Find a Provider - Foremost Family Health Centers

A+ Charter Schools (School Site)10327 Rylie Rd. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Dallas, TX 75217

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Clinic2922B Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Dallas, TX 75215

Foremost Family Health Center3515 Shepherd Lane ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Balch Springs, TX 75180

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AllBehavioral / Mental HealthFamily MedicineGeneral DentistryOB-GYNPediatricsPodiatry General Dentistry Ameena Tekbali, DDS Family Medicine Anita DSouza, APRN, FNP-C Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Antonia Martin, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC Family Medicine Brandi Burnett, APRN, FNP-C Family Medicine, Associate Medical Director Brandi Davis, FNP-BC Family Medicine Briana Echols, PA-C Registered Dietician Delores Myers, MS, RD, LD Behavioral Health Specialist Denise Mershon, LCSW Family Medicine, Interim Associate Medical Director Dorothy Marshall, MD, MPH Family Medicine Elexis Stephens, PA-C General Dentistry Erika Oguanobi, DDS Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Ilia J. Smith, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Jilji Payikkattu, APRN, FNP-BC-PMHNP-BC Behavioral Health Specialist (Bilingual) John Black, MSW, LCSW-S General Dentistry, Dental Hygiene Laronda Smith, RDH General Dentistry, Chief Dental Officer (CDO) Morgan Price, DDS Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Nadja Nelson-Zeno, MSN, PMHNP-BC Pediatrics Naomi Gebrelul, MD Podiatry Sherry Bowers, DPM Family Medicine Stella Kingodi, DNP, APRN, FNP-C Family Practicioner Stephen J. Epping, MD, AAHIVS No Results Found General Dentistry Ameena Tekbali, DDS Dr. Tekbali completed her undergraduate degrees at Southern Methodist University. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry. Since then, she has found her passion working within community dentistry throughout Texas, including San Antonio and the DFW metroplex. She enjoys the variety of procedures within community dentistry as well as playing a part in enhancing the form and function of the mouths and teeth of her patients. She empowers patients to take control of their oral care and is always excited to see a big smile after completing a treatment plan. Dr. Tekbali loves to travel and try new foods. She has a big sweet tooth, but always follows her own advice and rinses or brushes after any sugary treats. “Always do things to the best of your ability and with sincerity to begin with. You will save yourself a lot of trouble down the road.” Family Medicine Anita DSouza, APRN, FNP-C Anita DSouza is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has a strong background in emergency and critical care nursing. Her drive for excellence and passion for caring others, led her to achieve a Master’s Degree in Family Nursing from Walden University. With her advanced skills and critical training she continues to provide care for patients throughout their lifespan utilizing a holistic approach. She is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She loves taking care of her patients and seeing the difference she can make in their lives. In her free time she likes reading, traveling and spending time with her family. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Antonia Martin, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC Antonia Martin is a Board-Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She is a native of Chicago, IL, raised in south Arkansas. She began her nursing career as a step-down telemetry nurse before moving on to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. Antonia has spent the last six years of her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse with an emphasis in high-risk obstetrics. Antonia obtained her Bachelor and Master of Science in Health Science at the University of Central Arkansas, where she discovered her love for patient education. She went on to study at Southern Arkansas University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing then completing her nurse practitioner studies at the University of South Alabama in Women’s Health. Communities are only as strong as the health of their women. Antonia is dedicated to serving women of all ages for all obstetric and gynecological needs. Antonia enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and wishes to see the world. Email:amartin@foremostfhc.org Family Medicine Brandi Burnett, APRN, FNP-C Brandi is an East Texas native! She is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington, College of Nursing and Health Innovation. While working as an acute care nurse, Brandi obtained her Master of Science in Nursing, also from the University of Texas at Arlington. Brandi enjoys seeing patients across their lifespan and is passionate about working with underserved populations. She enjoys traveling, eating at new vegan restaurants, crafting and fitness. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children and their labradoodle. Family Medicine, Associate Medical Director Brandi Davis, FNP-BC Brandi Davis is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. Brandi attended Louisiana State University Health Science Center and earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2001. While working as an intensive care nurse for 6 years, she completed a Master of Science in nursing with the concentration as a family nurse practitioner from Loyola University New Orleans with honors in 2006. Brandi has over 11 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner in the federal, retail, and private sectors. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Association and the North Texas Nurse Practitioner Association. Brandi currently resides in Dallas, Texas. She enjoys traveling and attending rhythm and blues concerts with her husband and daughter Family Medicine Briana Echols, PA-C Briana Echols is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Before pursuing medicine, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of North Texas, and her Master of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Tyler Health Science Center. She loves the continuity of learning and soon hopes to pursue her Ph.D. Briana is a Dallas native, who is passionate and committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals in her community by providing quality and compassionate care. Her extensive clinical experience will help treat acute, complex, and chronic health conditions across all lifespans. She enjoys taking the time out to listen to her patient’s needs and doing what’s best for their entire well-being. Registered Dietician Delores Myers, MS, RD, LD As a registered and licensed dietician and certified fitness instructor, Delores believes lifestyle changes is what will sustain people and make a difference in their health. Delores obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s degree in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics. She has since worked for numerous companies as a nutritionist, patient food service manager, and clinical and community dietitian. She has counseled and instructed many patients regarding diabetes, weight management, and various nutrition and health related topics. She has volunteered her time to health fairs and speaking engagements for different organizations, schools, churches, support groups, etc. regarding nutrition and fitness. She currently works as a contracting dietician for Foremost Family Health Centers and a consulting dietitian for the Early Childhood Intervention-Dallas Center Inc. She is also a group fitness instructor for Lifetime Fitness. Delores resides in Carrollton, TX with her husband of 28 years, 16 year old daughter and one son in college. “In order to improve our health, we must be deliberate, intentional, and determined to practice healthy habits for a lifetime! “ Behavioral Health Specialist Denise Mershon, LCSW Denise Mershon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has practiced both mental health and behavioral health with individuals in all developmental stages of life. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is certified in Early Childhood Education. She received her master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in Manhattan, NY. Denise has helped individuals with chronic mental illness, personality disorders, anxiety and depressive disorders, including the intellectually and developmentally challenged, in a variety of settings: inpatient units, outpatient clinics, private practice, with military personnel and their families, inner city group homes with adolescents, and play therapy with young children in schools. Denise’s previous roles were Clinical Supervisor, Executive Director, and Direct Service Provider in both for-profit and not-for-profit environments. Denise demonstrates a passion for her work with various ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and religions, as she sees both her clients and her work as an ever evolving adventure and experience. “I enjoy spending time with family, reading, participating in wellness, and traveling.” Family Medicine, Interim Associate Medical Director Dorothy Marshall, MD, MPH Dr. Marshall received her Master’s in Public Health at Boston University and her Medical Doctorate from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency, a UCSF affiliate, in California. Dr. Marshall has many interests such as medical education, health care disparities, administration, and informatics. She is passionate about full spectrum medicine. Pediatric and prenatal patients have a special place in her heart. She loves to prevent diseases, encourage lasting behavior change, and to empower her patients to become active partners in their care. In her free time, she enjoys collecting visas and stamps in her frequently used passport, learning new languages, and dancing. Family Medicine Elexis Stephens, PA-C Elexis Stephens is a native of Longview, TX. She is a board-certified Physician Assistant who earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2022 at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry & Biology in 2015 from Sam Houston State University. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants. Elexis is a National Health Service Corp Scholar who is committed to providing quality compassionate health care to adult, adolescent, and pediatric populations, while encouraging patients to take initiative and advocate for themselves. She believes true patient success occurs when people are educated and empowered about their healthcare. Elexis enjoys traveling with family & close friends, being active with her sorority, attending concerts, visiting museums, and adding to her shoe collection. General Dentistry Erika Oguanobi, DDS Dr. Erika Oguanobi was born in Baton Rouge, LA. She graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA. After completing her undergraduate education, she went on to attend dental school at Baylor College of Dentistry, where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After completing dental school, she served active duty as a US Naval Officer. Dr. Oguanobi was stationed at the Naval Dental Center Mid-Atlantic in Norfolk, VA, where she completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency. Upon completion of her residency, she was stationed at Camp Lejeune Marine Corp Base with the 2nd Dental Battalion for two years. Dr. Oguanobi feels that her time spent with the United States Navy was a rewarding experience that gave her the opportunity to meet numerous outstanding individuals, to serve the country alongside remarkable men and women, and to further develop her career as a dentist. Dr. Oguanobi has been with Foremost Family Health Centers since August 2013. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Ilia J. Smith, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC Ms. Smith is board certified in Women’s Health and Midwifery. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. After graduation in 2009 she practiced full-scope Midwifery at The University of Chicago Medical Center. She then re-located from her hometown of Chicago to Southern California to work on a team caring for individuals with 5 or more health conditions. Ms. Smith is passionate about health education, preventative health, mental health and integrating food with medicine. She strongly desires people to take charge of their health through a healthy lifestyle. She likes to dispel common misconceptions about health and motivate her patients for healthy lifestyle changes. Ms. Smith is a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the North Texas Nurse Practitioner Association. In her free time she enjoys plant-based cooking, exercising, live-music, dining out and continued self-improvement. She is a mom to daughter, Arya and yorkie-poo, Chloe. Email:ismith@foremostfhc.org Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Jilji Payikkattu, APRN, FNP-BC-PMHNP-BC Jilji is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who is qualified and experienced in treating patients with Psychiatric disorders. She graduated from University of Texas at Arlington with a Master of Science in Nursing and became a board-certified family nurse practitioner in 2013. She completed a post-master certificate in 2021 as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has over 17 years of experience in health care in many practice areas including acute care hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, retail clinics, and outpatient clinics. She provides psychiatric assessments, evaluations, and management to patients of all ages. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services as she possesses a strong clinical skill enhanced by her natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. She uses evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition. She values interdisciplinary clinical practice and inter-professional collaboration for a whole person, and a patient-centered approach to health and healthcare. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Email:jpayikkattu@foremostfhc.org Behavioral Health Specialist (Bilingual) John Black, MSW, LCSW-S Black is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has practiced in the field of mental and behavioral health since 2007. He completed his Masters of Social Work degree from Brigham Young University in 2007. His Bachelors degree is in Marriage, Family, Human Development (with Spanish minor) also from BYU. He has experience in working with diverse populations in areas of substance abuse and other addictions, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and child and adolescent behavioral issues through individual and group therapy. John believes that we can all use a helping hand at times. Life is full of unexpected twists and surprises and he enjoys trying to assist others along the way. We’re all in this together. “I love traveling, seeing this beautiful world and the amazing people in it. I’ve been blessed to have lived in many different places, including South America for a few years.” General Dentistry, Dental Hygiene Laronda Smith, RDH LaRonda Smith, a native of Chicago, Illinois, earned an A.A.S. in dental hygiene with honors from Kennedy-King College, a B.S. in biology from Loyola University of Chicago, and an M.S. in dental hygiene, specializing in public health from University of Bridgeport Fones School of Dental Hygiene. She worked in private practice and as an adjunct clinical faculty member at her alma mater, then relocated to Dallas to work in private practice, including at Foremost Family Health Centers. LaRonda’s contributions in the community health dentistry role affords her the opportunity to educate and treat underserved and uninsured individuals and families. LaRonda desires to help her patients understand the importance of oral health and its connection to overall health and well-being. She is an active member of the National Dental Hygienists’ Association, which seeks to support under-represented minorities in the profession of dental hygiene. She enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. General Dentistry, Chief Dental Officer (CDO) Morgan Price, DDS Dr. Price earned her undergraduate degree from Spelman College and her dental degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry. In 2014, she provided dental care to underserved populations in the Dominican Republic. Dr. Price is passionate about staying current on any changes in dentistry and does so by attending continuing education courses and researching. Dr. Price’s work had been published by the Georgia Academy of Science. In addition to her skills and experience, Dr. Price is a careful listener who takes the time to get to know her patients as individuals in order to provide personalized care. She is passionate about community health. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Nadja Nelson-Zeno, MSN, PMHNP-BC Nadja Nelson-Zeno is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and native of Moro, Arkansas. Nadja attended Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, where she received her BSN and later went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing at Vanderbilt University. She has been serving clients in mental health for over 12 years, including 6 years as an RN in home health, developmental disabilities, geriatric care, and acute inpatient psychiatry. She has worked 8 years as a Psychiatric NP in a variety of settings. Nadja is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. She enjoys old school music, dancing, learning new skills, and exploring new places with her son and husband. Pediatrics Naomi Gebrelul, MD Dr. Gebrelul received her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed the Pediatric Residency Program at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Gebrelul provides a range of primary care services to infants and children. Her natural affinity for children combined with a strong interest in science led to a career in pediatric medicine. She enjoys seeing her young patients grow over time while forming enduring relationships with the patient’s family. Her clinical interests include childhood development, weight management, and asthma management. As a Louisiana native, Dr. Gebrelul is a New Orleans Saints fan. She also enjoys traveling with her husband whenever possible. Podiatry Sherry Bowers, DPM Dr. Sherry L. Bowers earned her degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed her surgical residency training at the Medical Center of Mesquite. She is passionate about maintaining and improving the foot health of her patients. She regularly devotes time to educating patients and their caregivers and is known for her patience and dedication. Dr. Bowers is an active member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and Texas Podiatric Medical Association (TPMA). She has also held a position on the Board of Directors for TPMA and was an Executive Committee member representing podiatry during her tenure at a prominent health company in Dallas. She continues to pursue ways to educate the public and students about podiatric medicine and its importance to general health. She enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, great food, marching band competitions, all kinds of music, her morning prayer time, belly laughs, listening to the stories of those in our more mature generation, and learning new things. Family Medicine Stella Kingodi, DNP, APRN, FNP-C Stella’s nursing career began more than 17 years ago as a nursing assistant in a critical care unit in West Texas. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, she was hired directly into a critical care unit specializing in neurotrauma and cardiovascular surgery. Stella continued to work in critical care units around the Metroplex up until the time she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Family Practice. She then moved into Family Medicine with a major focus on providing preventative health care. Stella’s nursing experience in dealing with critically ill patients has shaped her personal philosophy, which is providing compassionate, holistic care to patients and their families to prevent disease and promote health. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, reading and traveling. Family Practicioner Stephen J. Epping, MD, AAHIVS Dr. Epping received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his Family Medicine Residency Program at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Texarkana, Arkansas. Dr. Epping has experience treating all age ranges as well as a wide-range of chronic conditions. Up to date medical knowledge, continuity of care and establishment of good patient relationships are the cornerstones of his medical philosophy and practice. His clinical interests include diabetes management, HIV treatment and prevention, as well as depression and anxiety. Dr. Epping is a regular runner and enjoys spending time with his family. He is determined to travel more as the world opens back up. Email:sepping@foremostfhc.org

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Since 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Clinic (dba Foremost Family Health Centers) has offered families comprehensive healthcare from leading physicians, dentists, and other providers.

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2922B Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Dallas, TX 75215

3515 Shepherd Lane ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎‎ ‎ ‎ Balch Springs, TX 75180

10327 Rylie Road ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ Dallas, TX 75217

Deeming Notice: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), in accordance with the Federally Supported Health Centers Assistance Act (FSHCAA), as amended, sections 224(g)¬(n) of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 233(g)-(n), deems Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Clinic, Inc. (d/b/a Foremost Family Health Centers) to be an employee of the PHS, for the purposes of section 224, effective 1/1/2021 through 12/31/2022.