Meet Our Staff

Providers

N. THOMAS LACAVA, M.D., Comprehensive Environmental Medicine, Pediatric Primary Care

Education:  B.S., University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H., 1966; M.D., Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, M.O., 1972

Internship/Residency:  Intern in Pediatrics, Hahneman Medical College and Hospital, Philadelphia, P.A., 1972-1973; Residency in Pediatrics, Hahneman Medical College and Hospital, Philadelphia, P.A., 1973-1974

Fellowship:  Clinical Fellow in Child Neurology, Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, P.A., 1974-1975

Academic Appointment:  Instructor in Pediatrics, UMASS Medical School, 1982-Present

Membership and Office in Professional Associations:  Worcester District Medical Society/Grievance Committee Chairman, Massachusetts Medical Society, American College of Advancement in Medicine, American Academy of Environmental Medicine (Fellowship/Member Board of Directors), Christian Medical Society, American Scientific Affiliation, Broda Barnes Research Foundation

Licensure:  State of Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Board Certification:  American Board of Environmental Medicine, American Board of Pediatrics

HERMAN LERNER, M.D., Natural Hormone Therapy and Anti-Aging Medicine

Dr. Lerner received his M.D. degree from the Chicago Medical School and did postgraduate training at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago.  His early work was in the field of Epidemiology at the Chicago Board of Health under Dr. Jeremiah Stamler, assisting him in the then-pioneering work of Diet/Heart studies and risk factors in cardio-vascular disease. 

He was an Associate in Medicine at Harvard Medical School as a Research Physician in the National Hypertension Study at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.

In recent years, he has received training in Natural Hormone Therapy through the Broda Barnes Foundation, Connecticut, and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. 

Other interests and training include Meditation, Yoga, Classical Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and Holistic Nutrition.

Erin F. Morrissey, N.D., Naturopathic Medicine

Education:  B.S., Stonehill College, North Easton, M.A., 1996; N.D., University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bridgeport, C.T., 2002

Dr. Morrissey began her career here at the Francis Holistic Medical Center, P.C., after graduating from college in 1996.  She worked as an allergy specialist before continuing her education in Naturopathic Medicine.  She earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine degree in 2002.  She currently specializes in biotherapeutic drainage, a form of homeopathy designed to restore health by cleansing the body.  She is also skilled in classical homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, stress reduction, and lifestyle counseling.

Medical Assisting Staff

Alexandra Koulax, Medical Assistant

Alex began her career at Francis Holistic Medical Center in August of 2005.  Her duties include organizing laboratory test kits, correspondence with laboratories, helping with research, and providing assistance to our nurses.     

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.

Christine Melanson, Registered Nurse

Employed since November of 2006, Christine's main responsibilities include telephone triage, ordering medical supplies, preparing patients for their appointments, assisting the physicians with various diagnostic tests, processing laboratory requisitions, and administering intravenous therapies. 

She enjoys yoga, knitting, and hot-air ballooning in her free time.

Administrative Staff

Tracy Gonyea, Accounts Receivable Manager

Employed since August of 2002, Tracy's main responsibilities are processing insurance claims and payments, patient statements, and other medical billing tasks.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

Michelle Strand, Medical Receptionist

Michelle started at Francis Holistic Medical Center in June of 2006.  She is responsible for telephone triage, scheduling appointments, insurance eligibilities, daily receivables, and other office tasks. 

She enjoys watching movies, walking her dog, shopping, and spending time outdoors with her family.

M. Shirley Martin, Office Manager

Since June of 2003, Shirley has been in charge of managing the front office staff, and the employees in our nurse's station.  Her tasks also include credentialing physicians and working to promote our non-profit research effort.

Her hobbies include knitting, jewelry making, crafting, gardening, and spending time with family.

Roger Hall, Accounts Payable/Bookkeeping

Roger started at Francis Holistic Medical Center in February of 2003.  His responsibilities include payroll, employee benefits, supply ordering, and monitoring the financial operations of the business. 

Outside of work, Roger enjoys woodworking, gardening, traveling to Maine, and spending time with family.