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Our Story

Pura Vida Wellness was born out of a desire to create a sanctuary where health and happiness converge. We have created a space where individuals can embark on a transformative journey, guided by a team deeply committed to your overall wellbeing.

We are your destination for holistic health and advanced aesthetic care. Whether you’re here to enhance your natural beauty, improve your overall wellness, or achieve personal health goals, our experienced team is here to guide you with compassion and expertise.

What pura vida means to us

The phrase pura vida originates from Costa Rica, where it is so much more than just a saying. It reflects a way of life—one that embraces simplicity, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the present moment. Translated as “pure life,” it embodies vitality, balance, and joy, reminding us to savor life’s richness, even in its smallest moments.

 

At Pura Via Wellness, we honor the cultural roots of this life-affirming phrase, recognizing its profound significance to the people of Costa Rica and beyond. For us, pura vida is not just a name—it’s a guiding philosophy.

 

By embracing the principles of pura vida, we aim to cultivate an atmosphere of positivity, connection, and respect, encouraging our clients to approach life with curiosity, compassion, and self-care.

Meet Our Team

Our diverse team brings together a wealth of knowledge in various wellness disciplines. Together, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where every individual’s unique journey to well-being is honored and supported.

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Dr. Andrew Brobbey, MD

Medical Director

We are proud to have Dr. Brobbey, as our esteemed Medical Director. With over 27 years of medical experience and a deep passion for patient care, Dr. Brobbey brings unmatched expertise and a dedication to excellence.

 

A graduate of the University of Ghana Medical School, Dr. Brobbey completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Huron Hospital, part of the Cleveland Clinic network, in 2004. His specialties include Internal Medicine and the management of chronic obesity. With a focus on personalized care, Dr. Brobbey is dedicated to creating individualized treatment plans that empower patients to achieve lasting health and wellness.

 

Dr. Brobbey’s philosophy of care aligns seamlessly with our mission at Pura Vida Wellness. He believes in addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and takes great pride in helping patients make meaningful lifestyle changes that improve their overall quality of life. His compassionate approach and dedication to patient success have made him an integral part of our team.

 

In addition to his work with us, Dr. Brobbey is affiliated with respected medical institutions including Euclid Hospital, Hillcrest Hospital, Lake Health, and South Pointe Hospital. His extensive background ensures that Pura Vida Wellness patients receive the highest standard of care and medical expertise.

 

Outside the clinic, Dr. Brobbey enjoys playing tennis and spending time with his wife of 24 years and their three children. His belief in a balanced, active lifestyle mirrors the values we promote at Pura Vida Wellness, further enriching the care he provides to patients. With Dr. Brobbey’s leadership and dedication, Pura Vida Wellness provides transformative care that empowers our clients to feel their best, inside and out.

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Kelly Siegel, Certified Nurse Practitioner

Medical Provider

Kelly Siegel, CNP, is a dedicated medical provider at Pura Vida Wellness, specializing in medical weight loss, hormone therapy, and functional medicine. With nearly 40 years of experience as a registered nurse in Ohio and over 26 years as a Certified Nurse Practitioner, she takes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care. Kelly combines cutting-edge medical advancements with holistic wellness strategies to help patients achieve optimal health.

 

She attended Ursuline College for her undergraduate nursing degree and earned her Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner degree from Case Western Reserve University. A lifelong resident of Lake and Cuyahoga counties, Kelly has practiced locally at Cleveland Clinic, Lake Hospitals, and University Hospitals in Cleveland. She has also held appointments to the faculty served as faculty at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, and Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her expertise has made her a sought-after lecturer at many medical conferences.

 

Kelly brings a wealth of experience in managing complex and chronic health conditions. She views obesity as a significant, chronic illness affecting millions and believes in a multi-faceted approach that integrates breakthrough prescription and nonprescription weight loss medications, supplements, and coaching for behavioral and lifestyle changes. She believes this combination creates a realistic and effective framework for achieving overall health, wellness, and sustainable long-term weight loss.  Her expertise extends beyond weight loss—she helps patients optimize hormone balance, address underlying metabolic concerns, and improve overall well-being through a functional medicine lens. By tailoring treatment plans to each individual, she empowers patients to regain control of their health and feel their best.

 

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

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Rachel Askew, NP/CNM/DNP

Medical Provider

With over 15 years in healthcare, Rachel has a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for what she does. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a minor in Psychology and currently practices as a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She’s also completing her Doctorate in Nursing, having trained under Dr. Andrew Brobbey. Rachel believes laughter is the best medicine, and she’s known for bringing a positive, upbeat vibe to the communities she serves.

Rachel also specializes in medical weight loss, where she combines her clinical expertise with a whole-person approach to help patients reach their goals in a safe, sustainable way. She understands that true wellness goes beyond the physical, and she works closely with each patient to support lasting lifestyle changes and overall well-being throughout their journey.

When she’s not caring for patients, you’ll find her binge-watching medical dramas and crime shows or spending quality time with her husband and teenage sons. Her mission is to provide compassionate, stress-free healthcare that puts her patients at ease.


"Serving the communities I love isn’t just my profession—it’s my purpose. Every patient I meet is a reminder that compassionate care can change lives, and I’m grateful to play a part in that every day."

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Ashley Follett, LPN

Partner + Medical and Aesthetic Provider

Ashley has been working as a nurse since 2014, after graduating from Auburn Career Center.  She initially started her nursing journey at Lake Health family practice and later transitioned to Lake West Medical Center where she dedicated four years to serving patients on the medical surgical floor.  In 2019, Ashley decided to shift her focus towards providing specialized care for patients with chronic obesity and addressing their overall wellness needs, including aesthetic medicine.  Ashley's passion for continuous learning and professional growth led her to become a certified master injector, actively participating in various training programs over the past five years.  Her expertise extends to a wide range of aesthetic procedures, such as skin rejuvenation, body sculpting, chemical peels, lasers, micro needling as well as administering treatments like Botox, Dysport, Sculptra and Kybella.  What truly brings Ashley joy is guiding her patients through their wellness journey, empowering them with knowledge about available options to enhance their overall health and well-being.

“As a trusted partner, my vision is to provide our community with access to state-of-the-art aesthetic procedures, guided by expert knowledge and delivered by a team of highly skilled, experienced professionals. We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve their wellness and weight loss goals, recognizing that true health encompasses the body, mind, and spirit. Our mission is to deliver exceptional care and empower every patient to thrive on their journey toward success and holistic well-being.”

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Vada, her husband, TJ and their two weiner dogs.

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Sarah Umholtz, RN

Partner + Medical and Aesthetic Provider

Sarah is a highly skilled and experienced registered nurse since 2014.  For the initial six years, she dedicated her expertise to Lake West Medical Center, where she provided exceptional care to post-operative bariatric surgery patients.  In 2019, Sarah's exceptional skills and dedication earned  the esteemed recognition of Nurse of the Year at Lake West.  Throughout her career, Sarah has gained extensive knowledge and experience in caring for patients with chronic obesity. Over the past four years, she has focused on specialized areas such as weight loss medicine and aesthetic medicine. 

 

Sarah's  strengths lie in her ability to swiftly assess patient needs and collaborate on personalized plans for success.  Beyond her medical proficiency, Sarah is also a master injector for aesthetic procedures showcasing meticulous technique and artistry.  She has actively pursued additional training in aesthetic medicine which includes Kybella, Sculptra, Botox, Dysport, fillers, chemical peels and laser treatments. Sarah's passion lies in helping her patients feel beautiful from within, as well as enhancing their outer appearance.

"As a proud partner at Pura Vida Wellness, my mission is to share our certified expertise with our community, empowering individuals to achieve their personal health and wellness goals. We embrace a holistic approach, tailoring care to each person’s unique needs and aspirations, ensuring a truly personalized journey to well-being."

 

During her leisure time, Sarah finds joy in the company of her husband, Matt, and their children.

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Kim Ward, CMA

Partner + Operations Coordinator

Kim is an exceptionally skilled medical assistant with an impressive track record spanning 18 years.  She completed her education at Lake Catholic High school and successfully graduated from the medical assisting program offered by the Cleveland Institute of Dental and Medical Assisting.  Initially, Kim served as a medical assistant at Lake Health Family Physician's office, where she dedicated a decade of her career. Subsequently, she transitioned to Lake West Hospital, where she specialized in providing care to post-bariatric surgical patients on the medical surgical floor.  Over the past four years, Kim has been deeply involved in the fields of weight loss and aesthetic medicine.  Her passion lies in motivating every patient she encounters to maintain a positive attitude and embrace their personal weight loss journey.  Kim's exceptional proficiency and unwavering dedication makes her an invaluable asset to the medical team, as she diligently fulfills all tasks and serves as the pillar of support for the clinic. 

"As a dedicated partner at Pura Vida Wellness, my goal is to ensure every patient feels confident and supported, knowing they are in the best hands. We are committed to delivering exceptional care, providing each individual with the highest level of personalized attention and unwavering support from the moment they step through our doors."

During her leisure time, Kim enjoys spending time with her family, her daughter, Aubree, and their beloved Shih Tzus. 

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Mandy Baker

Licensed Advanced Esthetician

Mandy specializes in crafting personalized skincare regimens tailored to each client's unique needs. Her favorite treatments include the Glo2Facial, peels, dermaplaning, and waxing/tinting.

 

Mandy takes a results-driven, educational approach to skincare. She walks clients through every step of the treatment, explaining the "why" behind each service and highlighting the benefits of a strong skincare routine.

 

With certifications in Glo2facial, HydraFacial, dermaplaning, waxing, eyebrow tinting, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and as a skinbetter science expert, Mandy brings extensive knowledge and expertise. She has completed The Skinny on Skin program, is certified by Dermalogica in treating melanin-rich skin, and is Lucas-cide safe space certified.

 

Outside of work, Mandy loves spending time with family, friends, and her two adorable dogs, Ollie and Gia. She enjoys traveling, learning new things, and is passionate about helping others and transforming lives through skincare.

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Laura Groth, RN BSN

Medical Provider

Laura, RN BSN, is a Registered Nurse who recently joined the Pura Vida Wellness Team. She graduated from Ursuline College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Laura has spent her seventeen year nursing career at Lake West/University Hospital in the area of Labor and Delivery. In this role she has assisted with deliveries, provided postpartum care to moms and cared for babies in the Special Care Infant Nursery.

 

Laura has greatly enjoyed the transition to Pura Vida Wellness and looks forward to applying the nursing skills she has developed to Pura Vida patients. She believes very strongly that each patient should receive exceptional nursing care and is passionate about providing it. She understands the need to engage with patients in order to guarantee success on the wellness journey and looks forward to establishing strong connections with them to help them feel at ease and confident. Patient education is a priority for Laura and her experience as a nurse educator ensures that patients will fully understand the wellness process in order to optimize results. She is grateful to be part of a team that enhances the well-being and self-esteem of patients by providing them with a variety of aesthetic services including Medical Weight Loss, Skin Rejuvenation and other wellness offerings.

 

Laura is a lifelong resident of Lake County. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband and her two children.

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Jocelyn Mariano, RN BSN

Medical Provider

Jocelyn is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with 17 years in Labor and Delivery, where she has had the privilege of guiding countless families through some of the most precious moments of their lives. She also spent 3 years as an OB Nursing clinical instructor at Ursuline College, where she mentored and educated the next generation of nurses.

 

With an educational background that includes an Associate of Science in Nursing from Lakeland Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University, Jocelyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at Pura Vida Wellness. She believes that nothing is more important than the health and well-being of individuals and their families. Jocelyn is passionate about listening to people’s stories and guiding them on their journey to a healthier lifestyle. She emphasizes the importance of educating patients on proper nutrition and fitness, believing that true success starts from within. Her dedication to boosting confidence and supporting patients throughout their wellness journey is evident in everything she does.

 

“What I love most about Pura Vida Wellness is the incredible team dynamic. I value the effective communication and collaboration that enables us to make a positive impact on our patients' lives. We strive to provide personalized care to each and every patient, ensuring they have the support they need throughout their journey to achieve their wellness goals. With the help of our many aesthetic treatments and wellness plans, we are committed to helping patients achieve radiant results that enhance their confidence and quality of life.”

 

Outside of work, Jocelyn enjoys spending time with her family, whether attending sporting events or sharing family meals together. She’s also an Ohio State and Cleveland sports fan.

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Krysta Tongel, RN

Medical Provider

Krysta has dedicated herself to the nursing profession for the past 12 years.  Her journey began when she completed her studies at Lakeland Community College in 2012.  For the last decade, she worked at Tripoint Medical Center where she primarily worked on the telemetry and step-down unit.  In October 2023, she embarked on a new chapter of her career by joining Pura Vida Wellness.  Krysta possesses a warm and empathetic nature, which is evident in her interactions with patients.  She places great importance on providing comprehensive patient education, recognizing that an individual's success in any treatment program is closely tied to their understanding of the underlying issues and potential solutions.  Ensuring her patients feel supported throughout their weight loss and wellness journeys guides the best possible outcome in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  She is an exceptional asset at Pura Vida Wellness.

 

In her free time, Krysta loves spending quality moments with her daughter. She is also a passionate advocate for physical fitness and dedicates herself to maintaining an active lifestyle.

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Mary Metsch, RN BSN

Medical Provider

Mary's lifelong passion for health and wellness inspired her educational and professional journey, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Kent State University and later earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cleveland State University. Her dedication to empowering others through education has been a constant throughout her career. Mary’s diverse experience includes teaching middle school health, where she helped young students develop healthy habits, and over a decade as a Registered Nurse, specializing in women’s health and patient education. As an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and prenatal educator, she has worked closely with families to provide personalized care and practical knowledge, always focusing on building confidence and empowering patients to take charge of their health.

 

At Pura Vida Wellness, Mary’s genuine love for health and wellness shines through in her work. She is passionate about helping clients transform their lives by providing education and guidance tailored to their individual needs. She believes that understanding one’s health and body is the foundation for making meaningful, lasting changes, and she is honored to play a role in each client’s journey.

 

“I feel incredibly privileged to be part of our patients’ transformative journeys. They work so hard to improve their lives, and I learn something new from each of them, which makes me a better nurse and educator. The team at Pura Vida is amazing, and as a newer RN in the aesthetic field, I’ve learned so much from them. We all collaborate so well, and it truly feels like home here. With our clients at the heart of everything we do, we’re dedicated to making them feel healthy, beautiful, and empowered—what could be more rewarding than that?”

In her spare time Mary enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

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Debbie Lombardo

Public Relations and Administrative Coordinator

With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field, Debbie brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to her role. She attended Ohio State University, studying Communications, Merchandising, and Design, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Marketing from Cleveland State University.

 

Debbie's extensive background has been instrumental in streamlining administrative operations and finding creative solutions to challenges. Her ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with vendors and patients alike has significantly contributed to the success of our practice. As our special events coordinator, Debbie’s attention to detail and organizational skills have ensured the success of numerous initiatives.

 

Outside of work, Debbie cherishes time with family and friends and enjoys staying active through pickleball and golf.

What makes us different

1. Personalized, Expert Care

We understand that every journey is unique. With a team of experienced professionals, we create customized, evidence-based plans tailored to your needs, ensuring you feel supported and confident throughout your journey.

 

2. Integrity and Ethics

We are committed to operating with the highest standards of honesty and ethics. Your trust is our priority, and we ensure every recommendation and treatment aligns with your best interests and well-being.

 

3. Innovation and Excellence

We stay at the forefront of wellness technology and techniques, offering advanced, cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the highest standards of care. Our goal is to provide you with the best tools and treatments to achieve lasting results.

 

4. Knowledge and Empowerment

We believe that education is the foundation of lasting change. By sharing our expertise across all of our offerings, we help you make informed decisions and take an active role in your journey, building confidence every step of the way.

 

5. A Holistic, Long-Term Approach

We focus on sustainable solutions that address the root causes of your concerns. By combining science, compassion, and expertise, we help you achieve goals that lasts far beyond the present.

 

6. An Inclusive, Compassionate Community

We provide a welcoming, supportive space where your unique story is honored, and your goals are celebrated with care and understanding.

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