The Healthplex logo
Get Started

About Us

Established with the mission to revolutionize health and wellness, The Healthplex embarked on its journey in Wheeling, WV, determined to provide a refreshing alternative to the traditional methods of treating chronic health issues. Our founders, a dedicated team of experts in the field of functional medicine, were disheartened by the recurring cycle of symptomatic treatments that fail to address the root cause of health issues.

Feel your best, prevent disease,
and treat chronic conditions at their root

MEET OUR TEAM

YOUR TEAM OF FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE DOCTORS IN WHEELING, WV

Dr Ryan Ferns

Dr. Ryan Ferns - Founder

Dr. Ferns knew from a young age that his calling was to help people. So when he graduated from college, he enrolled in Physical Therapy school and earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree thinking that was the career path most similar to his interest in health optimization. After a few years of being frequently denied by health insurance companies when attempting to help patients with anything beyond just physical health, Dr. Ferns made the drastic decision to change his career path. He applied to and was accepted into the Yale School of Medicine. Thinking a career in medicine would allow him to treat patients in a more holistic manner and not be limited to just physical health, he immersed himself in the program at Yale learning everything he could about the diseases that afflicted the human body and the treatments offered in medicine. Not long after beginning his clinical rotations, Dr. Ferns quickly realized that the limitations he experienced as a physical therapist were even more severe as a medical provider. The average visit time with patients in his urgent care and primary care clinical rotations was 7-10 minutes. Again, Dr. Ferns found himself frustrated with the limitations placed on him by the health insurance companies. The only thing that could be accomplished in these small windows was asking a few questions and writing a prescription for medication, but Dr. Ferns saw that patients weren’t getting healthier as a result. It was at this pivotal time in his life Dr. Ferns received a phone call from a man by the name of Dr. Charles Webb. Dr. Webb explained to Dr. Ferns that if he was willing to step out of the broken conventional healthcare system, he could create a practice that would provide his patients the kind of care they deserved and the kind of care Dr. Ferns knew they needed. The field of functional medicine was the path to achieve this type of care. Dr. Ferns immediately began his specialty training at the Institute for Functional Medicine. After learning about the advanced scientific treatments and methods in functional medicine, he started building a team of experts that would be able to provide a level of comprehensive care unheard of before in this region. As a result, the functional medicine practice known today as The Healthplex was born. 

Gabriel Rocha - Functional Medicine Provider

Gabriel Rocha - Functional Medicine Provider

Gabe began his career in medicine as an army medic in the 82nd Airborne Division, jumping out of airplanes and saving lives on the battlefield. These experiences laid a strong foundation for his medical journey. After serving his country, Gabe embarked on a new chapter, attending Yale University School of Medicine Physician Associate (PA) program. Practicing medicine as a PA since 2010 and certified in functional medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), Gabe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to The Healthplex. In his early career, Gabe served in various medical fields, including functional and integrative medicine, hormone replacement therapy, regenerative medicine, and sports medicine. While working with elderly patients, Gabe developed a profound interest in combating sarcopenia (muscle wasting), fueling his passion for maximizing muscle health across all age groups. He also holds a special interest in neuropsychiatric conditions and behavioral disorders, with extensive training in reversing cognitive decline and experience in neurofeedback and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). In short, Gabe helps his patients reach peak performance- cognitively and physically- and from the boardroom, to the bedroom. Gabe’s personal journey has been marked by profound challenges that have shaped him both as a person and as a clinician. The loss of close family members, including his aunt to leukemia and his older brother, became pivotal moments in his life. These experiences, coupled with his own health challenges, led Gabe to a turning point. After sustaining multiple head injuries during his military service and later life, and grappling with focus and fatigue issues, Gabe embarked on a comprehensive health improvement plan. He knew there was a better way than the standard conventional medical model. He sought healing and growth through functional medicine. This allowed him to regain his health, shedding 30 pounds and significantly improving his mental clarity. Today, Gabe is a devoted husband to Ashley K. Rocha and a loving father to their two children, Keaton and Ruby. They reside in Charlotte, NC, where they are active members of their church and enjoy football, live concerts, and quality time as a family. Gabe is fluent in Spanish. And served in the military from 2002 to 2015, beginning as an Army medic and concluding his service as a PA in the Navy, advancing in ranks from Army Private to Navy Lieutenant. In his role at The Healthplex, Gabe Rocha is not just a healthcare provider; he is a compassionate advocate for holistic and integrative health. Guided by his faith and his own transformative health journey, Gabe is committed to helping his patients at The Healthplex achieve peak physical, mental, and spiritual health, honoring the memory of his loved ones and serving as a beacon of hope and healing for others.

Wendy Kubala -

Wendy Kubala - Program Coordinator and Health Coach

Wendy started her professional career as a Certified Athletic Trainer (A.T.C.), working for the Cleveland Clinic for over 15 years. During that time, she had the opportunity to work with professional, collegiate, and high school athletes who were training at the highest levels. Wendy loved every minute of her career until the license she worked so hard to get was no longer accepted through commercial insurance companies. This led Wendy to go back to school to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).

In 2017, she was hired at The Healthplex to be the clinic director and to assist with marketing. On a personal note, Wendy has experienced her own health journey using functional medicine and discovering the root causes of her health issues. She lost 130 lbs in ten months and now feels as she did in her twenties. The one thing Wendy says to everyone is that if she can do it, so can you.

Catie Winters - Functional Nutritionist

Catie is a functional nutritionist and clinical herbalist who helps people uncover the healthiest, most vibrant version of themselves. As a professional herbalist, nutritionist, mother, visionary, and friend of the Earth, she draws from over two decades of postgraduate education and training, global exploration, volunteer service work, gardening, clinical practice, teaching, and deep personal growth. She is grounded in a desire to make the world a more beautiful place through education, herbal medicine, healthy food, and right relationship, with self, with others and the world. Her calling to both education and holistic health has landed her firmly in her authentic center, allowing her to offer her skills from a place of service and love. 

Catie graduated with a BS in Anthropology and Environmental Studies and after several years in  ecological education, she found her true calling to herbal medicine. She has certifications in clinical herbal medicine and clinical nutrition with over 1,200 hours of training, education, and clinical internship from the North American Institute of Medical Herbalism; an Master’s degree in Education from Portland State University with a special focus on Food and Garden-based Interdisciplinary Education; completion of a 10-month Integrative and Functional Medicine for Professionals Training Program, with Aviva Romm, M.D.; and a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States (a program co-created with the Institute of Functional Medicine); in addition, Catie has received an advanced nutrition certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist from the American Nutrition Association.

Catie approaches her practice and client relationships through the lens of vitalism, a healing philosophy that aims to support the vital life force within each of us so people can achieve their highest purpose in life. Both vitalism and functional nutrition address the underlying cause of dis-ease and aim to support the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. 

Catie’s own health journey allowed her to utilize her education and training to work through a constellation of chronic health conditions that she experienced personally, (many physical and psycho emotional), and that she’s been free from for the past 15 years.

Personal interests: Catie loves all things food related! She loves to garden and work on organic permaculture farms; she loves to cook and is an adventurous eater, most especially the multicultural cuisines of the world. Catie enjoys playing outside with her kids as much as possible, whether in the mountains, at the ocean, our nearby lakes and rivers, or hikes through rich forests; deep in nature is where she feels most at home. She’s learning to play the Mayan drone flute, has an active spiritual life, and has an optimistic and enriched outlook on life. She also owns an herbal honey (electuary) product business with 18 unique and yummy herbal products – a tasty way for almost anyone to take herbal medicines!

Christa Giordano - Fitness Coach

Christa Giordano - Fitness Coach

As the lead fitness coach at the Healthplex, Christa is passionate about helping people find what fitness means to them. She started coaching in 2008 and loves helping people surpass the goals they set and accomplish more than they ever thought possible. She focuses on functional movement that translates into day-to-day life. Christa is passionate about helping people understand the importance of increasing mobility and strength. She believes it is possible to find ways to work around any injuries or limitations you have, and she will help build your confidence in yourself through fitness. Our clients appreciate the way she eases them into movements and the support she provides.

Jessica McBride - Front Office Manager

Bio Coming Soon!

Jeremy Puglisi - CFO and “Tech Guru”

Jeremy Puglisi - CFO and “Tech Guru”

Jeremy Puglisi is the CFO at The Healthplex as well as the “tech guru”. He joined The Healthplex in 2014 and has worn many hats during his time in the facility. Jeremy started his health journey back in 2022 by going through a wellness program of his own. “The changes that I got from working through the program have been life-changing. I was a terrible sleeper and had a lot of inflammation, especially in my knees among other issues. After completing my program those issues have greatly improved or been completely eliminated!” When he is not at The Healthplex Jeremy loves to spend his time on the golf course or walking around Oglebay Park with his wife Heather and dog Libby.

Here's what it's like

Working with our Team...

"I was overweight, had back pain and am a diabetic. I saw the ad on fb for a program that could help me with all three. I went to the seminar and was impressed with what Ryan had to say. He had a lot to offer me. I’m so grateful to all the staff for their knowledge, understanding and ability to help me through this journey. I knew our food and products were enhanced to the point where they were unhealthy. The program helped me understand this even more.Eating clean and including the proper food groups was key. It helped me tremendously with my weight management and I felt much better. My diabetes is still a work in progress. The workout that Physical Therapy planned for me has helped my back pain 95%. The pool is so enjoyable. The best thing is whatever I needed , it was available at Ryan Fern Healthplex. KUDOS TO ALL THE SMILING STAFF!!! Please know that you have changed my life for the better and I’m sure you have done this for all the people you have worked with."
MaryAnna Russell
"I am so grateful that I could do this program. This is the best I have felt in a very long time. I was so impressed by Ryan and the entire staff, their knowledge, patience and kindness and always being available to help. The time went by so fast! I had a few hiccups along the way, but what I have learned will follow me for the rest of my life. I would highly recommend this program to anyone struggling with hormone imbalances. The movie/documentary on sugar remains in my mind when I am tempted. If I allow myself to slip, I pay the price by feeling lousy and it’s just not worth it Kathi I appreciate your attention to details and enjoyed our phone meetings. You are always a ray of sunshine! Again, many thanks to you all"
Kathy Williams
I cannot believe I finally found a program that I have been able to lose weight on and keep it off! No, I am not where I need to be but I am so much closer than I have ever been. My blood work has improved in many areas. I have more energy and clarity of thought. My body does not ache and pain like it did with getting out of bed in the morning, moving up and down, or after sitting for a longer period of time then moving again. However, the thing I am most proud of is all the knowledge I have gained throughout this process. I am trying to master the tools for healthy living and eating. The program guides you through all of this. Kathi is fantastic with the nutritional information. She answered all the many questions I had about so many things i.e. products, foods, cooking and shopping tips and on and on.
Elaine Yantz
"During this last 6 months my life has been crazy. My faith, the staff, and the program here at the Ryan Ferns Healthplex has equipped me not to go into deep depression or binge eating. The months prior to hearing about the Healthplex as a type 1 diabetic I was ready to talk to my doctors about being considered for a gastric sleeve. My husband, David, and I attended a free seminar on Tuesday November 1, 2023. We were excited about what we heard and quickly filled out the assessment."
Tammy Coe
Tammy Coe

Don't know where to start?

Schedule a free consultation with us today!

Get Started

Questions? Connect with us.