MEET THE TEAM
Built from experience. Backed by care. Led by real humans who show up.
We’re a growing team of licensed providers, support staff, and real patients who’ve been through it. Anava was founded by someone who lived the struggle — and now we’re here to do it better. Our team brings clinical experience, compassion, and zero judgment to every consult.
Dr. Phillip Ulyanovskiy, MD
Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician | Supervising Physician, Anava Health
Dr. Phillip Ulyanovskiy is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with over a decade of experience in high-acuity inpatient care, telemedicine, and clinical leadership. He currently serves as a Chief Hospitalist and Academic Teaching Physician across two major trauma centers — a Level 1 in New York and a Level 2 in Connecticut — where he trains and mentors medical residents while managing complex hospital cases.
In addition to his inpatient roles, Dr. Ulyanovskiy is the Medical Director for IV Medicine and Wound Care across Florida and Michigan, overseeing six outpatient clinics and home-based patient care programs. He is also a Supervising and Collaborating Physician for advanced practice providers nationwide.
Dr. Ulyanovskiy’s areas of expertise include:
• Testosterone Therapy & Hormone Optimization
• Lifestyle & Weight Loss Medicine
• Post-Acute & Skilled Nursing Facility Care
• Medical Marijuana (palliative use)
At Anava Health, Dr. Ulyanovskiy serves as a Collaborating Physician, ensuring clinical oversight and compliance across multiple states while supporting our mission to provide safe, personalized, and patient-centered care — especially in the areas of weight management, metabolic wellness, and hormone support.
Licensed in over 40 states, he plays a critical role in expanding access to high-quality telehealth services across the country.
Jay Patel, MD - Board-Certified Internal Medicine Physician
Dr. Patel is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician who grew up in Georgia and completed his medical training in Michigan after attending the University of Michigan. He currently practices as a hospitalist, providing care across every hospital setting from observation units to the ICU.
In addition to hospital medicine, Dr. Patel serves as a Medical Director for Hospice, where he helps patients and families navigate end-of-life care with dignity and compassion. Through telemedicine, he expands his practice to support patients in both high- and low-acuity settings, ensuring access to high-quality, evidence-based care.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Patel is an avid sports fan and enjoys cheering on his favorite teams. He is excited to bring his expertise and passion to Anava Health, helping patients achieve their goals with the highest standards of care.
Maylin Chen, MSN, FNP-BC
Maylin was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing from the UCLA School of Nursing, with a focus in family medicine.
Her career spans both traditional brick-and-mortar clinics and innovative telemedicine settings, where she’s developed a passion for using technology to deliver accessible, high-quality care.
With a special focus on obesity medicine and longevity, Maylin is dedicated to supporting patients on their journey toward lasting wellness.
As a strong advocate for patient access and empowerment, she joined Anava to continue providing timely, compassionate care that meets patients where they are—without barriers or judgment.
Brandi Stone Johnson, ACNP-BC
Brandi is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of experience as a healthcare provider and more than 20 years in the medical field. She is dedicated to assisting patients in achieving their health goals through care that is both compassionate and evidence-based.
At Anava, Brandi brings a thoughtful, whole-person approach to every patient interaction—recognizing that true wellness is rooted in both physical health and the emotional, mental, and lifestyle factors that support it. Her strong clinical background allows her to manage complex conditions with confidence, while her warm, patient-centered style creates a space where individuals feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
Brandi is especially passionate about helping patients take an active role in their care journey. Whether guiding someone through a new diagnosis or helping them fine-tune long-term wellness strategies, she leads with empathy, clarity, and a deep respect for each person’s unique path to health.
Outside of work, Brandi enjoys running, traveling, and spending quality time with her family—experiences that keep her grounded, energized, and connected to what matters most.
Shelia Hashemy, FNP
Shelia Hashemy is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong passion for accessible, patient-first care. With a background rooted in clinical excellence and a heart for connection, she supports patients on their weight loss and wellness journeys with both medical insight and genuine empathy.
At Anava, Shelia is known for creating a safe, encouraging space where patients feel seen, heard, and capable of reaching their goals. Her mission is to meet people where they are and help them move forward with confidence, clarity, and care they can trust.
Kiana Jackson, Founder & CEO - CNA, MA
Kiana Jackson is the Founder and CEO of Anava Health, a clinic built from lived experience and a bold vision for better care. With over seven years in patient care as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant, Kiana saw firsthand how patients were often left confused by inconsistent pricing, impersonal systems, and a lack of real support.
Her own weight loss journey deepened that perspective—showing her how much patients truly need clear guidance, compassionate care, and providers who listen. Out of that, Anava was born: a modern telehealth clinic designed to bring patients affordability, accessibility, and authenticity.
Today, Kiana continues to support Anava’s clinical team by providing wellness instruction, injection guidance, and patient education—ensuring every patient feels empowered and cared for throughout their journey.
But Anava isn’t just her story. It’s powered by a team of dedicated providers and staff who share the same commitment to transparency, empathy, and real results. Together, they’ve built a space where patients feel supported, not judged—and where transformation actually feels possible.
Looking ahead, Kiana is beginning her own nursing path to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), furthering her ability to serve patients directly while continuing to grow Anava with the same values it started with: Honesty, Empathy, and Community.
Finette Gress, APRN-C
With 17 years of experience in primary care, Finette Gress is a seasoned Nurse Practitioner who brings both clinical expertise and calm, compassionate support to every patient interaction. She’s passionate about helping individuals reach their health and weight loss goals in a way that feels empowering and sustainable — not overwhelming.
At Anava, Finette is known for her thoughtful approach, her ability to simplify complex health information, and her dedication to meeting patients where they are. Whether you’re just getting started or restarting your journey, she’s here to guide you with care that’s grounded, realistic, and truly patient-first.
Rachel McLeod, NP
Rachel has been a Nurse Practitioner for over five years, with experience in Obesity Medicine, Primary Care, Urgent Care, and Mental Health. She is passionate about supporting patients through their weight loss and wellness journeys with care that is personalized, compassionate, and effective.
Originally from Virginia and now living in North Carolina, Rachel combines her clinical expertise with a genuine dedication to patient success. She believes in empowering individuals to reach their goals while feeling understood and supported every step of the way.
When she’s not caring for patients, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog. She also loves concerts, comedy shows, trying new foods, and traveling.