Our dedicated staff is eager to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Heather Slusher
Heather Slusher is the Founder and Co-Owner of SunCoast Optimal Wellness in Apollo Beach Florida. She is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with nearly thirty years of experience practicing in many diverse fields throughout the spectrum of medicine, including functional medicine, labor and delivery, oncology, vascular medicine, and as a provider for Marines and Sailors returning from combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mrs. Slusher was born and raised in idyllic Beaufort South Carolina, which is home to the Beaufort Water Festival, the best seafood in the Southeastern United States, and the Marine Corps’ Paris Island Recruit Depot. Mrs. Slusher received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and her Master’s degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Mrs. Slusher is a founding member of the Fluoroquinolone antibiotic Awareness and Healing Alliance, a graduate of the School of Applied Functional Medicine, and holds numerous professional degrees and certifications. Mrs. Slusher’s patients are truly her passion, and she utilizes her many years of experience to ensure their health and wellness!
Mrs. Slusher is married to a retired career United States Marine and is the proud parent of four children, ranging in ages from 25 to 14.
Dr. Vijay Raj
Vijay Raj, M.D. has over thirty years of experience in Primary Care, Public Health, Preventative and Military Medicine. He graduated from the Tulane University School of Medicine with a doctorate and holds a master’s degree from Tulane in Public Health & Tropical Medicine, a bachelor’s degree of medicine, and a bachelor’s degree of Surgery from the University of Delhi. Dr. Raj holds numerous certifications to include the American Board of Disability Analysts, American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Federation of Licensing Examination, Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, American Heart Association and the Florida Medical Association Physician Medical Marijuana Course. Dr. Raj is passionate about patient care and functional medicine and is certified for Medical Marijuana.
Kelly
Kelly is the Staff Esthetician at SunCoast Optimal Wellness and has been a licensed Esthetician in the state of Florida for over fifteen years. She is also licensed in Tattoo and maintains certifications in Advanced Permanent Makeup, Laser, Phlebotomy, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Kelly is very passionate about her clients and is committed to their satisfaction. She provides each client with a unique experience by customizing her procedures to best fit the individual needs of her clients.
Kelly loves living on the Suncoast, and when not taking care of her clients, she enjoys the beach, boating, swimming, and running.
Dionne
Dionne is the Administrative Specialist at SunCoast Optimal Wellness. Dionne handles a multitude of administrative duties, to include our patient in-processing and check out. Dionne is also one of our Veterans on staff, having served with distinction in the U.S. Army for over twenty years.
Susie
Susie is the Staff Massage Therapist at SunCoast Optimal Wellness. Susie has been a licensed massage therapist in the state of Florida for over fifteen years, and is very passionate about the good health and wellbeing of her patients. Susie is trained to provide a variety of therapeutic and relaxing massage treatments, to include Swedish and Deep Tissue.
Rachel
Rachel is the Social Media Specialist at SunCoast Optimal Wellness. Rachel works to create content on all our social media platforms and update our website to ensure that it carries the most up-to-date information.
Rachel currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and is working towards her Master of Business Administration degree.
