Fair Haven Community Health Care Grows to Meet Patient Demand

Fair Haven Community Health Care (FHCHC) is dedicated to improving the health and social well-being of the communities they serve through equitable, high-quality, patient-centered care. Federally qualified health centers like FHCHC provide access to health care for patients who feel overlooked by the health care system or delayed their medical care due COVID. To meet the growing demand for care in these communities, FHCHC has expanded their staff to provide increased access to good health.

FHCHC offers patient-centered care that is culturally responsive and award-winning, as recognized at the Gold Level of care by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). FHCHC is pleased to welcome the following clinicians who are now welcoming new patients:

Emmanuel Martinez Alcaraz, a bilingual Spanish/English primary care physician, joins FHCHC following his Family Medicine work in both medical centers and specialty clinics. He graduated with a Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Rutgers University. Prior to joining FHCHC, Dr. Martinez served as the President of TCNJ Emergency Medical Services, organizing and training volunteers to administer medical aid at over 240 annual health emergencies around the college community. In recognition of the standard of care Dr. Martinez brings to every patient, he has been awarded the Frank C. Snope Award for Excellence in Family Medicine and the 2022 NJAFP Resident of the Year Award.

Allison Ipsen, a Midwife, has worked in both large hospitals and community health centers focused on Midwifery and Women’s Health, providing care in English & Spanish. Ipsen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology & Biology from Claremont McKenna College, and with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Yale University. During her midwifery training, Ipsen specialized in providing medication for opioid use disorder and in urogynecology, as well as completed coursework concentrating in LGBTQ care. Prior to concentrating in midwifery, her work focused on trauma-informed care and domestic violence advocacy.

Stephanie Jaksina joins FHCHC as a behavioral health therapist at the Bishop Woods’ School Based Health Center. Jaksina brings over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in a hospital, medical center, and non-profit settings. Jaksina graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in General & Social Science and a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Bridgeport. In her role prior to joining FHCHC, Jaksina mental health care focus included crisis intervention and family counseling for pediatric patients and their families.

Paula Masto joins FHCHC’s School Based Health Center at Bishop Woods Magnet School as a pediatric Nurse Practitioner and brings twenty years of experience in the nursing field. She worked as a travel nurse prior to settling in Connecticut where she joined a private pediatric practice. Mastro graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (BA) from Boston University and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Case Western Reserve University. In her role prior to joining FHCHC, she focused on acute care, preventative medicine, health maintenance, and anticipatory guidance to the pediatric population.

Christine Nay is a family practice Nurse Practitioner at our Branford location, Shoreline Family Health Care. She is accepting patients of all ages, from birth to geriatric. Nay brings twenty years of experience in the nursing field. She has worked in both large hospitals and local medical centers, with a dedicated focus on Family Practice, Urgent Care, Pediatrics, and Women’s Health. Nay graduated with honors from Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University. Nay works with each patient to understand a diagnosis and a health plan, and holistically treats and educates her patients on preventative care practices that lead to a healthy lifestyle.

Jenna Olenoski, a behavioral health therapist, joins FHCHC’s School Based Health Centers at John B. Sliney and Mary R. Tisko schools in Branford. Olenoski brings nearly six years of experience in the Behavioral Health field. She has worked in both local medical centers and specialty clinics, focusing on substance use in adults and family therapy with the pediatric population. Olenoski graduated with a Master in Social Work (MSW) from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University. In her role prior to joining FHCHC, she provided outpatient therapy through a variety of different therapeutic approaches, tailored to the needs of her patients.

George Ramos, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, brings nearly five experience in the nursing field, having worked in both large hospitals and local medical centers with a focus on Behavioral Health. Ramos graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Eastern Kentucky University, and is currently a candidate in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program from Missouri State University. In his role prior to joining FHCHC, Ramos worked with patients in post-acute rehabilitation settings, as well as providing counseling to geriatric patients.

FHCHC accepts Husky (Medicare/Medicaid), self-pay, and most other major insurances and welcomes all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. A sliding fee scale is available for those that qualify. To make an appointment, please call 203-777-7411.

For over 50 years Fair Haven Community Health Care has proudly served Fair Haven and the greater New Haven community, offering primary and specialty care services, through trauma-informed evidence-based patient care. Visit our website at fhchc.org to learn more about our services and programs available.