Our Team

Tim Ehmer

Clinic Director

Dr. Tim Ehmer, D.C. is originally from Massillon, OH. He is an avid soccer player and has been playing his whole life. Attended Kent State University graduating with a BS in Exercise Physiology 2015. As a registered Exercise Physiologist, he became passionate about helping others change their lives through exercise and nutrition. Utilizing preventative measures and complementary approaches to create changes to their bodies, as well as improving their health and overall quality of life. This is what led him to chiropractic. Dr. Tim moved to Georgia in 2018 for chiropractic school, Life University, graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2021. His hobbies include cooking, music (he plays 5 instruments), reading, movies, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. Dr. Tim’s favorite quotes are “All the drugs in the world cannot adjust a subluxated vertebrae” and “The preservation of health is easier than the cure for disease” both by BJ Palmer.

Joe Garcia

Clinic Director

Dr. Joseph García was born in Orlando, Florida, and grew up in Guánica, Puerto Rico. In 2015 he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. During his clinical practice, he had the opportunity to work with a professional basketball team in the prevention, diagnosing, and treating of musculoskeletal injuries with a Chiropractor. Dr. García developed a passion for Chiropractic and for that reason, in 2016 he decided to move to Marietta, GA, and pursue his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University; in which he graduated in 2020. While in chiropractic school he learned of the body's innate ability to self-heal, and the impact the nervous system plays on the functioning of the body. Due to his background, he believes that integrated health care is the best way to address all areas of concern and support the body’s natural ability to heal and support itself. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family & friends, cooking, watching sports, traveling the world, and exercising with his fiancé, Rose, and their dog, Luka. He is very excited to be serving the community with safe and effective chiropractic care for the whole family.

Scott McGrath

Clinic Director

Dr. Scott graduated from Rutgers College in 1999 with his BS in Exercise Science and Sports Studies and The University of Bridgeport in 2003 with his Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Scott is an avid sports fan of the MLB, NBA, NFL, and UFC; and is the former captain and top singles/ doubles player of the Rutgers Tennis Team. He is a multi-year award winner of New Jersey Top Docs and (201) Magazine’s Top Chiropractors. Dr. Scott resides in Suwanee and in his free time, he loves spending time with his 3 sons and wonderful wife.

Laurie NuChurch

Clinic Director

Laurie is dedicated to helping people optimize their health. As a kid growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Laurie played a lot of sports. It was one game in particular when she experienced a shoulder injury that led her to chiropractic. The care helped her to make a full recovery and get back into the game. It also helped to improve her performance and this made such an impact to her that she set out to be able to do the same for others and pursued her path to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. Laurie attended UNC Charlotte where she received her Bachelor's in Biology in 1999, and later her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College in 2004. She holds additional licensure in Physiotherapy. Receiving care from Dr. Laurie is like being with a trusted friend. She listens and understands and will give you the support that you need to fully optimize your health.

Fabiola Velez Colon

Clinic Director

Dr. Fabiola “Dr Fab” Alejandra Vélez Colón, a native of Puerto Rico, discovered her passion for the human body's healing potential while earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Motivated by her desire to help others, she pursued a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University, graduating with a special distinction in Learning Theory / Critical Thinking. During her time at Life University, Dr. Fab was active in various capacities, including serving as a board member of The League of Chiropractic Women and participating in international chiropractic mission trips. Notably, she made history as the first Puerto Rican Woman to win the Talk the Tic Competition, delivering her winning speech at the Life Vision Seminar. Dr. Fab possesses a comprehensive understanding of chiropractic techniques, enabling her to cater to diverse populations with personalized treatments. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys dancing, baking, exercising, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Legend Bourne

Clinic Director

Dr. Legend Bourne's journey reflects his profound dedication to healing and serving communities in need. Originally from Jamaica, he moved to the United States at the age of 14. He excelled in tennis and soccer during high school, demonstrating his passion for athleticism and excellence. His introduction to chiropractic in college sparked a deep interest in the profession's ability to promote natural healing through spinal alignment and nerve interference removal. Dr. Legend pursued his chiropractic education at Life University in Marietta, Georgia, graduating with honors. While at Life University he engaged in seminars, mission trips, and community outreach, embracing the values of leadership and service. A significant achievement for Dr. Legend has been his impactful contributions to Jamaica. Collaborating with Mission Life Georgia, he organized the largest chiropractic mission trip to Jamaica, involving 40 students and doctors. Their efforts reached over 3,000 individuals in underserved communities, raising awareness, and providing much-needed chiropractic care.

Havalyn Burns

Associate Doctor

Dr. Havalyn is a second-generation chiropractor hailing from a family deeply rooted in chiropractic care, including her father, brother, uncle, cousins, and brother-in-law. Originally from Wisconsin, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007 before relocating to Georgia in 2010. She obtained her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in 2014. Dr. Havalyn is passionate about caring for patients of all ages. When she is not tending to patients in the office, Dr Havalyn indulges in her hobbies of horseback riding and golfing. She cherishes spending quality time with her children, balancing her professional and personal pursuits.

Sebastian Requena

Associate Doctor

Dr. Juan Sebastian Requena-Ferrer, affectionately known as Dr. Sebastian, hails from Puerto Rico. His journey into chiropractic care began as an athlete during his high school years by experiencing the benefits of treatment for back muscle spasms. This personal encounter fueled his passion for helping others achieve fitness, performance, and overall health goals. Dr Sebastian pursued his academic path at the University of Puerto Rico, earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences, before graduating with honors as a Doctor of Chiropractic from Life University. Dr. Sebastian's chiropractic approach focuses on the full body including extremities. Beyond his professional endeavors, he enjoys soccer, music, particularly vinyl records, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Juritza Rivera

Associate Doctor

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr Juritza “Juri” Y. Rivera-Carmona earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico in 2017. After a year of teaching high school Math, she relocated to Atlanta to pursue her dream of becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic. While at Life University, she participated in three chiropractic mission trips, gaining valuable insights into the power of chiropractic care. Attending over 15 seminars expanded her ability to treat patients of all ages and needs. Graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors in December 2022, her mission is to impact lives through chiropractic care. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, traveling, learning about diverse cultures, and cooking. One day, she hopes to experience the thrill of skydiving, as she enjoys adrenaline-fueled activities.

Anna Alle

FNP-BC

Anna was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and received a degree in Accounting from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. Thereafter, she relocated to the United Kingdom and acquired another degree in Business Information technology from London South Bank University. Due to Anna's passion for interacting with people and compassion about their health goals and needs, she relocated to the United States, started a nursing career, and acquired a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of New Mexico and graduated with a Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Walden University. Anna's nursing career includes Emergency Surgical Services, Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery, Home Health, Health Risk Assessment for the geriatric population, Family Medicine, Urgent Care, Physical and Functional Medicine. In addition to nursing, Anna loves spending time with her family engaging in different family-oriented activities.

Christabel Adomako

FNP-BC

Christabel has been in the healthcare arena for over 10 years. In her previous jobs, she provided passionate care as a registered nurse in the emergency department and other areas within the hospital setting. Her enthusiasm to care for the underserved patient population and her community has been a long-term goal. To effectively advocate for her patients, Christabel advanced her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Wester Governor's University in 2016, and further obtained her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Purdue University Global in 2020. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Christabel is dedicated to staying current with the latest evidence-based research in order to deliver exceptional care to her patients. Christabel's primary goal is to provide quality, safe, individualized care that is intended to help each patient achieve good health.

Mary Blalock

ANP

Mary has been a registered nurse for more than 20 years and has seen the shift in healthcare from treatment-based to a more preventive-based model.  She is passionate about regenerative medicine because she believes this is the direction in which healthcare is moving.  She also loves working with patients and helping them decrease their joint pain and improve their quality of life.

Charelle Caise

APRN

Charelle, originally from Lexington, Kentucky, attended a magnet Spanish Immersion Program from first through twelfth grade. Graduating from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Education, focusing on Kinesiology, she initially worked as a physical therapy technician in a local hospital. Discovering her passion for the medical side of healthcare, she transitioned towards nursing. Relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, Charelle earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University and became certified as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Her nursing experience spans across primary care and orthopedics. Outside of her professional duties, Charelle finds joy in traveling, attending concerts and comedy shows, and cherishing moments with her family.

Ray Edouard

FNP

Raymond Edouard was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. He moved to Philadelphia as a teenager, where he finished high school. He received a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) degree at Villanova University. Ray has practiced nursing since 2009 in various clinical settings. He received his Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2016, allowing him to make a true difference in the healthcare for his patients. He believes that communication is key to providing quality care and strives to make sure that his patients are fully informed about their health and treatment options. Ray is passionate about patient empowerment and believes that by working together, patients and healthcare providers can achieve better health outcomes. Ray is committed to continuing education and staying up-to-date with the latest advances in healthcare. Ray is a skilled communicator, and is fluent in English, French, and Creole.

Jennifer Okpara

FNP

Jennifer is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has been in the nursing field since 2017. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Jennifer is of Nigerian descent. She earned her bachelor's degree from Albany State University. Later, she graduated with honors with her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden State University. Jennifer's nursing experience includes work in medical/surgical, cardiovascular, and neuro units. Passionate about patient care, she finds fulfillment in touching the lives of others and making a positive difference. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending quality time with her husband and family. A fun fact about Jennifer is her love for vegetables, and it is interesting to note that she was almost named Martina.

Vess Raytchev

ANP

Vess has numerous years of clinical experience in cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics, pain management, and integrative medicine. He is originally from Bulgaria, where he was a Medical Doctor working as an attending physician in the ICU. Vess moved with his family to Atlanta in 1998. After coming to the United States, he first worked as a cardiovascular sonographer and earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Kennesaw State University in 2012. He is a compassionate professional dedicated to giving his patients the best integrative care – combining traditional and functional medicine to find the root cause of a problem (not just treating symptoms) and treating the whole body. In his spare time, Vess likes to spend time with his wife and two daughters, enjoys outdoor activities, and working out at the gym. You might even catch Vess playing the drums from time to time.

Dr. Jon Allen

MD

Dr. Jon Allen is an emergency medicine physician. He graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2004 and completed a residency in emergency medicine in 2007 at the Medical College of Georgia. Aside from seeing patients in the emergency department in the Northside Hospital system, he is also the medical director for several metro Atlanta-area fire departments. In his free time, he enjoys off-grid overlanding, being outdoors, and spending time with his rescue pup, Deacon.

Dr. Patrick McDougal

M.D

Dr. Patrick D. McDougal is an emergency medicine physician. He graduated with honors in 2004 with a medical degree from Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine and has been in practice for over 18 years.

Aja Pollard

M.D

Dr. Aja' Pollard, a Family Practice physician, graduated from Morehouse School of Medicine in 2005. Prior to completing her residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in 2014, Dr. Pollard served as a General Medical Officer in the United States Navy for 5 years. Since 2014, Dr Pollard has worked in outpatient and virtual Urgent Care practices.

Dr. Amit Shah

M.D

Dr. Amit Shah loves helping his patients experience positive change in their health. He supports each patient in achieving the best outcomes and results based on his years of in-depth medical training. He went to college at Princeton University, where he studied physics. He later went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He then completed his internship and residency in Social Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, where he learned the bio-psychosocial model of the disease. After that, he completed training in cardiology at Emory University, where his interest in the effects of stress on the heart and holistic interventions grew. Dr. Shah brings not only his clinical expertise into his patient care but his joy and life interest too. If you ask, you just might find out his secret ingredient in his favorite vegetarian recipe. But let it be known that if you talk college basketball, you better be a Kentucky fan around Dr. Shah. A brilliant mind, a caring doctor, and a proud father are just a few of the qualities that make Dr. Shah such a valuable asset to the Optimum Health team and the patients he serves.

Dr. Kobina Wilmot

M.D

Dr. Wilmot grew up in Southern New Jersey and stayed through his medical school training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He completed his residency at Emory University School of Medicine. His parents are from Ghana and both immigrated to the US in the '70s for school. Dr. Wilmot has been blessed to visit his Ghanaian relatives five times throughout his life. Dr. Wilmot played piano from age 6 through high school and achieved many awards in competitive piano. Along with music, he has a strong interest and knowledge base in business and personal finance. In his spare time, He loves watching sports since he is a big-time Philly sports fan especially the Eagles. As a proponent of general wellness, and preventive, both integral components of Optimum Health; Dr. Wilmot believes its a great collaboration based on mutual interests. He loves the ability to see patients gradually improve from symptoms such as pain and fatigue. The Optimum Health team describes Dr. Wilmot as a fun-loving, open, jovial person who loves the opportunity to empathize with and understand the situations of his patients.

Dr. Alex Jutis

Founder, CEO

Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Alex graduated with a bachelor’s in history from Binghamton University in New York before enrolling at Life University in Marietta, Georgia to pursue his passion for health and wellness. After receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree, he opened his first private practice in Buford to grow his work to offer Georgians non-surgical solutions while helping them on their journey to holistic healing. Nearly two decades later, Dr. Alex and his team have grown Optimum Health to one of the region’s most trusted providers of advanced integrative medical services and care. His initial practice in Buford was so successful that two years later he opened his second clinic in nearby Suwanee. From that point, every two years he added a new location. Dr. Alex’s vision was to create a one-stop-shop for meeting every health and wellness need of his patients, from treating car accident injuries to addressing chronic health conditions, controlling weight, and more. The clinic’s services cover chiropractic, auto accident recovery, physical rehab, regenerative medicine, weight loss support and help with chronic fatigue, stress, anxiety, and other common conditions affecting the mind and body. While actively engaging as CEO of Optimum Health, Dr. Alex continues his personal quest for optimum health through regular treatment, healthy eating and training, and competitions as an internationally ranked Jiu Jitsu black belt.

MaryEster Council

Chief Operating Officer

MaryEster is an accomplished COO who brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a leader. She has worked at Optimum Health since the first clinic opened in 2002. Her diverse professional background includes teaching, course development, technology, management, human resources, operations, and bookkeeping, making her a true jack-of-all-trades. Her goal for Optimum Health is for patients to receive the best care and customer service in the Atlanta area. Her knowledge and experience make her a unique and inspiring leader. The part of her job she enjoys the most is helping others grow and develop, while creating a culture where employees love their jobs. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, gardening, and hanging out with her husband, children, and teenage grandchildren. Her love for holistic health has led her to explore the benefits of essential oils and other natural remedies, and she is always eager to share her insights and experiences with others.

Karishma Patel

Director of Operations

Meet Karishma, a talented Director of Operations with a passion for healthcare management. With a bachelor's degree in Medical Anthropology and a background in Americorps/City Year, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She is dedicated to ensuring that clinics run smoothly, and that staff are well-supported and equipped to provide the best possible care. When she's not working, she loves to bake and spend time traveling with her family. Her passion for healthcare management is truly inspiring, and her dedication to her team and her patients is unparalleled. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, she is always eager to share her insights and help others grow and develop. She is a true inspiration and a valued member of any team.

Aelicia Cook

HR Generalist

Aelicia is an original Georgia Peach. She is a driven and compassionate HR Generalist who holds a Masters in Counseling. Her expertise in counseling and sociology has been indispensable in her work as an HR Generalist, where she has been able to help employees navigate various challenges and situations in the workplace. Aelicia has a true passion for developing and helping people get to where their heart desires to be. Her zeal for travel has taken her to many parts of the world, where she has gained a deep appreciation for different cultures and ways of life. When she's not working or traveling, she enjoys spending time with her family and indulging in her love for crafting. Whether it's event planning, or DIY projects, she loves to create things with her hands and put her creative energy to work. Her intelligence, friendliness, and kindness make her a joy to be around, and her wealth of experience and knowledge make her an invaluable asset to any team.

Sylvia Richardson

Billing Manager

Sylvia, a proud native of Georgia, has devoted her career to healthcare, amassing many years of experience as a medical billing specialist and billing department manager. Her genuine dedication to helping and educating others propels her commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Outside of work, Sylvia enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children, exploring unfamiliar places, and embracing new experiences.

Alex Sabater

Operations Manager

Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Alex pursued studies in Philadelphia and Florida before settling in Georgia in 2012 with her son. Her journey in chiropractic care began as a patient at 17 and later evolved into working in chiropractic environments. Growing in knowledge, Alex transitioned into educating and training medical offices in compliance, finding fulfillment in supporting staff and companies to achieve their objectives. Believing in the holistic approach to healing, she advocates for integrating numerous services to provide patients with maximum relief.

Shelley Martin

Practice Manager

Dr. Shelley grew up in Duluth, GA where she was introduced to chiropractic care at a young age. It wasn’t until she lost the feeling in her legs from a severe cervical spine trauma that Shelley experienced firsthand the healing power of chiropractic care. From the treatment she received she regained full mobility, feeling, and health of her body that led her to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. Today, she brings compassion, caring & dedication while supporting health transforming results to the patients that she treats. She graduated in 2001 from Life University and holds various accreditations and certifications in soft tissue and manipulation techniques. Dr. Shelley is passionate about chiropractic and even more so about her family. Her four beautiful children keep her being her best each and every day, in fact, she and her daughters have committed to participating in a 5K run every month in 2015. Be sure to ask her about her next race the next time you are in for care.

Jason Calito

Practice Manager

Jason was born and raised in Chicago, and now enjoys and lives in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He was introduced to chiropractic care in 2006 during his clinical rotations with Dr. Dietzen at Chicago Health and Physical Therapy. While there, Jason learned a holistic approach to how the body heals itself with a combination of physical therapy and chiropractic care. In his downtime he enjoys spending with family outdoors, going to sporting events, playing with his dog Lucy, and finding new foods to try.

LaKesha Rachel

Practice Manager

Kesha was born in San Jose, California. She attended the University of West Georgia and has been in the medical field for almost 13 years. Every day she learns something new in the chiropractic and wellness field and is fascinated by the different techniques used to heal the mind and body. Her true passion is helping others and putting a smile on everyone's faces. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and fashion. Kesha lives by the quote "a positive mind equals positive results."

Oniya Lloyd

Practice Manager

Oniya, originally from Memphis, TN, relocated to Atlanta, GA after completing a Master's in Sports Performance and Psychology. With years of medical field experience, she has worked in various sectors, including orthopedics, durable medical equipment, worker’s comp injuries, and physical therapy. Her journey in physical therapy led her to discover chiropractic care, specifically personal injury cases. Oniya finds the relationship between physical therapy and chiropractic care fascinating. She enjoys continuously learning new aspects of healthcare, while meeting new people and personalities. Describing herself as a glass half full person, Oniya thrives on living in the moment and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and practicing self-care outside of work. A fun fact about Oniya is her love for popcorn, which she indulges in once a day, every day.

Sarah Wheeler

Practice Manager

Sarah's story reflects a journey of passion and dedication in the healthcare industry. At the young age of 18, she discovered her calling in healthcare and embarked on a path that led her to obtain a degree in Healthcare Administration. Throughout her career, Sarah has gained valuable experience in diverse sectors of the healthcare field, including pharmacy, urgent care, and integrative medicine. One of Sarah's core values is finding balance in life. Despite her demanding career, she prioritizes spending quality time with her husband, two children, and their close friends.

Habiba Virani

Personal Injury Liaison

Habiba moved to Atlanta in 1999 and met Dr. Alex at another chiropractic clinic, where they both worked together. Dr. Alex opened his own clinics and Habiba started working for him and has been with Optimum Health for 20 years. She is the Personal Injury Liaison and handles the negotiations. Habiba lives in Suwanee, GA with her 2 lovely children, Sabrina and Zarik. She enjoys spending time with them, enjoys travelling and playing with her dogs Chloe and Mia. Habiba is very much involved in community service. She believes in giving back and helping others. With her professional background, she helps the community with case management for any health care concerns.

Lourdes Aledo

PI Case Manager

Lourdes has built an impressive career spanning over 25 years. The Puerto Rican native has a diverse professional background, encompassing business management, training and development, human resources, technology, marketing, medical, and legal. She currently specializes in personal injury case management. Lourdes holds a core value of relentless evolution, prioritizing professional growth and continuous improvement. In her leisure time, she finds enjoyment in reading and spending quality time with her family.

Virginia Williams

Pl Case Manager

Virginia was born in the Bahamas and initially pursued a career in the medical field upon moving to the US. She worked as a medical administrator before studying and transitioning into the field of law. Virginia’s unique experiences in medicine and law allow her to flourish as a case manager for personal injury patients. In her spare time, Virginia enjoys residential interior design, event planning, and scenic traveling.

Tawasha Wilson

Bills and Records Specialist

Tawasha relocated from New Jersey to Georgia with her family during her childhood, attending middle and high school in Marietta. She has enjoyed various roles in the medical field since 2006, finding fulfillment in her current position as a Billing and Records Specialist. Tawasha values the opportunity to contribute her experience, knowledge, and innovative ideas to her team. Outside of work, Tawasha stays engaged with her daughter's activities and enjoys traveling with friends and family. A passionate crafter, she delights in creating personalized items for others to enjoy and cherish.

Vicky Monen

Bills and Records Specialist

Vicky is passionate about all aspects of the medical industry and healthcare, including nutrition and holistic care. She specializes in billing, coding, and records management. As a long-time Georgia resident, Vicky has witnessed and contributed to changes in many healthcare practices. Besides her professional commitments, she prioritizes spending quality time with her family and her animals, reflecting a balanced approach to life.

Elsa Peña Guzmán

IT and Facilities Manager

She is a dedicated and hardworking manager with a passion for efficiency. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she is a proud mom who is always striving to provide the best possible life for her child. Her expertise in office procedures and operations has been instrumental in streamlining operations and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. When she's not working, she loves to spend quality time with her child and explore new hobbies. Her commitment to her family and her work is truly inspiring, and her positive attitude and hardworking spirit make her a joy to be around. Whether she's helping her team overcome challenges or exploring new hobbies, she always brings her best self to everything she does. She is a true inspiration and a valued member of any team.

Etisyia Scott

Staff Accountant

Etisyia was born in Alabama but grew up in the heart of Georgia. She attended Georgia State University, where she developed an interest in Health and Science, alongside Accounting and Finance. Currently residing near Suwanee, GA, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family and closest friends. One of her hobbies is being a musician and performer in her leisure time.

Quentin White

Business Development

Quentin, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, pursued Business Administration at Morehouse College. He has worked in the medical field since 2015 in various roles, including medical scribing, surgical sales, and marketing. Outside of work, Quentin finds delight in fitness activities and cherishes moments with family and friends.