Comprehensive and Compassionate Care.
Call us today: 1-877-647-6363.Our team of providers includes Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Dentist, Mental Health Counselors and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. We also have clinical support staff, case managers, and community health educators to provide comprehensive health services for you and your family.
Angela Albero, PA-C, MMSc
Angela Albero, Affinity Health Center's Chief Medical Officer, is a certified Physician Assistant with over 19 years of experience practicing medicine in a variety of fields including emergency medicine, urgent care and primary care. Angela graduated cum laude from Cornell University with her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and received her Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate studies from Yale University School of Medicine. Prior to joining Affinity Health Center, she worked for Atrium Health Care where she earned the Teal Acorn Award for APP Leader of the Year in 2020, was a finalist for APP of the Year award in 2019 and nominee for the Pinnacle Award in 2020. She enjoys providing evidence-based high-quality care and educating patients about symptoms, diagnoses, and preventive health in the hope it will enable patients to feel empowered to make healthcare and lifestyle decisions for a long and active life. She is married with three children and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family hiking and enjoying nature or quiet time reading.
Dr. J. Craig Charles
Dr. J. Craig Charles, Affinity Health Center’s Medical Director, is an Internal Medicine physician with a specialty in Infectious Diseases. He has been instrumental in Affinity’s growth and has been caring for patients here since 2001 as a contracted Infectious Disease Specialist for Catawba Care. Dr. Charles attended University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Alabama School of Medicine and Wake Forest University. He is a former Hospitalist at Piedmont Medical Center and has been in practice since 1998. He lives in Rock Hill.
Dr. Chika Agnes Akamnonu
A Gold Medal Award winner in her Dental School graduating class, Dr. Chika Agnes Akamnonu is a vastly experienced dentist who has practiced for many years in the United States and overseas. Originally graduating with a BDS as a Dentist in the British system, Dr. Chika did the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists in New York University New York where she obtained a Doctor of Dental Surgery, DDS. She did her Residency in General Practice Dentistry at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Bronx, New York obtaining a Certificate of General Practice Dentistry. She practiced dentistry for many years in Northeast USA before relocating South to join Affinity Health Center in Rock Hill, SC. The soft-spoken Dr Chika loves dentistry, enjoys the camaraderie with her teammates, and passionately treasures the trust and satisfaction of her patients. Dr. Chika enjoys reading an traveling. She is happily married to her college sweetheart Dr. Oliver Akamnonu, a physician and author, they are blessed with four adult children, who have followed the family's Medical and Dental profession.
Carleigh Barnes, PA-C
Carleigh Barnes grew up in Lexington, SC before attending college at Clemson University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Psychology. She went on to complete her physician assistant training at Wingate University, where she was a National Health Service Corp Scholar and served as a student director at large for the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants. In her position with the NCAPA, Carleigh contributed to legislative advocacy efforts to expand healthcare access in North Carolina. Expanding healthcare access is something Carleigh is passionate about, which is something that excited her about working at Affinity Health Center. She is committed to advancing equitable, high-quality healthcare. Carleigh’s medical interests include women’s health, sexual health, and diabetes and HTN management. Carleigh now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband. Carleigh enjoys reading, gardening, visiting various coffee shops around Charlotte, and staying active with friends.
Julie Blackman, CNM
Julie Blackman, Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), was born “down under’ in Australia and moved frequently with her diverse and large family, finally settling in North Carolina at the age of 15. Julie attended North Carolina State University originally as a biology major, then transferred to East Carolina University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1997. She worked in a variety of clinical settings and research with a focus on women’s health for 10 years. After getting married, she officially pursued her career in advanced practice nursing and received her Master of Science in Nursing with concentration in midwifery from East Carolina University in 2007. Prior to joining Affinity in May of 2017, Julie worked as a CNM at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, NC for approximately 8 years managing prenatal care and providing gynecologic services. She and her husband reside in Fort Mill with their two children.
Mikayla Bowden, LPC
Mikayla Bowden is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Mikayla is originally from Charlotte, NC. Mikayla moved to South Carolina in 2022 after grad school, before moving back to the surrounding Charlotte area in 2025. Mikayla completed her Bachelor's Degree from Queens University of Charlotte in 2019, and her Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling from Charleston Southern University in 2022. Mikayla has experience with working in outpatient treatment for substance use, providing in-home therapy, and private practice. Mikayla has worked with most stages of life with a variety of different mental health related disorders including, Trauma, Grief, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Adjustment/Stage of Life, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Family Therapy, and Foster Care, Mikayla utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Faith Based Counseling (when requested) modalities. Outside of her professional life, Mikayla enjoys spending time with her husband, two rescue pups, friends and family, traveling, and reading.
Darlene Christmon-Washington, APRN
Darlene is an Indiana native and completed her psychiatric training at IU in Indianapolis, IN. As a psychiatric APRN, she has spent the last 10 years working at the VA where she proudly cared for the psychiatric needs of our veterans. She is excited about moving to the Carolina’s and looks forward to warmer weather and southern hospitality. She graduated from the IU school of nursing with a B.S.N. in 1993 and completed her MSN and psychiatric training at the IU school of nursing with a board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist in 2007. As an RN, she cared for oncology patients at the IU Simon Cancer center where she was certified as both an oncology nurse and also as a research coordinator working with clinical trials in GYN cancers. She is grateful for the many patients she has cared for over the years and feels blessed to be given the opportunity to care for those who come to Affinity Health Center for their physical and mental health needs.
Nicole Cronquist, LPC-A, ADC-IP
Nicole Cronquist is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) and Alcohol and Drug Counselor-In Process (ADC-IP). Originally from Minnesota, Nicole moved to South Carolina in 2018. Her academic journey began at Liberty University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2021 and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023. Nicole completed both her practicum and internship with Affinity Health Center, where she developed a strong appreciation for the integrative care model and found fulfillment in working within the community health setting. She officially joined the team as a Behavioral Health Counselor in 2024. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse settings as well as mental health therapy in group and individual formats, Nicole employs a person-centered, holistic approach. She aims to meet clients where they are and create a safe, nonjudgmental space for them to be their authentic selves. Nicole is dedicated to helping her patients find purpose and hope amidst their pain and struggles. Outside of her professional life, Nicole enjoys horseback riding, getting away with her significant other, hiking and reading.
David Hensel, Jr., LPC, AADC
David Hensel Jr. is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He was born and raised in Indian Land, SC before moving to Rock Hill, SC in 2019. David completed his undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston in 2013 earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and his graduate studies at Liberty University earning his Master’s Degree in Licensed Professional Counseling in 2019. David’s professional experience includes Substance Abuse Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, SBIRT counseling, and Applied Behavior Analysis. He has provided care in a multitude of treatment settings including Inpatient and Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities, Hospitals, Schools, In-Home therapy, and Private Practice Outpatient Clinics. David’s preferred treatment modalities include Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. David is truly passionate about helping members of the community from all walks of life and working alongside them on their journeys of healing and personal growth.
Austin McJunkins, MD
Dr McJunkins was born and raised in South Carolina in the upstate. After high school he attended Coker College on an athletic scholarship before attending medical school at USC School of Medicine Columbia. After graduating medical school he attended Residency in Spartanburg, SC. He then served 5 years in the active duty United States Air Force. He then transitioned to a civilian job in SC. Affinity is pleased to welcome him as a Family Physician. He currently resides in York County with his wife and 6 children.
Stephanie Neal, MSN-FNP
Stephanie Neal is an Advanced Practice Practitioner here at Affinity Health Center. She has provided health care in both urgent and primary care settings, encompassing all age groups. She completed her Nursing degree at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She holds a national board certification with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) as a Family Nurse Practitioner. As a dedicated provider, Stephanie eagerly attends continued medical education conferences to stay current on the latest treatments and advances in healthcare. In her spare time, she fundraisers for several children’s health organizations. Also, as a chapter president of a Chi Eta Phi Nursing Organization, she can frequently be seen volunteering at healthcare events in the South Carolina/North Carolina area.
Dr. Shervon Pierre, MD
Dr. Shervon Pierre, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician with over 15 years of experience. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she was raised in Maryland and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hood College in Frederick, MD. She then obtained her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., followed by completing a family medicine residency at Southern Regional AHEC in Fayetteville, NC. Dr. Pierre specializes in comprehensive family medicine, providing preventive care, managing acute illnesses, and treating chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, and COPD. Passionate about serving underserved communities, she has dedicated much of her career to working in Community Health Centers. Dr. Pierre remains committed to making a meaningful impact in the Rock Hill community through her work at Affinity.
Raymond A. Reiser, MD, FAAP
Dr. Reiser is a board-certified pediatrician with international experience in clinical medicine and public health research. His passions include preventive health care and youth empowerment. He is fluent in English and Spanish and provides the full scope of pediatric care for patients from birth to 21. He is a rabid soccer fan, surfer, and proud father of two. After more than a decade of service on the Grand Strand, Dr. Reiser joins us at Affinity to continue his mission of ensuring high quality, comprehensive, equitable healthcare.
Shaylo Reyes, PA-C
Shaylo was born in Puerto Rico but raised by parents who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. She grew up in Washington Heights in the upper west side of Manhattan which is an underserved community of mainly Latinos and African Americans. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Cytotechnology. Shaylo practiced as a Cytotechnologist for 10 years before moving to North Carolina to attend Physician Assistant school. Shaylo is a board certified Physician Assistant who graduated with a Master’s degree from the first class from Lenoir Rhyne University in 2018. Her upbringing in the underserved community fuels her passion for providing compassionate care for people of the same backgrounds.
Effie Thompson, MS, MMS, PA-C
Effie is a physician assistant joining the Affinity Health Center team as the walk-in/standby provider. She is from the Lancaster area and now lives in the Rock Hill area with her husband. While she is new to primary care, she brings nearly three years of experience from orthopedic surgery. She is an Emerging Leader graduate of Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant program, and prior to PA school completed a masters in business with a focus in healthcare management. She has been interested in joining the nonprofit healthcare space since her undergraduate days at the University of South Carolina. She is passionate about building relationships with her patients, providing patient education, and treating patients with compassion and respect. Outside of being in the clinic, Effie enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling with her husband, or relaxing with her two cats Fish and Chip. She is also a big sports fan and enjoys cheering for her alma mater; go Gamecocks! She is eager to serve the community that she has grown up to call her home.