Primary Care Providers

Jennifer Bowling is a doctorate prepared nurse practitioner. Her specialty certification is  Adult Geroltology, seeing from young adult to geriatric population. She graduated from GVSU in 2015 and has been been with Traverse Health clinic since that time.

Her hobbies include quilting, reading, gardening and silversmithing. 

Dr. Ghaemi has a strong interest in lifestyle approaches to health and wellness. He brings a comprehensive, holistic perspective to his practice of primary care with patients of all ages. 

After graduating from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Ghaemi completed his residency at Munson Family Practice. Prior to joining Traverse Health Clinic as Chief Clinical Officer, he practiced family medicine in Leelanau County. 

Dr. Ghaemi is trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT. A type of hands-on bodywork, OMT non-invasively engages soft tissue, muscles and joints to improve function and mobility, reduce pain, and assist in recovery from injury. 

“As a primary care provider, I value a partnership approach,” Dr. Ghaemi says. “My goal is to support patients on their path towards health, honoring their goals, wishes, and abilities, while sharing what I can of my knowledge and expertise. My role is to help patients make health decisions they can feel confident in.”

In addition to seeing patients as a primary care physician, Dr. Ghaemi is our team's Chief Clinical Officer. 

With over 25 years’ experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Christine (Chris) Hawkins brings her expertise caring for patients of all ages – from newborns to seniors – to Traverse Health Clinic. While working as a Nurse Practioner, she also spent 20 years as a Nursing Professor at Indiana University. 

Chris relocated to the Traverse City area with her family. She says, “I continue to work because I love my profession and taking care of patients. I learn something everyday from my patients."

Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Chris studied nursing as an undergraduate at Ball State University before going on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and Advanced Nurse Practitioner degree from Valparaiso University.

Anna earned her Bachelor of Science from St. Xavier University - Chicago and her Master of Science, in Nursing with a focus on Adult Geriatric Primary Care from Spring Arbor University. 

"A particular area of interest in medicine I have is focusing on prevention and optimizing the quality of life of my patients. I am specialized in the Adult-Geriatric population, so care for the frail elderly is what I am most passionate about. My approach to care is to create a comfortable environment in which my patients and I can develop a relationship that fosters trust, where guards can be let down, and most importantly where my patients feel heard. Within this environment, we can then work together as a team, to promote that good quality of life we all strive for.

I enjoy spending time with my family in the great outdoors!"

Rachel is a Family Nurse Practitioner who earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Frontier Nursing University. 

"I have a particular interest in caring for adults with complex health conditions and chronic illness as well as women’s health. 

I am an avid sports fan, especially Detroit sports, love to travel and love to read."

Amber Ristow graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan, Flint.

"My goal and passion is improving the health of our community through disease prevention and disease management, which ultimately improves the quality of life of my patients. This is accomplished through working collaboratively with the patient and having open communication on their needs. "

"I enjoy spending time with my family; especially my husband, two children and our dog! I love spending time outdoors enjoying the beautiful seasons of Northern Michigan, then curling up with a good book." 

Natasha Williams is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Northwestern Michigan College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University Northwest, and her Master of Science from Purdue University Global. 

Natasha enjoys patient interactions, providing compassionate care and education, and empowering patients to be an active participant in their healing. "I feel it is a privilege to serve the community in my capacity as a Medical Provider," she says, "and contributing to patients and families healing journey and health outcomes." Natasha enjoys spending time with her family, camping and exploring Michigan's beauty, including visiting Mackinac Island.