Add Your Heading Text Here

about us

Our Mission

To honor our founder’s values by providing compassionate, accessible healthcare to West Ocala and surrounding areas—cultivating a community of wellness, advocacy, and empowerment for healthier lives.

Our Vision

To build a community where every person has access to compassionate quality healthcare, wellness education, and the resources to live a healthier life.

our History

EBWCHC was birthed from a promise made to the grandmother of Carolyn Adams, Ms. Estella Byrd Whitman. With a vision in mind and a promise in heart, our founders, Arthur and Carolyn Adams along with co-founder, Dr. Pamela Lewin, set out on the journey of establishing a medical home in West Ocala.

While Mr. Adams passed away in 2013, his partners in the quest pushed onward. Through the diligence of the founders, generous donations from local benefactors and the support of city officials, The Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness and Community Resource Center opened its doors in 2018.

As we continue to grow, expand our services, and build upon the foundation of our history and mission; we are excited for the future and the positive impact we will have on the lives we touch. Our vision and goal are to be the preferred Neighborhood Medical Home for NW Ocala and surrounding communities.

Our Board of Directors

Carolyn Adams, APRN
Board Chair

Cynthia Wilson-Graham, PhD ED
Vice-Chair

Robin Clark
Secretary

Jacob Baker

Beverly Baker

Cherrietta Prince

Dolores Clark

Jerry Lorenco

Rev. Eric Cummings

Loy Peddie Williams

Meet Our CEO

Levonda Goodson

Chief Executive Officer

Levonda has been in healthcare for over 24 years as a nurse and in administrative positions. This tenure and positions have afforded her a vast knowledge of clinical and operations of different healthcare settings. With this knowledge she was instrumental in the opening 9 clinical locations and the Program Manager of the COVID-19 vaccine and monoclonal antibody program (2020).

Levonda has her Masters in Healthcare Administration, is certified as part of the Council of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, giving her a thorough understanding of defined measures, analysis, and an improve and control model.

She has served on different community boards and committees, including Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center beginning in 2022.

Levonda is a Marion County native and is dedicated to accessible and affordable healthcare for all that live in Marion County. During her free time Levonda loves traveling, writing poetry, entertaining, and spending time with her family, especially her 2 beautiful grandchildren.

Our Medical Director

Tabatha Rios, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Tabatha Rios, a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician, serves as the Medical Director at Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center. She brings over 20 years of clinical leadership experience. A staunch patient advocate, Dr. Rios is dedicated to advancing collaborative models of care that improve health outcomes by engaging both patients and care teams. EBWCHC aims to improve community health outcomes by offering accessible and affordable medical care to the community.

Dr. Rios earned her MD degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, completing her residency at Cook County Loyola Family Medicine Residency Program in Chicago, IL. With a background as a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse in the emergency room before medical school, she brings a holistic perspective to her medical practice.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, her interests encompass strategic planning, process improvement, and public health policy, with a strong focus on eliminating health and healthcare disparities. Dr. Rios is committed to providing integrated, comprehensive, high-quality care to the medically underserved, disenfranchised, and those facing socioeconomic barriers to accessing healthcare.

Our Providers

Ann Mason

APRN, FNP-C

Ann is APRN certified in Family Medicine with a vast 26-year experience in Military and Civilian clinics.

She began her nursing career earning her Associate Degree in Nursing at Broward College, and went on to earn her Master of Science Degree at Georgia State University. Throughout her career she has been an Adjunct Professor in Primary Care for both Georgia State and Kennesaw Universities, provided care in Correctional Women’s Health, and 13-years in Critical Care Nursing.

Ann received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, is fluent in Spanish, and is passionate about caring for those that may not have access to affordable and quality care.

Katelyn Tello

APRN, FNP-C

Katelyn has over 14 years working in the nursing profession. Graduating from the University of Tampa with a Master of Science in Nursing and Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and American Nurses Credentialing Center. Katelyn has a variety of clinical experience including medical, surgical, primary care and urgent care. She has been a Nurse Practitioner for 3 years. Her passion for what she does comes from her compassionate care and connection she shares with her patients. Katelyn loves being outside, around the water, and making memories with her beautiful family.

Our Ambassadors, Supporters, and Funders

Greater Hopewell Church

Fort King Presbyterian Church

Friend's Recycling

Ann Mackay

Marion County Hospital District