About

Our Mission

At Synergy, our goal is to empower heart patients with an affordable, long-term path to better health through a variety of supportive programs designed to create meaningful, lasting lifestyle change.

Meet the Synergy Team

Dr. Nehu Patel

Nehu C. Patel, MD, has a primary focus on the prevention, treatment, and management of patients with cardiovascular and related diseases. He has enjoyed living in Jacksonville since moving here from Chicago in 2004. His wife and three beautiful daughters share a love for family and traveling to new places around the globe. Dr. Patel is greatly galvanized by the concept of ‘selfless service’ namely done by BAPS charities. He organizes a yearly non-profit Health Fairs at their local Hindu temple as well as Walkathons and other fundraisers for various charities and groups. “My philosophy in treatment of the complex heart patient is empowerment and accountability. I carefully listen to the concerns of the patient and together we are able to formulate a plan of care for their heart or vascular disease."

Dr. Salil Patel

Salil Patel, MD, FACC, is proud to bring his experience in caring to his hometown Jacksonville community. In addition to performing coronary and peripheral interventions, Dr. Patel also believes strongly in preventing and treating disease via healthy lifestyle choices. Him and his wife and enjoy spending time with and raising our 2 boys. “I have always felt that providing the best care for patients requires taking the time to go over the details. Sometimes a little extra effort goes a long way.”

Dr. Peacock

Mark A. Peacock, MD is a board-certified family physician with nearly 40 years in practice. He was motivated to be proactive in cardiovascular health when his father suffered a massive heart attack at age 45. He has seen the positive impact made by adopting a healthful lifestyle and its beneficial effect on many medical condition including cardiovascular health.

Mia Howell, RDN, LDN

Mia Howell is a Registered Dietitian and the Program Director at Synergy Lifestyle Center. She has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and Dietetics from the University of North Florida and completed her 1200-hour dietetic internship at Bastyr University with a focus in natural medicine. She is passionate about the power of whole, nutrient dense foods and teaching others how to utilize them to meet personalized goals and achieve optimal health.

Crystal Hall, CPPM, CPB, CPC

Crystal Hall is the Business Administrator for Synergy Lifestyle Center. She has an AS in Health Information Management & several certifications including Medical Billing & Coding and Practice Administration. She was born and raised right here in Jacksonville, Fl. Crystal is happily married with 5 children and 5 grandchildren. Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, boating and the beach.

Janice Bogen

Janice is the Office Administrator here at Synergy. She is a retired Registered Nurse who worked in Cardiology for the majority of her career. She is originally from Connecticut, mother of 3 girls, and has been in Jacksonville for the past 10 years. She absolutely loves being in the front office greeting participants, making connections over the phone and is eager to help anyone she meets!

Angela Rowland, RN

With more than 40 years as an ER nurse, Angie brings both experience and heart to everything she does. She is excited to begin a new chapter by immersing herself in the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program. When she’s not caring for others, she loves playing pickleball, making memories with her two grandkids, and spoiling her four-year-old Yorkie.

Michelle Perry, RN, CDCES

Michelle Perry, RN, CDCES is a native to Jacksonville. She graduated from the University of North Florida twice and holds a bachelor degree in both nursing and in education. She has been a nurse for 20 years; 8 years in cardiology and 10 years as a diabetes educator. She is happy to have found a place that teaches the 4 elements of healthy living which benefits all patients but especially cardiac and patients with diabetes. When she is not here, she cares for patients in their homes. She has a hectic house where the animals outnumber the humans. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband and high school age daughter.

Amber Ponzio, MSH, CCEP

Amber Ponzio is an Exercise Physiologist and Registered Yoga Teacher. She has her master's degree in Exercise Science and Chronic Disease from the University of North Florida and is an Adjunct Professor there in the Undergraduate Exercise Science Program. Amber enjoys traveling, cooking, and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She believes that health is wealth and strives to help you on the road to a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Sara Holloway, BS, CCEP

Sara found her passion and calling for Cardiac Rehab while attending the USF exercise science and wellness leadership program. She became a Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist in 1994 and worked in traditional Cardiac Rehab prior to joining the clinical team at Synergy Intensive Cardiac Rehab. She loves encouraging and teaching patients about exercise and lifestyle changes. "It is so fulfilling to see the transformation in patients from the beginning of the program to their graduation." Sara is originally from Jacksonville and enjoys running, yoga and water sports.

Sandra Parker

Sandra Parker is a 500hr Certified Yoga Teacher with many hours of experience in leading yoga classes aimed at a beginner level population with the intention of meeting each student where they are in their life experience and physical body. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Florida and spent many years in the Insurance Industry and Kitchen and Bath Design profession. Yoga and Stress Management practices are her passion and she enjoys delivering to participants the necessary tools to begin or deepen their practice of yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques and breath practices in a supportive and compassionate environment.

Letha Page, LCSW, MCAP, CFMHE

Letha D. Page, LCSW, MCAP, CFMHE is the founder and lead therapist at A New Page Counseling, LLC, where she has supported individuals and families for over 20 years. With dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Counseling Psychology, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Qualified Supervisor, Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional, and Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator. Letha’s background includes leadership roles as Director and Manager, where she revitalized teams, improved retention, and expanded programs through strategic planning and innovation. She brings expertise in staff mentoring, program development, grant writing, compliance, and community partnerships. An active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Letha has held multiple leadership positions and contributed to initiatives in mentorship, community service, and organizational development. Passionate about fostering growth and resilience, she is dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Sanjae Edwards, LCSW, MSW

Sanjae Edwards is a licensed clinical social worker who obtained her master’s degree at Barry University in Miami Shores Florida. She has over 20 years of experience in treating mental health and co-occurring disorders. She has worked extensively with veterans and the homeless population in South Florida and Northeast Florida. Sanjae is a group support specialist at Synergy Lifestyle Center and has private practice where she provides individual therapy to teens and adults. Her primary goal as a clinician is to offer a safe space where people are free to share their stories without judgement or fear and be empowered to remove obstacles that interfere with personal freedom, growth, personal satisfaction, and overall-well being. She enjoys spending time in nature and connecting with her friends and family.

Kathy Griffiths, RDN, LDN

Kathryn Griffiths is a licensed Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Florida with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and a focus on whole food plant-based nutrition. In addition to working at Synergy Life Center, she has her own private practice offering nutrition counseling services. Kathryn's passion is driven by the belief that food is medicine and what you eat has a direct impact on overall health and wellbeing. Her personal goal is to help others prevent and manage their chronic diseases through diet and nutrition.

Rebecca Duren, RDN, LDN

Rebecca Duren has been a Registered Dietitian for 20+ years. She has a Bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University and completed her 1200 hour Dietetic internship through Utah State University. She is happy to help you become healthier through selecting and consuming whole nutrient dense foods. Rebecca enjoys being outside in nature, spending time with her husband and three children, and traveling with them.

What Our Members Are Saying

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Love the Program!

This wellness program has completely changed how I approach my health.

Jessica M.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Truly Life Changing

"I was amazed at the immediate results I felt after just one day of being completely vegetarian...In the following weeks My sleep became more restful, my breathing had leveled out, I was no longer wheezing all-night, no acid reflux. I genuinely felt more energy, I healed quicker from my exercise sessions. My overall health and happiness seemed to explode to new levels. I have lost 30 pounds, dropped my A1C from 7.7 to 5.8 and my diabetes is controlled. My cholesterol was 197 dropped to 54, an all time low in my life, reduced my waist line by 11inches and my hips by 4inches."

Shane G, Cohort 41

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Forever Thankful

"It [The Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program] literally saved my life, and it could save your life too. This program has made me feel better about myself, more so than I have in years"

Karen L, Cohort 36

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Real Results, Real Change

"I have lost 30lbs, and my doctor took me off my BP and cholesterol medications. My total cholesterol is now 117, my LDL is 62, in the past I have had three times these numbers. This program really works!"

Randy H, Cohort 23

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Feeling Healthier Than Ever

"After 9 weeks going to the Synergy Center I have eliminated completely the angina, lost over 15 lbs, and am back to living a healthy life. But most importantly, I feel I have been taught the tools and created habits to make this a permanent lifestyle change."

Wes B, Cohort 39

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stronger, Healthier, Happier

"Had a great cardiologist visit. Weight down 10 lbs and blood pressure 120/60. Very happy with my progress. No sign of cardiac disease!!! Yea!"

Kathy S, Cohort 18

Sub Total:

About Us

Our Mission

Meet the Synergy Team

Dr. Nehu Patel

Dr. Salil Patel

Dr. Peacock

Mia Howell, RDN, LDN

Crystal Hall, CPPM, CPB, CPC

Janice Bogen

Angela Rowland, RN

Michelle Perry, RN, CDCES

Amber Ponzio, MSH, CCEP

Sara Holloway, BS, CCEP

Sandra Parker

Letha Page, LCSW, MCAP, CFMHE

Sanjae Edwards, LCSW, MSW

Kathy Griffiths, RDN, LDN

Rebecca Duren, RDN, LDN

What Our Members Are Saying

Love the Program!

Truly Life Changing

Forever Thankful

Real Results, Real Change

Feeling Healthier Than Ever

Stronger, Healthier, Happier

Main menu

Our Programs

Sub Total:

About Us

Our Mission

Meet the Synergy Team

Dr. Nehu Patel

Dr. Salil Patel

Dr. Peacock

Mia Howell, RDN, LDN

Crystal Hall, CPPM, CPB, CPC

Janice Bogen

Angela Rowland, RN

Michelle Perry, RN, CDCES

Amber Ponzio, MSH, CCEP

Sara Holloway, BS, CCEP

Sandra Parker

Letha Page, LCSW, MCAP, CFMHE

Sanjae Edwards, LCSW, MSW

Kathy Griffiths, RDN, LDN

Rebecca Duren, RDN, LDN

What Our Members Are Saying

Love the Program!

Truly Life Changing

Forever Thankful

Real Results, Real Change

Feeling Healthier Than Ever

Stronger, Healthier, Happier

Main menu

Our Programs

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