The Nava Care Team

Integrative Medicine Doctors

At Nava, we not only expect our Nava care team physicians to be experts in their field but also to share our passion for preventive and integrative medicine. Our integrative medicine doctors must also be compassionate and patient-centered with excellent bedside manners.

What Sets NAVA Apart?
Cutting-Edge Expertise: Our medical team comprises experts who have undergone rigorous training in Nava’s innovative approach to healthcare. This means you can trust that you’re receiving care that is at the forefront of medical advancements.
Precision Personalized Medicine: We believe in treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Our integrative approach considers your unique medical history, lifestyle, and individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive plan tailored just for you.
Focus on Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement: Hormonal balance is crucial to overall well-being. Our specialization in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy allows us to address hormonal imbalances effectively and with precision.
Evidence-Based Practices: Our techniques are grounded in solid scientific research, patient outcome data, and proven methodologies. You can have confidence that the treatments you receive are backed by evidence and delivered by skilled professionals.

Simply put, when you come to Nava, you come to the best.

We can’t wait to meet you!

As our Medical Director, and one of the first physicians to join the Nava Health & Vitality Center, Dr. Douglas Lord has made significant contributions to our Center and its founding principles. Dr. Lord has helped develop and implement the Nava Method™—Nava’s proprietary approach to total body wellness. He has also been instrumental in liaising with other expert practitioners to successfully implement Nava’s range of therapies, treatments, and products.

In his role at Nava, Dr. Lord is responsible for maintaining Nava’s innovation and for creating the best experience for clients by ensuring they have access to the newest and best advances in integrative wellness. He achieves this by identifying and developing strategic partnerships in the field, and acting as a facilitator between Nava and various providers.

Doug’s passion for health and wellness is evident in his lifestyle and medical practice. He is eager to share his extensive medical knowledge and experience with other Nava Directors.

Since he was raised to value a healthy, active lifestyle and has always had a strong interest in medicine, it was only natural that Doug chose to become a doctor. After graduating from Loma Linda University Medical School in California, Doug completed his residency program at George Washington University in Washington D.C. Since then, he has acquired over 40 years practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area where he also introduced the innovative concept of family-centered obstetrics. Over the course of his career, Doug has developed the reputation as a highly respected practitioner and an expert in cutting-edge surgical techniques.

Along the way, Doug gained exposure to integrative medicine and realized how narrow and limited his view had been as a traditional doctor. Always taught to think outside the box, and with a natural instinct to question everything, Doug became interested in learning more about the field of integrative medicine. He pursued his interest, training at the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, and went on to study integrative medicine at the Sajune Institute of Regenerative and Restorative Medicine in Orlando, FL. Passionate about learning, teaching, and helping people, Doug is very involved in using scientific methods to help individuals lead healthy lives. He is excited about the opportunities for wellness and the extended resources that Nava offers its clients.

In order to balance out his busy career, Doug maintains an active, healthy lifestyle. He describes himself as an avid golfer and travels regularly with his family, taking adventurous trips around the world to see how the rest of the world lives.

Douglas Lord, M.D.

As our Senior Associate Medical Director, Dr. Angela De Rosa will be integral to the continued education and innovation here at Nava Health. Dr. Angela DeRosa, DO, MBA, CPE, has made it her mission to change the way women’s health and wellness are addressed. She is a dynamic and internationally recognized authority when it comes to hormonal health in women, which means she has a deep understanding of the numerous health issues women face as they approach menopause.

Dr. DeRosa herself experienced full-blown menopause by age 35, so she brings a unique perspective. With more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice as well as in pharmaceuticals, she delivers a wealth of expertise.

Dr. DeRosa’s enthusiasm for educating patients on the realities of menopause and the risk factors of hormonal health imbalances has never waned. It was the driving force behind her first bestselling book, A Woman’s Health Survival Guide: How to Prevent Your Doctor From Slowly Killing You. Her book and its controversial title caught the attention of the public, media, and the medical community.

Dr. DeRosa is on the advisory board for the European Menopause and Andropause Society, a member of the International Menopause Society International Society of the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and a researcher on women’s health issues. Dr. DeRosa is a Midwestern University Clinical Assistant Professor and a Past Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association President.

An avid cat lover, in 2017, Dr. DeRosa launched Kare For Me, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation dedicated to providing grants, support, and funding for local, no-kill animal shelters and scholarships for students pursuing a degree in veterinarian shelter medicine.

Dr. Angela DeRosa

After completing residency and fellowship training, Dr. Sadia Ali began her medical career by returning to her South Florida roots and working in inner-city Miami. She discovered patients were not receiving quality medical care due to limited resources, a lack of insurance coverage, and a healthcare network that was not focused on meeting individual patient needs.

Disheartened by what she found in those early years, Dr. Ali started her journey by providing her community with the level of individualized care she was trained to provide.

Dr. Sadia Ali attended FIU in her hometown of Miami, Florida, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry. She attended medical school at USF Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida, and completed her Family Medicine Residency Training at Atrium Health in Concord, North Carolina.

Dr. Ali completed her medical training in Winter Park, Florida, where she was a Junior Faculty and became fellowship-trained in Women’s Health & Obstetrics. Dr. Ali is also trained in functional, aesthetic & obesity medicine.

In her free time, Dr. Ali enjoys exercising with her husband and two sons. She moved back to her hometown of sunny South Florida to serve the community where her love for medicine was first born.

Dr. Sadia Ali

Integrated Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants

At Nava Health, we pride ourselves on offering a revolutionary approach to healthcare that goes beyond traditional methods. Our dedicated medical staff is highly skilled in Nava’s proprietary integrative medical approach, specializing in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

Being a Family Nurse Practitioner has helped me to give back and share my advanced knowledge with people to help them achieve their health goals and feel their absolute best. Having a nursing background working in intensive care with neonates has molded me into a gentle provider, avid listener and trusted provider. I provided care for families and their children at the most vulnerable times in their life and always made sure I gave my very best each and every day. My current career path has lead me to an exciting and rewarding approach to medicine.

Knowing how precious life is from my background in critical care, I believe we should all aim to thrive not just survive. People deserve to feel vibrant and live full lives- capable of having energy for relationships, healthy food preparation, enjoyment of life’s variety and indulging in a restorative night of sleep at the end of a balanced beautiFULL day. I feel grateful and enthusiastic to work for a company where I can use my talents combined with Science to empower clients at NAVA to live with vigor. I have a carefully curated and evidence-based set of tools at my disposal to help our clients lead a lifestyle I advocate for and believe in and I can’t imagine a more rewarding career path.

Family is very important to me and makes me feel supported. Like most of us, being around positive people, pets, or spending time outdoors in nature really gives me a boost. I stay mentally healthy by being organized and setting goals for myself. I love the saying “be firm in your goals, but flexible about how you achieve them.” Being flexible allows one to be adaptable to change and make refinements along the way. It allows being opened to Science and new, innovative ways of doing things. Finally, I stay happy and healthy by not comparing my journey to other’s. I hope to inspire my clients to do the same and give them tools to follow their own special path and individualized plan of care. At the end of the day, I believe we are only in competition with ourselves. “Better than yesterday” is my healthy mantra.

Education:
Undergrad: Misericorida University School of Nursing

Graduate: Duquesne University

Board certification:

FNP-BC (Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner)

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Ashley Beccaloni, FNP-BC

Melanie DaCosta is a Physician Assistant at NAVA Health in Miami, FL (Virtual) with 5 years of experience in Functional Medicine and Medical Aesthetics. She is passionate about delivering results beyond symptom management, focusing on uncovering the root cause of health issues and empowering individuals to achieve optimal wellness. Melanie DaCosta specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Gut Health, sexual health, Medical Aesthetics (including Botox, dermal fillers, and PRP), and Anti-Aging medicine.

After graduating from Nova Southeastern University, Melanie DaCosta gained experience in various healthcare settings, ultimately honing her skills and passion in integrative medicine and aesthetics, a comprehensive approach to health, beauty, and wellness.

When Melanie DaCosta is not working, she can be found in the gym, cooking healthy recipes at the park or beach, attending health conferences, or with her family and her cat Tiger.

Education/Certifications:

Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Master of Medical Sciences (M.M.S), Physician Assistant Program

American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Fellowship

National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Bilingual: English and Spanish

Melanie DaCosta, PA-C

Garrett Peed is a Nurse Practitioner at NAVA Health in Annapolis, Maryland, with two years of experience in Functional and Integrative medicine. He is passionate about delivering root-cause personalized care to achieve health goals and creating a healing environment that promotes well-being, trust, and positive outcomes for every patient. Garrett specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Gut Health, sexual health, Regenerative medicine, and Anti-Aging medicine.

After graduating from the University of Southern California, Garrett gained experience in functional medicine, earning certifications from the Institute of Functional Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine while working in an integrative health practice specializing in regenerative medicine.

When Garrett is not working, he expands his knowledge of functional medicine, stays active with exercise, spends quality time with his family, explores culinary skills in the kitchen, spends time in nature or at the beach, and plays softball.

Education/Certifications:

Barton College: Bachelor Science of Nursing, BSN-RN
University of Southern California: Masters Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN-FNP
American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Board- AANPCB
American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM)
My Injection Training Certification: Ultrasound Guided Injections/Diagnostic Ultrasound

Garrett Peed, Nurse Practitioner, MSN, FNP-C

As a Certified Nurse Practitioner allows me the special opportunity to serve clients in a dynamic environment. I am very fortunate to see firsthand the benefits that clients experience, which truly enhance their lives. My work assists each client in being the best version of themselves. It is so enriching to provide people with the tools to succeed.

How I stay happy and healthy: I believe overall health is rooted in a balanced lifestyle. This includes healthy eating, a strong family support system, a proper work-life balance, and daily exercise. I am fortunate to have a supportive husband who is my best friend. I greatly enjoy going back home to south Brazil to spend time with family and help those who are less fortunate. My hobbies include assisting animals, going to the beach, and staying active. My greatest passion is helping others, whether an animal or a person.

Education:
Undergrad: Eastern Kentucky University (BSN)

Graduate: Chamberlain University (MSN/ FNP)

Board certification:

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Narayana Pennington, MSN, FNP-BSN

Soraya Salehi is a highly accomplished Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive functional and integrative medicine training. A proud graduate of the University of Texas with honors, Soraya’s career is built on a foundation of excellence, compassion, and a drive to redefine healthcare.

With a background in acute and subacute nursing, Soraya has firsthand experience with the challenges of traditional medicine. This experience fueled her passion for root cause and preventative care, which she believes is the future of medicine. Functional medicine, a holistic and personalized approach to healing, is at the heart of her practice.

Soraya addresses hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, gut health, weight management, and thyroid and adrenal optimization. She believes these are the cornerstones of vitality and long-term wellness. Her patient-centered approach empowers individuals to achieve optimal health by understanding and addressing the underlying causes of their symptoms rather than just treating them.

When she’s not transforming lives in her practice, Soraya enjoys exploring her creative side as a photography enthusiast, capturing the beauty of nature and everyday moments. She’s also a music lover, often discovering new genres and attending live performances. Soraya is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys hiking scenic trails, practicing yoga for both body and mind, and experimenting with healthy gourmet recipes. Her adventurous spirit fuels her love of travel, where she draws inspiration from diverse cultures and cuisines, seamlessly blending them into her holistic approach to life and wellness.

Soraya Salehi, FNP-C

Samantha attended Simmons College, obtaining her Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Samantha has an extensive background in the intensive care Unit, emergency department, urgent care, and Integrative Pain Management. Throughout these experiences, Samantha noticed the limitations of traditional medical care and began to explore additional avenues to medicine and healing, which led her to functional medicine.

Samantha is a passionate advocate for patient education and empowerment. She is dedicated to helping patients feel and look their best. She genuinely listens and addresses specific patient concerns to provide tailored recommendations and guidance to help achieve health and wellness goals.

In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, their two Labradors, exercising, and getting outside whenever possible.

Education:
Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Simmons College

Samantha Suller, FNP

Clinical Nutritionist

Nour Amri is a Licensed Integrative Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and a Certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist. She earned her Master’s degree from the Maryland University of Integrative Health. She also received her certification for mind-body medicine facilitation from Georgetown University School of Medicine. In her approach, Nour applies the principles of Integrative and Functional Nutrition, which emphasize healthy eating personalized to the client’s genetics, environment, lifestyle, and health concerns. She believes that food is not just about calories and energy; it provides information that would contribute to modulating health and disease and is a significant component of the emerging science of Epigenetics. Emerging research confirms that poor dietary habits and lifestyle can initiate various illnesses and autoimmune diseases.

She also works with clients on optimizing gut health, using food as medicine, and recommends therapeutic food plans and appropriate supplements that boost the immune system and nourish the body.

As a member of a multidisciplinary team of medical providers, she helps patients implement dietary and lifestyle changes by designing individualized nutritional plans and assessing their progress.

Nour Amri, CNS, LDN

Jena Salisbury completed her undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University and a master's certificate in holistic health in 2012. She immediately started working in functional medicine and fell in love with food first medicine.

She completed her master's degree from Sonoran University in AZ and received her master's certification as a CNS Clinical Nutrition Specialist in 2022. Jena is also a reiki teacher and Urevia master and enjoys coaching along with understanding the human body's biochemistry. She has a small family with her partner, two kids, and a dog.

She loves cooking, gardening, staying active, and traveling.

Jena Salisbury, CNS

Gina Cushenberry, MS, CNS, LDN, is a Licensed, Board-Certified Nutritionist. She earned her Master’s in Nutrition and Integrative Health at Maryland University of Integrative Health. Before attending MUIH, she studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and earned her certification as a Holistic Health Coach.

Gina has an unwavering passion for nutrition and helping others develop healthy lifestyle

changes. While she specializes in weight loss and management, she is skilled and trained to help her clients improve any medical diagnosis, such as diabetes, GI issues, food allergies/sensitivities, PMS, menopause, and hormonal imbalances.

Her life experiences fuel Gina’s desire to improve others’ dietary habits. That determination is passed on to her clients to stay motivated and successfully reach their health goals.

Gina enjoys playing tennis, gardening, traveling to tropical islands, and spending quality time with friends and family in her free time.

Training and Education

Maryland University of Integrative Health

MS Nutrition and Integrative Health

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, New York City

Holistic Health Coaching Professional Training and Certification Program

New York University, New York City

BA Journalism

Certification and Accreditation

Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

Licensed Dietician Nutritionist (LDN)

American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP)

Board Certified and Accredited Member

Punk Rope Instructor

ACE Certified Instructor

Gina Cushenberry, MS, CNS, LDN

Colleen DeSimone, MS, CNS, LDN, CDN, is a highly qualified professional with a Master of Science in Functional Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from Huntington University of Health Sciences. In addition, she holds a Clinical Botanical Medicine Practitioner certification from the East-West School of Planetary Herbology and brings three decades of experience as a practicing herbalist.

Colleen employs science-based therapies to support your health and wellbeing, providing personalized nutrition considering the complexities and interconnectedness of each individual's unique biochemistry, metabolic profile, health objectives, and lifestyle preferences. In addition to these considerations, she incorporates the latest research findings. She continually adapts her approach to align with emerging scientific advancements, ensuring a holistic and cutting-edge approach to enhancing overall health.

With a focus on gastrointestinal disorders, mental health conditions, endocrine system and hormone regulation, autoimmune conditions, chronic EBV, chronic Lyme disease, mold toxicity, SIBO/IMO, detoxification, and Long Covid, Colleen brings her expertise to uncover root causes and develop personalized treatment plans.

Recognized for her strong communication skills, humor, and empathy, Colleen fosters trust and actively involves clients in crafting nutrition and lifestyle plans uniquely tailored to their needs, promoting a collaborative and empowering journey towards wellbeing. Her commitment lies in prioritizing each individual's unique needs and challenges, fostering a holistic approach to comprehensive wellbeing beyond symptom management.

Embark on a transformative health journey with Colleen and experience a vibrant, energetic, and thriving new you. Nourish your body, mind, and soul with her comprehensive wellbeing approach.

Education, Credentials, & Memberships

- Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP - expected completion in 2024)

- Certified Dietician Nutritionist (CDN)

- Licensed Dietician Nutritionist (LDN)

- Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

- Master of Science in Functional Nutrition, University of Bridgeport

- FBCA Mastery Functional Blood Interpretation Certified

- Bachelor of Science in Functional Nutrition, Huntington University of Health Sciences

- Clinical Botanical Medicine Practitioner with 30 years of experience, specializing in Western, Chinese, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments and Formularies

- Integral Yoga International Certification, Wellbeing International Inc., Maui HI

- Kriya Yoga Meditation Instructor certified by Self-Realization Fellowship

- Reiki Master & Teacher, lineage tracing back to Dr. Mika Usui

- Institute of Functional Medicine Member

- American Nutrition Association Member

- American Herbalist Guild Member

Colleen DeSimone, MS, CNS, LDN, CDN

Aesthetics

Hannah Cantor, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, brings a heartfelt passion for skincare and skin health to her role at Nava Health. A graduate of West Virginia University’s business school, Hannah pursued her love for the aesthetics industry by attending Aesthetician school, inspired by her own experiences with acne as a young girl. Her journey ignited a desire to help others build confidence and achieve healthier skin.

As a certified acne expert, Hannah combines her deep skin care knowledge with a love for the medical side of aesthetics, dedicating herself to delivering personalized care to every client. She is known for her unwavering commitment to skin health, putting her heart and soul into every treatment she provides.

Hannah cherishes spending time with her family and friends outside the treatment room. She is thrilled to advance her career with Nava Health, specializing in aesthetics and electrology, while continuing to make a meaningful impact on her clients' lives.

Hannah Cantor, Aesthetician and Certified Acne Expert

Christine is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. Her passion is using the art of aesthetics to help each client become the best version of themselves. She has over 3 years of experience with injectables, skin tightening, biostimulation, laser hair removal, and body sculpting treatments.

Christine has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Chemistry from Frostburg State University and a Bachelor of Nursing from Coppin State University. She also graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family practice. As a registered nurse, she spent 8 years working in neurosciences at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. During her time at Hopkins, she specialized in caring for patients with stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, post-operative thoracic procedures, brain tumors, neurotrauma, and other complex neurological diagnoses.

Christine loves all things beauty but is a huge skincare and makeup enthusiast. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and painting in her spare time. Her mission for her clients is to create a space where they can feel comfortable expressing concerns and meeting their aesthetic goals.

Christine Eppes MSN, FNP-BC

Katherine (Kat) Butterfoss, FNP-C, is a highly skilled Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the aesthetic industry. With a natural eye for beauty, Kat blends clinical precision with artistry to help her clients feel confident, radiant, and empowered in their skin.

Her approach to aesthetic nursing is rooted in the belief that looking your best starts with feeling your best. Kat is known for her gentle technique, keen attention to detail, and commitment to creating natural, balanced results.

Kat earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner but considers herself a lifelong learner. She regularly attends seminars and conferences to keep up to date with the latest technology and advanced techniques.

Kat Butterfoss, FNP-C

Holistic Therapists

Our holistic therapists are a large part of the Nava care team and are held to the same standards as our physicians – they must be exceptional in their field, be committed to our vision of helping you holistically reach your health goals, and provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

One of the things that sets Nava apart is our collaborative approach to health. Our therapists may specialize in one aspect of your health, but you can expect that all of the therapists who help you will be coordinating and communicating to make your treatments as effective as possible.

That’s something you won’t experience anywhere else.