Our Team

Clinical

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Lari Young, MD, MS

Medical Director, Founder
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Lisa Trevino, PA-C

Physician Assistant
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Carlton DeHart, RN, BSN

Clinical Lead Nurse
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Jane Bowser, Ed.D.

Holistic Health Coach & Personal Trainer
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Erin Paly, NBC-HWC, FMCHC

Holistic Health Coach
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Kat Bourassa

Medical Assistant & Thermography Technician
coming-soon

Kathy Dunn

Clinical Support Specialist

Administrative

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Lilly Young

Operations Manager
coming-soon

Kelly Cunningham

Patient Coordinator
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Cindy Smith

New Patient Coordinator

Lari Young MD, MS

Medical Director, Founder

Lari’s passion for healthcare began in high school when she volunteered as a candy striper, drawn to the opportunity to help others. This early experience, combined with a deep interest in health science, led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Outcomes Research from Dartmouth College. She then joined the cardiovascular research department at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she played a key role in designing informatics systems and analyzing patient outcomes. However, despite her contributions to research, she felt an increasing pull toward direct patient care.

Determined to make a greater impact, Lari pursued her medical degree in her thirties. While committed to her patients, she grew frustrated by the limitations of conventional medicine—watching too many individuals struggle with preventable conditions and a system focused on symptom management rather than true healing. She envisioned a different approach—one that prioritized prevention, empowered patients, and addressed root causes rather than waiting for disease to develop.

This vision led her to a postdoctoral fellowship in Integrative Medicine at Wake Forest University, medical acupuncture training at the Helms Medical Institute, and extensive studies at the Institute of Functional Medicine. Over the years, she pursued additional specialty training in Lyme disease treatment, the Walsh Approach to holistic psychiatry, and Klinghardt’s Autonomic Response Testing, deepening her expertise in comprehensive, patient-centered care.

In 2012, Lari founded MyHealth1st to bridge the gap between data-driven medicine and personalized, holistic care. Her practice is built on the belief that every patient’s story matters—that true healing comes from understanding the whole person, not just managing their prescriptions.

Lisa Trevino PA-C

Physician Assistant

Lisa began her career in hematology and oncology before transitioning to chronic and acute pain management, where she focused on improving patient quality of life. Working closely with veterans and other patients in need, she developed a strong foundation in conventional medicine. However, her desire to address health at its root led her to explore a more comprehensive approach to care.

After relocating to North Carolina from Texas, Lisa’s personal health journey sparked a deep interest in integrative and functional medicine. She pursued additional training in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, and anti-aging aesthetic medicine, broadening her expertise beyond conventional treatment methods.

At MyHealth1st, Lisa combines her traditional medical background with a holistic philosophy, emphasizing prevention, wellness, and patient-centered care. She has also completed advanced training in platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) techniques, including microneedling and bio-filler, further expanding her skills in regenerative medicine. Dedicated to continuous learning and innovation, Lisa plays a key role in providing cutting-edge treatments that align with our practice’s mission of comprehensive, patient-first healthcare.

Carlton Dehart RN, BSN

Clinical Lead Nurse

Carlton began her academic journey at UNC Charlotte, earning 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.

Over a decade in cardiology, Carlton gained extensive experience and became a certified Heart Failure nurse. As the Advanced Heart Failure Coordinator at Novant Health-Charlotte Market, she managed a dedicated nursing team while providing specialized care for individuals with heart failure, ensuring a comprehensive, patient-centered approach.

During the pandemic, faced with both personal and professional crossroads, 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 alternative, integrative approaches to early COVID-19 treatment.

Post-pandemic, Carlton expanded her role within MyHealth1st, rediscovering her passion for patient education and coaching. She now guides patients through routine lab work, preventive lifestyle and nutrition strategies, and treatment plans, ensuring they understand not only their results but also the “why” behind optimization. Her ability to break down complex medical information into clear, actionable steps empowers patients to take control of their health. Dedicated to advocacy and holistic wellness, Carlton plays a key role in fostering a proactive, informed approach to patient care.

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.

Lilly Young

Director of Operations

Lilly grew up immersed in the world of integrative medicine, watching her mother, Dr. Lari Young, continually expand her expertise in pursuit of a true root-cause approach to healthcare. This early exposure instilled in her a deep appreciation for scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the importance of empowering individuals with knowledge to make informed health decisions.

Originally, Lilly envisioned a career as a writer and researcher, drawn to the challenge of analyzing information, thinking creatively, and solving problems across different fields. However, during the pandemic, she found herself at a crossroads and took on a temporary role at MyHealth1st. What began as a short-term position quickly evolved into a meaningful career as she discovered her niche in operations and practice development.

As Director of Operations, Lilly is responsible for optimizing daily workflows, overseeing practice management, and ensuring that the clinic runs smoothly. She also contributes to patient education by producing blog content and other informational resources to help patients better understand their health and make empowered decisions. Her role allows her to integrate her strengths in operations, strategic thinking, and education to enhance both the patient and provider experience.

At the core of her work is the passion her mother instilled in her—a love for learning, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge as a tool for true empowerment. Being part of MyHealth1st isn’t just a career; it’s a meaningful collaboration that allows her to apply her skills in a way that aligns with the vision she and her mother share: a practice dedicated to intelligent, individualized, and proactive healthcare.