Our story, Lake Mary, FL

About Charis Neurology

A practice built on one belief: every patient deserves clarity, compassion, and the right answer as quickly as possible.

* Founded on precision medicine and genuine compassion* One comfortable Lake Mary center: MRI, EEG, EMG/NCS, and infusion all on-site* Privia Provider Network, Central Florida

The Charis Neurology team outside the Lake Mary clinic
Charis Neurology brain mark

Precision medicine meets genuine compassion

At Charis Neurology, our name reflects who we are. Charis (khar'-ece) means grace, kindness, and goodwill, and those values shape every interaction, every decision, and every moment of care in our Lake Mary clinic.

Dr. Sherif Makar, MD, Neurologist and Neuro-Oncologist

Medical director

Dr. Sherif Makar, MD

Board-certified neurologist & fellowship-trained neuro-oncologist

Dr. Sherif Makar is one of the few specialists in Central Florida who is both a Board-Certified Neurologist and a Fellowship-Trained Neuro-Oncologist. This training changes how we treat you. It allows us to handle complex brain tumors and rare neuro-immunological conditions that most general neurologists refer out. Whether you need routine migraine relief or complex cancer care, you get expert-level care right here in Lake Mary.

Advanced practice providers

Clinical support under Dr. Makar's direction

Jamie Fernandez, APRN, and Astrid Lied, APRN support evaluation, education, follow-up, and continuity while complex diagnostic and treatment decisions remain connected to Dr. Makar and the Charis care model.

02

Jamie Fernandez, APRN

Board-certified family nurse practitioner supporting migraines, memory concerns, general neurology, patient education, and ongoing care.

03

Astrid Lied, APRN

Bilingual advanced practice nurse and certified rehabilitation specialist supporting epilepsy, MS, Parkinson's disease, spine-related concerns, and complex neurological follow-up.

Coordinated support team

The staff behind a smoother visit

After the provider plan is set, this team keeps imaging, diagnostic testing, infusion care, scheduling, check-in, and follow-up moving with fewer handoffs.

04

Dr. Soheil Sooudi, M.D.

Diagnostic neuroradiologist providing precise MRI, CT, and PET interpretations backed by 25 years of neuroradiology expertise.

05

Bailey Blazina

Neurodiagnostic technologist performing EEG and EMG/NCS testing with accuracy and compassionate care.

06

Samantha Balsamo

Medical assistant supporting patient intake, exam preparation, and care coordination in the neurology clinic.

07

Katrina Towns

Center manager ensuring smooth daily operations and a warm, supportive patient experience.

08

Heather Duffy

Front desk coordinator supporting patients with organized scheduling and warm, attentive service.

09

Leyra Santiago

Front staff supporting patient check-in, scheduling, and visit communication with attentive service.

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Veronica Greiss

Front staff supporting patient check-in, scheduling, and visit communication with attentive service.

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Angela Escalona

Prior authorization specialist helping patients and the care team coordinate approvals for imaging, testing, medications, and treatment.

Care philosophy

Compassion first. Clarity always.

Patients come to Charis with questions, uncertainty, or symptoms that feel hard to describe. The practice is built to make the path clearer from the first conversation through testing, treatment, and follow-up.

01

Listen closely

Your history, symptoms, goals, and concerns shape the evaluation before testing is ever ordered.

02

Explain clearly

Neurological findings are translated into plain language so you understand what is known, what is uncertain, and what comes next.

03

Connect the visit

MRI, EEG, EMG/NCS, infusion therapy, comfortable patient areas, and follow-up stay coordinated by one Lake Mary team.

04

Support the whole visit

From easy parking and check-in through results, the care team works to reduce anxiety, delays, and unnecessary handoffs.

Stop waiting. Start healing.

Request an appointment or ask a question

Our team responds within one business day. For urgent concerns, please call us directly.

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