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Our Physicians

Amer Kassar, M.D.

Amer Kassar was born in Damascus, Syria in August 1977. Amer grew up in Damascus and decided to become a physician when his father was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer; another deciding factor was that his older brother, Mohamed, was already attending medical school. Being fascinated by hormone interactions and their complexity with diseases, he chose endocrinology as his specialty.  After graduating from the University of Damascus School of Medicine in April 2001, Dr. Kassar went on to complete his postgraduate education at the Internal Medicine Residency Program at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, MI. In June 2009 he completed his Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, LA.  He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, with a subspecialty certificate in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. He is one of three brothers to become a physician, migrate to the United States and establish a private medical practice in Northwest Indiana; his two brothers are Mohamed and Samer Kassar, his twin. He is affiliated with Community Hospital (Munster, IN), St. Catherine Hospital (East Chicago, IN) and St. Mary Medical Center (Hobart, IN). He currently resides in the Chicago area with his wife, Lumai, and their 3 children – Majed, Miar and Alyana.  He is bilingual, speaking Arabic and English. He loves playing soccer and traveling.

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Jacquelyn Adley

FNP-C

Jacquelyn Adley is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in patient care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science from Indiana University in 2006 and went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing at Purdue University in 2014.

Jacquelyn began her healthcare career at Lurie Children’s Hospital, where she provided critical care to newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for seven years. In 2015, she advanced into the role of Nurse Practitioner, bringing her deep clinical knowledge and compassionate approach to primary and specialty care.

Since joining GN Endocrinology in 2017, Jacquelyn has focused on delivering comprehensive endocrine care with a strong emphasis on patient education, disease management, and long-term wellness. Her background in nutrition and pediatric care enhances her holistic, patient-centered approach.

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Victoria Barajas

MSN, FNP-C

Victoria is a dedicated and experienced nurse practitioner with over 13 years in the field. She has be a valued member of GN Endocrinology since 2016, where she combines her clinical expertise with a passion for health and wellness to help patients achieve their optimal well-being.

Victoria earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University Northwest in 2005. She began her nursing career on the medical-surgical unit at St. Mary's Hospital in Hobart, Indiana, and later transitioned to the Intensive Care Unit at St. Catherine's Hospital in East Chicago. Driven to further her education and impact in patient care, she pursued her Master of Science in Nursing at Purdue University Calumet, graduating in 2012.

Her diverse clinical background includes roles in outpatient family practice, occupational health, an the CVS Minute Clinic. These experiences have equipped her with a broad understanding of patien care across various settings and age groups.

At GN Endocrinology, Victoria is known for her compassionate approach and her commitment to personalized care. She is especially passionate about promoting wellness and helping patients take proactive role in their health.

Victoria resides in Crown Point, Indiana, with her husband and two young daughters. Outside of w she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, gardening, and staying active.

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Lisa Poradzisz

MSN, FNP-C, CDCES, LDE 

Lisa has been a nurse for 27 years, graduating from Purdue University, West Lafayette in 1998. She began her career at the University of Chicago hospitals as a cardiac nurse but chose to work closer to home and began her 19-year career at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, Indiana as a medical-telemetry nurse where she claims to have learned the "bones" of nursing. After nine years of working in this role, Lisa decided to take on what she feels is her true calling as a nurse as an educator, providing each person with an opportunity to receive intentional learning thru purposeful education. While obtaining her certification in diabetes education, she went back to school at Purdue University Northwest and obtained her master's degree as a family nurse practitioner. After ten years of working in this role, Lisa began her seven-year career at GN Endocrinology where she functions both as a nurse practitioner and a diabetes educator. Along with a passion for diabetes, Lisa has developed a strong interest in testosterone therapy, thyroid disorders, and diseases involving the pituitary and adrenal glands. Lisa is a proud parent of three grown children but spends most of her time with her fiancé Bob and her precocious cat Maggie.

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Jillian Finley-Greer

FNP-C

Jillian Finley-Greer is a dedicated nurse practitioner specializing in endocrine health and weight management. She earned her degree from Purdue University Northwest and brings both clinical expertise and compassionate care to every patient interaction.

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With a passion for helping individuals feel their best, Jillian focuses on personalized treatment plans that support long-term wellness. Outside the clinic, she enjoys life with her husband and their three kids—who keep her on her toes and smiling every day.

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Krista Nguyen

DNP

With a strong foundation in psychology and business from Butler University, Krista Nguyen expanded her expertise by earning a Bachelor's in Nursing from Indiana University. At Rush University Medical Center, she completed her Doctorate and played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Road Home Program, a non-profit clinic dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.

Krista spent five years practicing as a nurse practitioner specializing in orthopedics before joining GN Endocrinology in 2023. Her commitment to patient care is further exemplified by her certifications in aesthetics and injections from the National Laser Institute and her recent certification as a functional medicine provider through the American Academy of Functional Health.

Krista adopts a holistic approach to healthcare, targeting the root causes of symptoms and integrating supplements, lifestyle changes, and medication to enhance patient well-being. Her comprehensive approach is designed to empower patients on their journey to optimum health.

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Erendira Odle

FNP-C 

Erendira Odle is a passionate and accomplished Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) known for her dedication to patient care and her commitment to health and wellness. Born with a strong desire to help others, Erendira’s journey began at Purdue University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Although she excelled in the business field, she yearned for a career that would allow her to make a more profound impact on individual lives.

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This desire led her to pursue a second Bachelor's degree in Nursing, where she discovered her true calling. After completing her nursing education, Erendira worked in the emergency department for five years, thriving in a fast-paced environment. Her experiences in the ER not only sharpened her clinical skills but also instilled in her a deep understanding of the complexities of patient care in urgent situations. She developed a unique ability to think critically under pressure and provide compassionate care to those in distress.

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Eager to expand her knowledge and skills, Erendira continued her education by obtaining a Master's degree in Nurse Practitioner from Indiana University Northwest. This advanced training prepared her to provide comprehensive healthcare services, enabling her to take on a more significant role in patient management and treatment.

In addition to her nursing career, Erendira proudly served as an Army veteran, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Her military experience has shaped her resilience, discipline, and leadership qualities, which she brings into her practice every day. The lessons learned during her service have further fueled her commitment to serving her community and advocating for her patients.

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Currently, Erendira works at GN Endocrinology, where she specializes in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, weight loss, and other endocrinology problems. Her passion for holistic health and wellness drives her to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in endocrinology, ensuring her patients receive the best possible care. In addition to her clinical focus, Erendira is a certified injector, providing Botox and filler treatments. She believes in enhancing her patients' natural beauty and boosting their confidence through aesthetic services.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Erendira effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder the quality of care provided. Her bilingualism allows her to connect with patients on a deeper level, fostering trust and understanding.

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Beyond her professional pursuits, Erendira is a devoted mother to four wonderful children. Balancing her career and family life, she embraces the joys and challenges of motherhood. She enjoys spending quality time outdoors, exploring nature with her children, traveling to new destinations, and cooking nutritious meals for her family. Her commitment to health extends to her personal life, where she maintains an active lifestyle through regular workouts, inspiring her kids to appreciate fitness and well-being.

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Erendira Odle's multifaceted life reflects her dedication to both her family and her profession. A compassionate caregiver, a proud veteran, and a nurturing mother, she continues to inspire those around her with her commitment to health, wellness, and personal growth.

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Alejandra Garcia

FNP-C 

Who Am I?
Hello, I am Alejandra Garcia (she, her, hers) and I am a Bilingual Family Nurse
Practitioner fluent in English and Spanish. I started at GN Endocrinology in 2024
after completing my Master's degree at IUN. Prior to that I worked in the ER for 6
years where I found my love for working in fast paced environments while
learning how to manage complex cases to make a significant impact on patient’s
lives during critical moments. The more I learned about managing chronic
conditions the more curious I became as why these conditions occur. This is how
my love for hormones and functional medicine developed.


I believe…
* I believe in chronic disease prevention through lifestyle modifications in
addition to conventional medicine practices when necessary- "It ran in the family
until it ran into me”.
* I believe humor is good for the soul and I plan to use it when it’s appropriate.
* I believe that you are the driver and have full control of the vehicle (your health). I’m
the passenger (your partner in healing). If the car breaks down, I’ll jump out and help
you push.
* I believe treatment works best when you and your provider are committed to figuring
out the underlying cause of your disease process and are consistent in doing so.


What it’s like working with me:
As a new patient you can expect for us to review your background information and address any concerns you
may have while implementing functional medicine with conventional practices when necessary. I’ll approach
things with curiosity because you’re the expert of your life. An appointment with me is supportive, non
judgmental with a gentle nudge here and there- unless we aren’t doing what we need to- then you’ll see the
sass come out… just a little.

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