Meet Our Team

Building Strong Connections, Empowering Teamwork, and Fostering Thriving Communities.

Clinicians at Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine

Healing often takes a village. At TCLM, you may be referred to multiple providers within our practice, based on your needs and their expertise!

Cheng Ruan, MD

Meet Dr. Ruan, our administrative leader at TCLM. He is a strategic visionary who creates population health strategies and builds communication bridges between organizations and other healthcare providers. Dr. Ruan is responsible for analyzing and publishing our clinic's outcomes data, providing a model for how medicine should be practiced to the United States healthcare industry. His ability to think creatively and critically, combined with his passion for innovation, allows him to lead the clinic in a direction that prioritizes both patient outcomes and the advancement of the field of medicine.

Deema Farah, MD

Meet Dr. Farah, a Family Medicine Physician and board-certified diplomat of the American College for Lifestyle Medicine. She is dedicated to helping our new patients improve their overall health and wellness through personalized lifestyle recommendations. Dr. Farah conducts thorough evaluations to understand each patient's unique needs and works closely with them to develop a plan that will support their health goals. Dr. Farah is committed to empowering patients to take control of their health and make positive changes that will improve their quality of life.

John Kelley, MD

Dr. Kelley is a highly skilled and accomplished physician who is dedicated to providing the best possible care to his patients. He is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and is also certified in Functional Medicine. He specializes in brain health, and is among the first physicians in the country to become certified in a program that focuses on reversing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This cutting-edge method of treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases is a testament to Dr. Kelley's commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options in order to provide the best care possible to his patients.

Francesco Amico, PhD

Dr. Francesco Amico, Ph.D. is a behavioral neuroscientist who specializes in using the latest advancements in brain-computer interface technology to help individuals improve their well-being. He leads our remote neurofeedback training program creating personalized programs for our patients, regularly monitoring their progress and offering them guidance on how to take control of their own mental health. As a thought leader and researcher in the fields of clinical neurosciences and translational medicine, Dr. Amico regularly publishes in prestigious medical journals.

Amy Bryant, NP

She is an investigator for helping patients get to the root of complex conditions that many practitioners shy away from. Her ability to understand the underlying causes of these conditions and her approach to providing supportive therapeutic elements, and individualized protocols for her patients sets her apart. Her expertise in Functional Medicine make her a valuable resource for patients seeking and integrative care.

Michelle Rodriguez, NP

Her expertise in the field of gut health and sleep has led her to become an expert in the use of in-depth testing and sleep studies to help her patients optimize their health. With her in-depth knowledge and compassionate approach, Michelle is able to create personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.

Ashleigh Chavez, NP

She is the clinical support in our IV infusion therapy department and is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to her patients. With a strong focus on patient education and a commitment to providing the highest level of care, Ashleigh is an invaluable member of our team and is highly respected by both patients and colleagues alike.

Health Coaches & Dietitian

Health Coaches are the heart of the clinic. They provide guidance, education, and tools to heal, while creating a safe, non-judgemental space to be heard, seen, and understood.

Geny Moreno, Mind-Body Medicine Practitioner

Geny is paving the way for the use of Mind-Body skills in a clinical setting. She holds a certification in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, but her heart is in training patients to use powerful tools in order to resolve trauma, improve emotional resiliency, and cope through life's challenges in order to heal mentally and physically. She has graciously used her own painful experiences to develop tools and guide others in their healing process. 

Ruben Lespron, Registered Dietitian

Ruben is the most passionate person about food that you will ever meet! He knows that the real challenge is not only knowing what to eat, but implementing knowledge in a sustainable way in day to day life. Ruben has a way of keeping patients accountable to accomplish their goals, while compassionately holding space for them. 

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a Nationally Certified Coach who designs, facilitates, and oversees coaching programs used in TCLM. She implements behavioral health and wellness strategies to ensure excellent organization and delivery of highly effective group coaching programs. 

Melissa

Melissa faced her own health challenges after several injuries, with no real hope provided by the medical system after receiving unclear diagnoses and no guidance. Using Functional and Integrative Medicine principles she was able to reclaim her health and is now on a mission to empower patients to find wellness again through health coaching. 

Carla

Carla coaches women navigating cardio-metabolic issues, gut issues, autoimmune conditions, and hormone imbalances such as PCOS, adrenal dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, estrogen dominance, peri-menopause, and menopause. She has used her own health struggles as motivation to continue guiding others in their healing journey. 

Wendy

Wendy specializes in Functional, integrative lifestyle medicine bringing in the five pillars to wellness to those suffering from autoimmune disorders, adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, digestive disorders, mold, weight loss and those wanting to prevent or reverse chronic health conditions. She leads through the lens of experiencing her own chronic health journey. 

Chef Franklin Liao

Chef Franklin is an expert in healthy cooking and meal prepping. He encourages patients to step out of their comfort zone in the kitchen and try new things. He leads virtual group Kitchen Behavior Training sessions, where he shares his skills and strategies for healthy cooking and meal prepping. He is dedicated to helping patients learn how to prepare delicious and nutritious meals that will support their health goals. Chef Franklin is passionate about teaching people how to use the kitchen as a healing tool rather than see it as a chore.

Administrative Staff

Amanda Bauer

Meet Amanda, our Operations Director. A skilled leader, she ensures the best quality care for patients by streamlining processes and promoting a positive environment for team and patients. She's dedicated to the success of TCLM, always thinking strategically and creatively to improve operations. Amanda is an invaluable member of the team, whose focus on patient experience is evident in all she does.

Maria "Cristina" Frausto

Meet Cristina, our Practice Administrator. Skilled and detail-oriented, she keeps our team focused on goals. Responsible for daily operations, she multitasks and delegates effectively. Available for guidance and support, Cristina prioritizes to manage the clinic efficiently. Her focus on goals and attention to detail helps to keep the team motivated to achieve success. Cristina is dedicated to providing the best care to our patients and improving the clinic's services.

Jillian Reissig, Outreach Coordinator

Meet Jillian, our Outreach Coordinator. She connects TCLM with outside organizations, doctors, and institutions as a liaison, providing clinical planning and coordination. She identifies new opportunities for partnerships and maintains existing relationships. Her communication skills and healthcare knowledge make her a valuable asset to the clinic, expanding our reach and helping more patients receive care. Jill's dedication ensures TCLM stays connected with the community and provides the best care to our patients.

Ilarissa Gonzalez

Meet Ilarissa, our Account Manager. She is a dedicated professional who specializes in working with patients to navigate the complex world of healthcare finances and insurance claims. She understands that dealing with insurance and medical bills can be overwhelming and confusing for patients, and she is here to help. Ilarissa's goal is to help patients focus on their health and well-being, not the financial stress.

Lalisha

Meet Lalisha, our front desk agent. Lalisha is the friendly face that greets patients as they visit our clinic. She is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and making sure that patients feel welcome and comfortable. She is responsible for checking in patients, scheduling appointments, and answering any questions they may have.

Paulina

Meet Paulina, our check out staff. Her friendly and professional demeanor makes patients feel at ease and her dedication to providing excellent customer service makes her an asset to our team. She ensures a smooth and efficient check out process for patients, while also addressing any concerns or questions they may have. She is organized, detail-oriented, and always goes above and beyond to make sure patients have a positive experience at our clinic.

Ifreke

Meet Ifreke, our Lead Administrative Assistant for our IV Infusion center. She is the first point of contact for patients visiting our center and is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. She handles a wide range of administrative tasks, including scheduling appointments, gathering patient information, and addressing any questions or concerns that patients may have. Ifreke's friendly and professional demeanor make her an important member of our team. She is always available to her team, providing guidance and support whenever it is needed. 

Caroline

Caroline is our passionate and caring Health Coach Administrative Assistant, who works virtually from Zimbabwe. She goes the extra mile when it comes to meeting our patients needs from scheduling, to resource distribution, and communication. Caroline's passion for what we do in our clinic spills over into her own life and healing, allowing her to effectively communicate our mission to our patients.

Kim

Meet Kim, our compassionate and warm administrative assistant, who handles scheduling and resources. She handles new patient intake and walks our members through the steps of becoming a cared member in our tribe. Kim goes the extra mile to ensure there are no cracks in the scheduling process. 

Richard

Meet Richard, our warm and welcoming Administrative Assistant! Richard goes above and beyond to ensure that each member added to our tribe feels welcomed, and that the onboarding process is as smooth as can be! He is detail oriented, friendly, and compassionate. 

Aliza

Meet Aliza (Ali), our compassionate, warm-hearted and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant. Ali's attention to detail, process-oriented thinking, and caring nature enable her to go the extra mile when it comes to caring for our valued members. Her excellent communication and organizational skills allow her to assist members through their journey in our clinic in an effective and compassionate manner. 

Medical Assistants

Our dedicated medical assistants are the warm and welcoming faces of our clinic. They ensure that we are delivering quality care at each step of the journey, from intake, to procedures, to managing medical records and more.

Cesar

*Army Veteran

Meet Cesar, our highly skilled and dedicated operations and clinical procedures specialist. He is an Army veteran, bringing a unique perspective and a strong work ethic to his role. He ensures that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. He is an expert in clinical procedures, and is responsible for overseeing the training of medical staff and ensuring that all procedures are performed in accordance with best practices and safety protocols. 

Nia

*Air Force Veteran

Meet Nia, our highly skilled and dedicated medical assistant. Nia is an Air Force veteran who brings a unique perspective and a strong work ethic to her role. She is able to assist with a wide range of services and is able to navigate the complex administrative tasks of managing patient information and team leadership. She is dedicated to providing the best possible care to her patients, and always goes the extra mile to ensure their needs are met.

Stephanie

Meet Stephanie, our dedicated Infusions Operations Manager for the IV infusion department. She oversees complex operations and improves patient care through effective systems and processes. She is dedicated to providing exceptional service to patients and is always available to answer questions and resolve any issues that may arise. With her strong leadership and communication skills, she manages our team and ensures the highest level of care for patients. Stephanie's expertise in IV infusion makes her an invaluable member of our team.

Shakesha

Meet Shakesha, our detail-oriented Lead IV Infusion Technician. She assists in the administration of IV infusions, ensuring they are performed safely and efficiently. Her attention to detail and ability to follow protocols make her an invaluable member of our team. She is able to assist with a wide range of IV infusions, puts patients at ease and ensures their visit runs smoothly. Her dedication to safety and quality care make her an asset to our team.

Wendy

Meet Wendy, a compassionate and experienced IV technician. She performs infusions with precision and care, handling complex cases with ease. She puts patients at ease, and goes above and beyond to meet their needs. Her friendly and professional demeanor ensures a smooth visit, and her dedication to patient care makes her a valuable member of our team.

Janet

Meet Janet, our compassionate medical assistant. She is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to patients, and her warm and empathetic nature makes her an important member of our team. Janet's compassionate approach to patient care is evident in our clinic. She is able to navigate complex tasks, always ensuring that patients' needs are met. She is a great listener and always takes the time to understand her patients' needs and concerns.

Jessica

Meet Jessica, our compassionate and personable medical assistant. She thrives on building connections with patients and making them feel comfortable. Her sense of humor and empathetic nature make her an invaluable member of our team. She is a great listener and always takes the time to understand her patients' needs and concerns. Her light-hearted approach to patient care not only makes patients feel comfortable but also helps them relax during their visit and experience a more positive outcome.

Kim

Meet Kim, a skilled medical assistant known for her patience and compassion. She expertly handles administrative and procedural tasks, ensuring smooth operations and top-notch patient care. Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail make her an asset to our team. She also excels at communicating with patients, providing clear explanations and addressing their concerns with empathy. Kim is a dedicated member of our team, always going the extra mile to ensure patients receive the best care possible.

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