Dr. Stutchin received his Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience at Ursinus College of Pennsylvania, and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency Program at Wellington Regional Medical Center in Florida. Dr. Stutchin comes to us from Lankenau Medical Center and has been practicing for over 1 year.
As a primary care provider, he is interested in cardiovascular health and sports medicine.
Dr. Stutchin enjoys tennis, travelling, enjoying different foods, and TV/movies when he is not seeing patients.
Dr. Thambuluru earned her medical degree at University of Central Florida in 2017, completed residency in Internal Medicine at University of Alabama Birmingham in 2020, and completed fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
She considers it a privilege to be working in the field of endocrinology.
Dr. Thambuluru finds it rewarding to work together with patients to provide respectful and compassionate care that is based on medical expertise while taking into account patient preferences, values, and needs.
She lives with family in the West Chester area and is fluent in Telugu.
Dr. Peri grew up on the Delaware beaches. She completed her undergraduate degree at The George Washington University and her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College. She did her residency in Family Medicine at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and is board-certified in family medicine.
She loves being a family doctor, as it affords her the opportunity to treat whole families from newborns on up.
She has special interests in women’s health and pediatrics.
Dr. Peri now lives in Chester County with her husband and infant son as well as her dog and two cats.
Dr. Monika Kumanova is a Board-Certified Physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She has more than 10 years of experience managing a broad spectrum of acute and chronic medical conditions in primary care. Her focus is on adult medicine with an interest in women’s health and lifestyle medicine.
Before joining PentaHealth Colonial Family Practice, she worked as a Physician at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and Tower Health. She has provided health care to veterans while at the VAMC.
Dr. Kumanova received her degree from the Medical University of Sofia – Bulgaria. She also has a degree in chemical engineering. Coming to the United States, she initially worked at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and contributed to stem cell and cancer research. She completed her Family Medicine Residency training in New York at the Bronx – Lebanon Hospital Center.
Dr. Kumanova is passionate about primary care. She believes that many chronic medical conditions are preventable. Her goal is to help her patients achieve optimal health through disease prevention by adhering to a healthy and balanced lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
Dr. Kumanova lives with her husband in the beautiful Chester County and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves traveling, arts, music, reading, and staying active. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine, American Medical Association, and American Obesity Association.
Dr. Manattu is a Board Certified Geriatric Medicine and Family Medicine Physician who attended medical school at Chicago Medical School where she received her MD degree. She completed her internship as well as her residency in Family Medicine at Drexel / Hahnemann in Philadelphia and her subspecialty fellowship training was at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Manattu has a passion for caring for older adults and has 5 years of diverse experience. She has a very extensive CV with different leadership roles, research experience, publications, presentations, as well as honors and awards. When Dr. Manattu is not seeing her patients, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, teaching Sunday School, hiking, and volunteering in the community with her family.
Dr. Bonnes completed her undergraduate education at Temple University, which was followed by two years of biochemical research with the Children Hospital of Philadelphia.Yearning for more patient interaction, she moved on to complete her medical education with Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in NYC.She completed her residency training with Jefferson Health-Abington. She then cared for wonderful patients in Bucks County before life brought her to beautiful Chester County. She loves good food, travel and, most of all, spending time with her family.
Dr. Baig studied at St. Joseph’s College and Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan where she received her Medical Degree. She completed her internship at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, and her residency at Crozer Chester Medical Center in PA. Before joining PentaHealth, she worked as Physician at Crozer Medical Associates in Delaware County. Dr. Baig is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She is a member of American College of Physicians.
As a primary care provider, she enjoys the diversity and long-term relationships with her patients. Her special interests are obesity medicine, diabetes, depression, women’s health, and preventative care.
Dr. Baig is married and lives with her husband and 2 kids in beautiful Chester County. When she’s not seeing her patients, she enjoys gardening and exercise.
Dr. John studied at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA where he received his undergraduate degree. He later attended medical school at The Medical University of Silesia, Poland. He completed his residency at Drexel Family Medicine and received his master’s degree in health care administration from St. Joseph’s University. Dr. John has been a board certified family physician for the past 10 years. He also received his fellowship from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
As a family physician, he enjoys the opportunity to build a relationship with the patient and their families. Taking care of sports related injuries is one of his special interests.
Dr. John is married with 2 children. When he is not seeing patients, he likes to watch the Philadelphia Eagles and 76ers, play ultimate frisbee and basketball, and of course spending time with his family.
Victoria and her husband, along with her infant son, recently relocated back to the area from Spokane, Washington.
She was born and raised in Unionville, earned her bachelor’s degree from Pomona College in Claremont, California, and her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.
She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and is interested in women’s health, family planning, and is anxious to establish a medical practice in our area. She enjoys being a first-time Mom, cooking, and the outdoors.
Michael Burns was born and raised in West Chester. He received his Bachelor’s of Nursing degree from Neumann University in 2010. In 2010 he joined Main Line Health, where he worked as a critical care nurse and focused on neurology and cardiology. In 2016 Michael received his Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Widener University. While completing his master’s degree he also pursued his passion for teaching and taught undergraduate nurses at Widener University.
Michael joined PentaHealth formally Gateway Medical Associates at our Internal Medicine of West Chester location in 2016. He had a great experience working with the team and providing care to his patients. In 2018 he left the practice when he relocated to North Carolina for his wife’s new job opportunity. While in North Carolina Michael provided care to adolescents with eating disorders. He is excited to be back in Pennsylvania and joined our Colonial Family Practice location in 2020.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending time outdoors, exercising, golfing, fishing, and spending time with family. He currently resides in Exton with his wife and son.
Andrea joined PentaHealth formerly Gateway Medical Associates in September 2019. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Delaware in 2013 and her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Duquesne University in 2019. She worked the majority of her six-year nursing career as a bedside pediatric nurse at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, VA and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
She enjoys working at a family practice where she can care for those of all ages, especially pediatric and women’s health patients. In her free time, she cherishes time spent with her family and friends. She also enjoys playing with her dog, hiking, traveling, cooking, gardening, golfing, going to the beach and reading.
Erin Lender, CRNP joined PentaHealth formerly Gateway Medical Associates in 2018. She grew up in West Chester, PA and received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Prior to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, Erin worked as a bedside nurse at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and at the Reading Hospital on the Stroke Unit.
Erin enjoys working with patients of all ages and has a passion for health promotion, illness prevention, and physical and mental wellness. In her spare time, Erin likes to unwind with yoga and reading. She has an extensive collection of board games and is known by friends and family as “The Game Master”. She lives in Downingtown with her husband and twin stepsons.
Dr. Heather Lockner received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Villanova University. She is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she also completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine. Dr. Lockner is board certified in Internal Medicine. As a primary care physician, she believes in patient-centered care and looks to partner with her patients in creating better health.
Dr. Eric DiCicco was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania and grew up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Downingtown High School, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree in Biology from Gannon University. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his post-graduate studies at the Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. DiCicco has practiced Family Medicine in Chester County since 1999 and was named by Main Line Today as a ‘Top Doc’ in 2009. He and his family continue to make Chester County their home.
Susan M. Kohli earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005. She graduated with honors from both The University of Rochester and The Eastman School of Music in 2001 where she earned bachelor degrees in chemistry and flute performance. She completed her internal medicine training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center which is ranked as one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. During her training, Dr. Kohli pursued an area of interest in women’s health. At UPMC, Dr. Kohli gave numerous lectures on topics such as pre-pregnancy counseling, depression, and gave medical Grand Rounds reviewing the latest developments in prostate cancer. She also achieved the honor of being chosen Chief Resident. She has won numerous awards for excellence in both teaching and patient care.
Dr. Kohli is board certified in Internal Medicine. She is a member of The American College of Physicians and was inducted to the Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society.
Dr. Kohli is a native of Berwyn, Pennsylvania and graduated from Conestoga Senor High School. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, participating in the arts, and skiing. She currently resides in Malvern, PA with her husband, Drew Chronister, M.D. an ophthalmologist in Thorndale, and their four children.
John Khalifa, MD is a third generation physician (his father a surgeon, his grandfather a family practitioner) who brings his patients years of experience and a focus on treating the “whole” person.
Dr. Khalifa completed his residency in 2003 at Crozer-Keystone Family Practice Residency, an affiliate of Temple University School of Medicine. He was also the elected Chief Resident and recipient of the Resident Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Khalifa is also the President of PentaHealth.
Dr. Khalifa is board certified by the American Board of family practice and has been voted as one of the Top Doctors of the Main Line since 2009. He has also been a recipient of Philadelphia Magazine’s Top Doctors since 2017. Dr. Khalifa is also on the Medical Advisory Board for ACAC Health Center. Dr. Khalifa is on staff at MLH Hospitals as well as Chester County Hospital.
Dr. Khalifa provides for the healthcare needs of the entire family. He personalizes your healthcare with an emphasis on wellness, nutrition and current evidence-based medicine. In other words, Dr. Khalifa is committed to providing you and your family with compassionate, comprehensive healthcare. He offers convenient office hours that are designed to fit the schedules of today’s busy families, both for routine appointments and for same-day “sick” visits.
Nicholas Kalman, D.O. grew up in Newark, Delaware. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware where he studied neuroscience and played tenor saxophone in the jazz band. He earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at the Crozer-Keystone Family Practice Residency in Springfield, PA. During his final year of residency, he was awarded the resident of the year award for excellence in teaching and patient care. He also co-authored a paper discussing cognitive biases in medicine that was published in a peer-reviewed academic journal.
Dr. Kalman is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He joined PentaHealth formerly Gateway Medical Associates in 2018. He enjoys treating a wide variety of medical conditions encountered in family medicine and emphasizes treating the whole person instead of just treating the disease.
He currently lives in Downingtown, PA with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, playing music, cooking, and watching movies.
Dennis Holgado, D.O. grew up locally in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor degree from Villanova University and earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Holgado completed his residency training at the Warren Hospital Family Practice Residency Program, an affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. In 2004 he successfully finished his residency training and was honored by receiving the W. Robert Jacobs, M.D. 16th Annual Resident of the Year Award. In the summer of 2004, Dr. Holgado returned to his hometown area where he currently resides with his wife and three beautiful children and where he now practices family medicine.
Elizabeth Facciolo received her post master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2001 from MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She received her MSN in 1999 as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from Villanova University. She has been a Registered Nurse since 1985.
Elizabeth is an Adjunct Professor in the Nurse Practitioner Program at Villanova University. She is on the Board of Directors at the West Chester Area Senior Center in West Chester, PA. She grew up in Delaware County and resides in Chester Springs. She is committed to giving back to her community, enjoys cooking, entertaining and traveling.
Madeline Wood, MD graduated 1st in her class of 250 from Jefferson Medical College in 1989. After graduation, she completed a family medicine residency program at the Christiana Care Center (The Medical center of Delaware, Christiana Hospital, and A.I. Dupont Hospital).
Dr. Wood is board certified by the American Board of Family Practice and is a member of the American Association of Family Physicians as well as the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She has been in practice since 1992, formerly in Delaware County with Dr. William Carroll.
Dr. Wood also works at various sites of the Devereux Foundation providing medical care for children, adolescents, and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Pediatrics, women’s health issues, and preventative medicine are among her special interests. She recognizes the importance of treating the whole family and being a part of the growth and change of each member.
After completing her BSN in Nursing at the University of Rochester, Ms. Villarini received her Masters Degree as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in 1983 from the University of Pennsylvania. She is Board Certified as a Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Association. She has been an integral part of PentaHealth Family Practice West Chester formerly Gateway Medical Associates since 1996.
Her special interests include women’s health, and diabetes education.
She is a native of West Chester where she resides with her husband. She has two grown children and a grandson.
Laurie was born and raised in the Downingtown area. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at West Chester University in 1999, and subsequently worked for 10 years as an RN. Through that time she worked in Pediatric Oncology at both Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. Laurie also did some medical missions work in rural North India, where she eventually decided to move.
While in India, she worked in a Home for Children, treating leprosy. It was here that Laurie met her husband, and began a family. Eventually, the Taylor family moved to Baltimore, MD where they lived for 4 years. Laurie obtained her MS Family Nurse Practitioner license in 2009 at the University of Maryland. She and her husband have recently moved back into the home where she grew up and are raising 4 boys, along with a big dog and flock of back yard birds. She has worked for 8 years as a Nurse Practitioner, treating patients of all ages in family practice. Laurie’s hobbies include: spending time with her crazy boys, participating in her local church, gardening, cooking, and building things.
Dr. Squire received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and finished her residency training at the Christiana Care Health System. Board Certified in Family Medicine and Geriatrics, Dr. Squire has special interests in sports medicine, pediatrics and women’s health issues. She served as Vice Chairman of the Medical Staff and as Chair of the Patient Safety & Quality Committee at the Chester County Hospital.
She and her husband have four children who force her to travel the country. Having visited 47 states and 34 national parks, Dr. Squire participates in outdoor adventures including hiking and skiing but also thoroughly enjoys music and the arts.
Anita joined PentaHealth, formerly Gateway Medical Associates, in December 2004. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1993 from Neumann College, now Neumann University, and her Master of Science in Nursing in 2004 from the University of Delaware.
Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Delaware County as a Radiologic Technologist and Ultrasonographer. She continued pursuing her undergraduate and graduate degree in Nursing while working and raising her children. As an RN, she worked most of her career on a Cardiac step down unit and Medical ICU.
Anita enjoys working in Family Practice, with a special interest in Adolescence and Women’s Health. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, but especially the time she and her husband can spend with their grandchildren.
After graduating from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Dr. Limpert completed his residency there at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in 1988 and is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He maintains special interests in cancer screening, smoking cessation and minor surgical procedures, including skin biopsies, cryotherapy and wart treatment.
At Chester County Hospital he served as Chairman of the Medical Education Committee for 15 years.
He is married with two children. In addition to the hobbies of bicycling, photography and stamp collecting, he is active in his church.
Dr. Hornick, Board Certified in Family Practice, joined PentaHealth formally Gateway Myers, Squire & Limpert in August 2010. A veteran of the United States Navy and an honors graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Dr. Hornick earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Hornick completed the Lancaster General Family Medicine Residency program in July 2010.
Dr. Hornick is married and resides in West Chester.
Dr. Charles P. Catania is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Hospice Medicine. He received his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine; trained in England; and completed residency at Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury, New Jersey, where he was named Chief Resident in 2009 and served on the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors as the Resident Delegate.
Dr. Catania has been in a private practice setting since 2010 in southern New Jersey and was named “Readers’ Choice Top Doc” in South Jersey Magazine in August 2013.
Dr. Catania has an interest in pediatrics, with an emphasis in genetics due to his previous experiences working at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He also has an interest in minor dermatological procedures, diabetes and adolescent medicine.
He treasures time with his wife, Kimberly, and their two boys, Jack and Joseph. They frequently can be seen on trips to the zoo or just spending quality time with their large extended family. Dr. Catania takes pride in bringing a very personal and friendly experience when caring for his patients and their families.
Dr. Sunoo graduated from Case Western University School of Medicine in 1995 where she also completed her residency. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Sunoo is also a member of both the Chester County and the Pennsylvania Medical societies. Dr. Sunoo has been practicing medicine since 1998 and resides in Exton.
Jean Stretton, M.D., M.B.A. is board certified in Internal Medicine. She started her career as a solo physician in West Chester, PA in the 1980s. In 1996, she joined other independent primary care doctors to form PentaHealth formerly Gateway Medical Associates. From early in her career to the present, Jean has been a strong advocate for patient centered care, effective communication among health professionals and coordinated transitions of care.
In addition to private practice, Jean is a part time medical director for Penn Hospice. Additional interests include improving health information technology, patient and family education, and the unintended consequences of health policy.
Dr. Chin graduated from Cornell University with both a bachelor’s and a master’s in Chemical Engineering before going on to Drexel University where she received her medical degree. She completed her residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Chin is also certified in Plant-Based Nutrition and has a special interest in lifestyle medicine.
A graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Atlas completed his residency at Penn State University, Hershey Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine.
Stacey Yantis joined our practice in 2013 after completing her Family Nurse Practitioner Training from Frontier Nursing University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Delaware in Newark. She has over 27 years of nursing experience and has extensive training both in family practice as well as the treatment of acute and chronic dialysis patients.
Stacey is Board Certified in Family Practice, and her interests include adolescent medicine and well-baby care. She lives in West Chester with her husband and two children and is actively involved with the band and color guard at West Chester East High School.
Dr. Schurtz is a graduate of Rider University, where she was a four-year Presidential Scholar. She received her BS in Biology and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She then attended MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine (now Drexel University College of Medicine) on a full-tuition Merit Scholarship and graduated in 2001. Dr. Schurtz completed her residency from Crozer-Keystone Family Practice Residency program in 2004. While there she received awards for community outreach and patient education. She is a member of the American Medical Association and Pennsylvania Medical Society and is a fellow in the American Academy of Family Practice.
Dr. Schurtz prides herself on creating a compassionate doctor-patient relationship led by the patient. She believes in providing the most up-to-date and evidence-based information to her patients in an effort to allow them to make educated decisions for their health and the health of their family. With this knowledge she hopes that a partnership and commitment to health are forged, and that her patients are empowered in controlling their own health care.
Dr. Schurtz is fluent in Spanish. She lives in Chester County with her family. In her free time, she likes traveling to warmer climates, watching sports and going to the theatre.
Dr. Schleusner was born and raised in Delaware County, PA. She attended Messiah College and graduated magna cum laude in 2009, with a BS in Biology and minor in Psychology. After college, she went on to receive her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where she was a member of the Sigma Zeta Honors Society and recipient of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physician Scholarship. She was also Vice President of Community Service in the Christian Medical Association.
In 2013, Dr. Schleusner joined the Crozer Keystone Family Medicine residency program in Springfield, PA. While there, she was involved in many programs, including the Pediatric Asthma Task Force and the Inpatient Quality Improvement Team. She was Chief Resident in her last year.
Dr. Schleusner joined PentaHealth, formerly Gateway Medical Associates, in 2016. She has special interests in preventive medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health. Her patients are very important to her, and she strives to build relationships with them that facilitate a partnership in their care. She is passionate about family medicine and providing the best care for each patient.
Dr. Schleusner lives Chester County with her family. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling to the beach, crocheting and spin classes.
Dr. Laurie Gallagher is a life-long resident of Chester County. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Albright College in Reading and earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her training with Bryn Mawr Family Practice in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Gallagher is Board Certified in Family Medicine and joined our practice in 2004. In addition to the practice of medicine, she is a physician trainer at the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners Clinical Skills Testing Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
She is interested in fitness and running and resides in Downingtown with her family.
Dr. Frank Brennan was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and grew up in Exton, Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Scranton and earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency at Riverside Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.
Dr. Brennan is Board Certified in Family Practice and is interested in family medicine as well as sports medicine. He is the sideline physician for the Downingtown East Cougars football team and is proud to practice medicine in the town where he grew up.
He resides in Downingtown with his wife and three children and enjoys golfing and skiing.
Dr. Vitasta Bamezai received her medical degree from Patrice Lumumba University School of Medicine in Moscow, Russia, and completed both her residency and internship training in New Delhi, India. Dr. Bamezai also completed clinical rotations in Internal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and completed additional residency training in Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Bamezai is married, has two children, and currently resides in Chester.
Maria DeMario, DO is a Board Certified Family Medicine physician with more than 25 years of experience caring for patients ranging from adolescents to seniors. As a 1991 graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. DeMario’s philosophy of health care is rooted in the principle that the physical and emotional aspects of one’s health are integrated, and are equally important in achieving true wellness. Her approach utilizes an evidence-based and multi-faceted model for optimizing health that is anchored by a unique doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. DeMario also volunteers her time to help safeguard the doctor-patient relationship, and protecting the medical profession. She is a past president of the Delaware County Medical Society, an active voting delegate of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and was recently appointed to the Pennsylvania State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and a 2013 delegate to the National Federation of State Boards.
Dr. DeMario’s interests include personal fitness, vocal performance, and researching proven methods to both better achieve wellness, and support today’s family unit.
Dr. DeMario resides with her husband, Bill, and their two daughters, Sarah and Rachel, in Delaware County.
Because Dr. DeMario is dedicated to treating the whole person — both inside and out — she developed her own esthetic practice within her office nearly a decade ago, called Gianna Skin & Laser. Her mission was to bring state-of-the-art, physician-performed, affordable services to regular people — such as working moms like herself — who would prefer the comfortable, professional environment of a family doctor’s office. Gianna Skin & Laser has grown over the years in response to the needs and concerns of Dr. DeMario’s patients. For more information please go to her website at www.giannaskin.com
Debbie joined PentaHealth Endocrinology formally Endocrine Associates in 2002. She received her BS in Nursing from West Chester University. She came to PentaHealth formerly Gateway Medical Associates with over 17 years of nursing experience, having worked for 12 years in the intensive care unit at Lankenau Hospital where she was a recipient of an award for excellence in nursing.
She received her master’s degree in Nursing at Widener University in 1999 and graduated Summa Cum Laude. Her medical interests include health care and maintenance of patients with various endocrine disorders. She has seen patients daily in the office and on rounds at Chester County Hospital.
She is Board Certified with the Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is also a member of the American Nurses Association, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Critical Care Nurses and Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.
Debbie was born and raised in Philadelphia. She has resided in West Chester since 1992.
Dr. Patel, a Board Certified Endocrinologist, joined PentaHealth Endocrinology formally Endocrinology Associates in December 2016. She completed her internal medicine and pediatric residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. In 2007, she completed her fellowship training in adult and pediatric endocrinology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. She is Board Certified in adult and pediatric endocrinology. She is married with three wonderful children.
Matthew Kane is a Board Certified Endocrinologist and has been practicing in Chester County for the past 30 years. He was raised in Montgomery County, and he attended Devon Prep and St. Joseph’s University. He earned his medical degree from the University of Ottawa in 1984, completed his residency at Bryn Mawr Hospital in 1987 and completed a fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at Temple University in 1989. He is married with three children.
Dr. Chokshi, a Board Certified Endocrinologist, joined PentaHealth Endocrinology formerly Endocrinology Associates in September 2013. She earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in 2008, completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed her fellowship training in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Chokshi is married with two children.
Dr. Bruno, a Board Certified Endocrinologist, joined PentaHealth Endocrinology formerly Endocrinology Associates in July 2010. He earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2004, completed his residency at both Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Mercy Catholic Medical Center, and completed a fellowship in Endocrinology at the State University of New York in Syracuse. Dr. Bruno is married with two children and currently resides in West Chester.
Dr. Alpa Vadher received her MD from Temple University School of Medicine in 1996 with honors and awards in Family Practice. She completed her residency at Hunterdon Medical Center in New Jersey and began her career with Colonial Family Practice in 1999.
She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and a member of the American Medical Association, Chester County Medical Society, Pennsylvania and the American Academy of Family Physicians. She has received the Mainline Top Docs award in 2018-2022 and the Patient’s Choice award in 2009-2019, and America’s Best Physicians award and Exceptional Women In Medicine 2022.
She has been on the Board of directors at PentaHealth formerly Gateway Medical Associates since 2014 and Chester County Hospital since 2021.
She enjoys taking care of the whole family doing comprehensive care with up to date medicine. She has 3 kids and in her spare time she enjoys traveling, dancing, photography, flower arranging, decorating, and keeping an active lifestyle.
Dr. Gene Uhler is from New Jersey where he was born ninth in a family of 11 children. During high school and college, he found that he enjoyed working with children and dedicated a lot of his time to church and camp ministries.
He attended Rutgers University where he studied biology and elementary education. While at Rutgers, Dr. Uhler became interested in medicine and went to medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed his training at the Somerset Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program in Somerville, New Jersey.
Family medicine has always been Dr. Uhler’s chief interest since he started medical school. He enjoys the opportunity to get to know the whole family and to be involved in continuing health care. During his residency, he was chairman of the Patient Education Committee and has a special interest in that aspect of family medicine, as well as pediatrics and preventive medicine.
Dr. Uhler resides in Downingtown with his wife Karen. He has five children and a growing number of grandchildren. Dr. Uhler enjoys nature study, fishing, camping and good books.
Drew Rowan grew up in Newtown Square, PA and graduated from Malvern Prep high school in 2003, after which he attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and four years worth of fond memories of varsity swimming.
From Franklin and Marshall, Dr. Rowan moved to Drexel University where he completed his master’s degree in Medical Science. After receiving his degree, Dr. Rowan then attended Jefferson Medical College, from which he graduated in 2013.
Dr. Rowan completed his residency at Chestnut Hill Hospital in 2016, and is Board Certified in Family Practice. He is a strong proponent of preventative care including cancer screening and vaccination. He has a special interest in office procedures and pediatrics, as well as the management of diabetes and depression.
Outside of work Dr. Rowan enjoys reading, drinking tea, and trying to keep up with his children.
Dr. Marianne Nikas received her medical degree in 1997 from Pennsylvania State University in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and finished her residency training at Chestnut Hill Hospital in 2000. Board Certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Nikas has special interests in preventive medicine, complementary medicine, women’s health, adolescent wellness, geriatric health and dermatologic/orthopedic procedures. Some of her best and most valuable experiences during her education occurred when she was volunteering for the Indian Health Service near Billings, Montana, and at the Good Shepherd Hospital in Swaziland in southern Africa.
Dr. Nikas grew up locally in Malvern and Hershey, and later attended Dartmouth College. She is married and is the mother of two children. In her spare time, Dr. Nikas enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, teaching Sunday School, performing music and skiing. She is very grateful to be working with such wonderful colleagues and staff at PentaHealth Colonial Family Practice formally Gateway Medical Associates since October 2002.
Denise started with PentaHealth formally Gateway Medical Associates in August of 2017. Post High School she served in the Navy for six years. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. After graduation, she worked as a labor and delivery nurse for 15 years. She returned to school in 2012 and earned her Graduate degree and Family Nurse Practitioner Certification from Widener University.
Prior to joining PentaHealth, Denise worked at Honey Brook Family Practice, Tel Hai, Hickory House, and St Martha’s skilled rehabilitation facilities. When Denise is not busy seeing patients, she enjoys hiking, trail running and spending time with her four kids.
Dr. Brian Boucher was born and raised in West Chester, PA, and is a graduate of Bucknell University. He obtained his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, and completed his residency training in Family Practice at Abington Memorial Hospital in Jenkintown, PA. In 2018, he was named one of the Top Doctors by Main Line Today magazine.
Dr. Boucher joined PentaHealth Family Practice in West Chester in September 2022 after 19 years with Colonial Family Practice in Coatesville. He has a special interest in Sports Medicine, joint injections, and dermatology.
He resides in West Chester with his wife and three children, and enjoys ice hockey, golf, and playing his acoustic guitar.
Dr. Briones, a Board Certified Endocrinologist, joined PentaHealth Endocrinology formerly Endocrinology Associates in July 2006. She earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1998, completed her Internal Medicine residency at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, and completed a fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Briones currently resides in Villanova.
