At Zepf Center, connected care goes beyond providing services, empowering our clinicians to build trusting relationships, reduce client barriers, and ensure every person feels supported throughout their healthcare journey. To continue this commitment and further enhance our trauma-informed Primary Care services, we are thrilled to welcome Christina Ray, FNP-C, to the team.

Christina joins Zepf Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong passion for compassionate, person-centered care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University and completed her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner at The University of Toledo.

For Christina, primary care is about becoming a trusted “health home” for clients. She believes quality healthcare extends beyond treating illness and includes prevention, managing chronic conditions, addressing acute concerns, and helping people better understand their health in ways that feel clear and meaningful.

One of Christina’s favorite parts of her role is developing rapport and connection with clients. She enjoys walking alongside individuals as they navigate their health journey, celebrating progress, adjusting a care plan, or simply making space for patients to feel heard and understood. Throughout it all, she is focused on making sure care feels personal, coordinated, and supportive every step of the way.

“Christina brings a strong clinical background, but what stands out most is her ability to connect with patients in a genuine and compassionate way,” said Health Center Executive Director Diamond Williams. “She understands the importance of meeting people where they are and helping them feel comfortable throughout the care process.”

That focus on connection and trust aligns closely with Zepf Center’s trauma-informed approach to connected, integrated care, as the agency provides services that are specifically designed to create safe, respectful, and supportive spaces where clients feel empowered and involved in their healthcare decisions. By bringing physical health, mental health, and supportive services together, Zepf Center helps reduce barriers to care and improve overall health outcomes.

Christina is especially excited about the collaborative environment at Zepf Center and the opportunity to work alongside behavioral health providers and support teams to ensure clients receive coordinated care in one place.

“When care teams communicate and work together, patients feel more supported,” she said. “It creates a smoother experience and helps people stay connected to the services they need.”

One recent example of connected care in action involved a client receiving services through Zepf Center’s Intensive Case Management (ICM) program while also staying in the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). After experiencing abdominal pain and strong delusions, the client was transported to a nearby hospital for medical care. While medical providers were able to rule out their initial concerns, the visit revealed several additional health issues that needed follow-up care.

Because the client was already connected to Zepf Center Primary Care, the ICM team quickly coordinated with CSU staff and the Primary Care team to arrange a same-day appointment with Christina, a female provider who aligned with the client’s comfort and preferences. During the appointment, the provider worked closely with the client to develop a comprehensive treatment plan addressing multiple medical concerns while also coordinating access to additional supports, including birth control options and HIV PrEP through Genoa Pharmacy.

Following the appointment, teams across Zepf Center continued working together to coordinate lab work, specialist referrals, additional testing, and ongoing psychiatric support. Through collaboration between Primary Care, Intensive Case Management, Adult Psychiatry, CSU staff, and pharmacy services, the client received coordinated, trauma-informed care tailored to their individual needs. 

Whether she is helping someone manage a chronic condition, navigate a new diagnosis, or take preventive steps toward better health, Christina is committed to meeting patients where they are and helping them move forward at their own pace. Her approach centers on listening, collaboration, and making sure each person feels supported every step of the way.

“Primary care plays an essential role in helping individuals build healthier, more stable lives,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “We are excited to welcome Christina to our team as we continue expanding access to integrated, person-centered care throughout our community.”

As Zepf Center continues expanding access to connected, whole-person healthcare in our community, we are excited to welcome Christina to the Primary Care team and look forward to the compassionate care she will provide to clients across northwest Ohio.

To learn more about our Primary Care services for the whole family, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/primary-care-your-health-matters/ or call 419-841-7701.