Education & Training: Dartmouth (M.S. Outcomes Research), Larner College of Medicine – University of Vermont (M.D.), Wake Forest (Postdoctoral Fellowship, Integrative Medicine).
Lari’s journey in healthcare began early, when she volunteered as a candy striper in high school and discovered her calling to help others. That spark led her to pursue a Master’s in Outcomes Research and a role in the cardiovascular research department at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she helped design informatics systems and analyze patient outcomes. While the research was rewarding, she felt a growing pull toward direct patient care and the chance to impact lives more personally.
In her thirties, Lari went on to earn her medical degree and began practicing in conventional medicine, but quickly grew frustrated by the system’s limitations—too often focused on managing symptoms instead of preventing illness. Determined to offer a better path, she trained in Integrative Medicine through a postdoctoral fellowship at Wake Forest University, completed medical acupuncture training at the Helms Medical Institute, and studied extensively with the Institute of Functional Medicine. She has since pursued advanced training in Lyme disease treatment, holistic psychiatry through the Walsh Approach, Klinghardt’s Autonomic Response Testing, anti-aging and regenerative aesthetics with PRF EDU, and light therapy applications through ISLA in partnership with Weber Medical.
In 2012, she founded MyHealth1st to bridge the gap between evidence-based research and personalized, root-cause medicine. Her approach is grounded in the belief that every patient’s story matters, and that true healing comes from understanding and treating the whole person—not just managing their prescriptions.
Outside of medicine, Lari’s proudest role is being a mom. Her daughter Lilly now works alongside her at MyHealth1st (Lari famously took Lilly to medical school lectures as a newborn, studying in the library with her in tow), and her son Kaelan is training to be a paramedic, often stopping by the clinic to help out. At home, Lari’s passion for health shows up in everyday life—she loves cooking homemade meals for family and friends, keeping up with her workouts, and sharing good books. She has a soft spot for nonfiction, especially stories of great thinkers in science and medicine, and if you ask her for a recommendation, you’ll likely walk away with a whole reading list.
Amelia Carnohan, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Education & Training: Herzing University (M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner), Lenoir-Rhyne University (B.S.N.)
Amelia is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 13 years of combined nursing experience. She began her career as a registered nurse in surgical and critical care settings, later moving into ambulatory surgery and urology before expanding her expertise in integrative and functional medicine.
At one of the largest integrative medicine clinics in the Washington, D.C. area, Amelia worked with patients on hormone optimization, weight loss, thyroid health, gut health, sleep improvement, and stress management. Recognized for her skill with BHRT pellet therapy, she also trained new providers in insertion techniques. Most recently, she gained additional experience treating musculoskeletal and neurological injuries as the primary provider at a spine and orthopaedics clinic.
Amelia’s approach to healthcare is both compassionate and empowering. She believes patients thrive when they are equipped with knowledge, clear options, and personalized strategies for prevention. At MyHealth1st, she is excited to continue her work in integrative medicine, helping patients move beyond symptom management toward lasting wellness and vitality.
Outside of medicine, Amelia is a new mom to a sweet baby boy, so most of her time away from work is spent with him and her husband. She loves to travel, cook, and spend time outdoors hiking. To recharge, she enjoys taking her son for walks with her weighted vest—the combination of sunlight and movement helps her reset and feel accomplished. She’s also started organic gardening, inspired by her grandfather’s beautiful vegetable garden that made summer meals extra special. North Carolina’s bugs have proven to be fierce competition, so she welcomes any pesticide-free gardening tips!
Carlton Dehart BSN, RN
Nurse Supervisor
Education & Training: UNC Charlotte (B.S. in Nursing, B.S. in Biology, Minor in Spanish)
Carlton began her academic journey at UNC Charlotte, earning dual degrees in Nursing and Biology with a minor in Spanish. Coming from a family with deep ties to the medical field, her commitment to patient care developed early. With a natural ability to form meaningful connections, she has always prioritized patient education and advocacy.
Her career in cardiology spanned more than a decade, where she became a certified Heart Failure nurse and served as Advanced Heart Failure Coordinator at Novant Health’s Charlotte Market. In that role, she managed a dedicated nursing team and provided specialized care for individuals with heart failure, ensuring a comprehensive, patient-centered approach.
During the pandemic, Carlton connected with Dr. Lari Young and found alignment in their shared commitment to medical freedom, patient empowerment, and holistic care. Together, they worked to provide integrative approaches to early COVID-19 treatment, which opened the door for Carlton to step into functional and lifestyle medicine.
Today, Carlton serves as Nurse Supervisor at MyHealth1st, where she supports clinical staff and oversees the health coaching program. She guides patients through lab work, nutrition strategies, and treatment plans, helping them not only understand their results but also the “why” behind optimization. Known for her ability to simplify complex medical information, she empowers patients to take control of their health in clear, practical ways.
Jane Bowser, Ed.D.
Holistic Health Coach & Personal Trainer
Jane’s career seamlessly blends academia and holistic health, bringing a unique perspective to wellness coaching. With a background in Chemistry and Biology from High Point University and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, she has dedicated her career to both education and health.
She began in education as a Science Teacher and Department Chair before transitioning to higher education, where she became a tenured Assistant Professor at High Point University. There, she led initiatives in educational technology, merging traditional teaching with innovative methods.
Her passion for health led her to earn certifications from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the Center for Nutrition Studies, along with becoming an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and a HeartMath® Certified Practitioner. Since 2012, she has worked as a Holistic Health Coach, helping individuals achieve lasting wellness through personalized nutrition plans, health assessments, stress management techniques, and practical lifestyle changes. Her hands-on approach includes pantry makeovers, grocery store guidance, and cooking classes, making healthy living accessible and sustainable for her clients.
At MyHealth1st, Jane combines her academic expertise with practical experience in nutrition, fitness, and holistic wellness. She is dedicated to empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health, aligning perfectly with our mission of proactive, personalized care.
Erin Paly, NBC-HWC, FMCHC
Holistic Health Coach
Erin is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) and a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC) with a passion for helping individuals achieve lasting wellness through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and personalized health strategies. With a background in Exercise Science and Psychology from Appalachian State University, she blends scientific knowledge with a compassionate, holistic approach to patient care.
She has extensive experience guiding patients through weight management, nutrition coaching, stress reduction, habit formation, and non-toxic living. Erin has worked in both clinical and virtual settings, assessing lab work, creating individualized meal plans, and helping patients understand the root causes of their health concerns. She prioritizes education and empowerment, ensuring each patient has the tools and knowledge to take an active role in their well-being.
Growing up on an organic cattle farm, Erin developed a deep appreciation for ethical, nutrient-dense food and its impact on overall health. Her experience extends beyond coaching, with hands-on involvement in fitness instruction, functional medicine principles, and holistic wellness practices.
At MyHealth1st, Erin is dedicated to helping patients optimize their health through personalized, proactive strategies. Her approachable style and deep commitment to holistic wellness make her a valuable resource for those looking to create sustainable, long-term health improvements.
Kat Bourassa
Medical Assistant & Thermography Technician
Kat brings a unique background to MyHealth1st, having spent 30 years as a License and Certified Veterinary Technician before transitioning into human healthcare. Her lifelong passion for health and wellness, combined with her own personal journey, led her to explore a more holistic approach—one that prioritizes informed consent, proactive lifestyle choices, and a deeper understanding of individual health.
Since joining our team, Kat has become an integral part of patient care, serving as a key liaison between providers and patients. She plays a vital role in monitoring patient correspondence across all areas of care, ensuring that follow-ups, lab reviews, and treatment plans are handled smoothly and efficiently. Her deep understanding of our optimal health approach allows her to provide personalized guidance, answering patient questions and helping them navigate their wellness journey with confidence.
In addition to her medical assistant responsibilities, Kat is a trained Thermography Technician, having studied under James Campbell, MD—our Thermography Director and a pioneer in the field of human medical thermography. She is passionate about offering this service as part of a proactive, patient-centered approach to health.
Kat’s dedication to patient advocacy and holistic medicine makes her an invaluable member of our team. Whether she’s coordinating care, providing patient education, or ensuring seamless communication between providers and patients, her commitment to empowering individuals on their health journey is at the heart of everything she does.
D'Asia Johnson, RMA
Medical Assistant
Education & Training: ECPI University (Medical Assisting)
Certifications: Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), CPR Certified
D’Asia earned her Medical Assisting training through ECPI University, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and clinical skills. She holds her Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential and is CPR certified. With additional training in phlebotomy, she provides hands-on clinical support while helping patients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their visit.
At MyHealth1st, D’Asia assists providers during patient visits, draws blood, prepares exam rooms, coordinates follow-up care, and helps ensure that each appointment runs smoothly and efficiently. She values being a calm, reassuring presence for patients, understanding that healthcare can sometimes feel overwhelming. Her goal is to help every patient feel heard, respected, and at ease.
D’Asia was drawn to healthcare because of her genuine desire to help others. She takes pride in knowing that her work contributes to someone’s overall well-being and plays an important role in the patient experience.
Outside of the clinic, D’Asia enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, cooking, staying organized, and setting personal goals for growth. She is intentional and goal-driven, both personally and professionally. Quiet mornings, prayer, and time to reset help her stay grounded so she can show up fully for her patients and her team.
What resonates most with D’Asia about MyHealth1st is the commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. She hopes that every patient interaction leaves people feeling comfortable, cared for, and confident that they are in good hands.
Lilly Young
Director of Operations
Lilly grew up immersed in integrative medicine, watching her mother, Dr. Lari Young, continually refine her approach in pursuit of true root-cause care. That early exposure shaped her respect for scientific rigor, critical thinking, and the responsibility of delivering healthcare with integrity.
What began as a temporary role at MyHealth1st during the pandemic evolved into a long-term commitment as she discovered her strength in operations and practice development. Lilly apprenticed under integrative healthcare business coaches and gradually stepped into her role as Director of Operations.
In her current role, Lilly oversees the operational, strategic, and structural foundation of the practice. She works closely with Dr. Young to ensure that MyHealth1st’s care model — focused on preventative medicine, biomarker-driven assessment, and holistic treatment — is implemented consistently across clinical workflows, documentation systems, and patient experience.
Lilly is deeply committed to building a healthcare model that prioritizes education, prevention, and patient empowerment. She believes that strong systems, clear communication, and operational coherence are essential to delivering care in a way that truly serves people.
Outside the clinic, Lilly maintains her love of writing and research, continuing to explore the intersection of critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Kelly Cunningham
Patient Coordinator
Education & Training:Lenoir-Rhyne University (B.A. Sociology & Business Administration)
With years of experience supporting patients and helping healthcare practices run smoothly, Kelly brings a calm, organized, and compassionate presence to the MyHealth1st team. Her background includes patient care coordination, medical office administration, scheduling, records management, and helping patients navigate the many moving pieces of healthcare with clarity and confidence. Known for her warmth and thoughtful communication, Kelly is passionate about creating an environment where patients feel genuinely welcomed and known by name.
At MyHealth1st, Kelly is dedicated to helping create a positive experience where patients know they are valued and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. With a solutions-oriented mindset and heart for helping others, she serves as a supportive liaison between patients and the clinical team—helping ensure questions are answered, concerns are addressed, and each patient feels respected and reassured throughout their wellness journey.
What resonates most with Kelly about MyHealth1st is the belief that food, movement, and lifestyle are powerful forms of medicine, simple as it sounds, and that true wellness comes from caring for the whole person—finding root causes rather than managing symptoms. She values being part of a practice that prioritizes prevention, personalized care, and helping patients feel empowered in their health journey.
Outside of the clinic, Kelly enjoys spending time with family, especially her grown children, exploring parks and hiking trails, and staying active in her church community. She’s always up for trying a new recipe and recently began beekeeping while creating her first pollinator garden. To recharge, Kelly enjoys walking, grounding in nature, prayer, and meditation.
Carlton began her academic journey at UNC Charlotte, earning dual degrees in Nursing and Biology with a minor in Spanish. Coming from a family with deep ties to the medical field, her commitment to patient care developed early. With a natural ability to form meaningful connections, she has always prioritized patient education and advocacy.