Meet the Compassionate Team Behind Your Care
At SunCoast Optimal Wellness, our dedicated professionals combine expertise, empathy, and commitment to support your journey to wellness. We create a safe and nurturing space where healing begins, and lasting recovery takes root.
Personalized care starts with a team you can trust. From clinical leadership to patient support, every member plays a vital role in guiding you toward optimal health. Together, we cultivate a community built on understanding, collaboration, and hope.
Heather Slusher
With over 35 years of experience in healthcare, Mrs. Slusher is a highly skilled and compassionate Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in functional and integrative medicine. Her approach combines the best of traditional medical practices with evidence-based holistic therapies to treat the root causes of illness rather than just treating symptoms.
Heather Slusher is the Founder and Owner of SunCoast Optimal Wellness in Apollo Beach, Florida. Throughout her career, she has practiced in many diverse fields, including obstetrics and gynecology, vascular medicine, oncology and hematology, interventional radiology, cardiology, esthetics, dermatology, wellness and obesity medicine, and as a provider for our military service members returning from combat.
Mrs. Slusher began her career in healthcare in 1990, earning her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Carolina and her Master’s Degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston in 2001. She has extensive education in Functional Medicine and is a founding member of the Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Awareness and Healing Alliance. Heather is a public speaker on multiple health topics, mentors other practitioners, writes health articles, and advocates for a more patient-centered approach to medicine.
Throughout her career, Heather has gained expertise in chronic disease management, hormone and thyroid balancing, gut health, and personalized wellness plans. She believes in empowering patients through education and individualized care, focusing on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and disease prevention.
When she’s not caring for patients, you will find Heather traveling, boating, or walking on the beach with her two Doodles. She is married to a retired career United States Marine and is the proud parent of four children, ages 20 to 31, three of whom also have careers in healthcare.
Heather is committed to fostering a partnership with patients, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and informed throughout their healthcare journey. If you’re looking for a provider who listens, cares, and takes a whole-person approach to healing, Heather is here to guide you on your path to optimal health.
Dr. Van Benschoten
Dr. Christopher L. Van Benschoten M.D has experience in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Anti-aging, and Medical Cannabis. He graduated with a Doctorate at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine after graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Florida. He is a highly skilled physician with a passion for anti-aging. He completed his residency as a Family Practitioner and was an Ambassador Physician Hospitalist in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
In June 2005 Dr. Van Benschoten presented his work on Cord Blood Banking of Hematopoietic Stem Cells From Umbilical Cord Blood: An Alternative Approach For Treating Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the University of North Florida senior research seminar. In November 2011 he spoke about Radiological Aspects of Childhood Craniopharyngioma at the Florida Hospital radiological conference case presentation. In March 2012 Dr Van Benschoten spoke about Pediatric Brain Tumors at the Interfaith Medical Center Pediatric Presentation.
Dr. Van Benschoten has volunteered his time at Green Gables Assisted Living Facility, 5K Run for Autism, and 5K Run for Breast Cancer. He was also a Field Research Intern for the U.S Geological Survey in 2005. Dr. Christopher Van Benschoten’s hobbies include traveling, surfing, outdoor activities, and photography.
Ashley Wheeler
Ashley Wheeler, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified, master’s prepared, Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in hormone optimization and metabolic health.
She graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine Studies and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University. As a registered nurse, Ashley practiced in fields including emergency medicine and home health care for pediatrics and adults.
She later completed her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner track, at Chamberlain College of Nursing.
Ashley has five years of focused clinical experience in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, testosterone replacement therapy, and medically guided weight loss programs. She specializes in treating hormone imbalance in both women and men, including perimenopause, menopause, and testosterone deficiency, with an emphasis on metabolic optimization and long term cardiometabolic health. In addition to hormone and weight management services, Ashley provides peptide therapy and stem cell regenerative treatments for cosmetic and chronic pain conditions.
Ashley also serves as a Key Opinion Leader for Medtronic Pain Division and is the Founder and Lead Chair of a national society for Advanced Practice Providers in pain medicine. She also is recognized as a national speaker and published author in the field of interventional pain management with the goal of focusing on the implementation of minimally invasive pain procedures to avoid the overuse of opioid medications.
Mark
Mark is the Practice Manager at SunCoast Optimal Wellness. In this capacity, he oversees all facets of the Practice’s operations. Mark is dedicated to our Practice’s ideals and is focused on supporting our amazing team as they provide world-class health care to our patients.
Mark is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and utilizes his leadership and management experience on a daily basis.
Mark is married to a gifted Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in Functional Medicine. They are the proud parents of four children, ranging in age from 31 to 21.
Gina
Gina is one of our Administrative Assistants at SunCoast Optimal Wellness and brings her experience in medical office management and a background in insurance. She handles most of the paperwork and tracking of lab results for the office. Gina’s hobbies include photography, gourmet cooking, and travel.
Melissa
Melissa is the lead nurse at Suncoast Optimal Wellness and brings over 30 years of nursing experience and expertise to our practice. She’s very knowledgeable in all aspects of our practice and a true expert in the field of medical weight loss. A “people person” who really cares about our patients and ensures that they obtain the best results. Melissa enjoys travel and spending time with her grandchildren.
Vanessa
Vanessa is one of our talented medical assistants. She is originally from Brazil and brings experience in several facets of medicine to our team. Vanessa loves working with our patients and enjoys boating and traveling in her free time
Jenn
Jenn is a member of our Nurse/MA team and one of our experienced team members. Originally hired as a medical assistant, she took on the difficult challenge of nursing school while working at our practice and recently graduated as a registered nurse. She uses her knowledge and experience to provide excellent care to our patients. Jenn is originally from Baltimore, MD, and enjoys watching sports, travel, and is a dedicated “foodie”.
Liz
Liz is our lead front desk administrator. She’s originally from Connecticut and has lived in Florida for many years. Liz has a strong background in administration and a degree in Public Health. Liz really enjoys being part of the Suncoast team and taking great care of our patients. In her free time, she enjoys boating and kayaking, and spending time with her dog Hirie.
Hannah
Hannah is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a member of our Nurse/MA team. Hannah’s bubbly personality and genuine love for helping people enables her to connect with patients, assist with their needs, and help ensure each visit runs smoothly.
Amy
Amy is a medical assistant and a member of our Nurse/MA team. Amy is focused on making every patient feel comfortable, cared for, and supported from the minute they walk through our doors. In addition, Amy is a passionate advocate for our practice and customized treatments. Since joining our practice, Amy has made life-changing improvements to her health by losing over 60 lbs while under our care.
Lily
Lily is a front desk administrator and one of the friendly faces who welcomes you when you arrive at SunCoast Optimal Wellness. Lily is passionate about healthcare and plans to attend sonography school, where she intends to further her skills in patient care and diagnostic imaging.
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 as well as a Master’s in Business Administration.
