Lauren Stringer is a nationally board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in medicine that began in 2008. Her clinical background spans high-acuity hospital care, regenerative medicine, aesthetics, and infectious disease, providing her with broad, well-rounded expertise and a deep understanding of complex patient needs. She holds national certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Lauren has trained alongside respected medical leaders across multiple specialties, allowing her to integrate advanced clinical knowledge with thoughtful, evidence-based care. Her practice philosophy emphasizes precision in diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and staying current with emerging medical research to ensure the highest standards of care.

Widely recognized for her diagnostic acumen, strategic clinical thinking, and attention to detail, Lauren is committed to delivering patient-centered care that prioritizes safety, outcomes, and long-term wellness. She values education, clear communication, and collaborative decision-making as essential components of effective healthcare.

A lifelong Floridian with deep roots in Citrus County, Lauren is driven by a strong commitment to her community and a passion for helping patients achieve optimal health and quality of life.

Maria Shirley is a proud Ocala, Florida native and an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with more than a decade of experience in high-acuity and critical care settings. She began her nursing career after graduating from nursing school in September 2013. Driven by a commitment to continued growth, Maria earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida SouthWestern State College in July 2018 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at South University in May 2025.

Before becoming a nurse practitioner, Maria built an extensive background as an ICU, cath lab, and trauma RN, gaining 11 years of hands-on critical care experience. These roles strengthened her ability to think analytically, respond quickly, and implement timely, appropriate interventions for patients with complex and rapidly changing conditions.

Maria is known for her collaborative approach and values strong teamwork in delivering safe, effective care. She works closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure each patient’s needs are met while also providing education and counseling that empowers patients and families to take an active role in their health.

A dedicated and hardworking clinician, Maria is passionate about improving outcomes and enhancing the overall patient experience. Her leadership style is grounded in compassion, communication, and an unwavering commitment to providing best-in-class care.

RikkiLee McCroskey is a Florida native and board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a diverse clinical background and a passion for caring for patients with complex medical needs. She began her nursing career after earning her RN in June 2013, later completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing in December 2016. She went on to obtain her Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain in August 2020.

Throughout her career, RikkiLee has built a strong foundation in high-acuity care. She previously served as a trauma nurse in the emergency department, where she developed the ability to think critically, act decisively, and remain steady in fast-paced situations. After becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked in primary care, further strengthening her skills in comprehensive, patient-centered management.

In 2022, RikkiLee found her professional home in infectious disease, where she is dedicated to supporting patients facing serious and often progressive illnesses. She is especially recognized for her ability to manage medically complex cases while maintaining a compassionate, steady presence.

Known for quickly building strong rapport with patients and their families, RikkiLee prioritizes trust, communication, and education. She believes these elements are essential to encouraging treatment adherence and achieving the best possible outcomes. Her approach blends clinical expertise with warmth, ensuring patients feel both confident in their care and genuinely supported.

Kristina McCormick, APRN, is a dedicated Acute Care Nurse Practitioner committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in May 2025, graduating with honors. She received her Registered Nurse degree in 2016 from Rasmussen School of Nursing. Kristina brings extensive clinical experience in high-acuity settings, having served as an ARNP in the CVICU and Emergency Medicine at Ocala Regional Medical Center. Her background in critical care and emergency services allows her to approach patient care with precision, efficiency, and a strong focus on safety and outcomes. As an Ocala resident, Kristina is proud to serve the community she calls home. She is passionate about patient education, preventative care, and building trusting relationships that support long-term health and wellness.