Our dedicated staff is eager to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Heather Slusher
Heather Slusher is the Founder and Co-Owner of SunCoast Optimal Wellness in Apollo Beach Florida. She is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over thirty years of experience practicing in many diverse fields throughout the spectrum of medicine, including functional medicine, labor and delivery, oncology, vascular medicine, and as a provider for Marines and Sailors returning from combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mrs. Slusher was born and raised in idyllic Beaufort South Carolina, which is home to the Beaufort Water Festival, the best seafood in the Southeastern United States, and the Marine Corps’ Paris Island Recruit Depot. Mrs. Slusher received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and her Master’s degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Mrs. Slusher is a founding member of the Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Awareness and Healing Alliance as well as a graduate of the School of Applied Functional Medicine and a member of the school’s Executive Council. Mrs. Slusher’s patients are truly her passion, and she utilizes her many years of experience to ensure their health and wellness!
Mrs. Slusher is married to a retired career United States Marine and is the proud parent of four children, ranging in ages from 26 to 16.
Dr. Van Benschoten
Dr. Christopher L. Van Benschoten M.D has experience in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Anti-aging, and Medical Cannabis. He graduated with a Doctorate at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine after graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Florida. He is a highly skilled physician with a passion for anti-aging. He completed his residency as a Family Practitioner and was an Ambassador Physician Hospitalist in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
In June 2005 Dr. Van Benschoten presented his work on Cord Blood Banking of Hematopoietic Stem Cells From Umbilical Cord Blood: An Alternative Approach For Treating Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the University of North Florida senior research seminar. In November 2011 he spoke about Radiological Aspects of Childhood Craniopharyngioma at the Florida Hospital radiological conference case presentation. In March 2012 Dr Van Benschoten spoke about Pediatric Brain Tumors at the Interfaith Medical Center Pediatric Presentation.
Dr. Van Benschoten has volunteered his time at Green Gables Assisted Living Facility, 5K Run for Autism, and 5K Run for Breast Cancer. He was also a Field Research Intern for the U.S Geological Survey in 2005. Dr. Christopher Van Benschoten’s hobbies include traveling, surfing, outdoor activities, and photography.
Mark Slusher
Mark is the Practice Manager at SunCoast Optimal Wellness. In this capacity, he oversees all facets of the Practice’s operations. Mark is dedicated to our Practice’s ideals and is focused on supporting our amazing team as they provide world-class health care to our patients.
Mark is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and utilizes his leadership and management experience on a daily basis.
Mark is married to a gifted Family Nurse Practitioner who specialized in Functional Medicine. They are the proud parents of four children, ranging in age from 26 to 16.
Gina
Gina is the Administrative Assistant at SunCoast Optimal Wellness and brings her experience in medical office managing and a background in insurance. She handles most of the paperwork and tracking of lab results for the office. Gina’s hobbies include photography, gourmet cooking, and travel.
Lisa
Lisa is one of our administrators here at SunCoast Optimal Wellness. Lisa is originally from Knoxville Tennessee and has an extensive background in business and administration. Lisa is really enjoying working on our team and helping our patients to obtain great results. Lisa enjoys traveling and boating with her husband.
Melissa
Melissa is the Nurse at SunCoast Optimal Wellness and brings over 25 years of Nursing experience to our practice. She’s very knowledgeable and friendly; a true “people person” who really cares about our patients!
Vanessa
Vanessa is one of our talented medical assistants. She is originally from Brazil and brings experience in several facets of medicine to our team. Vanessa loves working with our patients and enjoys boating and traveling in her free time
Jenn
Jenn is one of our new team members and is originally from Baltimore MD. Jenn is an experienced medical assistant and uses her knowledge and experience to provide excellent care to our patients. Jenn enjoys watching sports, travel, and is a dedicated “foodie”.
Liz
Liz is our lead front desk administrator. She’s originally from Connecticut and has lived in Florida for many years. Liz has a strong background in administration and a degree in Public Health. Liz really enjoys being part of the Suncoast team and taking great care of our patients. In her free time she enjoys boating and kayaking, and spending time with her dog Hirie.
Rachel
Rachel is the Social Media Specialist at SunCoast Optimal Wellness. Rachel works to create content on all our social media platforms and update our website to ensure that it carries the most up-to-date information.
Rachel currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising as well as a Master in Business Administration.
