Clinical Team

At the Center, we are dedicated to your personal evolution in body, mind and spirit. Our team is experienced, dedicated and determined. We are passionately committed to our clients, our practice, our company, our community and ourselves. Our masterful Clinical Team will meet you on your journey wherever you are and create a customized experience. We will guide you with compassion, respect and love to embrace the change you need today.

Penny Stern, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACOEM DiplABLM

Chief, Preventive & Lifestyle Medicine, Katz Institute for Women’s Health

Dr Stern is the Chief, Preventive & Lifestyle Medicine at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and the Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology, and Prevention. She leads Northwell’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) group as the AVP of Medical Education. Her Lifestyle Medicine practice is located at the Northwell Center for Wellness and Integrative Medicine. Deeply involved in public health education, she routinely presents to dozens of community and workplace groups each year, as well as at various Northwell sites.

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Deborah McElligott, DNP, ANP-BC, AHN-BC, HWNC-BC

Integrative Health and Wellness Coach

Deborah McElligott, DNP, ANP-BC, AHN-BC, HWNC-BC, CDE, is a board certified Adult and Holistic Nurse Practitioner, an Integrative Health and Wellness Coach and a Certified Diabetes Educator. Her nursing career spans 40 years (30 with Northwell) with experience in Cardiac Surgery, Integrative Medicine, Administration and Education.

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Joseph Merz

Licensed Massage Therapist

With over five years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, Joseph specializes in Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, and Swedish massage. He’s also skilled in Reflexology and Prenatal Massage.

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Sandy Ochman

Licensed Massage Therapist & Nationally Board-Certified Reflexologist

Sandy received her BSc from University of Illinois, is a licensed massage therapist and nationally board-certified reflexologist. She has over 30 years of experience in clinical, integrative programs, and spa environments. Sandy continues to demonstrate her commitment to lifelong learning by advancing her training in reflexology and oncology massage.

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