MD
Dr. Russo is Carolina HealthSpan’s Chief Medical Officer, Owner, as well as a Board Certified Physician. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency training at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Dr. Russo completed a two-year Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona under the direction of Dr. Andrew Weil, a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, Dr. Russo has made it her goal to find the root of the problem and fix it, rather than simply alleviate symptoms. She has consistently evolved over her career to meet the needs of her patients and maintain her medical advantage with proven effective technologies, therapies and procedures. She has expertise in Hormone Optimization, Anti-Aging & Longevity, Sexual Wellness, and in optimal health. Dr. Russo prides herself on spending extensive one-on-one time with each individual which allows her to build an optimization program focused on each patient’s root causes, needs and goals rather than a cookie cutter treatment plan.
Dr. Russo shows true compassion for each and every patient as well as the community. She has started organizations to promote and extend life and healthspan as far as Zambia, Africa and as close as Rowan County, North Carolina. She is an avid runner, completing 12 Boston Marathons and multiple ultra marathons, and has helped thousands of individuals find renewed energy and enjoy life again.
MD
Mary T. Crowder, MD, is a magna cum laude graduate of Duke University and earned her medical degree at the University of Virginia. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC before moving to Charlotte, NC in 1990.
• Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Expertise in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Women’s health & optimization
• Available to see new patients!
Dr. Crowder has been interested in wellness since medical school and has been involved in complimentary medicine education for over 20 years. She was involved in a medical exchange to China in 2004 and joined the Carolina HealthSpan team in 2007 to further expand her practice of preventive and functional medicine. Since then, Dr. Crowder’s focus has been to help women through Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and has truly impacted hundreds of women’s lives by increasing energy and libido while decreasing stress and depression levels. Dr. Crowder also specializes in optimizing both thyroid and adrenal function as well as women’s general health.
PA-C
Lauren has always been immensely passionate about preventative healthcare and wellness. It began when she attended the University of Georgia for her Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion, part of the college of Public Health in 2010. She then went on to earn her Master in Physician Assistant Studies in 2014. Prior to transitioning to a full time career in Integrative Health in 2020, she was caring for patients with orthopedic concerns and performing orthopedic surgery in Detroit, Michigan for several years. Although she loved her work and her patients, she found she desired to work with patients looking to optimize their health through an integrative and holistic approach.
Lauren is overjoyed to work alongside Carolina HealthSpan Institute’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kathleen Russo, and in partnership with Dr. Mary Crowder. She is a member of The Institute for Functional Medicine and a certified practitioner through BioTe Medical, which has provided her with in depth knowledge and skill in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Lauren has a passion for partnering with men and women of all stages of life to work toward their individual health optimization goals. Her particular areas of interest are bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, weight loss, gut health, thyroid balancing, mood and sleep concerns, and longevity and anti-aging medicine.
Outside of Carolina HealthSpan Institute, Lauren is active in all things fitness from weightlifting to hiking to hot yoga. She enjoys instilling her core values of wellness, nutrition, and staying active in others and looks forward to helping you find your personalized integrative path to optimal wellness.
PA-C
Ashton is a dedicated and compassionate Physician Assistant with a robust background of clinical experience in primary care, orthopedics, and neurology, now passionately channeling her expertise into an exciting new focus: hormone health and optimal wellness. With a deep commitment to personalized care, Ashton strives to guide women and men toward achieving peak vitality and thriving at every stage of life.
A magna cum laude graduate of Iowa State University, Ashton initially pursued a research-focused doctorate degree in neurology before following her true passion for clinical practice. She earned her Physician Assistant degree from Jefferson College of Health Sciences, where her exceptional skill earned her the prestigious Clinical Excellence Award.
Beyond medicine, she embodies the active lifestyle she champions, enjoying running, high-intensity gym classes, and hot yoga. Above all, she cherishes moments with her husband and their three-year-old son, her greatest joy.
Nurse Injector-RN
Ronda is our registered aesthetic nurse injector here at Carolina HealthSpan Institute. She is a native of the Charlotte area and has over 27 years of experience in emergency medicine, wellness and fitness, surgical services and oncology. Ronda enjoys building client relationships by making each individual feel beautiful, confident and achieve their aesthetic goals. She achieves this goal by her experience, creativity and artistry while using her clinical judgement.
Nurse Injector-RN
Jan is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with over 24 years in healthcare, including extensive experience in Emergency Medicine and the past four years specializing in aesthetic medicine. She is deeply passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and is known for consistently going the extra mile to help individuals feel healthy, confident, and supported from the inside out.
Medical Assistant
ynda has been working in healthcare since the early 1980s and has been a valued member of CHI since it opened in 2004. She has a genuine passion for helping others and providing excellent patient care. When she’s not at work, Lynda enjoys watching sports with her husband, gardening, and spending as much time as possible with her four grandchildren.
Medical Assistant
Amanda has been a medical assistant for Carolina Healthspan Institute since 2011. She has a special ability to communicate and connect with patients that is unmatched. She is certified in MA and Phlebotomy and runs our Huntersville location with ease. In her free time, you can catch her heading to the beach with her little ones. Oh, and trust us when we say you will never meet someone who is a bigger fan of Christmas than her!
Medical Assistant
Christina is a dedicated Medical Assistant committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care while supporting clinical excellence. She began her healthcare career in 2003, starting in Pediatrics, and has since gained valuable experience in Family Medicine and Neurology, a specialty she is especially passionate about.
With a strong interest in wellness, aesthetics, and preventative healthcare, Christina plays an integral role in creating a comfortable and supportive experience for every patient. She works closely with providers to ensure treatments are delivered safely, efficiently, and with exceptional attention to detail. Known for her warm personality and calming presence, she helps patients feel confident and informed throughout their wellness and aesthetic journey.
Outside of the clinic, Christina enjoys cooking, spending time with her two grown children and five grandchildren, and helping others whenever she can. Her dedication to personalized care reflects her genuine commitment to helping individuals look, feel, and live their best at every stage of life.
Medical Assistant
Maggie is a dedicated Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist who is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive experience for every patient. She takes pride in helping patients feel comfortable, cared for, and confident throughout their wellness journey, using both her clinical skills and compassionate approach to deliver excellent care.
Outside of the office, Maggie enjoys spending time at church and making memories with friends and family. Her positive spirit and caring nature shine through in everything she does, reflecting her genuine passion for helping others feel their best both inside and out.
Operations Manager
Amber is the Operations Manager at Carolina HealthSpan Institute, bringing energy, expertise, and leadership to keep the clinic running smoothly and ensure every patient experience is exceptional. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health System Management and is passionate about creating an environment where both patients and staff feel supported and cared for.
When she’s not managing the office, Amber loves taking mini vacations, enjoying trips to the beach, attending concerts, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved cat, Gracie. Her enthusiasm and warm personality shine through in everything she does, making her a vibrant part of the CHI team.
Client Relations Manager
Giovanna is the Client Relations Manager here at Carolina Healthspan Institute. She is focused on building relationships with our patients to ensure that their needs are met and are satisfied with the services and/or products provided by our company and any challenges are overcome. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2021 with a major in Psychology and minor in Business Administration. In her free time, she enjoys trying different restaurants around the Queen City with her boyfriend and spending time outdoors.
Support Staff
Nancy recently moved to North Carolina from the Northeast. Nancy strives to be “The catalyst that fuels positive change” in organizations and peoples overall wellness. She presents with over 35 years of healthcare experience. Early on in her career path Nancy practiced as a Registered Dental Hygienist who provided clinical care in Pediatrics and serving those with Special Needs. She desired more challenge and intellectual stimulation and moved onto Pharmaceutical then Orthopedic Medical Device Sales. Nancy enjoyed her years in sales providing direct patient care and being a contributing factor to patient’s journey back to physical movement and well-being. During her corporate years in sales, she also became a Certified Corporate Sales Trainer. She revels in motivating, molding and contributing to new employees’ success. Before relocating to North Carolina, she was the Director of Business Development and Intake Coordinator for an Adult Day Health programing serving those with Intellectual & Developmental disabilities, Autism and Behavioral Health challenges.
Nancy is a dedicated enthusiast for fitness, nutrition and wellness. Nancy has achieved certifications in multiple fitness disciplines: Personal Training, Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Vinyasa Yoga Instructor and Yoga Outreach Teacher. In her free time Nancy and her husband enjoy hiking, cycling, weightlifting, yoga and anything outdoors! She is the proud momma of two rescue dogs. Her mantra, “Be kind to yourself. Be kinder than necessary to others for you never know the challenges others may be facing.”
Office Coordinator
Shane is a friendly reminder that the wellness and aesthetic treatments at Carolina HealthSpan Institute aren’t just for women. With his charismatic charm and welcoming personality, he makes every patient feel comfortable and at ease, even on their very first visit.
As our Office Coordinator, Shane is dedicated to ensuring an exceptional patient experience, guiding each individual with professionalism, care, and attention to detail. Outside the office, Shane is equally committed to his own health, training and competing in races and triathlons across the country. His dedication to wellness inspires both colleagues and patients alike.
Executive Director
Samantha Kurtz serves as the Executive Director at Carolina HealthSpan Institute, where she leads with a focus on excellence, compassion, and patient-centered care. Drawing on extensive experience in healthcare operations and team leadership, Samantha ensures that every aspect of the patient experience reflects the clinic’s commitment to wellness, innovation, and personalized attention.
A native of Chapel Hill, Samantha brings her energy, enthusiasm, and warmth to everything she does. She is passionate about creating an environment where patients feel supported, informed, and empowered to take control of their health and well-being. Outside of work, she loves cheering on University of North Carolina teams, spending time outdoors, traveling with her husband, and making cherished memories with her daughter.
With a dedication to service, leadership, and wellness, Samantha’s goal is to help every patient feel confident, cared for, and inspired to live their healthiest, most vibrant life.
We use an integrative medicine approach focused on guiding individuals toward root cause resolution and achievement of sustainable, optimal health.
Our team is conscientious, loyal, dependable, empathetic, empowering, and holds the highest level of integrity for our mission, our team and our patients.
We will always walk the walk, have a sense of humor, strive to create relationships with whom we come in contact and maintain the idea that excellence is a moving target.
Our patients will remain at the center of care and the hero of their own journey. Our team will help guide them toward the results they desire through cause resolution & preventive education.
Growth, innovation and life-long learning will forever remain at the center of our mission. We understand that without knowledge, action is useless, and knowledge without action is futile.
Our goal is to safely and effectively optimize your health in the most efficient manner using trusted and advanced solutions. Your outstanding experience at Carolina Healthspan Institute is at the center of our healthcare model. Experience the benefits that 30 minutes or more with a physician can mean for your health.
423C South Sharon Amity Rd.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
9601 Holly Point Drive Suite 200
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078
Charlotte: (704) 333-4817
Huntersville: (704) 727-5360
Get in Touch
Have a question? Ask it here!
423C South Sharon Amity Rd.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
9601 Holly Point Drive Suite 200
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078
Charlotte: (704) 333-4817
Huntersville: (704) 727-5360
Get in Touch
Use the form below to schedule a free consultation with our team of integrative medicine experts.