JenCare Senior Medical Center

Zia Romani, MD

As a child, Zia Romani always knew that she wanted to be part of the healing profession, and she ultimately moved over 7,000 miles away from home to help others in need. "I respect our seniors," Zia says. "One day, we will all become senior citizens and will need help managing through life's changes. I love providing acupuncture and seeing the relief a patient has after treatment. Combined with healthy lifestyle education and nutrition counseling, I’m helping patients live their highest quality of life, and that’s very rewarding."

Education: Pacific College of Oriental medicine in San Diego, CA

Certifications: NCCAOM

Services: Acupuncture

Vijay Jaligam, MD

When Dr. Vijay Jaligam was in the 10th grade, he witnessed something amazing: his friend, who’d contracted rabies from a dog bite, started healing within three days of receiving therapy. It was this kind of healing transformation that captured his interest and eventually led him into medicine. “I remembered that time during my first days of practice in India,” says Dr. Jaligam. “My mother suggested that I start a free clinic, and so I did. As I worked with my patients, I realized that this was my dream – to bring compassionate care and healing to those in need.

Education: Louisiana State University, Ochsner Health System

Certifications: American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, Heart Failure Society of America

Services: Cardiology

Nina Muñoz, MPAS, PA-C

Nina Muñoz has a heart for seniors. In fact, caring for their hearts and whole mind-body wellness is one of the reasons she pursued a career in medicine. “Ensuring my patients’ well-being is what drives me every day,” Nina says. “I work closely on the team with their doctors to deliver the highest quality of care possible. As a physician assistant, I’m able to examine, diagnose, and treat a variety of acute and chronic health concerns. What’s even more important is having the ability to educate patients on how to stay well and out of the hospital. It’s rewarding to see their health and lives improve.”

Education: Louisiana Tech University , University of New Orleans , Louisiana State University

Certifications: Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants , American College of Cardiology

Services: Cardiology

Crystal Burke, RN, MSN, FNP

Crystal Burke's helping nature drew her into the nursing profession and has led her to serve the New Orleans community where she grew up. "When I was in college, it felt like the only thing that was right for me was to become a nurse and then a nurse practitioner," she says. "I've always wished that it was easier for most people to receive care, especially the elderly. As a nurse practitioner, I'm able to use my skills and experience to broaden the scope of healthcare services and meet the needs of our seniors." Crystal's professional experience in acute care, ambulatory care, home care and retail healthcare settings has allowed her to serve patients of all ages. She interprets medical histories, symptoms, physical findings and diagnostic information in order to develop appropriate treatment plans for patients with acute and chronic illnesses. She also works one-on-one with patients and family members to develop a strong, trusting relationship and a better understanding of how to manage health concerns. After earning her nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, Crystal studied Nursing Healthcare Systems Management at Loyola University in New Orleans, where she also earned her master degree. She continued her education and training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she earned her second graduate degree, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. Crystal is board certified by and a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Her professional associations also include memberships in the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses and the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners. Prior to joining JenCare, Crystal conducted clinical research and served as adjunct nursing faculty at Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. For more than seven years, she worked in the pediatric inpatient unit at Tulane Hospital for Children in New Orleans, LA, providing nursing care and serving as clinical supervisor. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, she has also helped patients at CVS Minute Clinic and provided health assessments to seniors in their homes. When Crystal has free time, she enjoys playing with her dog and spending time with family and friends.

Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Loyola University

Certifications: American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Services: Primary Care

Brittany Roussel

Brittany Roussel is a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes, heart health, kidney disease and gout. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and completed her dietetic internship at North Oaks Health System in Hammond, Louisiana. Prior to joining JenCare, Brittany was a chronic care management dietitian with Peoples Health. “I have diet restrictions I must follow so I understand how frustrating it can be when someone recommends a change to your diet potentially reducing how often you can eat your favorite foods,” Brittany said. “I try to provide practical, usable knowledge in a way that makes sense that will help patients to feel better or to improve their lab values.”

Education: Louisiana State University

Certifications: North Oaks Health System

Services: Nutritionist

Sara Hansen

Sara Hansen’s interest in massage therapy, herbal medicine, and the human body led her to pursue a career as an acupuncturist. “I’m passionate about healthcare because I want to help people lead a more holistic life and feel good in their body as they age,” she explains. She emphasizes the importance of preventative care and strives for everyone to learn about health and nutrition. “I will always give one hundred percent to my patients,” she says. Sara Hansen proudly leads a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys fitness classes, hiking, and swimming in the ocean. She also loves traveling. She has lived in Thailand and studied in China’s Wudang mountain range. She would love to travel to Africa and has particular interest in visiting the pyramids in Egypt.

Education: AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine , Oklahoma State University

Services: Acupuncture

Fadi Hawawini

Dr. Fadi Hawawini’s favorite part of his profession is “being able to make a difference in people’s lives and contribute positively to my society.” He believes honesty and accountability are key in building strong relationships with patients. He loves caring for the senior population and “delivering the best care possible for our patients and providing their families with the peace of mind about their loved ones.” To keep up with the latest medical advancements, he attends conferences, discusses with healthcare leaders, and stays involved in the medical community. In his free time, Dr. Hawawini loves spending time with his wife and son. He especially enjoys watching his son play sports. He also likes staying up to date on world affairs.

Education: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine , Harvard Medical School Center for Palliative Care , University of Massachusetts Amherst , Marymount Manhattan College , Cleveland State University

Certifications: American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians , American Board of Post-Acute and Long Term care Medicine , American Association for Physician Leadership , American Medical Directors Association , Louisiana State Medical Society

Services: RMD-Hospital , Community Care

Sabrina White

Sabrina White knew at a young age that she wanted to become a nurse practitioner, leading her to begin a nursing program during high school. With over thirty years of nursing experience, she is dedicated to providing patients with “the best care possible.” She explains, “I listen to the patients and allow them to control the narrative of the conversation.” She values patient-centered care and loves educating patients. She especially enjoys caring for the senior population. “They require much time and attention but are also very grateful for the care you provide,” she explains. In her free time, Sabrina White enjoys listening to music, riding her bicycle, and reading. She also loves arts and crafts, especially ones that involve glitter.

Education: University of South Alabama , Delgado Community College, Charity Hospital School of Nursing

Certifications: Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association , American Nurses Credentialing Center , Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners , American Association of Nurse Practitioners , Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association

Services: Primary Care

LaQuinya Stipe

LaQuinya Stipe always knew she wanted to be a nurse. “I love getting to know my patients and guiding them in their care,” she says. She believes in “meeting patients where they are” and treating every patient with “passion, positivity, and a warm smile.” She explains that by working with patients, they can “grow and develop together.” She adds, “I have truly enjoyed providing care for the adult population, especially seniors.” If she could change anything about healthcare today, she would lower costs and improve communication between healthcare providers. In her free time, LaQuinya Stipe loves enjoying quality time with her family, especially her one-year-old son. She also likes binge-watching her favorite television shows.

Education: Loyola University New Orleans , University of Louisiana at Lafayette , Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

Certifications: American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Services: Primary Care

Taylor Robertson

Dr. Taylor Robertson feels honored to serve as “a source of healing and comfort for his patients. “I am priviledged to take care of the feet, which are the tires of the human body,” he says. He adds, “If your feet don’t feel well, then the rest of your body doesn’t either.” He enjoys building genuine relationships with patients, explaining, “You don’t get to know someone without extended conversations.” He adds, “I am an old school doctor who likes to take his time and talk to people during a visit.” He especially enjoys working with seniors and learning from their wisdom. Dr. Robertson loves kayaking, gardening, and volunteering at his daughter’s school in his free time. He also enjoys attending festivals.

Education: Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine , Memorial Regional Hospital South Residency Program , Centenary College of Louisiana

Certifications: American Board of Podiatric Medicine

Services: Podiatry

Priya Nileshwar

Dr. Priya Nileshwar believes that “good health is foundational to a life well lived.” She is appreciative of the opportunity to care for the senior population, viewing them as “the backbone of our communities” and deserving of “attentive, dignified care.” She considers healthcare to be “a team effort,” explaining, “Through collaboration, we can achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes.” To best support her patients, she strives to “build lasting relationships through open, honest communication, and full transparency.” In her down time, Dr. Nileshwar can be found enjoying the many activities and restaurants in New Orleans. “There’s always something happening to bring us together,” she says.

Education: Western University of Health Sciences - College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific , Valley Hospital Medical Center , Tulane University

Services: Internal Medicine