Promise Healthcare - Frances Nelson

Melonie graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has been working in medicine since 1994 and as a nurse practitioner, focusing on Family Practice, since 2003. 

Melonie sees patients of all ages at Promise-Healthcare Frances Nelson.

Melonie is excited to provide primary care to her patients and enjoys learning from them. She wants to be able to help guide a patient’s health so they can have the wealth of wealthy and the happiness that hope brings. 

When Melonie is not at work, you will find her outside, listening to all types of music and spending time with her family, her pet turtle, her chickens, and her little dog.

Melonie also enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community.

Shelly received her education from the University of Illinois.

Shelly sees patients of all ages at Promise Healthcare - Frances Nelson.

She started her nursing career in 1993 but took some time off to raise her daughters. She returned to school to become an NP (Nurse Practitioner) and graduated in 2016. She started at Promise Healthcare in 2017.

Shelly is passionate about caring for the community and ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve and get the help they need. She encourages patients to advocate for their healthcare, ask questions, and do research because they will never be disappointed in taking care of their health.

In her free time, Shelly enjoys spending time with her spouse of 24 years, her three children, and her puppy. She is active in the community and supports CUPHD (Champaign Urbana Public Health District) and Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. Her daughters started Project Warmth to collect winter coats and donate them to patients at the Frances Nelson Clinic.

Alanna sees patients of all ages at Promise Healthcare - Frances Nelson.

Alanna earned her associate's degree at Parkland College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and her Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University. A provider, Alanna knows she impacts people's well-being and improves their health. She wants to work with her patients and encourage them to choose healthcare options that fit their lifestyles.

“Little changes can make a big difference" in your overall health.”

Alana loves movies, reading, and traveling in her spare time. 

Aicha Lengane received her family nurse practitioner education at Western Governors University. 

Aicha believes that as a provider, it is her duty to serve others and make a difference in their lives.

Aicha sees patients at the Promise Healthcare -Frances Nelson location.

Her vision in life is all about loving, caring, and giving from the purity of heart. She is excited to get to know her patients, and they get to know her to build trust because they can accomplish more when they have a longstanding, trusting relationship.

She believes that people should be able to be provided food and have easy access to healthcare for the people in need in the community.

Aicha grew up in a multilingual community and can speak more than five languages, including English, French, and Bambara dialects.

Aicha is married. When she is not practicing, her hobbies include traveling, cooking, walking, and reading.

Emily earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Greenville University and completed her physician's assistant training at Missouri State University. During her time as a student, she gained notable experience in various specialties, including family medicine, behavioral health, women's health, surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. Emily practices at Promise Healthcare-Frances Nelson.
Emily is particularly interested in family medicine. "It allows me to treat patients of all age groups and treat a large variety of both acute and chronic conditions" she says. Emily is truly passionate about being a part of her patients' medical journey and getting to know them over time.  
Establishing a solid relationship with a trustworthy healthcare provider who will advocate for your health goals is what Emily believes is the key to improving your health. Since becoming board-certified in January of 2025, Emily is ready to serve her patients as a first-time practicing PA.  
Outside of work, Emily enjoys working out, watching movies, and spending quality time with friends, family, and her three cats. She loves hearing stories about her patients' pets as well! 
 

Dr. Coker attended Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and has been a dental provider at Promise Healthcare since 2022.

Dr Coker sees patients of all ages at the Promise Healthcare - Frances Nelson location.

Dr. Coker enjoys learning from patients and working with them to achieve better oral health.

Dr. Coker would like every patient to remember that brushing for 2 minutes 2 times a day, and seeing your dentist helps bring about a great smile.

Dr. Coker likes to travel, play golf, and bake outside the dental operatory.

Dr. Song earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario, attended dental school at Case Western Reserve University, and has been practicing dentistry for a few years. 

Dr Song sees patients of all ages at the Promise Healthcare - Frances Nelson location.

Dr. Song enjoys seeing patients' smiles after the procedure and is extremely passionate about learning how to reduce patients' anxiety in dental practice.

He wishes every patient understood that poor health makes everyone unhappy - your friends, family, and yourself. Being a good role model with good health can also motivate your children and family. It is not only the health care professionals that should be improving the health of the population, but patients must try hard as well. The improvement of health can be achieved more effectively when the doctor-patient relationship is more like teamwork than any authority. 

Here are some fun facts about Dr. Song: He enjoyed playing and watching soccer and was captain of his high school varsity soccer team. He also served two years in the military in the Republic of Korea. 

In his free time, Dr. Song likes to watch movies, listen to music, play soccer or tennis, and work out.

Ashtyn Wilcox, RDH, PHDH, received her Dental Hygiene Degree at Lake Land College and has also obtained her Public Health Dental Hygienist certification.

Ashtyn sees patients of all ages at Promise Healthcare - Frances Nelson.

Ashtyn is passionate about helping the patients in our community achieve optimal oral health. She would like each patient to know that oral health is connected to overall health. This means brushing and flossing and seeing a dentist at least every six months are encouraged.

Ashtyn believes patients should choose Promise Healthcare because our dental staff goes above and beyond to create a healthy and enjoyable experience for their patients.

Ashtyn has a very extensive collection of water and coffee cups. When she is away from work, she likes reading books, hanging out with friends and family, and spending time with her mini-goldendoodle, Charlie.

Tiffany completed her education at Walden University, and she is excited to begin her career with Promise Healthcare as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

Tiffany is a dedicated mental health professional who is committed to helping others improve their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

She strongly encourages her patients to prioritize their health by getting regular check-ups, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet, while avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Tiffany firmly believes that these choices can have a positive impact on overall health.

In her free time, Tiffany enjoys traveling and exploring nature. She is also passionate about supporting youth programs and believes that positive mentors are essential for the well-being for everyone!!

Eric received his Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois and his Masters in Public Administration from Indiana University. He is also a Nationally Rostered Child Parent Psychotherapist.

Eric will see patients at Promise Healthcare-Urbana on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays and at Promise Healthcare-Frances Nelson on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

With over 30 years of experience working with children and families, Eric remains focused on trauma. The effect trauma has on children, parents, and the community. He remains committed to helping youth overcome and process trauma so that they may realize a greater potential. Enabling the family to function cohesively and enact better communication and insight.

Eric wants patients to know that one bad decision or a good decision will not break the mold. If they made a poor choice, that's okay; tomorrow is another day; make a better decision. If they made a good decision, that's great; now, let's talk about making that a pattern. That will be change!

Eric spent 8 years in the U.S. Army and enjoys mentoring veterans. Eric is fluent in Russian and can speak some French, German, and Spanish. An interesting fact about Eric is that he has wrestled a lion.

He is an unashamed bibliophile with over 80,000 books, and he can still be found in area bookstores, finding new treasures.

Abdelkrim Hadj Said earned his master’s degree of science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fort Hays State University. He is trained in evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

Abdelkrim practices at Promise Healthcare-Frances Nelson and Promise Healthcare-Neil. He is passionate about helping individuals struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Trauma, Psychosis, Substance Use, and Personality Disorders. He enjoys getting to know his patients and helping them with the obstacles they face.

Abdelkrim encourages patients to become their own best advocates and to educate themselves about their health condition.

Outside of work, Abdelkrim enjoys working out, walking his dog, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with his family. He speaks four languages and loves traveling.

Dr. Dey earned her Bachelor's degree
of Dental Surgery from BVP Dental School in Mumbai, India, and went on to complete the Advanced Clinical Training in Restorative Dentistry program at the UCLA School of Dentistry.

Dr. Dey is a dedicated dentist committed to providing compassionate, high-quality dental care. She is passionate about helping patients feel at ease, creating a judgment-free environment where they can comfortably receive the care they need.

Dr. Dey especially values the opportunity to relieve patients from dental pain and restore their confidence in their smiles.

Outside of dentistry, she enjoys cooking, solving puzzles, and relaxing with her favorite TV shows. She is also an animal lover who spends time with shelter dogs whenever she can.

Jenny earned degrees from Indiana University- Purdue University at Indianapolis, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

She has been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the Promise Healthcare Urbana School Health Center since 2013 and specializes in health education and preventative care for patients from 3 to 18.

She enjoys teaching young patients the habits and daily patterns that will lead to healthier lifestyles and long-term wellness, and she is passionate about finding ways to inspire her patients to get active outdoors. 

Jenny encourages parents and children to get outside any time they can to take advantage of outdoor play's many mental and physical health benefits. 

Jenny is an avid nature lover who likes to hike, kayak, and read in her spare time. She is married and has two teenagers and a dog. 

She gives back to the community by volunteering for the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy, which cleans the Sangamon River and the roadways around it of trash to prevent it from ending up in the river. 

Thair Al-Saqri earned his bachelor’s degree in communication before completing both his Master of Science in Nursing and his Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

His clinical interests include family medicine and sports medicine, and he is passionate about caring for patients
across the lifespan. He is fluent in Arabic.

What drives Thair as a Nurse Practitioner is the opportunity to meet patients where they are and guide them toward better health. He values listening deeply, educating, and supporting individuals during moments when they may feel vulnerable or uncertain. Helping patients feel understood and empowered is the most meaningful part of his work.

Thair spent the past five years coaching boys’ and girls’ soccer at Centennial High School, and he remains committed to encouraging youth through sports and positive mentorship.

He is especially passionate about community programs and nonprofits that provide safe, supportive spaces for children.

Outside of work, Thair enjoys cheering on the Chicago Bears and Illini sports, coaching on the soccer field, and spending time with his wife and their twin daughters.

Thair has called Champaign home since 1994 and is proud to serve the community that helped shape him. His family has long been part of the local business community through owning their own restaurant, further strengthening his connection to the area.

He looks forward to giving back through compassionate and accessible care.

Meg Rawley is a Licensed Social Worker who earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Illinois School of Social Work. She has completed Youth Mental Health First Aid training and brings a strong foundation in trauma-informed care to her work.
Meg is especially passionate about supporting young children and their families. She believes the early childhood years are a critical period for development and is deeply committed to helping families build resilience when children are impacted by stress, adversity, or trauma experienced within their environment. Her approach focuses on supporting the whole family system, helping caregivers and children navigate challenges together.
What motivates Meg most in her work is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. She recognizes that seeking help can be difficult and feels honored to support individuals during vulnerable moments, as well as celebrate their progress and positive milestones along the way.
Before beginning her clinical practice, Meg spent five years in nonprofit leadership, where she supported families facing crisis and instability. She is proud to bring that experience into her role as a provider.
Meg values Promise Healthcare’s integrated model of care and appreciates that patients can access multiple services in one location, reducing transportation barriers and simplifying care for individuals and families.
Outside of work, Meg enjoys thrifting, reading, and crocheting, and has a well-known love for vintage Halloween vests and sweaters. Born and raised in the Champaign area, she is familiar with local resources and enjoys helping patients connect with community supports that meet their needs.

Cassandra Wilson is a compassionate healthcare provider with a strong focus on whole-person wellness. She completed her nursing education at Chamberlain College
of Nursing and holds a Master’s Degree in Integrative Medicine and Aromatherapy from Maharishi University in Fairfield, Iowa. She is also a Certified Yoga Instructor, which supports her holistic, lifestyle-based approach to care. Cassandra’s clinical interests center on nutrition and exercise as foundational tools for improving and maintaining health. She is deeply passionate about teaching patients how to care for themselves through sustainable lifestyle habits and believes strongly in the principle of “letting food be your medicine.” She sees patients ages six months and older and is committed to helping individuals and families achieve better health through education, prevention, and personalized care. Patients choose Cassandra and Promise Healthcare for the caring providers and staff who prioritize compassion, respect, and accessible care for everyone. Outside of work, Cassandra enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, and practicing yoga. She is a lifelong learner of health and actively supports the Illinois Kidney Foundation.

Tiesha Taylor-Ducker is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her first master’s degree at Capella University for Nursing Leadership and Administration and completed her Post Master’s Degree at Walden University as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Tiesha obtained her undergraduate nursing degree at Indiana University Northwest. She provides care to patients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. She is passionate about helping patients feel heard, understood, and supported. Tiesha believes that mental health care is most effective when it is collaborative, non-judgmental, and tailored to each individual’s goals and values. Tiesha values Promise Healthcare’s dedication to accessible, compassionate care and is especially committed to supporting individuals and families in underserved communities. Her approach focuses on building trust, promoting stability, and empowering patients throughout their mental-health journey. Outside of work, Tiesha enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, traveling, and cooking. A fun fact about her is that she is an identical twin, and her sister is also a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.