine Biology in 1997. After a teaching stint, she completed a Master of Science in Biology from Fayetteville State University in 2002, and received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Campbell University in 2006. After a 10 year career in retail pharmacy, she obtained a Board Certification in Geriatrics in 2016 and joined the Heart of Florida in May as the Director of Pharmacy Services. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Phillip Saunders, Jr., PharmD, RPH

Dr. Phillip Saunders is a Registered Pharmacist from Tampa, FL. Phillip graduated in 2018 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from FAMU College of Pharmacy. He is passionate about diabetes education and aspires to make a positive impact within his community by serving those in need. Phillip enjoys hiking, cooking, motocross sports and most importantly spending time with his family.

Eddie White, RPH

Eddie White is a Registered Pharmacist from Tallahassee, FL. Eddie graduated in 1996 Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Pharmacy from FAMU College of Pharmacy. After completing internships at NASA, Genentech, Harvard and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, he realized the consequences of merging quality research in the science of pharmaceutics. He has been in active practice for nearly 25 years as an Army Captain Pharmacy, OIC, as well as in Retail, Specialty, HIV, and Mail order sectors. Eddie was recently accepted into the Post-Baccalaureate Doctoral program at Shenandoah University, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy and has hopes of pursuing his lifelong career interest in pharmacogenomics.

Kimberly Sindy, LCSW, MCAP, CCMS
Behavioral Health Manager

Kimberly Sindy completed her AA degree in Human Services at, College of Central Florida. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Florida State University in the field of Social Work. She is currently licensed in the State of Florida as an LCSW. She has been trained in EMDR. She also holds an MCAP license and has worked extensively in substance abuse and recovery field.

Nidia Cruz-Ortiz, LCSW
Behavioral Health Consultant

Nidia received her bachelor’s in psychology at DePaul University of Chicago and specializing in mental Health. She obtained her Master’s in social work from Loyola University in Chicago specializing in mental health and children and family. Nidea is a Licensed clinical Social worker in IL and FL, and Licensed Master Social worker in AZ. Prior to beginning her therapist career, she worked in a nursing home and provided psycho social support and transitioning support to residents and their families. She has also worked as a child therapist specializing in (Social Skills, anger management and depression) and adult therapist, with a focus on an (transitional stress, depression, anxiety). Nidia has worked as a therapist for over the last 5 years and in the behavioral health over the last 11 years.

Megan Geiger, LCSW, MCAP
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Megan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Addictions Professional. Megan earned a Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Social Work where she went on to become licensed in the state of Florida. Megan also specializes in substance use disorders and is certified through the Florida Certification Board. She has experience and passion assisting individuals, families, and children during crisis and need. She enjoys working with clients with dual disorders and utilizing evidenced based interventions to enhance the social, educational, and psychological functioning of individuals and families. In Megan’s free time she enjoys spending time with her family and working on crafts.

Beulah Carey, LCSW
Behavioral Health Provider
Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Beulah Carey is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Qualified Clinical Supervisor in the State of Florida. She obtained her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work from Florida International University. Beulah is currently a clinical therapist at Heart of Florida and a core faculty as Behavioral Health Specialist with the Ocala Graduate Medical Education/Family Medicine program. Within her 20 years as therapist, she has worked in various treatment setting with a diverse range of clientele. Beulah’s different experience in clinical settings include, schools, in/outpatient residential units, correctional facilities, out-patient dialysis centers and local community mental health offices. Beulah strongly believes in the importance of self- care/mental wellness and enjoys traveling and participating in outdoor activities in her spare time.

Lara Greenwald, DDS

Dr. Lara Greenwald graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1992. She joined Heart of Florida Health Center as a Pediatric Dentist in 2018. She has two sons and enjoys reading, music, and films.

Niyati Patel, DMD, MPH, BDS

Dr. Niyati Patel comes with the substantial background in the field of Dentistry. She completed her Bachelors of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2011 from India and practiced General Dentistry for a while before pursuing advanced education in New Jersey. She graduated with a Masters in Dental Public Health (MPH) in 2016, and achieved her Doctorate of Dental medicine (DMD) in May 2019 from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, NJ. Dr. Niyati Patel strives to deliver the best quality of care to the patients. To provide the highest level of dental care, Dr. Patel continues to take educational courses to learn new dental techniques. Outside the office, Dr. Patel enjoys cooking, gardening, watching shows/movies and spending time with her family and friends.

Cristin Dietz, DMD

Dr. Dietz joined Heart of Florida Health Center in 2020. She graduated from University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2009.
Dr. Dietz practiced in corporate dentistry, then worked in private practice for 10 years. Dr. Dietz feels that public health dentistry is her calling. She is happy to be serving Ocala.

Thomas Cartwright, MD

Thomas Cartwright, MD, has served as the Associate Chair of the Research Gastrointestinal Program for US Oncology Research and Chairman of the Pathways Task Force for GI Cancers. He has over 30 years of experience in internal medicine and medical oncology with a special expertise in Epidemiology, Gastrointestinal Cancer and General Oncology. He is on the staff of several area hospitals including Munroe Regional Medical Center, Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital. He has given a numerous lectures on cancer care and has published more than 100 articles in such journals as Cancer Research, New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Cartwright received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, completed a residency in internal medicine at Southern Illinois School of Medicine in Springfield, and his fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Dr. Cartwright is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialty certification in medical oncology.

Diana Ananthan, MD

Bio Coming Soon

Stephen E. Fischer, MD

Dr. Fischer is a native Floridian who received his Master and Medical degrees from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and then moved to Phoenix, Arizona to complete his residency training in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Med/Peds). He returned to Florida and practiced Primary Care medicine in Belleview until 2018, when he joined Heart of Florida Health Center where his focus has been on adult medicine. In 2019 he joined the Residency Program as an Attending Physician. He is the father of 4 amazing children and one grandson. He has a love for all animals, especially his own. His goal in medicine is to help patients become “the best versions of themselves” through the knowledgeable and judicious application of medical science combined with lots of education and motivation.

William Trice, MD

Bio Coming Soon

Naeem Ahmed, DO, MPH, AOBFP, ABFM
Associate Program Director
Family Medicine Residency Program

Dr. Naeem Ahmed is an Osteopathic Physician from NYIT-College of Osteopathic Medicine, NY. He completed his residency at UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY. Dr. Ahmed holds a Master’s degree (MPH) in Health Administration & Policy from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

Dr. Ahmed is the Associate Program Director of the Ocala Family Medicine Residency Program and the Medical Director of Heart of Florida Central Clinic, where the resident rotates for their outpatient continuity clinic.

He is passionate about Primary and Preventive Care, Dermatology, Practice Management, and Health System Development. He enjoys spending time with the family, loves traveling, photography, and going to the beaches.

Julia Fashner, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Associate Program Director Family Medicine Program

Dr. Fashner is the Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program. She received her medical degree from Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, OH. She did her residency in Ohio also. Dr. Fashner also obtained a Masters in Public Health from Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. She has been in academic medicine for her 20 year career. Dr. Fashner enjoys craft hobbies, Disney and travel.