To deliver accessible, quality healthcare to individuals and families, especially those facing barriers to care, through compassion, respect, and a commitment to community well-being.
To be a sustainable, innovative, and responsive healthcare provider, expanding services and access to meet the evolving needs of the community.
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.
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.
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 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.
Keya Chalk Walker, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner at Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center, with nearly 20 years of nursing experience serving diverse, underserved populations. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (2007), her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University (2014), and her Master of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University (2020).
Keya is deeply committed to health equity, preventive care, and patient empowerment. Beyond her clinical work, she actively volunteers at local health fairs and free clinics, continuing her mission to uplift and support her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
819 NW 7th St.
Ocala, FL 34475
Monday-Thursday:
8am–4pm
Friday: 8am–2pm
352.875.2226
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