Our Team
Dr. Laura Ruby, DNP, CRNP
Nurse Practitioner
IMF Board Certified in Functional Medicine
Dr. Ruby is board certified in Functional Medicine by the Institute of Functional Medicine. She received her post-master’s Adult Nurse Practitioner certification from Johns Hopkins University and her DNP Clinical Doctorate from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.
She is married to her “best friend” and has been blessed with four amazing children. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and reading.
Heather Steinacker, MS, CNS, LDN
Clinical Nutritionist
Integrative Health and Wellness Coach
Heather is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN) in the state of Maryland, and obtained a Master of Science degree in Human Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health. Her own health battle with autoimmune illness inspired her to return to school for a career change. She is a firm believer in “food as medicine,” and applies the functional medicine paradigm to her nutrition practices. Heather is also a Master of Arts certified Health and Wellness Coach, specializing in Integrative Health. She provides a unique experience in nutritional counseling, offering clients a blend of nutrition and coaching.
In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children. When they aren’t busy running around to soccer, scouting events, plays, or spending time with friends, you can usually find them visiting with Heather’s parents at their home on Deep Creek Lake (or as she calls it – “Home away from home”).
Angela Lougee
HR/Office Manager
Marleen Wiseman
Administrator
Marleen Wiseman is one of our administrative assistants at Optimal Wellness for Life. Marleen is responsible for supporting Dr. Ruby and the staff in all clerical and administrative duties of the office. Marleen comes to us with 30 plus years of office experience in both the legal and medical fields.
In her free time, Marleen enjoys reading, gardening, volunteering at her church and local soup kitchen, as well as spending time with her family and three grandchildren.
Hope Steele RN, BSN
IV Therapy Wellness Coordinator
Hope is a Registered Nurse with a bachelor’s degree in the Science of Nursing from Liberty University. She has a diverse nursing background including Cardiac and Surgical ICU, Travel Nursing, Community Health, and Perioperative Care. Hope first became acquainted with Functional Medicine when she turned to the Optimal Wellness team for help with chronic fatigue related to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2018. Since personally experiencing the healing benefits of the Functional Medicine approach, she has become enthusiastic about supporting others on their journey to wellness.
With her renewed energy, Hope enjoys going on adventures with her husband and three teens: hiking, biking, travel, you name it! As a follower of Christ, Hope is passionate about serving the community and volunteers as a high school biology tutor. In addition, she works as the Health Services Director at RVR, a local summer camp and retreat center. She loves listening to worship music, homeschooling her children, sipping on a good cup of coffee with a friend, and creating healthy meals.