Allevia Centers logo featuring a stylized human figure, spine, and leaf, representing holistic pain management in Houston.

Our team

The Specialists Behind Your Recovery

Experience the elite clinical expertise and personalized care behind your recovery at Allevia Centers.

Nathaly Ortega

Nathaly Ortega has been a dedicated member of the practice since 2019. She began her career with the practice as a Medical Assistant and, through her commitment, leadership, and extensive knowledge of patient care and operations, advanced to the role of Office Manager.

In her current position, Nathaly oversees the daily operations of the practice while ensuring patients, providers, and staff receive exceptional support. She has built strong, lasting relationships with referral sources, case managers, and attorney offices, serving as a trusted liaison between the practice and its professional partners.

As the primary point of communication on behalf of Dr. Shabrez Tariq, Nathaly coordinates with referring providers, legal teams, and community partners to facilitate seamless communication, efficient patient care, and timely case management. Her ability to foster meaningful professional relationships has contributed significantly to the continued growth and reputation of the practice.

Known for her professionalism, organization, and compassionate approach, Nathaly is committed to creating a positive experience for every patient while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence. Her dedication to teamwork, patient advocacy, and outstanding customer service continues to make her an invaluable leader within the practice.

Saima Farid

Saima is a Clinical Manager at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.
She has extensive expertise in patient management, health education, and clinical research.
After graduating from medical school, Saima gained additional clinical experience in Pakistan, working in various areas of medicine and pediatrics.
With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, she leads our clinical operations with both passion and precision.
Outside of work, Saima enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Mariana

Mariana is a Referral Manager who facilitates communication between medical providers, legal professionals, and patients.
She coordinates patient care, builds relationships with healthcare providers, liaises with attorneys to manage legal documentation, oversees claims related to LOP cases, and ensures compliance with regulations.

Areeb Ahmed

Areeb Ahmed is a clinical specialist at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants, drawing on his experience as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and a USMLE aspirant.
He is committed to providing thorough patient assessments, monitoring vitals, and facilitating efficient clinical procedures.
Areeb’s passion for clinical excellence and research drives his mission to enhance patient care standards and develop innovative pain management strategies.

Mohammed Qaisar

As an accountant, Muhammad Qaisar manages the financial aspects of patient care with precision and attention to detail.
Qaisar tracks and manages incoming and outgoing transactions, which encompass patient billing, preparing and managing balance sheets, cash flow statements, taxes, billing, and payroll.
His role is essential in ensuring the smooth financial operation of the pain management clinic, effectively supporting both patient care and clinic revenue.

Farhat Syed, MD, LCP-C, AMP, HTL

Farhat Syed serves as the Business Development Director and Media Manager at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants.
Leveraging expertise in strategic marketing and relationship building, Farhat plays a pivotal role in driving business growth, fostering partnerships, and enhancing the organization’s brand presence in the competitive healthcare sector.

Angelique Noelle Merkle

Angelique Noelle Merkle, a native of Houston, TX is a dedicated Medical Administrator specializing in medical billing.
With over 10 years of experience, she has developed a deep passion for the healthcare industry and the crucial role that accurate billing plays in providing quality patient care.
Angelique finds fulfillment in navigating the complexities of medical billing, ensuring that healthcare providers and patients alike receive the support they need.
She genuinely enjoys her work and is committed to making a positive impact in the healthcare field.

Katherine Alonso

Katherine Alonso is a dedicated medical assistant and runner at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants.
With a patient-centered approach, she supports clinical operations by assisting with patient care, handling vital checks, and ensuring smooth workflow in the clinic. Katherine’s commitment to excellence makes her a valued team member focused on enhancing patient experiences.

Vanesa Ramirez

Vanesa Ramirez is the Referral Coordinator at Allevia Centers of Houston Spine & Joint. She oversees the referral process by coordinating patient referrals, scheduling recommended services, and ensuring seamless communication between patients, providers, and referral sources. Vanesa is committed to delivering exceptional service, timely follow-up, and a smooth, efficient experience throughout each patient’s course of care.

Letzy Polchay

As a dedicated receptionist with expertise in patient scheduling, Letzy excels in creating a welcoming and organized environment.
She efficiently manages appointment bookings, maintain accurate records, and ensure seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers.
With a focus on professionalism and empathy, she aims to deliver exceptional customer service while prioritizing patient needs and confidentiality.
Her goal is to contribute to a positive experience for every patient, from the first call to their time in the office.

Dylan Aguilar

“Bio coming soon! Too busy making awesome things happen.”