Clinical Staff
Mayra Alicia Overstreet Galeano, MD
Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health
Dr. Mayra Alicia Overstreet Galeano, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Specialty: Family Medicine Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine
Licensed Date: June 2014
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
When I applied to medical school I knew I wanted to work in a community health center setting. I wanted to practice medicine in a place where I could provide comprehensive care while working with patients and communities regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. I spent my first ten years in Nicaragua where I lived a remote, financially under resourced community before my family had to move because of a civil war. We moved to eastern Tennessee in Appalachia which was similarly under resourced. I have grown up in communities like that served by community health centers.
I moved to North Carolina at age 18 for college and then worked with the Children’s Environmental Health Initiative for nearly 10 years on environmental research which helped to address environmental justice issues before starting medical school at the University of North Carolina School Of Medicine at Chapel Hill. I did my residency at Oregon Health and Science University followed by a faculty development fellowship. I was happy to be able to return to North Carolina. In all these places, I found comfort in the outdoors and serving my community. Both my personal and professional experiences have helped me appreciate the role that families and communities have in determining health outcomes. I hope to empower patients from across a spectrum of backgrounds to make good health decisions, serving as an adviser. I am always learning from my patients as well.
What are some of the things I am passionate about outside of work?
- Healthy environment: I understand the impact the environment has on my health and that of my community. I am passionate about doing what I can to protect our environment.
- Community Organizing: I am a member of VOYAGE Community Council focused on North Side Wilmington and enjoy working on community organizing and health promotion and education
- Active Lifestyle: I commute by bicycle as much as possible and enjoy time outdoors. I relax with dancing, playing soccer, and running.
- Cooking: My grandmother used to take me to work with her at a restaurant where I learned to love all types of cooking.
- International Outreach: When possible, I like to participate in international outreach work that focuses on building local capacity and I get to benefit from learning from those who I work with as well.
- Languages: English, Spanish
Kevin Bachman, DPM
Podiatry
Kevin Bachman, DPM
Dr. Kevin Bachman is a local of Wilmington, North Carolina. He graduated from John T. Hoggard High School and then went on to Duke University for his undergraduate degree. After college, he did his medical training for Podiatry at the William M. Scholl College of Podiatry in Chicago, Illinois. For his medical residency, Dr. Bachman went to John Peter Smith Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas. There he completed a two-year surgical residency and was Chief Resident from 2000 – 2001.
Dr. Bachman moved back home to Wilmington, NC where he joined Dr. Jeffrey Pupp and currently is a Podiatrist with Instride Coastal Carolina. Dr. Bachman has been with MedNorth for almost one year and specializes in all foot and ankle related problems such as: Diabetic foot care, wound healing, heel pain, ingrown nails, flat feet, bunions and hammertoes.
Brendan Payne, MD
Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health
Dr. Brendan Payne, MD
Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine
Licensed date: 8/17/2017
Medical School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Residency: Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency
I grew up in Maryland, but headed down south to UNC-Chapel Hill for college, where I studied Global Health in Latin America. These studies, as well as several summer experiences working with community organizations in the Dominican Republic, began to foster my interest in medicine. During these years, I came to appreciate the power of the physician-patient relationship to affect positive individual and community change. At the same time, I began to encounter the significant challenges of improving health in communities where families lack equitable access to food, water, jobs, transportation, education, and affordable quality health care. During medical school, I was drawn to Family Medicine because it emphasized the importance of the physician-patient relationship, while also recognizing the need to address these larger community- and population-level issues that affect people’s health. I then travelled to California to complete my residency training. My experiences there reinforced the idea that being a physician is about much more than just preventing and treating disease – my goal as a Family doctor is to be a listener, learner, coach, counselor, teacher, and advocate for my patients and their communities’ health. My family and I couldn’t stay away for too long, though, so we were very happy to be able to join the MedNorth team back here in North Carolina after finishing residency. When I’m not in clinic, I enjoy staying active by playing soccer or riding my bike, reading, playing board games, and exploring with my family all the fun activities this area has to offer.
Cynthia Pierson, MD, FACOG, OBGYN
Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health
Cynthia Pierson, MD, FACOG, OBGYN
Coming soon.
Sarah Towne, DO
Adult Medicine
Sarah Towne, DO
Dr. Sarah Towne, DO
Physician
Specialty in Family Medicine; Board Certified since 1995. Graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1992.
Dr. Towne was an RN for 15 years prior to returning to school, and knows the health care system on many levels. Community Health is the way to go, in her opinion.
In her spare time; Dr. Towne works on other activities, such as bird-watching, photography, and reading. She loves dogs.
Khadijia Tribie, MD, FAAP
Pediatrics
Khadijia Tribie, MD, FAAP
Specialty: FAAP, Pediatrician
Khadijia Tribié is a General Pediatrician. She grew up in Atlanta, Georgia where she attended Avondale High School’s Dekalb Center for the Performing Arts. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in French Studies from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She received her Medical Degree (MD) from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tribie completed her Pediatrics Residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dr. Tribié has been employed by MedNorth Health Center since January 2012. It is always her delight to empower and educate families about their health. She coordinates and participates in various health and life betterment activities throughout Wilmington. She is enthusiastic about encouraging families to read to their children.
Alexandra Werner, MD
Adult Medicine
Alexandra Werner, MD
Specialty: Family Medicine
UNC-Chapel Hill
Languages: English and Spanish
I enjoy practicing in a community health setting because it allows me to care for patients of all backgrounds. As the daughter of Latino immigrants, I have a particular passion for caring for our Latino patients. I am also passionate about women’s health, prenatal care, pediatrics, diabetes care, and substance abuse disorders.
Israel M. Mendez, MS, PA-C
Israel M. Mendez, MS, PA-C
Israel M. Mendez, MS, PA-C
Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health
Israel M. Mendez, MS, PA-C
Family Medicine PA
Languages: English and Spanish
Special Interests: diabetes management, smoking cessation, office-based procedural skills, and preventative medicine.
Israel Mendez is a 1st generation Guatemalan-American Physician Assistant (PA) from Morganton, NC. He attended East Carolina University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health. He was the distinguished graduate of the year and graduated Magna Cum Lauda. Israel then returned to East Carolina University for his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies where he served as class president, taught medical Spanish, and actively volunteered at the Pitt County Care Clinic.
Prior to PA school, Israel worked as a research assistant and certified nursing assistant. He also served as clinic director for medical mission trips abroad and has published in both the Journal of the Medical Library Association and Journal of Health Promotion Practice.
“I truly believe that I am supposed to be here for such a time as this! Family medicine is my passion and what drives the passion are the amazing people I get to serve every day. I believe everyone deserves high quality, compassionate, and evidence-based care. My goal in life is to simply love people like my Creator loves me.”
Jordan Gibble, FNP
Jordan Gibble, FNP
MN in Nursing – Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH
BS in Biology, Minor in Spanish – University of California, Davis
As a California native, I enjoy spending my free time outdoors with my husband, daughter and Weimaraner. In California, I grew up surrounded by the Spanish language and am passionate about being able to offer care in a language other than English, especially in a community health setting. By being a provider at MedNorth, I feel like I am truly a part of the Wilmington community. When I am not at MedNorth, I have the privilege of providing care to the students and staff of D.C. Virgo Prep Academy.
Shalane Moore, FNP
Shalane Moore, FNP
Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN-FNP 2017 Duke University School of Nursing
Nurse practitioner Shalane Moore is a local of Wilmington, North Carolina. She graduated from Ashley Highschool and then went on to pursue nursing degrees at Cape Fear Community College and UNC-W. She worked for several years as a registered nurse and nursing clinical instructor in a hospital setting before deciding to seek further education at Duke University as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Since 2017 Ms. Moore has enjoyed providing primary and preventative healthcare services to her community. Her interests include nutrition and fitness as preventative medicine, medicated assisted treatment for opioid addiction, and treatment of hepatitis C.
“I love working in community health because it feels like home. I have always received healthcare through community centers and health departments. That’s how things are when your parent is self-employed with no medical insurance! My goal is to make sure that people in the community know that they DO have a place to get excellent healthcare regardless of their circumstances.”
When not in the clinic you will find Shalane working on home renovations with her husband, crafting with her best friends, hanging out with a fat feline, or exploring the globe.
Erin D Williamson, FNP
Erin D Williamson, FNP
Erin D Williamson, FNP
“Working in the community health center gives me a chance to do my dream job: My goal is to provide high quality and respectful care to people, regardless of their financial status. I grew up 7th of 8 kids with a single mother, which is to say I grew up very poor. We experienced how hard it is to find good healthcare when you do not have much money. When I was in high school I realized I could make a difference, while doing a job that I enjoy. So I have worked hard to be able to do just that.
Also, I grew up in Wilmington and feel called to serve this community. I want to help improve the health of the people in our community, and to remind my neighbors that their lives and their health matter.”
What are some of the things you are passionate about outside of work?
- Social Justice. I am very interested in programs at my church and in our community that work to ensure equal rights for all people.
- Vegetarian and Vegan cooking (and eating!). My current favorite is homemade vegan sushi.
- Spending time with my family. I am at my happiest going for our monthly hike in the woods together.
- I love trail running. I go a few times a week. It’s a great way to clear your mind, keep your body healthy and see how beautiful nature is.
Laura Schultz, CNM
Laura Schultz, CNM
Licensed Date: 1998
Northeastern University, BSN, Undergraduate Nursing Degree
Medical University of South Carolina, MSN, Master’s Degree in Nursing, Midwifery
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Master’s Degree in Public Health, 2017
Nurse midwives have a long tradition of practicing in the community setting, particularly those with few health care providers. Although nurse midwives are associated with delivering babies, more than half work primarily in community clinic settings in reproductive health, prenatal care and patient education. I enjoy working where I live and raise my family. It helps me understand much more about the women I care for when I can be part of events that impact us all. I love the prenatal care part of my job because I have always considered it a privilege to care for families during one of the most important and memorable times of their lives. It is also a great time to build a mom’s confidence and help her understand that she and her family can create the best environment for their child.
I am originally from New Hampshire and I still love to go hike in the woods and up mountains with my husband, son and daughter. Traveling with them are some of the best times. My husband was an exchange student in the Netherlands, so we have traveled back to see his host family and they treat us like one of them, though I will never learn to speak the language. I love just being in Wilmington too! I enjoy the local running races with the beautiful Southeastern NC scenery. I love food and have learned to cook all kinds of southern foods that I wouldn’t have recognized as a kid in New England. We are also huge movie buffs and love living in a city that serves as film set and offers many opportunities for film festivals and offbeat movies.
Dental Care
Tiffiney Harper, DDS, MPH
Dental Care
Tiffiney Harper, DDS, MPH
Specialty: Dentistry, Chief Dental Officer
Tiffany Harper graduated from NC Central University with a Bachelor Degree in Biology. She attended SHPEP (Summer Health Professions Education Program), as a Pre Dental Student, the summer prior to dental school. This programs exposed aspiring Dental Students to each required course for HUCD Freshmen curriculum. She graduated from HUCD (Howard University College of Dentistry) with a DDS (Doctorate in Dental Surgery) and received a AEGD residency (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) from MHMC (MetroHealth Medical Center, Tertiary Trauma Center). She completed her MPH in 2008 from UNC Chapel Hill.
Tiffany is currently a Lt Col and Chief Dental Officer USAF. She is a North Carolina native, and decided to become a Dentist as a youth after experiencing tooth pain as a child. Her career goal is to elevate the access of care for the indigent under and uninsured population, one patient at a time.
Her favorite color is brown, favorite flower is sunflower and she enjoys baking for friends and family.
Renzo Silva Santisteban, DMD
Dental Care
Renzo Silva Santisteban, DMD
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
I was born and raised in Lima-Peru. Moved to Southern California after graduating from high school, where I spent 10 years of my life. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) where I started my volunteering adventure in dentistry, helping people with limited to no resources. Ever since then I have worked/volunteered with people from every socioeconomic background. Few years later I obtained my master’s in biomedical sciences from Barry University in Miami. I graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) where I obtained my DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and moved shortly after to Wilmington NC to practice dentistry and enjoy the beach. I love working in a community health center setting where we can deliver quality and affordable care to individuals that otherwise would not be able to see their doctors. I believe in compassion and empowering the patient to get more involved in their health care.
My goal is not only to treat the patient but also to listen, advocate and teach them how to improve their oral and overall health.
During my free time I love spending time with my wife and three children, going to the beach and playing soccer whenever possible.
Languages: Native Spanish speaker, English.
Cynthia Wiant, RDH
Dental Care
Cynthia Wiant, RDH
Cynthia Wiant, RDH
Cynthia M. Wiant, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Mrs. Yauch is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated in 1989 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Dental Hygiene from Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, NC. Mrs. Yauch, joined the staff of Med North Health Center in 2005.
I believe in the mission of the Health Center, I’m always excited and joyful to see the patients improve with the care we give them, in our dental department. It is a pleasure to work in a team effort with the medical department to achieve the best overall health for the patients.
Mrs. Yauch Wiant and her husband, Randy enjoy traveling and the visiting with their 5 grandchildren.
Integrated Health
Saka Salami, MD, FAPA
Dr. Saka Salami, Psychiatrist
Attended Medical School at University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
“I came here because I wanted to serve the community.”
Laura Pica Akerley, LCSW
Laura Pica Akerley, LCSW
Education: Master’s in Social Work from UNCW, 2019
License date: 07/14/2021
Specialty: Behavioral health services with children, teens, peri/post-partum issues, families, adults, immigration related issues, trauma, anxiety, depression
I firmly believe that quality care should be accessible to everyone, which is why I joined the MedNorth team in 2018. I have spent half my life in Wilmington and being able to serve my community is a pleasure and privilege. Being a part of the Integrated Behavioral health Team allows me to best serve people through a collaborative and patient-centered approach. I enjoy working with families from all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. I am a native Spanish speaker and am able to provide therapy in both Spanish and English.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and cat (Baron)! I also like visiting new places, trying new things, eating new foods, and learning about different cultures.
Renata Bergman, MSW, LCSW
Renata Bergman MSW, LCSW
Adelphi University
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed in NY and NC
I love working for an agency that serves the underserved as they are entitled to the same care as we all deserve. I am new to NC, and I love it.
Tammy Cercone, LCSW
Tammy Cercone, LCSW
Specialty: Working with adults, elderly. Substance use, depression, anxiety, and homelessness.
Licensed Date: 3/16/2007, LCSW
Medical School: I received my master’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University
Most of my career has been working in community settings. It is one of the most rewarding experiences yet the most challenging sites I have ever worked in. The patients are diverse and a unique group of people. Patients have a real sense of community and they are strong and resilient in their own ways and challenge me to be a better clinician. The community consists of people who come from all varieties and walks of life, with unique experiences, strengths, and attributes. I have also found that most staff members at CMHCs are passionate, caring, and empathic individuals who truly care about the clients they work with. I learn a lot from our patients which helps me grow as a clinician.
I love to ride my bike, kayak, and take my two dogs for a walk on the beach.
Advaita Zamora-Duprey, MSW, LCSW
Advaita Zamora-Duprey MSw, LCSW
Languages: English, Español, Italiano semplice
Specialty: Trauma Informed Intervention, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) informed interventions
Licensed Date: March 2021
Medical School: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Why do you practice in a community health setting?: To provide comprehensive medical and mental health services to populations in this community that have a higher chance of lacking access to health and mental health resources.
Note: Additional info if you would like to add it:
What would you like for our patients to know about you?: Trauma informed therapy can sound scary. We as human beings develop all kinds of defenses and ways of avoiding difficult things we have lived through. A lot of times, our resilience and ability to learn from the past allow us to process these things and incorporate new ways of viewing ourselves and the world around us that can help us move forward in our lives. However, sometimes we experience difficult things and, for one reason or another, are not equipped to process them at the time. These unresolved memories can either cause or make worse some of the beliefs, ways of thinking, and behaviors we adopt to cope that may no longer be helpful in our day-to-day life. I am specially trained in helping you get to the place where you can face these things that have happened, process them, and incorporate new information that helps you live a happier and more efficient life. Number one rule, you are not allowed to talk about anything you do not want to talk about. Effective therapy should be at your pace and should address your individual needs, as well as respect your boundaries and current limits. So, if you need a sensitive, trauma-informed professional to help you sort through some of these difficult things you have lived through, we are happy to receive you at MedNorth and help you achieve your medical and mental health goals.
What are some of the things you are passionate about outside of work?: Food, my kitty, music, volleyball, anime, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, Latinx, and immigrant-related advocacy.
In Spanish
Nombre: “Advaita” Raul Zamora-Duprey, MSW, LCSWA
Pronombres: elle
Idiomas: English, Español, Italiano semplice
Especialidad: Intervención Informada sobre Trauma, Terapia de Reprocesamiento y Desensibilización por Movimientos Oculares (EMDR), Intervenciones informadas de Terapia Cognitiva Conductual (CBT) y Terapia Dialéctica Conductual (DBT)
Fecha de licencia: Marzo de 2021
Facultad de Medicina: Universidad de Carolina del Norte en Chapel Hill
¿Por qué ejerce en un entorno de salud comunitario?: Para brindar servicios médicos y de salud mental integrales a las poblaciones de esta comunidad que tienen una mayor probabilidad de carecer de acceso a recursos de salud y salud mental.
Nota: Información adicional si desea agregarla:
¿Qué le gustaría que nuestros pacientes supieran sobre usted?: La terapia informada sobre el trauma puede sonar aterradora. Los seres humanos desarrollamos todo tipo de defensas y formas de evitar las cosas difíciles que hemos vivido. Muchas veces, nuestra resiliencia y capacidad para aprender del pasado nos permite procesar estas cosas e incorporar nuevas formas de vernos a nosotros mismos y al mundo que nos rodea que pueden ayudarnos a avanzar en nuestras vidas. Sin embargo, a veces experimentamos cosas difíciles y, por una u otra razón, no estamos preparados para procesarlas en el momento. Estos recuerdos no resueltos pueden causar o empeorar algunas de las creencias, formas de pensar y comportamientos que adoptamos para sobrellevar la situación y que ya no pueden ser útiles en nuestra vida cotidiana. Estoy especialmente capacitado para ayudarlo a llegar al lugar donde puede enfrentar estas cosas que han sucedido, procesarlas e incorporar nueva información que lo ayude a vivir una vida más feliz y eficiente. Regla número uno, no se le permite hablar de nada de lo que no quiera hablar. La terapia eficaz debe estar a su ritmo y debe abordar sus necesidades individuales, así como respetar sus límites actuales. Entonces, si necesita une profesional sensible e informade sobre traumas para ayudarlo a resolver algunas de estas cosas difíciles que ha vivido, nos complace recibirlo en MedNorth y ayudarlo a alcanzar sus objetivos médicos y de salud mental.
¿Cuáles son algunas de las cosas que te apasionan fuera del trabajo?: La comida, mi gatito, la música, el voleibol, el anime, representación LGBTQIA+, representación relacionada con inmigrantes y latinos.
Heather Howard, LCSW
Heather Howard, LCSW
Specialty: Behavioral Health
Licensed Date: LCSW 2019
School: University of North Carolina Pembroke
I love serving the community and being a part of breaking down barriers to care. I enjoy working within an integrated care team utilizing strategies to address the mind/body connection.
Jarrell McQueen, MSW, LCSW-A, LCAS-A
Jarrell McQueen MSW, LCSW-A, LCAS-A
Associate Licensed Date: Fall 2021
School: UNCW
Specialty: Working with adults, MAT, substance use/recovery, addictions and eating disorders, depression, anxiety, homelessness
When I first came to Wilmington for college, I began in a track directed within criminal justice and sociology. Following graduation, I spent time within the criminology graduate program, and I found myself continuing roles within community engagement throughout my time there. My own studies had delved into intergenerational incarceration, but I wanted to do more than research. I had wanted to be with people in need and provide what help I can. As I transitioned to a social work, I utilized my background to apply a multi-disciplinary approach that has persisted within my current practice. I began my story at MedNorth in 2019 and have been truly blessed to have been able to grow with such a motivated team. On all levels of the patient care I provide; I intend to serve my best role within an individual’s wellness goals. The growth I’ve had within my own professional and personal life have been strong supports to encourage my role, and I am proud to serve to the best of my ability within our ever-growing community.
Evie Nicklas, MSW, LCSW, Therapist
Evie Nicklas, MSW, LCSW. Therapist.
“I work at MedNorth because I wanted to work with a diverse population of patients across the spectrum from childhood-adulthood in an integrated, comprehensive care environment helping patients reach their goals.”
Pharmacy
Alexis Britt, RPh
Alexis Britt, RPh
September 1973
University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Working in a community health setting is rewarding to me. It allows me to interact closely with other medical professionals and to serve a patient population that would otherwise be overlooked.
Laurence (Larry) Dale Smith, RPh
Laurence (Larry) Dale Smith, RPh
Specialty: Pharmacy
Licensed Date: Since June 1978
Pharmacy School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Why you practice in a community health setting? Pharmacists by nature have Servant hearts and want to help people. Throughout my professional career, I gain the most fulfillment when I view my work setting as a mission field. So often, the people who need individualized attention are the ones who, for whatever reason, don’t ask. I find joy recognizing these patients, providing more personalized counseling, and assuring them that here at MedNorth Pharmacy, they are our Specialty!
Tom Street, RPh
Tom Street RPh
September 1973
University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Working in a community health setting is rewarding to me. It allows me to interact closely with other medical professionals and to serve a patient population that would otherwise be overlooked.
Administration
ALTHEA JOHNSON, MSM – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ms. Johnson, a Wilmington native, brings a wealth of experience and service in the health care industry to MedNorth. Prior to her joining MedNorth’s administrative staff as Deputy Director in 2007, and serving as Chief Operating Officer since 2013, Ms. Johnson also served as COO of Plainfield Neighborhood Health Services Corporation in Plainfield, NJ.
As Wilmington’s only federally qualified health center, we’re excited to have Ms. Johnson at the helm of MedNorth Health Center as we expand our health care services in this region.
JANET STROUGHTON, MA, LCAS, CCS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
FRANCINE BONDOS, MBA
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
MAYRA ALICIA OVERSTREET GALEANO, MD
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
TIFFINEY HARPER, DDS, MPH
CHIEF DENTAL OFFICER
ELENA MENDEZ, ANP-C
DIRECTOR OF NURSING
EVIE NICKLAS, MSW, LCSW
INTEGRATED HEALTH DIRECTOR
SHARON BROWN-SINGLETON, MSM, LPN
DIRECTOR OF REVENUE ENHANCEMENT AND SPECIAL PROJECTS; PROGRAM MANAGER – HEALTHY OPPORTUNITIES PILOT
For concerns after hours, weekends and holidays call 910.343.0270. On-call providers are available for phone triage for all patients.
Get Connected