Guiding you to
feel whole again from the inside out.

Meet our Team

As a psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide compassionate care & individualized treatment plans tailored to each of my patients. 

At Optimum Health and Wellness, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each member brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication to providing exceptional care for our clients. 

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Meet our Team

At Optimum Healthcare, our team is the heart of everything we do. Each member brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and dedication to providing exceptional care and innovative solutions for our clients. 

Let's Talk

We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment. We believe that meaningful connections start with understanding the people behind the mission. Get to know the professionals who are here to support you every step of the way!

Work With Optimum Health & Wellness

 If you asked those who know me best to describe me, they would use the words caring & compassionate. Growing up in a home with a parent who had a mental illness gave me the passion and drive to truly empathize, genuinely care & establish a rapport with my patients. My love for people allows me to provide effective patient-centered care and enables me to guide them into becoming independent in their lives again. 

Heather Hughes

Work with Heather

  • 20 years of experience.
  • Dual-Certified in Primary Care
    and Psychiatry.
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner,
    DNP, APRN, PMHNP-C, AGNP-BC

Heather Hughes was born and raised in Florida. She graduated with her Associate in Nursing in 2006 and worked predominantly as an ER Nurse for 12 years while supervising the psychiatric pod. She obtained her Master’s in Nursing from Florida Southern College. She obtained her Doctorate in Nursing from UNF. 

Heather Hughes is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and is also certified as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. As a Nurse Practitioner, in addition to psychiatry, she has practiced in primary & urgent care, medical weight loss, and medical aesthetics. Heather is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association.

Heather Hughes is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and is also certified as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. As a Nurse Practitioner, in addition to psychiatry, she has practiced in primary & urgent care, medical weight loss, and medical aesthetics. Heather is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association.

Heather Hughes was born and raised in Florida. She graduated with her Associate in Nursing in 2006 and worked predominantly as an ER Nurse for 12 years while supervising the psychiatric pod. She obtained her Master’s in Nursing and began practicing as a Nurse Practitioner in 2015. She obtained her Doctorate in Nursing from UNF.

I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where patients can explore their mental health challenges in depth, with someone who not only listens but also empowers them with practical tools and strategies. The ideal patient hopes to gain greater control over their symptoms, achieving stability in their mood, and resilience against stress. Long term, they want to feel proactive and empowered in managing their mental health. The ideal patient wants a trusted ally in their mental health journey. They seek more than quick fixes and are invested in the process. They are eager to explore a partnership built on trust and empathy.

Yamira Baez

Work with Yamira

  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP

Yamira believes in building a foundation of trust, where the client feels safe and heard, knowing their unique experiences and concerns are genuinely respected. By combining evidence-based practices with a holistic approach, she aims to create a supportive environment where together, you can navigate life's challenges and work towards lasting positive change.
Yamira's mission is to provide compassionate, personalized care that empowers each individual on their journey towards mental wellness.

"My mission is to provide compassionate, personalized care that empowers each individual on their journey towards mental wellness." - Yamira

Yamira believes in building a foundation of trust, where the client feels safe and heard, knowing their unique experiences and concerns are genuinely respected. By combining evidence-based practices with a holistic approach, She aims to create a supportive environment where together, we can navigate life's challenges and work towards lasting positive change.

Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Xairyl is fluent in both English and Spanish. In 2016, she achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University. With previous experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator she has contributed to advancing medicine in mental health, dermatology and vaccines. Beyond her professional life, Xairyl is an enthusiastic traveler, constantly seeking to broaden her horizons through exploration of diverse cultures. What she cherishes the most is creating an environment where patients feel comfortable seeking assistance. She believes in fostering trust and approachability, ensuring patients know they can turn to her for their needs.

Xairyl Ruiz-Rivera

  • Office Manager

Work with Yamira