Meet our Team
Dr. Marianela Lavena
I've always felt a calling to serve as an instrument for healing and to improve the quality of life for those around me. This is perhaps because I grew up watching my father derive deep fulfillment from his work as a doctor.
Being a doctor has always been, and will always be, my life's purpose. I see immense value in contributing to the world by aiding others in their healing process and in their journey to find purpose in life. I firmly believe that my medical knowledge, along with my unconditional kindness and acceptance, are instrumental in creating a safe space for my patients to heal.
My medical journey began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I received my initial education and completed the first few years of my career in an Internal Medicine residency. When I moved to the US in 2005, I shifted my focus to Family Medicine. Since then, I've continuously expanded my understanding of the role of Functional and Mind-Body Medicine in health and wellness.
In my teens and into my twenties, I suffered from debilitating migraines and anxiety. I was able to completely resolve these issues by changing my diet, becoming more physically active, and taking care of my mind and spirit through yoga, meditation, and my personal spiritual practices. Through these measures, I was able to rewire my brain, alter my body's chemistry, and began to live a meaningful life. I underwent a transformative change in my body and mind that I never thought possible; I had always assumed my migraines, anxiety, and reactivity were due to my genetic makeup and were inescapable. However, I was wrong. This is why I am so passionate about Integrative Medicine, root cause analysis, and self-love and care.
I experienced this transformation while I was doing my Family Medicine residency. Since then, I have been studying and practicing different ancient approaches used for healing and well-being in various cultures for thousands of years, including Qigong, Taichi, and various meditative practices.
Working on my physical, spiritual, and mental well-being has not only changed my life but also the lives of those around me. When you heal and learn the importance of self-care, you motivate, inspire, and influence others.
Being a doctor has always been a significant calling for me, but I also deeply cherish being a parent. Thanks to my healing journey, I have been able to be more loving and present for my four beautiful boys and husband. I've been able to model self-care, kindness to oneself, and, most importantly, authenticity, respect, compassion, and kindness.
I now look forward to welcoming you to walk this path of healing and transformation with me. I firmly believe that higher emotions and elevated levels of consciousness - like love, gratitude, compassion, kindness, and peace - influence our gene expression and our health. I believe in being the change we want to see in the world, and in the innate goodness of every human being. I firmly hold that happiness, along with physical and emotional wellness, is possible and a right for every human being.
Let me and my team walk with you on this new journey.
Melissa Heffron MSN, FNP-C, AFMC Practitioner
Monica Dohnert, Certified Coach, Mindfulness Teacher
Monica Dohnert, Certified Coach, Mindfulness Teacher
Melissa, a certified family nurse practitioner, has a strong passion for integrative health. She has nearly a decade of healthcare experience, with a significant portion dedicated to integrative medicine at The Rothfeld Center for Integrative Medicine. Here, she specialized in administering IV nutrient infusions, allergy care, and mainta
Melissa, a certified family nurse practitioner, has a strong passion for integrative health. She has nearly a decade of healthcare experience, with a significant portion dedicated to integrative medicine at The Rothfeld Center for Integrative Medicine. Here, she specialized in administering IV nutrient infusions, allergy care, and maintaining patient relationships.
A graduate of Northeastern University with a Master's degree, she's also certified by the School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM). Her personal experiences with health challenges enrich her empathy for patients. Outside of work, Melissa is a new mom who enjoys family time, outdoor activities, yoga, and cooking new recipes
Monica Dohnert, Certified Coach, Mindfulness Teacher
Monica Dohnert, Certified Coach, Mindfulness Teacher
Monica Dohnert, Certified Coach, Mindfulness Teacher
Monica's life journey led her from Venezuela to the United States, fueled by a passion for self-discovery and healing. While excelling as a Systems Engineer and earning a master's degree in Communications and International Relations, her heart remained devoted to exploring alternative healing methods.
Certified as a coach, Mónica integrat
Monica's life journey led her from Venezuela to the United States, fueled by a passion for self-discovery and healing. While excelling as a Systems Engineer and earning a master's degree in Communications and International Relations, her heart remained devoted to exploring alternative healing methods.
Certified as a coach, Mónica integrated coaching, meditation, and movement into community programs. Personal challenges in 2006 sparked profound spiritual growth and an exploration of healing therapies like Reiki, Bach Flower Therapy, Ayurvedic nutrition, and Western Herbalism.
In 2021, Mónica achieved certification as a mindfulness and meditation teacher, now inspiring personal and collective transformation. Fluent in Spanish and English, she conducts classes both in-person and online, fostering diverse connections.
Embracing a new chapter, Mónica dives into sound healing studies. Residing in Lexington, USA, with her husband and three children, she walks her path with gratitude and purpose.
Sara Raimundo, VP of Operations and Member Success
Monica Dohnert, Certified Coach, Mindfulness Teacher
Sara Raimundo, VP of Operations and Member Success
Sara is the VP of operations and member services at Inner Healing Medical. She has over two decades of experience in integrative healthcare administration, most of which she spent at The Rothfeld Center for Integrative Medicine. There, she learned the importance of treating the whole person, using alternative modalities to heal patients,
Sara is the VP of operations and member services at Inner Healing Medical. She has over two decades of experience in integrative healthcare administration, most of which she spent at The Rothfeld Center for Integrative Medicine. There, she learned the importance of treating the whole person, using alternative modalities to heal patients, and that a patient’s healing starts at the moment they walk through the door.
Sara received her Bachelor of Science in Health at Curry College. She’s always had a passion for helping people and is thrilled to help you with your journey at Inner Healing Medical.
In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with her partner, Adam, and their 3 children and dogs. She enjoys hiking, biking, fitness and trying new recipes!