Meet The Team

Committed to delivering the highest quality care.

At Optimum Health LLC, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to the Alexandria community and beyond.

About Optimum Health LLC

Conveniently located near Fort Belvoir, our Nurse Practitioner-run clinic, staffed exclusively by experienced mid-level providers including Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), offers a wide range of services designed to meet the diverse healthcare needs of our patients.

From personalized weight loss management and musculoskeletal injections to Botox treatments and specialized women’s health services, our team is committed to delivering the highest quality care. We also provide routine physical exams, commercial motor vehicle exams, and chronic care management to ensure our patients maintain optimal health. At Optimum Health LLC, your well-being is our priority.

Allison Gabbert, NP

Allison is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a rich background in various areas of healthcare. She began her career as a pediatric nurse, where she developed a deep passion for patient care. After gaining invaluable experience, she transitioned into serving the Washington, D.C. community as an NP at a nonprofit organization, focusing on providing compassionate care to underserved populations.

Allison’s academic journey includes a nursing degree from Drexel University and a master’s degree from Georgetown University, where she honed her expertise in family medicine. More recently, she has been serving the Alexandria community as a family practice NP, specializing in comprehensive family medicine, women’s health and HIV/AIDs care.

Her commitment to patient-centered care, combined with her diverse experience and personal interests, makes her a trusted provider deeply invested in the well-being of her patients. Outside of work, Allison loves to read, spend time with her family, and explore the best restaurants around town.

Allison Gabbert, NP

Allison is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a rich background in various areas of healthcare. She began her career as a pediatric nurse, where she developed a deep passion for patient care. After gaining invaluable experience, she transitioned into serving the Washington, D.C. community as an NP at a nonprofit organization, focusing on providing compassionate care to underserved populations.

Allison’s academic journey includes a nursing degree from Drexel University and a master’s degree from Georgetown University, where she honed her expertise in family medicine. More recently, she has been serving the Alexandria community as a family practice NP, specializing in comprehensive family medicine, women’s health and HIV/AIDs care.

Her commitment to patient-centered care, combined with her diverse experience and personal interests, makes her a trusted provider deeply invested in the well-being of her patients. Outside of work, Allison loves to read, spend time with her family, and explore the best restaurants around town.

Julia Haack, NP

Julia is a Family Nurse Practitioner who brings nearly a decade of healthcare experience to her patients. Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, she began her journey in healthcare as a CNA in both a nursing home and rehabilitation hospital. She went on to earn her nursing degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and spent most of her nursing career caring for oncology patients, first at UNMC and later at Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC.

Julia’s love for getting to know her patients and helping them take charge of their health inspired her to pursue her master’s degree at Clarkson College. During her training, she discovered a passion for preventative care and evidence-based medicine, which continue to guide her practice today. She believes in valuing each patient’s story, tailoring care to each person’s needs, and partnering with patients to support their long-term wellness. She is committed to being open-minded and inclusive, ensuring that every patient feels respected and heard.

When she’s not in the clinic, Julia enjoys bike rides with her wife, discovering new restaurants around the DC area, practicing yoga, and getting lost in a good mystery novel.

Julia Haack, NP

Julia is a Family Nurse Practitioner who brings nearly a decade of healthcare experience to her patients. Growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, she began her journey in healthcare as a CNA in both a nursing home and rehabilitation hospital. She went on to earn her nursing degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and spent most of her nursing career caring for oncology patients, first at UNMC and later at Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC.

Julia’s love for getting to know her patients and helping them take charge of their health inspired her to pursue her master’s degree at Clarkson College. During her training, she discovered a passion for preventative care and evidence-based medicine, which continue to guide her practice today. She believes in valuing each patient’s story, tailoring care to each person’s needs, and partnering with patients to support their long-term wellness. She is committed to being open-minded and inclusive, ensuring that every patient feels respected and heard.

When she’s not in the clinic, Julia enjoys bike rides with her wife, discovering new restaurants around the DC area, practicing yoga, and getting lost in a good mystery novel.

Brianna Fitzgerald, NP

Brianna is a detail-oriented Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care. After completing her undergraduate degree at Penn State, she moved to the DC area to begin her nursing career at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. She has over nine years of experience working with a diverse patient population specializing in adult neurology, neurosurgery, and stroke care.

Her passion for primary care and preventative medicine led her to pursue her master’s degree at Vanderbilt University. Brianna is dedicated to fostering strong patient relationships built on trust, education, and shared decision-making. She has special interests in preventative health, lifestyle medicine, neurology, sports medicine, and mental health. She takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs, helping them make sustainable choices for their long-term well-being.

Outside of work, Brianna enjoys trying new coffee shops, perfecting homemade Italian recipes, and cheering on her Penn State Nittany Lions during football season.

Brianna Fitzgerald, NP

Brianna is a detail-oriented Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care. After completing her undergraduate degree at Penn State, she moved to the DC area to begin her nursing career at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. She has over nine years of experience working with a diverse patient population specializing in adult neurology, neurosurgery, and stroke care.

Her passion for primary care and preventative medicine led her to pursue her master’s degree at Vanderbilt University. Brianna is dedicated to fostering strong patient relationships built on trust, education, and shared decision-making. She has special interests in preventative health, lifestyle medicine, neurology, sports medicine, and mental health. She takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs, helping them make sustainable choices for their long-term well-being.

Outside of work, Brianna enjoys trying new coffee shops, perfecting homemade Italian recipes, and cheering on her Penn State Nittany Lions during football season.

Eric Benjamin, PA-C
Telehealth Appointments

Originally from Santa Monica, California, and raised in a close-knit community in Kansas, Eric Benjamin brings a unique blend of expertise and dedication to his practice. Eric combines clinical expertise with a deep commitment to preventive and integrative medicine. Holding a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University Nevada, Eric emphasizes the importance of building trusted relationships with his patients, particularly in the realm of primary care. He specializes in optimizing heart health and longevity through lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, vitamins, and personalized nutrition strategies to support the body’s natural healing processes.

With a background in biology education, Eric is passionate about patient empowerment. He takes the time to educate his patients on the impact of lifestyle choices, guiding them toward sustainable habits that enhance cardiovascular health and overall well-being. He also explains how prescription medications work in the body and what to expect when taking them. By blending evidence-based medicine with natural approaches, he helps individuals achieve lasting wellness beyond traditional prescriptions.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys cycling, photography, and spending quality time with family and friends. A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, he brings the same enthusiasm and dedication to his personal interests as he does to his compassionate patient care.

Eric Benjamin, PA-C

Originally from Santa Monica, California, and raised in a close-knit community in Kansas, Eric Benjamin brings a unique blend of expertise and dedication to his practice. Eric combines clinical expertise with a deep commitment to preventive and integrative medicine. Holding a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University Nevada, Eric emphasizes the importance of building trusted relationships with his patients, particularly in the realm of primary care. He specializes in optimizing heart health and longevity through lifestyle modifications, targeted supplements, vitamins, and personalized nutrition strategies to support the body’s natural healing processes.

With a background in biology education, Eric is passionate about patient empowerment. He takes the time to educate his patients on the impact of lifestyle choices, guiding them toward sustainable habits that enhance cardiovascular health and overall well-being. He also explains how prescription medications work in the body and what to expect when taking them. By blending evidence-based medicine with natural approaches, he helps individuals achieve lasting wellness beyond traditional prescriptions.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys cycling, photography, and spending quality time with family and friends. A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, he brings the same enthusiasm and dedication to his personal interests as he does to his compassionate patient care.

Maryen Tamariz, Director of Operations

As a seasoned medical practice manager with over a decade of experience in healthcare administration and management, Maryen excels in optimizing office operations and enhancing patient care. With her background in healthcare administration and a passion for delivering exceptional patient experience, she is dedicated to ensuring the smooth and effective functioning of the medical practice. Beyond her career achievement, Maryen is a proud mother of two wonderful children and a devoted wife to her husband. During her free time, you can find her outside

playing with her family, planning her next family beach trip or simply spending time with her loved ones.

Maryen Tamariz, Director of Operations

As a seasoned medical practice manager with over a decade of experience in healthcare administration and management, Maryen excels in optimizing office operations and enhancing patient care. With her background in healthcare administration and a passion for delivering exceptional patient experience, she is dedicated to ensuring the smooth and effective functioning of the medical practice. Beyond her career achievement, Maryen is a proud mother of two wonderful children and a devoted wife to her husband. During her free time, you can find her outside

playing with her family, planning her next family beach trip or simply spending time with her loved ones.

Ben Cole, Medical Assistant

After working in the tech sector for 15 years, Ben realized that he doesn’t enjoy work which prioritizes profit over people. He decided to go into health care and become a Medical Assistant so that he could foster deeper relationships with members of his local community, and feel more confident about the fact that his work is having a positive impact on people by being able to see it firsthand in the patients he helps.

When Ben isn’t working, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and snuggling with his dog, Fitz and cats, Ellie and Chonkers.

Ben Cole, Medical Assistant

After working in the tech sector for 15 years, Ben realized that he doesn’t enjoy work which prioritizes profit over people. He decided to go into health care and become a Medical Assistant so that he could foster deeper relationships with members of his local community, and feel more confident about the fact that his work is having a positive impact on people by being able to see it firsthand in the patients he helps.

When Ben isn’t working, he enjoys reading, playing video games, and snuggling with his dog, Fitz and cats, Ellie and Chonkers.

Jenny Alm Patient Advocacy Director

Jenny Alm is passionate about patient advocacy and making healthcare feel more approachable and supportive. With a background in HR, operations, and project management, and an MBA, she focuses on helping patients better understand their care through education, clear communication, and personalized support.

Her commitment to advocacy started in AmeriCorps, working with veterans and underserved communities, and has shaped her approach ever since. Outside of work, she loves to laugh, spend time with friends and family, video games, explore new restaurants, and hang out with her cat, George.

Jenny Alm Patient Advocacy Director

Jenny Alm is passionate about patient advocacy and making healthcare feel more approachable and supportive. With a background in HR, operations, and project management, and an MBA, she focuses on helping patients better understand their care through education, clear communication, and personalized support.

Her commitment to advocacy started in AmeriCorps, working with veterans and underserved communities, and has shaped her approach ever since. Outside of work, she loves to laugh, spend time with friends and family, video games, explore new restaurants, and hang out with her cat, George.

Edward Melendez, Medical Assistant

Edward is a dedicated Medical Assistant with a passion for patient care and creating a comfortable environment for everyone he works with. He understands what it’s like to be in the patient’s seat and always strives to help others feel at ease during their visits. Currently pursuing his medical degree, Edward is committed to continuing his growth in the medical field. Outside of work, he enjoys playing soccer, fishing, watching movies and shows, and exploring new restaurants with friends.
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Edward Melendez, Medical Assistant

Edward is a dedicated Medical Assistant with a passion for patient care and creating a comfortable environment for everyone he works with. He understands what it’s like to be in the patient’s seat and always strives to help others feel at ease during their visits. Currently pursuing his medical degree, Edward is committed to continuing his growth in the medical field. Outside of work, he enjoys playing soccer, fishing, watching movies and shows, and exploring new restaurants with friends.
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What is the Difference Between an MD, NP, and PA?

Doctors (MDs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Physician Assistants (PAs) are all healthcare providers who can take care of you when you’re sick or need a check-up. Here’s how they are different.

  • MD (Doctor): An MD, or Medical Doctor, goes to medical school for many years to learn all about the human body and how to treat different illnesses. They can perform surgeries and handle complex medical issues.
  • NP (Nurse Practitioner): An NP is a registered nurse who has gone through advanced training and education. NPs are highly skilled and can do many of the same thing’s doctors do, such as performing check-ups, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and helping patients manage their health. They are known for their patient-centered approach, often spending more time with patients to provide personalized care.
  • PA (Physician Assistant): A PA attends a specialized school where they learn to provide medical care. They can conduct check-ups, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medications, but they usually work under the supervision of a doctor.

At our clinic, you’ll see an NP or a PA who is highly trained and dedicated to providing you with excellent care!

We Accept Insurance.

Please contact us if you have any questions about the insurance we accept.