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      CommuniCare Health Centers is a full-service primary healthcare system offering pediatric medicine, family medicine, senior care, women's health, podiatry, dental, behavioral health, after-hour urgent care, optometry and optical services, minor surgery clinic and fitness and wellness services in Bexar and Hays counties. We deliver our care through five (5) clinic locations utilizing integrative primary care practice, highly trained healthcare providers, state of the art diagnostic equipment, and electronic health records.

      Not all services are offered at all locations, so make sure you confirm that the service you are seeking is available at the location nearest you.
  • Services
    • Family Medicine
      • CommuniCare Health Centers provides patients with primary and preventive health care services to improve health and well-being. Our Family Medicine clinics see patients of all ages, from infants to senior citizens.

        We provide patients with the following services in our Family Medicine Clinics:

        • Acute care for children and adults
        • Chronic Disease Management
        • Well-Child Visits
        • Immunizations
        • Family Planning
        • Preventative Health Care (physicals & annual exams)
        • Health Education
      Women's Health
      • The Women's Health Program at CommuniCare Health Centers provides women of all ages with access to the care and information they need to make informed decisions regarding their own physical health.

        We provide women with the following services in our Women's Health Program:

          General Women's Care:
        • Family Planning
        • Pre-Pregnancy Counseling
        • Free Pregnancy Testing
        • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
          Counseling & Treatment
        • Well-Woman Care (Annual Physical)
        • Gynecological Problems
          Obstetric Care:
        • Prenatal Orientation/Education
        • Prenatal Classes
        • Comenzando Bien Program
        • Deliveries
        • Post-Partum Education
          Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening:
        • Clinical Breast Exam
        • Diagnostic Services
        • Patient Navigation Services
        • Screening Mammograms
        • Pap Smears
        • Case Management
      Pediatrics
      • CommuniCare Health Centers provides Pediatric Care to help children live healthy and be healthy. CommuniCare provides care for pediatric acute and chronic illnesses and preventive care, including well-child exams.

        We offer children the following services in our Pediatric Program:

        • Immunizations
        • Well-Child Visits
        • Acute Care
        • Chronic Disease Management (i.e. asthma, diabetes, etc.)
        • Health Education
        • Individual and Family Counseling
        • Preventive Health Care Programs
      Senior Care
      • CommuniCare Health Centers is dedicated to providing high quality care for adult and geriatric patients. Physicians in this department focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses. Our physicians are trained to address and manage the unique health needs of our adult and geriatric population. Our Senior Care services:

        • Acute care for geriatric patients
        • Chronic disease management
        • Preventative Health Care (physicals & annual exams)
      Podiatry
      • CommuniCare Health Centers has a full-time Podiatrist whose scope of services includes:

        • Identifying the high risk diabetic foot with annual comprehensive diabetic foot exams
        • Reducing the risk of lower extremity amputation through education and diabetic footwear
        • Treatment for painful ingrown or infected nails, other nail and skin infections such as warts and athlete's foot
        • Debridement of painful nails, corns and calluses
        • Certified wound specialist for evaluation and management of diabetic neuropathic ulcerations, ulcers caused by pressure, and vascular ulcerations caused by poor arterial or venous flow
        • Pediatric gait and musculoskeletal evaluations
        • Treatment for minor trauma including sprains and strains, heel pain, and musculoskeletal deformities such as bunions and hammertoes
      Minor Surgery Clinic
      • Minor surgery refers to surgical procedures that do not require a general anesthetic and many conditions can be treated quickly and easily in this clinic. All of the minor surgical procedures are performed under local anesthetic. The clinic is offered every Thursday from 8:00 am to 11:30 am at our West Campus location.

        Appointments to the Minor Surgery Clinic are only given to members that are referred internally by any of our primary care provider within our healthcare system. The following are procedures that we perform in the clinic:

        • Excision of skin lesions
        • Excision of soft tissue mass
        • Repair of lacerations
        • Removal of foreign bodies
        • Toe nail removal
        • Lesions Dessication
        • Cyrosurgery
      Dental
      • CommuniCare Health Centers provides comprehensive dental care for children and adults. We provide preventive care in order to help our patients maintain a healthy mouth, as well as comprehensive restorative care to treat existing dental problems. Our dental staff not only treats dental disease, but also educates our patients on the importance of good oral hygiene and proper diet so that future dental problems may be prevented.

        We provide patients with the following services in our Dental Program:

        • Pediatric Dentistry
        • Exams
        • Cleanings
        • Sealants
        • Fillings
        • Root Canals
        • Extractions
        • Crowns
        • Bridges
        • Dentures and Partials
      Behavioral Health
      • CommuniCare Health Services' Behavioral Health staff includes licensed professional counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists. We provide psychotherapeutic counseling, and psychiatric services to individuals (adults and children), couples, families and/or groups.

        The scope of the services that are offered is limited to patients that can be assisted by brief out-patient psychiatric and counseling treatment. The services we provide include psychosocial assessments, psychiatric evaluations, psychotherapy and medication treatment and management.

        We offer patients the following services in our Behavioral Health Program:

        • Individual psychotherapy
        • Family Counseling
        • Marriage Counseling
        • Group Therapy
        • Diagnostic Assessment
        • Medication Management
      After Hour Urgent Care
      • CommuniCare Health Centers offers After-hours Urgent Care services at our San Antonio West and Northwest Campuses to help our patients avoid costly trips to the emergency room for minor ailments. This service is offered Monday through Friday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis; therefore, no appointments will be necessary. Private Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid are accepted and all other patients will pay a $55 flat fee for services rendered. Treatment will be limited to:

          Respiratory Conditions:
        • Colds
        • Flu
        • Coughs
        • Sinus Infections
        • Strep Throat
        • Bronchitis
        • Sore Throats
        • Allergies
          Digestive and Urinary:
        • Nausea
        • Vomiting
        • Diarrhea
        • Urinary Tract Infections
        • Bladder Infections
          Head, Ear and Eye:
        • Earaches
        • Ear Infections
        • Pinkeye
        • Styes
          Skin, Hair and Nail:
        • Minor Skin Infections and Rashes
        • Poison Ivy
        • Insect Bites
        • Sunburns
        • Warts

          Others:
        • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
      Optometry
      • The eye and vision care clinic is operated by University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Eye Institute. The clinic offer comprehensive eye exams for adults and children of all ages. The staff of professional doctors includes both optometrists and ophthalmologists who are recognized leaders in their perspective fields. We incorporate traditional patient care with modern clinical technology. Along with some of the most technologically advanced equipment for diagnosing eye disease, we also have an on-site gallery of eye glasses to choose from. UIW Eye Institute understands that vision is a basic sense and one of the most precious resources to the human body.

        Optometry and Optical services are offered at the following CommuniCare locations:


        To schedule an eye appointment at the CommuniCare - San Antonio East Campus Eye clinic, please call (210) 233-7190 and at the CommuniCare - Kyle Campus Eye clinic, please call (512) 268-8949.

      Fitness Center
      • CommuniCare Fitness Center is designed to help people of all ages and levels of fitness achieve their health and wellness goals comfortably and safely. Our facility offer hydraulic resistance circuit training equipment, free-weights, and group exercise area. The center is located in our San Antonio West Campus and offers the following fitness options for our members:


        1. Highly personalized approach to health and wellness with individual fitness assessments, available nutritional counseling and personal training

        2. On-site personal training for individuals or groups, delivered by nationally certified personal trainer.

        3. Strength training, youth programs and group classes in popular and effective forms of exercise

        4. Comfortable, safe and supportive environment, especially for those with chronic health conditions

        5. Full spectrum of health awareness programming for the community conducted by the health and wellness experts.
  • Members / Patients
  • Locations
  • Careers
  • Giving
  • Contact Us

Medical Providers

Below is a listing of CommuniCare Medical Providers.

San Antonio - West Campus

Veronica Ahmadian, MD
Specialty: Pediatric Medicine
Clinic locations: West campus
Degree and College: Pediatric Residency, Dayton Children's Hospital, 2011
Doctorate of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 2008
Bachelors of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Spanish, University of Memphis, 2003
Special Interest: Premature infants
Hobbies: Cooking, exercising and family
From: Memphis, TN
Patricia Juarez, MD
Specialty: Pediatric Medicine
Clinic locations: West campus
Degree and College: Pediatric Residency, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, 2002;
Doctor of Medicine, University of Virginia Medical School, 1999;
BS in Biology and BA in Spanish, George Mason University, 1995
Certification: Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Certified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Registered with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); Certified in basic life support and pediatric advanced life support
Special Interest: Asthma, ADHD and promoting healthy living through diet and exercise
Hobbies: Swimming, Zumba and spending time with my husband and children
From: I was born in San Jose, Costa Rica and grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C.
Celia Alviso RN PNP-BC
Specialty: Pediatric Medicine
Clinic locations: West campus
Degree and College: Master of Science in Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, 2009
Certification: Board certified pediatric nurse practitioner; Member of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Special Interest: I thoroughly enjoy teaching parents about importance of preventative care and working with families and their children with asthma
Hobbies: Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports. Most importantly anything to do with spending time with family and friends.
From: Raised in the panhandle of Texas in a small town called Pampa, TX
John Nguyen, MD
Specialties: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Clinic locations: West campus
Degree and College: Doctorate of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1998
BS Biology, University of North Texas (Denton, TX), 1993
Special Interests: Adolescent care
Hobbies: Hockey, Running, and Sports cards
From: Abilene, TX
Luis O. Morales, MD
Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Clinic locations: East and West campuses
Degree and College:OB/GYN Residency University of Puerto Rico, 1993;
Doctor of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, 1989
Certification: Fellow of American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology since 1995
Special Interest: High risk obstetrics and Gynecology surgery
From: Puerto Rico
Eleanor Gray, WHNP
Specialty: Women's Health
Clinic locations: East and West campuses
Degree and College: BSN from UTHSCSA 1994, Womens health certification from Southwestern University in Dallas certification program in 1990.
Certification: Board certification in TEXAS State Board of Nurses since 1990
Hobbies: Horse back riding, swimming and still very good at these.
From: I am originally from San Antonio, Texas
Ignacio A. Chaves, MD
Specialty: Family medicine and General surgery
Clinic locations: West campus
Degree and College: General Surgery, St Louis City Hospital, St Louis, MO, 1966
Doctor of medicine and surgery, University of St. Tomas, Philippines, 1960
Special Interest: Adult Medicine, Geriatrics, Minor Surgical Procedures
Hobby: Tennis
From: Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Sergio Rodriguez, FNP
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: West Campus
Degree and College: Master of Science Degree in Nursing, Texas A&M International University, 2009
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, Texas A&M International University, 2004
Certification: Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Special Interest: Adult Medicine
From: Laredo, Texas
Stacy Sanchez. MSN, FNP-BC
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: West Campus
Degree and College: MS Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, 2012
BS Nursing, New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM, 2002
Certification: ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner
Bridget Y. Thackeray, DO
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: West campus
Degree and College: D.O., University of North Texas, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
B.S., Tennessee State University, 1998
Certification: Board Certified Family Medicine
Special Interest: Women's health and geriatrics
Hobbies: Boating and cooking
From: Fountain Valley, CA
Arturo Menchaca, FNP
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: West campus
Degree and College: Master of Science in Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, 2010
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, 2003
Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Special Interests: Diabetes and Disease Prevention.
Hobbies: Reading and Exercise.
From: Texas
Janie Reddy, FNP
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: West campus
Degree and College: MS Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, 2009
BS Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, 2005
Certification: ANCC, FNP-BC
Special Interests: All ages greater than 4
Hobbies: Reading and Outdoor activities.
From: San Antonio, TX
John C. Sorensen, DPM
Specialty: Podiatric Medicine
Clinic locations: West and East campuses
Degree and College: Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine, California College of Podiatric Medicine, BS Biology, Indiana University, 1988
Certification: Board qualified American Board of Podiatric Surgery Certified Wound Specialist
Special Interests: Diabetes and lower extremity amputation prevention; Wound care; and Sports medicine
Hobbies: Exercise and Fitness, basketball, skiing, swimming, and cooking
From: Philadelphia, PA

San Antonio - East Campus

Richard Switzer, MD, FAAP
Specialty: Pediatric Medicine
Clinic locations: East campus
Degree and College: Pediatric Residency, State University Health Science Center at Brooklyn, NY, 1992;
Doctorate of Medicine, Albany Medical College, 1989, BA Biology, University of Rochester, 1982.
Certification: Board Certified in General Pediatrics for nearly 20 years
Hobbies: Family, Singing, Eating, and Baseball
From: New York, New York
Rosa Montes, MD
Specialty: Family Practice
Clinic locations: East campus
Degree and College: Family Practice Residency, Corpus Christi Family Practice Program, 2000
Doctor of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 1997
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, 1974
Special Interest: Adult Medicine
Hobbies: Bowling , Zumba, Exercising and Dancing
From: Zapata, Texas
Marcia Moreira, MD
Specialty: Pediatric Medicine
Clinic locations: Northwest campus
Degree and College: Medical Doctor, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, 2010
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, University of Texas at Brownsville, 2003
Certification: American Board of Pediatrics
Special Interest: PTSD in Children or Adolescents
Karen Spencer, FNP
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: East campus
Degree and College: MS Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, 2010
BS Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, 1993
Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Special Interests: Women's Health and Rheumatology
Hobbies: Tennis, Golf, and Skiing
From: Born and raised in Uvalde, Texas
Kim M. Hinojosa RN, MSN, FNP-C
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: East campus
Degree and College: MSN-FNP, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 2010
BSN, St. Joseph's College, Standish, Maine, 1998
Certification: Certified Family Nurse Practitioner from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 2010
From: Bangor, Maine
Teresa Idoux, FNP
Specialty: Family Practice
Clinic locations: East campus
Degree and College: Family Practice Residency, Corpus Christi Family Practice Program, 2000
Doctor of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 1997
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, 1974
Special Interests: Adult Medicine
Hobbies: Bowling , Zumba, Exercising and Dancing
From: Zapata, Texas
Luis O. Morales, MD
Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Clinic locations: East and West campuses
Degree and College:OB/GYN Residency University of Puerto Rico, 1993;
Doctor of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, 1989
Certification: Fellow of American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology since 1995
Special Interest: High risk obstetrics and Gynecology surgery
From: Puerto Rico
Eleanor Gray, WHNP
Specialty: Women's Health
Clinic locations: East and West campuses
Degree and College: BSN from UTHSCSA 1994, Womens health certification from Southwestern University in Dallas certification program in 1990.
Certification: Board certification in TEXAS State Board of Nurses since 1990
Hobbies: Horse back riding, swimming and still very good at these.
From: I am originally from San Antonio, Texas
John C. Sorensen, DPM
Specialty: Podiatric Medicine
Clinic locations: West and East campuses
Degree and College: Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine, California College of Podiatric Medicine, BS Biology, Indiana University, 1988
Certification: Board qualified American Board of Podiatric Surgery Certified Wound Specialist
Special Interests: Diabetes and lower extremity amputation prevention; Wound care; and Sports medicine
Hobbies: Exercise and Fitness, basketball, skiing, swimming, and cooking
From: Philadelphia, PA

San Antonio - Northwest Campus

Sharon Fernandez, MD
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: Northwest campus
Degree and College: Doctorate of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1993
Certification: Board Certified Family Medicine
Special Interest: Women's Health
Hobby: Tennis
From: San Antonio, TX
Amy McClellan, FNP - CAANP
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: Northwest campus
Degree and College: Master of Science in Nursing, Texas Tech University, 2009;
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, West Texas A&M University, 1997;
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Texas Lutheran College 1995
Special Interest: Women's Health
Hobby: Travel
From: Amarillo, TX
Carmen Garza, MD
Specialty: Pediatric Medicine
Clinic locations: Northwest campus
Degree and College: Doctor of Medicine Degree, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, 1985
Bachelor Degree in Biology, St. Mary's University, 1980
Certification: Board Certified in Pediatrics
Special Interest: Women's Health
From: San Antonio, Texas

San Marcos Campus

Melinda Holliday, MD
Specialty: Pediatric Medicine
Clinic locations: San Marcos campus
Degree and College: Pediatric Residency, Beth Israel Medical Center/Long Island College Hospital, 2004; Doctor of Medicine, New York Medical College, 2001
Special Interest: Adolescent Medicine
Hobbies: Yoga and Running
From: Las Vegas, NV
Lacy Rainey, FNP
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: San Marcos campus
Degree and College: MS Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, 2010
BS Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, 2005
MS Biotechnology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 1998
BS Biology, Morehouse College, 1993
Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Hobbies: Coaching Youth Sports
From: Schertz, TX

Kyle Campus

Theresa S. Velasquez, MD
Specialty: Pediatric Medicine
Clinic locations: Kyle campus
Degree and College: Pediatric Residency, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1998
Doctorate of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, 1995
BS Biology, University of Illinois - Champaign, 1986
Special Interests: Child Advocacy and Special Health Care Needs.
Hobbies: Gardening and reading.
From: Born in Georgetown, Texas. Raised in Round Lake, Illinois. Go Bears!
Shannon Dougrey, PNP
Specialty: Pediatrics
Clinic locations: Kyle campus
Degree and College: BSN from Baylor University, MSN from University Health Science Center at San Antonio
Certification: BSN from Baylor University, MSN from University Health Science Center at San Antonio
Special interest: I've always focused on pediatrics, prior to coming to Communicare I worked often with children with special needs including both autism and Down Syndrome.
Hobbies: In my spare time I love to practice child and family photography. I've been taking pictures for over 10 years now. I also enjoy spending time with family, my pup, and gardening.
Lisa DeBoer, FNP
Specialty: Family Nurse Practitioner
Clinic locations: Kyle campus
Degree and College: Advanced Degree in Nursing (RN) from Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City , Iowa
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona
Master of Science with Specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner from University of South Dakota, Brookings, South Dakota.
Certification: American Nursing Credentialing Center
Special Interest: I am passionate diabetes and obesity. This has become an epidemic which lead me to my research project in school researching what works and myths about obesity. I have spent most of my nursing career working 2 jobs in different areas of nursing , to learn as much as I can about the different disease processes. Specialized as RN in post critical care, cardiology, nephrology, and emergency medicine.
Hobbies: Photography, 4 wheeling, horseback riding, and I am a avid swim mom.
From: I was born in California, but have spent most of my life in Sioux City , Iowa.
Hector Vasquez, MD
Specialty: Family Medicine
Clinic locations: Kyle campus
Degree and College: Doctor of Medicine Degree, University of Nuevo Leon School of Medicine, 1970
Certification: Board Certified in Obstetrics Gynecology
Special interest: Women's Health