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Our Team

  • Executive Director: Estefany Barajas Valadez

    Estefany grew up in Newport, North Carolina. She began her journey with the clinic as a high school volunteer, demonstrating an early passion for healthcare and community service. Estefany went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with minors in Medical Anthropology and Spanish for the Medical Profession.

  • Assistant Director: Stephanie Passmore

    Stephanie was born and raised in Beaufort, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, with a concentration in Community Health, from East Carolina University. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

  • Clinical Coordinator: Eva Jusino

    Eva holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Administration from the University of Puerto Rico. She is a Certified Medical Biller through the Medical Billers Association of Puerto Rico (AFAMEP) in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and also a Certified Personnel Administrator from the Advanced School of Personnel Administration in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

    With over eight years of experience in medical office administration, Eva brings extensive expertise in managing healthcare operations, billing processes, and personnel administration. Her dedication and professionalism contribute significantly to the smooth functioning of medical practices and patient services

  • Patient Advocate: Katie Bragan

    Originally from New England, Katie made Morehead City, NC her home in 1996. While raising her children, she worked in local restaurants as a cook before transitioning into the healthcare field as a certified Peer Support Specialist in North Carolina.

    Katie joined Broad Street Clinic 11 years ago as a patient advocate and has been an integral part of the clinic family ever since. Her passion for helping others and making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients is at the heart of everything she does.

  • Patient Advocate: Norma Gardner

    Norma is a proud Beaufort, NC native who brings decades of experience and dedication to Broad Street Clinic. She earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from East Carolina University and went on to complete a Master’s in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

    Before returning to North Carolina, Norma served as a nursing home administrator in Virginia for over 16 years. Since retiring, she has been a vital part of Broad Street Clinic for more than 18 years—volunteering as a patient advocate and serving as the clinic’s safety manager. Her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

  • Patient Advocate: Pam Robinson

    Pam is a lifelong Carteret County resident and graduate of West Carteret High School in Morehead City, NC. She went on to attend East Carolina University before beginning her career with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, where she served as a License Examiner for 16 years—including five years as Lead Examiner.

    In 1998, Pam stepped away from full-time work to stay home with her daughter. Once her daughter started school, Pam returned to the workforce and found her calling as a Patient Advocate at Broad Street Clinic. For the past 15 years, she has been a valued member of the clinic team, continuing to serve with dedication and compassion for the patients who rely on our care.

  • Bookkeeper: Melissa Covington

    Information Coming Soon

  • Mary Elesha, MSN, MS, RN, FNP-BC

    Mary Elesha is a highly accomplished healthcare professional with multiple degrees from East Carolina University, including a BSN, MSN, MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification.

    She has a diverse background in both education and clinical practice, having served as a faculty member in ECU’s College of Nursing and worked in Family Medicine and Geriatrics at ECU Health. In addition to her clinical expertise, Mary is also a certified fitness instructor, teaching dance fitness, strength, and toning classes. She has a special interest in how diet and exercise contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

    A longtime volunteer at Broad Street Clinic, Mary is passionate about delivering compassionate, whole-person care and supporting patients on their journey to better health.

  • Diane Meelheim, MSN, JD, FNP-BC, Colonel, Retired, US Army Reserve

    Diane is originally from Kinston, North Carolina, and brings an exceptional breadth of experience to the Broad Street Clinic. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by both a Family Nurse Practitioner degree and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from East Carolina University. She later completed her J.D. at the UNC School of Law.

    Throughout her career, Diane has served in a wide range of roles, including Staff Nurse, Clinical Instructor, Legal Research Teaching Assistant, Attorney, and Assistant Executive Director of the North Carolina Medical Board. She also dedicated 27 years of service to the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Colonel.

    Diane has been widely recognized for her contributions in both the medical and legal fields. She has received numerous honors, including multiple Army Commendation Medals. Her work has been published in both medical and legal publications.

    Diane has been a valued member of the Broad Street Clinic team since 2018.

  • Dr. Matthew G. Troxler

    Dr. Troxler is a native of Concord, North Carolina and a graduate of NC State University (Class of 1980), where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He went on to receive his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University’s College of Podiatric Medicine.

    Following his doctorate, Dr. Troxler completed a residency in Foot and Ankle Surgery at Brent General Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He began his professional career in private practice in Burlington, NC from 1986 to 1995, before joining the Kernodle Clinic, a multispecialty group practice, where he worked from 1995 to 2011. He continued with the Kernodle Clinic–Duke until his retirement in 2021.

    Dr. Troxler brings decades of expertise to Broad Street Clinic and continues to serve patients with dedication and compassion.

  • Dr. Paul Woodard

    Dr. Woodard brings a distinguished career in medicine and education to Broad Street Clinic, where he has volunteered for over 13 years and currently serves as Chairman of the Board. He began his academic journey at UNC–Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics on a ROTC scholarship through the U.S. Air Force. He continued on to NC State University, where he completed a Master of Science in Physics. After serving on active duty and transitioning into the Air Force Reserves, Dr. Woodard pursued his medical degree at the UNC–Chapel Hill School of Medicine, followed by a residency in Anesthesiology at UNC Hospitals.

    Dr. Woodard went on to spend 30 years at Wake Anesthesiology Associates at WakeMed Hospital, where he served as the Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology. He is a past President of the North Carolina Society of Anesthesiologists and served for 10 years as a national delegate to the American Society of Anesthesiology. In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Woodard co-founded the Raleigh School of Nurse Anesthesia, serving as President and Medical Director for 22 years. He was also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the UNC–Greensboro School of Nursing. For his lifelong dedication to education and public service, Dr. Woodard was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest honors. Dr. Woodard’s commitment to accessible, compassionate healthcare continues through his leadership and volunteer work at Broad Street Clinic.

  • Dr. Mary Katherine Lawrence

    Dr. Lawrence is an endocrinologist who earned her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine, completed her residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and went on to complete her fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As one of the founders of the Broad Street Clinic, she has dedicated over 30 years to serving its patients while also contributing extensively to the well-being of the local community.

  • Dr. Arthur Klose

    Dr. Klose earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed two years of general surgery training at Vanderbilt before returning to UNC Chapel Hill to specialize in urology.

    For over 33 years, Dr. Klose practiced as a private urologist in Morehead City. Recognizing a need in the community, he became one of the founding physicians of the Broad Street Clinic in 1993 and has been dedicated to serving patients here ever since.

  • Dr. Barbara Pohlman

    Dr. Pohlman has been a dedicated provider at the Broad Street Clinic since 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Gustavus Adolphus College before completing her medical degree at the University of Minnesota. She went on to obtain a Master of Public Health with a specialization in Environmental Health, also from the University of Minnesota.

    Dr. Pohlman completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center, followed by a second residency in Occupational Medicine at St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center. She spent 30 years in private practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine before bringing her extensive expertise to the Broad Street Clinic.

  • Dr. Darryl Falls

    Dr. Darryl Falls grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and has built a distinguished career grounded in both science and service. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Geology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD).

    Following medical school, Dr. Falls completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at New Hanover Memorial Hospital. He also served with in the United States Navy for 23 years, combining his commitment to medicine with a deep dedication to service.

    After retiring from military service, Dr. Falls practiced in Morehead City for approximately 30 years, providing high-quality care to his community. For the past 12+ years, he has continued that mission as a volunteer physician at the Broad Street Clinic, helping to expand access to care for those in need.

  • Dr. Joel Schnieder

    Information Coming Soon

  • Dr. David Talbot

    Information Coming Soon

  • Dr. Sajeev Vettichira

    Dr. Vettichira is a highly experienced physician with more than 20 years of clinical practice. He received his medical degree from Kasturba Medical College and went on to complete his residency at Wright State University. He later pursued a fellowship at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, further refining his expertise in complex and critical patient care.

    He s board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine. His areas of specialization include the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia, sleep apnea, asthma, and other respiratory and sleep-related conditions.

    Dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care, Dr. Vettichira brings extensive knowledge and a patient-centered approach to every individual he treats.

  • Dr. Millie Warren

    Dr. Millie Warren completed her undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science and graduating with honors. She was awarded the prestigious Intramural Research Training Award from the National Institutes of Health for her outstanding academic and research achievements.

    She went on to attend the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, followed by a pediatric internship at East Carolina University. Dr. Warren then completed her Dermatology Residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where she further developed her clinical expertise.

    Board certified in Dermatology, Dr. Warren is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and is currently accepting new patients.

  • Donna Shelton, P.A.

    Donna graduated from the Duke University Physician Assistant Program in 2007 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Elon University in 2005. Before transitioning into psychiatric care, she gained valuable clinical experience working in Radiation Oncology.

    Her areas of expertise and interest include General Psychiatry, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic Disorders, ADD/ADHD, and Substance Abuse/Dependence. She is also deeply committed to supporting individuals with serious medical illnesses and providing compassionate care to their loved ones.

  • Dr. Curtiss Merrick

    New Provider. Information Coming Soon

  • Kristin Ferree, FNP

    Information Coming Soon

  • Rendon Nelson

    Dr. Nelson is a highly respected abdominal imaging and interventional radiology specialist with more than three decades of experience, including 25 years at Duke Health. A Professor of Radiology and member of the Duke Cancer Institute, he brings deep expertise in liver, pancreatic, gallbladder, and biliary diseases, along with extensive research experience across ultrasound, CT, MRI, and image-guided procedures.