Meet Your Care Team

We look forward to working with you!

You will be helped by a Penn Medicine nurse practitioner and a patient navigator when enrolled in Penn Medicine Healthy Heart. Your navigator will check your text messages. They can answer questions and connect you with resources. Your nurse practitioner will look at your BP numbers and help with medications. The team is led by our medical director, Dr. Marguerite Balasta.

If you are a primary care provider or practice staff person looking for more information, please visit our FAQ or contact us for more information.

Patient Navigators

David Farraday

I have been directly impacted by cardiac events, so I understand the importance of improving heart health. In my free time, I am an active member of my local mineralogical group. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University. Previously, I worked on research studies about using radiation therapy to treat cancer.

Monica Michael, MBS

I want to help people lower their risk of heart disease because I care about helping people have longer and healthier lives. In my free time, I like to stay active and explore new restaurants. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University. I also have a Master of Biomedical Science degree from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.

Klea Profka

I find fulfillment in empowering and guiding patients to reach their health goals. By connecting with patients who have a risk of developing heart disease, my goal is to share information on heart health to help them make informed decision about prevention and ways to lead a healthier life. Outside of work, I enjoy activities that keep me active such as running and hiking. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. I am excited to connect with patients and to be a part of an initiative that expands access to primary care with the goal of improving heart health.

Leslie Reid-Bey

I care about spreading health awareness and providing resources to the community. Away from work, I enjoy playing tennis and spending time with family. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from Lincoln University of PA. I am working on a Masters degree in public health from Grand Canyon University. Previously, I have worked on studies about blood pressure as well as social needs. I gained experience working with the Philadelphia Health Department in the STD and HIV Unit as a Disease Intervention Specialist.

Jordan Sigler

As a former track athlete, I am interested in how lifestyle changes like nutrition and exercise can combat heart disease and transform our mental well-being. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, art, reading, and activities in nature. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with minors in neuroscience and kinesiology from Penn State University.

Doron Shore

I care about supporting patients with long term health challenges, especially heart health. I want to make my community, Philadelphia and Penn Medicine patients, healthier and live better lives. In my free time, I like to work out, play ultimate frisbee, and hangout with my cat, Tulie. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in public health from American University. I will earn my Master’s in public health from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2024. I have five years of experience working on issues like HIV, COVID-19, and connecting patients with Community Health Workers.

Zakiya Walker

I am most passionate about our ability to guide patients to increased health autonomy with realistic, actionable and community based strategies. My favorite hobby would have to be learning about new cultures through cooking! I have my Bachelor's degrees from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in biology and minor in Spanish.

Nurse Practitioners

Ayisha Arshad, MSN

I’m a family nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience caring for patients. I worked for several years at Penn Internal Medicine University City in Philadelphia. I care a lot about preventing chronic disease including heart disease. I regularly see the negative impact that heart disease has my patients' quality of life and longevity. I have my Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science in Nursing degree from Thomas Jefferson University. Outside of work, traveling is one of my life passions. I visited six countries in 2023 - and I hope to continue exploring the world!

Kristen Reeser, CRNP

I am a family nurse practitioner in Lancaster County. I have been a nurse practitioner in primary care for the past eight years. Before that, I worked as a nurse at Lancaster General Hospital on a cardiovascular unit. At the hospital, I worked closely with patients with heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms. This gave me a strong desire to help patients prevent heart disease and avoid the many complications related to heart disease. I love helping my patients reach their health goals and work towards being their healthiest selves! I earned my degrees at Kutztown University and Walden University. I am an avid Penn State fan and enjoy spending my free time with my sons and Great Dane in the mountains. I look forward to being a part of your Penn Medicine Healthy Heart experience!

Clinical Oversight

Marguerite Balasta, M.D., Penn Medicine Healthy Heart Medical Director

As a primary care provider, I value prevention. Chronic disease has a daily impact on my patients, especially heart health. I did my internal medicine residency at Yale University. I joined the University of Pennsylvania in 2015 where I've worked on medical education, clinical operations, and population health. I spend as much time as possible traveling and traipsing around outside with my family.

Wendell Kellum, MD

I work as a family physician in Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Care Connections program. I am excited to participate with the Penn Medicine Healthy Heart team providing new ways for people to engage in self-care and improve their heart health. Outside of work, I love being outdoors – gardening, hiking, biking, or boating.

John Wood, MD, MBA, FAAFP

For most of my career, I have worked with patients who are at risk of chronic disease and have limited access to care. In 2013, I helped start the LG Health Care Connections program, an award-winning clinic focused on care of patients who have very complex medical issues. I split my time between treating patients and working as Medical Director for Penn Medicine LGHealth Physicians. I treat each patient as a partner. Together, we work toward a common goal. Communication with my patients and their caregivers is essential to providing the best care.

Project Manager

Kayla Clark, MPH

I am a project manager working on the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) initiative. Prior to joining the team, I worked with the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit and the Penn Center for Community Health Workers. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Davidson College and my Master’s in public health from the University of Pennsylvania.