We tailor our services to your specific needs and preferences, and deliver them with compassion and professionalism.
We provide our services in the comfort and privacy of your home, office, or preferred location, and offer flexible scheduling and payment options.
We offer a range of services to suit your health needs and goals, from preventive care to wellness care, and from acute care to chronic care.
3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. 5030A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
305-339-1756
info@medbetterhealth.org
Dr. Erik Ilyayev is the founder and former CEO of MyHouseVisit.com which is an organization that provides medical home visits to the elderly and home-bound. He founded the company right after he completed his residency at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
His team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and care coordinators have serviced more than 5,000 patients in the New York metropolitan area. In 3/2021 MyHouseVisit.com was acquired via a Merger & Acquisition by a venture backed healthcare organization called ConcertoCare.
Dr. Erik also served as the Regional Medical Director of hospice for the Visiting Nurse Service Of New York, which is the largest not-for-profit home- and community-based health care organization in the nation.
Being very passionate about medical education, while living in NY, he held academic appointments as Associate Professor of Medicine in Touro College, St. Georges Medical University and was the Vice Director of Undergraduate Medical Education for Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center.
Currently residing in Florida, he holds an academic appointment as an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University in the Health Informatics Department.
Seeing the complexity of chronic disease and the opportunity for optimized coordination of care, Dr. Ilyayev co-founded iKonnect.io, a technology platform, which currently delivers care coordination andremote patient monitoring to more than 15,000 patients nationally.
One of Dr. Ilyayev’s most rewarding roles is being a father to six beautiful children and spending time with his family. On his spare time, he produces music with his latest music video focusing on bringing awareness to substance abuse in teens “chains” having more than 200K views on Facebook.
Elizabeth Herzog, APRN, is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a strong foundation in providing comprehensive mental health and substance use care. With over a decade of nursing experience across diverse healthcare settings, she brings exceptional clinical and leadership skills to her practice. Her expertise spans psychiatric assessment, treatment planning, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and holistic patient education, with a particular focus on dual diagnoses and addiction recovery.
She holds advanced nursing degrees, including a Master’s in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing and a Master’s in Leadership, complemented by certifications such as ANCC PMHNP and CCRN. Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and fostering collaborative healthcare environments to improve patient outcomes.
Currently, at BoardPrep Recovery in Tampa, FL, she specializes in medical management for mental health and addiction, ensuring tailored, compassionate care that supports sustainable recovery. Her tenure at Tampa General Hospital further highlights her dedication to patient care and innovative clinical solutions, including spearheading the development of advanced care units during critical times.
As an active member of professional organizations like the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners (FLANP) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), she stays engaged in advancing nursing practice standards. She is also deeply committed to community service, volunteering for initiatives such as St. Pete Pride Week, promoting inclusivity and wellness in the community.
She is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients and contributing to a healthcare system that values excellence, empathy, and innovation.
Tonya Smith is a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) whose career in mental health and substance abuse treatment spans over a decade.
Her journey in healthcare is marked by a profound commitment to patient care, leadership, and continuous learning.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Palmetto, Florida, Tonya Smith always knew she wanted to help people. Her compassion and empathy were evident from a young age, guiding her toward a career in nursing. Tonya began her educational journey by earning a nursing degree, which laid the foundation for her future endeavors in healthcare. Determined to make a significant impact in the field of mental health, she pursued advanced studies and achieved a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Florida, graduating in May 2023. This advanced degree equipped her with the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to address complex psychiatric conditions.
Professional Journey
Tonya’s professional journey began at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she worked as a Registered Nurse and Charge Nurse. In this role, she gained valuable experience supervising RNs and LPNs, treating patients of various ages, and handling a wide range of medical and psychiatric emergencies. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and provide high-quality care in fast-paced environments quickly became evident.
Her career took a significant turn when she joined Naphcare, Inc. at the Sarasota County Jail. Initially serving as a Registered Nurse and Charge Nurse, Tonya’s responsibilities included supervising nursing staff, assisting providers, and managing the care of patients undergoing detoxification. Her exceptional leadership skills led to her promotion as the Director of Nursing. In this capacity, Tonya was responsible for hiring, training, and supervising staff, as well as implementing quality improvement initiatives and policies.
Tonya’s expertise in correctional healthcare continued to grow when she joined Armor Correctional Health Services. Here, she once again demonstrated her leadership abilities, overseeing nursing operations at the Sarasota County Jail. Her roles at Naphcare and Armor Correctional Health Services were pivotal in honing her skills in managing complex patient care and leading multidisciplinary teams.
In November 2021, Tonya transitioned to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she continued to excel as a Registered Nurse and Charge Nurse. Her work involved monitoring and treating a diverse patient population, including those with psychiatric and behavioral health needs. She was known for her ability to effectively communicate with medical, psychiatric, and specialty providers, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care for her patients.
Most recently, Tonya has taken on the role of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at YesCare Corp, working at the Manatee County Jail. In this position, she conducts psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses psychiatric conditions, prescribes medications, and collaborates with medical and mental health teams to develop and implement care plans. Her work is characterized by her independent practice under the supervision of a collaborating provider, reflecting her advanced expertise and autonomy in the field.
Personal Philosophy and Impact
Tonya’s approach to nursing is deeply rooted in her compassion and commitment to patient advocacy. She believes in treating each patient with dignity and respect, understanding that mental health and substance abuse issues require a holistic and empathetic approach. Her bilingual abilities in English and Spanish allow her to connect with a diverse patient population, enhancing her ability to provide culturally competent care.
Throughout her career, Tonya has been recognized for her excellent communication skills, her ability to multitask effectively, and her unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes. Her experience in various healthcare settings, particularly in correctional facilities, has given her a unique perspective on the challenges and needs of patients in these environments.
Conclusion
Tonya Smith’s career is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for nursing. Her journey from a compassionate young woman in Palmetto, Florida, to a highly skilled Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is marked by continuous growth and an unwavering commitment to her patients. Through her work in both hospital and correctional settings, Tonya has made a significant impact on the lives of many, providing high-quality care and advocating for those who need it most. Her story is one of perseverance, compassion, and excellence in the field of nursing.
Zayd Fadli brings a truly global and multidisciplinary background to our team. He began his medical
journey at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, earning his medical degree and completing a clinical
internship at the Clinical Center of Vojvodina.
His academic contributions at the University of South Florida’s College of Pharmacy, including co-
authoring a published algorithm on drug–drug interaction analysis, reflect his commitment to
evidence-based, thoughtful clinical care.
Fluent in English and Arabic, and conversational in Serbian and Russian, Zayd values clear
communication, cultural understanding, and meeting individuals where they are in their care journey.
His approach aligns beautifully with the GUIDE Model’s mission: empowering patients and
caregivers through education, support, and compassionate coordination.
Outside of work, Zayd is a proud father who enjoys staying active with his family through biking,
jogging, and swimming. He’s also an avid follower of current events, medical science, and emerging
technologies.
Dr. Umara Saleem is a board-certified family physician, licensed in Florida and New York, and joins us from Walmart Health, bringing strong experience in patient-centered, accessible care as we continue to expand MedBetterHealth’s reach across state lines.
Originally from Queens, New York, Dr. Saleem is a proud alumna of Barnard College at Columbia University and graduated summa cum laude from AUA School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the Mid-Hudson Family Medicine Program in the Hudson Valley and has been recognized with multiple awards in pediatric care, women’s health, and medical teaching. She is also published in the journal Family Doctor.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Saleem was actively involved in medical education, serving as a lecturer and adviser at Kingsbrook University Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn and as an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown, NY.
We are honored to have Dr. Saleem join our mission to deliver high-quality, coordinated dementia care under the CMS GUIDE Model, and we are confident that her clinical expertise, compassion, and commitment to whole-person care will make a meaningful impact for our patients and their families.
Dr. Lev Tayts graduated from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1995. He has performed physical examinations, diagnosed and treated thousands of patients in his over 27-year career. He has taken care of patients’ illnesses, ordered and interpreted lab tests, performed procedures, and provided patient/family education and counseling. He also prescribes and monitors medications, order therapies, and works with many other home centered teams to help us give the best care to you and your family. He works closely with Home Health, Physical Therapy, Lab services, X-ray, ultrasound and others.
On his free time, Dr. Tayts loves to spend time with his wife and grandchildren.
Irina Arvanitidou embarked on her professional journey after graduating from Broward Community College in 2002.
She went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 2006 and continued her personal growth by graduating with honors from Florida Atlantic University in 2013, earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing.
With over 11 years of experience in direct patient care, including cardiology, neurology, and medical-surgical fields, Irina believes in the importance of educating patients about medications, adopting a holistic approach, and promoting physical activity for their well-being.
As a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, she has specialized in caring for patients with Rheumatological diseases for the past 10 years, offering joint injections and trigger point injections to alleviate pain.
Fluent in English and Russian, Irina understands the significance of listening to her patients and is committed to providing the safest and most up-to-date care. She takes pleasure in educating her patients about healthy strategies to improve their daily lifestyles, making her a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional.
With over two decades of diverse clinical experience, Luz Rodriguez-Lennon is a highly accomplished Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care. As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), Luz is uniquely positioned to address both the physical and mental health needs of her patients. She holds multi-state licensure, including autonomous practice status in several states, and is DEA-certified with a MAT waiver to provide medication-assisted treatment.
Luz’s career spans various healthcare settings, from primary care to telemedicine and mental health, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to meeting patients where they are. As a trusted clinician at Everside Health, she has provided acute, chronic, and preventive care while spearheading initiatives to enhance mental health integration and clinical guidelines. Her expertise extends to chronic disease management, virtual urgent care, trauma care, and bilingual diabetic education for underserved communities.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Luz strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for patients of all backgrounds. She is passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their health, employing personalized care plans that align with each patient’s unique goals and needs.
Luz’s dedication to patient-centered care is complemented by her involvement in quality improvement projects, clinical leadership roles, and mentorship of healthcare professionals. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice at Florida Southern College, Luz remains committed to advancing her knowledge and skills to provide the highest standard of care. Whether addressing acute conditions, managing chronic illnesses, or providing mental health support, Luz is here to partner with you on your journey to better health and well-being
Germith is a seasoned healthcare professional with over two decades of experience in nursing and advanced practice nursing. Graduating as a Nurse in 2002 and becoming a Nurse Practitioner in 2006, they excel in treating patients across all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Skilled in urgent care, chronic illness management, and
procedural interventions, their expertise spans various healthcare settings.
Currently serving as a Full-time APRN Wound Care Specialist at Woundtech, they provide advanced wound treatment and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care.
With a Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner and ongoing studies in Epidemiology at Florida International University, they remaincommitted to lifelong learning and professional development.
Fluent in multiple languages and holding certifications including APRN, DEA, BLS, and ACLS, Germith epitomizes dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while contributing to public health initiatives and medical missions globally.
Originally from Ukraine and raised in Siberia, Tatiana Lebed has always had a deep appreciation for movement and expression, particularly through folk dance. Over two decades ago, she made the life-changing decision to move to the United States, where she pursued her passion for healthcare.
Tatiana earned her nursing degree a decade ago and has since dedicated her career to providing compassionate and high-quality patient care. She has extensive experience in cardiology, oncology, and acute care, having worked with prestigious institutions such as Baptist Health Medical Group and Baptist Hospital. Her commitment to excellence and patient advocacy is reflected in her leadership roles, including her involvement in the Wound Care Committee and various volunteer initiatives.
A lifelong learner, Tatiana holds a Master of Science in Nursing and is currently pursuing further specialization at Nova Southeastern University. Fluent in English and Russian, with proficiency in Ukrainian and Spanish, she is passionate about connecting with patients from diverse backgrounds.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tatiana finds fulfillment in helping others and upholding the belief that “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Arina is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over five years of experience in behavioral health and critical care nursing. Fluent in both English and Russian, she is passionate about building genuine partnerships with her patients walking alongside them in their journey toward wellness rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all path.
Her clinical expertise includes caring for individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and behavioral disturbances related to dementia. She brings a particular passion for geriatric psychiatry, where she integrates her knowledge, compassion, and straightforward approach to create a space for healing and growth.
Outside of her professional work, Arina is a dedicated daughter, sister, and caretaker. She loves traveling, staying active through sports, and cherishing time with her family.
Inessa Kalantarova has more than a decade experience in healthcare coordination. In her previous role, coordinated care and lead a team of liaisons for over 1000 patients. When one thinks of Inessa, they think of a person who “get’s things done”. Her customer centric approach includes looking at problems from the lens of the customer. She has facilitated and coordinated care with labs, imaging, hospitals, long term care and more.
On her time off, Inessa enjoys spending time with her husband and six beautiful children. Her favorite fun time activity is international cuisine in which she often participates in competitions.
Sabrina Abdelrahim, born in Bucharest, Romania. She earned her Medical from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. During her studies, she attended multiple medical conferences and workshops in Europe. After graduating from Medical School, Sabrina did a 6 month internship in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine and passed her Medical Licensing Exam in Serbia.
In recent past, she permanently moved to Florida in a journey to practice Medicine in the US. Her dream is to specialize in Internal Medicine, because she gets to build meaningful relationships with patients and their families and it gives her a real sense of purpose and satisfaction.
On her free time, Sabrina loves to spend time with her family. Her favorite activities include being outdoors and going for long walks in the nature, cooking, photography, and travelling.
She speaks 5 languages: English, Russian, Serbian, Romanian and Arabic.
Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner who is highly skilled to practice in both psychiatry and primary care for across the life span including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Licensed as a Registered Nurse, PMHNP, and FNP in Florida, New York, Texas, and Georgia, she brings a comprehensive blend of experience, certifications, and a patient-centered approach to her practice. Neena has a remarkable track record of providing the highest level of comfort and care to her patients across various healthcare settings.
She believes in the mind/body/spiritual connection, and that, we are made up as a whole person and not a series of parts, just as stated by Hippocrates “The Father of Medicine.”
Neena excels as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, where she specializes in psychiatric evaluations and medication management. Her prior roles include impactful positions at Mindful Behavioral Healthcare and Florida Hospital, where she managed a wide range of mental health disorders and provided critical mental health/medical care.
Neena’s international experience extends to Canada, where she contributed significantly to the William Osler Health System and Humber River Regional Hospital, enhancing her expertise in gero-psychiatric care and mental health nursing. Her academic credentials are robust, including a Post Master’s Certification from Florida
State University and a Master of Science (Nurse Practitioner) from D’Youville College,
Buffalo, NY.
She also holds a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Nursing from Delhi University, India, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (Medical & Psychiatric Social Work) from the Delhi School of Social Work.
Her professional affiliations with prestigious organizations like the American Nurses
Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing highlight her dedication to the nursing profession.
Neena’s exceptional language skills in English, Hindi, and Malayalam, alongside her excellent decision-making, analytical, problem-solving, and leadership qualities, make her a versatile and effective healthcare provider capable of delivering high-quality care in diverse settings.
Ariel Del Valle has forged an impressive career in the medical field, with a pivotal focus on extensive mental health expertise.
As a distinguished Nurse Practitioner holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Chamberlain University, specializing in Healthcare Systems Leadership, Ariel boasts dual board certifications as a Psychiatric
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner
(FNP-BC), with fluency in Spanish.
His profound dedication to addressing mental health issues is evident through his hands-on experience in assessing, treating, and evaluating patients across a spectrum of psychiatric disorders.
Ariel’s holistic approach to mental health care shines through in his adept management of psychotropic medications and integration of psychotherapy. Going beyond mere diagnosis and treatment, Ariel
conducts meticulous examinations and mental health assessments to ensure precise identification of psychiatric illnesses.
What sets him apart is his commitment to patient education; he empowers individuals and their families with comprehensive knowledge about their conditions and treatment plans, encompassing the prescription of medications within a broader care strategy. Ariel’s extensive mental health experience is complemented by his role as a clinical instructor and adjunct professor, where he
shares his insights and knowledge.
This dual commitment to clinical practice and education underscores his multifaceted contribution to healthcare, emphasizing not only treatment but also the empowerment and education of individuals navigating their mental health journeys
With over two decades of experience in healthcare, Thelma Monterroso is a highly skilled and dedicated Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) specializing in acute and critical care, telemedicine, and integrated patient management.
Thelma holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida International University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barry University, and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Miami Dade College. She is board-certified and licensed in both Florida and New York, with expertise in emergency medicine, hospitalist care, and home health assessments for high-risk patients.
Her professional journey spans various esteemed healthcare organizations, including Baptist Health, South Miami Hospital, and Call9 Telemedicine, where she has managed acute and chronic conditions across diverse patient populations. She has extensive experience in hospital medicine, critical care, telehealth, and home-based patient management, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient outcomes.
Thelma’s dedication to patient-centered care is evident in her work with underserved communities, ensuring quality healthcare delivery through home visits, telemedicine consultations, and chronic disease management. She has also served as a preceptor and mentor for MSN and medical students, contributing to the development of future healthcare professionals.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Thelma is passionate about bridging healthcare gaps, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and leveraging technology to advance patient care.
Adebimpe Victoria Akinrin, APRN, is a Dual Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) who brings over a decade of diverse and dedicated clinical experience to the forefront of healthcare. Her passion lies in providing compassionate, evidence-based care while fostering meaningful connections with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
Throughout her career, she has honed her expertise in acute and post-acute care, chronic disease management, and mental health services. She excels in developing personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.
Her background includes extensive work in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), primary care, mental health settings, and specialty clinics, where she has skillfully managed complex medical conditions, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, and ensured optimal patient outcomes. She is proficient in leveraging advanced healthcare technologies, including DrChrono, Epic, Meditech, Cerner, and Kipu, to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
Her clinical acumen is complemented by a dedication to continuous learning, having completed advanced degrees and certifications, including a PMHNP from Purdue University and an MSN from South University. Her mission is to make a profound impact in healthcare by delivering high-quality, holistic, and patient-centered care while advancing initiatives that promote wellness, education, and disease prevention.
She is eager to contribute to a dynamic healthcare organization where her skills and experience will drive innovation and excellence in patient care.
Yolanda Florvil is a highly accomplished and dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in both Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health care. Born and raised in Boynton Beach, Florida, Yolanda has always had a passion for helping others, which led her to pursue a career in nursing.
Her journey in the healthcare field is marked by a steadfast commitment to patient care, continuous learning, and professional excellence.
Early Education and Career Beginnings Yolanda’s educational journey began at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, Florida, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in 2012.
Determined to advance her career in nursing, she then pursued an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Bethesda College in Boynton Beach, Florida, graduating in 2014. Her early years in nursing were characterized by a drive to provide compassionate care and a desire to make a difference in her community.
Advanced Education and Specialization Recognizing the importance of higher education in enhancing her clinical skills and knowledge, Yolanda continued her studies at Jacksonville University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2017 with a GPA of 3.7.
Her pursuit of excellence didn’t stop there; she went on to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from South University in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2020, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and maintaining a GPA of 3.7. Yolanda’s commitment to mental health led her to further specialize in this field. In May 2023, she completed a Master’s Degree in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from Purdue Global University, Indiana, graduating with a perfect GPA of 4.0. This additional specialization has allowed her to provide comprehensive care to patients with complex mental health needs.
Professional Experience Yolanda’s professional career is rich with diverse experiences that have shaped her into a versatile and skilled practitioner. She began her career as a Registered Nurse (RN) at JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Florida, where she worked in the Medical-Surgical-Telemetry Unit from 2016 to 2021. Here, she honed her skills in acute patient care, medication administration, and patient education, demonstrating clinical excellence and a collaborative approach to healthcare.
Her role as a Family Nurse Practitioner has seen her take on significant responsibilities at various healthcare facilities. At Continuous Care Center in Oakland Park, Florida, she provided primary and preventive care to adult patients, managed chronic conditions, and conducted health and wellness screenings. Yolanda’s ability to work independently and her proficiency in both clinical and administrative duties were evident in her role as a Hospitalist with H2 Hospitalist Group of the Palm Beaches in Miami, Florida.
In addition to her clinical roles, Yolanda has been a strong advocate for mental health. She worked as a Registered Nurse in Behavioral Health at Retreat Behavioral Health in Lake Worth, Florida, where she cared for patients with psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Her expertise in this area was further enhanced by her advanced training in psychiatric mental health.
Certifications and Skills Yolanda holds several certifications that underscore her expertise and commitment to providing high-quality care. She is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as both a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) by the American Heart Association.
Her clinical skills are extensive, including advanced assessment, wound care management, EKG interpretation, and proficiency in various electronic medical records (EMR) systems. Yolanda is bilingual in English and Haitian Creole, enabling her to effectively communicate and build rapport with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Personal Life and Interests
Beyond her professional life, Yolanda is passionate about evidence-based research and quality improvement projects. She enjoys spending time with her family and visiting local parks, where she finds balance and rejuvenation.
Conclusion
Yolanda Florvil’s career is a testament to her dedication, compassion, and relentless pursuit of excellence in nursing. Her extensive education, diverse clinical experiences, and unwavering commitment to patient care make her a distinguished Nurse Practitioner in both family and psychiatric-mental health care. Yolanda continues to be a beacon of hope and support for her patients, embodying the true spirit of nursing through her empathetic and comprehensive approach to healthcare.
Tina Prousalis is a highly skilled and dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in both Psychiatric-Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner care. With a career spanning over three decades, Tina has demonstrated a profound commitment to improving patient outcomes across various healthcare settings. Her extensive experience and compassionate approach make her a respected and valued practitioner in the field.
Early Life and Education
Tina Prousalis was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida. Her journey into nursing began at St. Petersburg College, where she earned her Associate of Science in Nursing in December 1992. Driven by a desire to further her education and enhance her clinical skills, Tina pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Tampa, completing her degree in 2008. She continued at the University of Tampa to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) care.
Recognizing the growing need for mental health professionals, Tina further specialized in psychiatric care. She completed a master’s certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from Maryville University in 2022, equipping her with the skills to address complex mental health conditions.
Professional Journey
Tina’s professional career began in the early 1990s, and over the years, she has amassed extensive experience in various healthcare environments. She has worked in primary care, critical care, behavioral health, and emergency medicine, providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages. Her role as a PMHNP at Fast Pace Health in Florida has been particularly impactful. Since 2019, Tina has managed severe mental health issues in the elderly, including Alzheimer’s disease and chronic mental health conditions. Her responsibilities also include treating substance abuse disorders and providing acute care.
Throughout her career, Tina has demonstrated exceptional skills in medication administration, mental health counseling, addiction counseling, and crisis intervention. Her ability to handle complex psychiatric cases and provide holistic care has earned her a reputation for excellence in patient management.
Personal Philosophy and Impact
Tina’s approach to nursing is deeply rooted in her compassion and dedication to patient advocacy. She believes in treating the whole person, considering both physical and mental health aspects to provide comprehensive care. Her proficiency in various nursing skills, combined with her empathetic approach, enables her to build strong relationships with her patients and their families.
Her bilingual abilities in English and her extensive experience in telehealth services have allowed Tina to reach a broader patient population, ensuring that more individuals receive the care they need. She is known for her excellent communication skills, her ability to manage multiple priorities, and her commitment to maintaining accurate and efficient documentation.
Conclusion
Tina Prousalis’s career is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for nursing. Her journey from a compassionate young nurse in Bradenton, Florida, to a highly skilled Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner is marked by continuous growth and an unwavering commitment to her patients. Through her work in both primary and mental health care, Tina has made a significant impact on the lives of many, providing high-quality care and advocating for those who need it most. Her story is one of perseverance, compassion, and excellence in the field of nursing.
Valeriya Altukhova, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, is a dedicated and compassionate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with over nine years of experience in cardiovascular care. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, having served as a cardiovascular registered nurse at Baptist Hospital of Miami.
Throughout her career, Valeriya has demonstrated exceptional skills in acute and
chronic disease management, diagnostic test interpretation, and patient education.
Born in Moscow, Russia, and raised in Miami, FL, Valeriya developed a passion for healthcare early in
life. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Florida International University and went on to
earn her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Miami, where she specialized as a Family
Nurse Practitioner. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her academic achievements, including her
membership in the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.
Valeriya’s professional experience includes significant roles in various healthcare settings. At Baptist
Hospital of Miami, she worked in the Cardiovascular Institute, where she provided comprehensive care to
patients with acute and chronic conditions, performed physical assessments, and effectively evaluated
diagnostic tests. Her ability to recognize subtle changes in patients’ conditions and respond promptly has
been instrumental in improving patient outcomes.
During her nurse practitioner training, Valeriya gained valuable experience at the University of Miami
Sylvester Cancer Center, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Dr. Suarez-Barcelo’s primary care clinic, and Vitas
Healthcare Hospice. In these roles, she provided primary and specialized care, focusing on preventative
health, disease management, and end-of-life care. Her compassionate approach and dedication to
patient-centered care have earned her the trust and respect of patients and colleagues alike.
Valeriya is proficient in using electronic health records, specifically Cerner Millennium, and holds multiple
certifications, including ACLS, BLS, and ECG interpretation. Bilingual in English and Russian, and
intermediate in Spanish, she effectively communicates with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Valeriya Altukhova’s unwavering commitment to providing advanced, evidence-based care and her
passion for improving patient outcomes make her a valuable asset to any healthcare team. Outside of her
professional life, Valeriya enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, and exploring new culinary
experiences. Her hobbies reflect her love for relaxation and continuous learning, contributing to her
well-rounded and compassionate approach to healthcare.
Irina Bardakova is a bilingual (Russian–English) healthcare professional with over four years
of hands-on experience supporting patients and clinical teams across diverse care settings. Her
background centers on healthcare communication, chronic care coordination, and ensuring
accurate, culturally sensitive interactions between patients and providers.
Irina has extensive experience facilitating medical conversations involving diagnoses, treatment
plans, follow-up instructions, and care coordination. Through her work as a medical interpreter,
she supported high-volume clinical environments by ensuring precise communication, strict
HIPAA compliance, and clear patient understanding of complex medical information. This role
required fluency in medical terminology, attention to detail, and the ability to support continuity
of care across multiple providers and encounters.
In addition to her clinical communication background, Irina brings strong organizational and
documentation skills critical to chronic care management. She is adept at managing patient
records, coordinating follow-ups, and supporting care plans while maintaining accuracy,
confidentiality, and efficiency. Her approach emphasizes patient engagement, adherence to
clinical protocols, and reducing gaps in care, particularly for non-English-speaking and
underserved populations.
Irina is known for her calm, empathetic communication style and her ability to work seamlessly
with multidisciplinary healthcare teams. She is deeply committed to improving patient outcomes
through clear communication, proactive coordination, and culturally competent care
