Meet the Extivita RTP Team

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DR. JAMES STEVENS
Medical Director
MD, CAQSM, ABAARM, FAAFP

Dr. James “Jay” Stevens earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Medicine from East Carolina University School of Medicine. He completed a Family Practice Residency at the Fairfax Family Practice Program at the Medical College of Virginia and the first Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1991. He is Board Certified in both Family Practice and Anti-aging Medicine. He also as a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. In 2003 he founded Carolina Family Practice & Sports Medicine with locations in Cary, Raleigh, and Holly Springs, NC. He has served as the Team Physician for the National Hockey League’s 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes since their arrival in 1997. He serves as Company Physician for the Carolina Ballet as well.

In 2009, his commitment to helping his patients create healthy lifestyles for long-term wellness, along with his desire to provide the highest quality health care services, motivated Dr. Stevens to establish Essential Health & Wellness (EHW). EHW offers its patients a comprehensive health care service tailored around their busy schedules with the goal of optimizing their performance and longevity.

In 2018, he continued this commitment to long-term wellness of his patients by becoming the Medical Director at Extivita RTP, a hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility with two, twelve seat treatment chambers in the Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC.

Dr. Stevens is also a Fellow in both the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and the American Academy of Family Practice. He is a member of the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine International.

Dr. Stevens lives in Cary, NC with his wife, Dr. Patience Stevens. They have three sons Eric, James, and Timothy. He is passionate about surfing, triathlon and almost any form of exercise.

Elena | Meet the RTP Team

ELENA SCHERTZ, NP
Clinic Manager

Elena is from Southfield, MI but has lived in the Chapel Hill/Durham area for over 20 years. Elena attained her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University and received her Masters of Science in Nursing from Simmons University in Boston, MA. She also received a diploma in energy medicine from the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. She has been practicing integrative medicine since 2010 and is certified as a mindfulness practitioner. Elena is currently working on her certification in functional medicine from the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Elena worked as a nurse in the pediatric oncology, cardiac, and surgical units at UNC hospitals for 15 years before deciding to work in integrative medicine. After years of working as a nurse, she decided to pursue her graduate degree, completing her masters with honors. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Elena’s passion for integrative medicine comes from her knowledge that the mind, body and psych/social/spiritual systems are not separate. The focus of Elena’s practice is to approach each of her patient’s healing process from the perspective of the whole, supported and grounded in safety and evidence-based medicine. She also maintains close consultative relationships with experts in the field to promote and enhance wellness for her patients. Elena joined the wonderful Extivita team in March 2019 and is thrilled to be a part of advancing health and wellness through hyperbaric medicine.

Elena currently lives in Durham with her 3 teenage children and her dog. She loves to be active, bikes, runs, does yoga and spends as much time outdoors when she can.

JACKIE FAZ, LPN
Assistant Clinic Manager

Jackie is originally from Westchester, NY, she has lived in the Raleigh/Durham area for over 5 years. Jackie received her nursing license from ECPI University in Greenville, SC. She has over 15 years of experience in medical/surgical units, labor and delivery, emergency room, phlebotomy, geriatrics, rehabilitation units, pediatric department and home health. In addition, Jackie also served as a combat medic in the Army for over 13 years.

Jackie joined the Extivita team in September 2018 as the Assistant Nurse Manager. She loves working in the health care field and plans to return to school in the future to earn her degree as a registered nurse.

She currently lives in Knightdale with here 3 kids and her dog, Rouge. She loves music of all genres and spending time outdoors. You will find her swinging in her hammock during her lunch breaks!

Mills | Meet the RTP Team

MILLS LEBO
Office manager

Meet Mills, the friendly face that greets you at our front desk. A proud 2020 graduate of Auburn University, Mills earned her degree in Rehab and Disability Studies, equipping her with the knowledge and passion to serve our patients effectively.

Whether you have a question, need assistance, or just want to chat, Mills is always eager to help. Her warm and welcoming demeanor ensures that every patient feels comfortable and well-taken care of from the moment they walk in.

Outside of the office, Mills is an avid beach-goer, finding solace and relaxation by the ocean waves. And when it comes to college basketball, you’ll find her sporting her Carolina blue and cheering fervently for the Tar Heels.

Kevin Solano Extivita Official

Kevin Solano
Neurofeedback Coach

Kevin Solano, Originally from Long Island, NY, I relocated to North Carolina in October 2023 to continue growing both personally and professionally. I’ve been an EMT since 2021 and am also a Certified Hyperbaric Technician and Safety Director, passionate about delivering quality care with compassion and confidence.

Healthcare isn’t just my career—it’s a calling. I take pride in creating a comfortable, positive environment for patients, using humor and kindness to bring a few smiles along the way. Outside of work, I love to travel and have explored multiple countries in my free time, always eager to experience new cultures and perspectives.

Shelby McKnight Extivita

Shelby McKnight
Wellness Coordinator

Shelby McKnight is a seasoned professional with six years of management experience in customer service. She honed her academic foundation at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), where she studied sports medicine and minored in communications, reflecting her dual commitment to health and effective communication.

As a proud alumna of Sigma Kappa sorority, Shelby deeply values sisterhood and community, embodying her dedication to collaboration and mutual support.

Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Shelby is passionate about outdoor activities and maintains a disciplined fitness routine. Her love for physical activity is inspired by her background as a competitive cheerleader, which highlights her strong dedication to teamwork and perseverance. With a heart for service, a solid background in sports medicine and communications, and a zest for spreading joy, Shelby McKnight is a multifaceted individual making a meaningful impact in both her professional and personal life.

Stephanie Extivita Website

Stephanie Comeau
Veteran Treatment Coordinator

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Stephanie Comeau made her way to Raleigh, North Carolina eight years ago — and never looked back. Now proudly calling Raleigh home, she brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of humanity to her role as Veteran Care Coordinator at Extivita.

With a natural knack for connecting with people, Stephanie is known for making patients feel comfortable, cared for, and genuinely seen. Before joining the healthcare world, she spent seven years in the restaurant industry, where she discovered her passion for people (and a talent for bartending). These days, she likes to say her patients are her new “regulars” — and they’d agree.

Quick with a joke and big on empathy, Stephanie blends professionalism with personality. Outside of work, she’s usually hanging out with her pride and joy — a very spoiled pup named Wiz — and keeping life light with her signature goofy charm.

Garrett Abdalla Extivita Website

Garrett Abdalla
Hyperbaric Technician Assistant

My name is Garrett Abdalla I am from Raleigh North Carolina. I went to college at James Madison University where I studied Business Management and was pre Physician Assistant. In my free time I love watching sports with friends and family and playing guitar and piano. I also volunteer as an EMT at an EMS station in Youngsville. I hope to be a Physician Assistant and Chief of a Volunteer EMS agency one day! 

 

Ibrahim Riyami Extivita Website

Ibrahim Riyami
Hyperbaric Technician Assistant 

My name is Ibrahim Riyami, I’m a Hyperbaric Technician/Tender at Extivita. I graduated from NC State and have a passion for both healthcare and lifelong learning. Outside of work, I’m a dedicated sports fan, rooting for the New York Giants, Phoenix Suns, and Real Madrid. I enjoy exploring new places and cultures whenever I get the chance, always seeking out opportunities to experience the world.

Jason Seago Hyperbaric Tender | Extivita

JASON SEAGO
Hyperbaric Tender

Jason Seago’s dedication to safety and service resonates not just in one, but in multiple vital professions. Part-time HBOT tender, Jason’s primary calling is as a firefighter—a role he has passionately embraced for a phenomenal 28 years. Zebulon Fire Department has been fortunate to have his expertise and commitment for 24 of those years. Further enhancing his professional repertoire, Jason is not only a North Carolina Fire Inspector but also a certified EMT, ensuring that he’s equipped to respond to a diverse range of emergencies. 

Outside the realms of fire and medical service, Jason’s interests are as varied as they are intriguing. An avid cyclist, he not only conquers roads but also mountains as a mountaineer guide. But the rhythm of his life isn’t just defined by his professions and adventures; it’s also echoed in his music. As the lead guitarist and song writer for “Dog Named Steve”, Jason continues to strike chords both in his career and personal passions.