Our Staff

Brittany Ilagan – AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner

Brittany Ilagan is an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner who started working at the Coleman Institute in January 2022. Her nursing experience includes working at VCU Health System for 6 years on a Progressive Care Medicine Unit. She received both her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Master’s of Science in Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is excited to work with each patient to help them be successful in their treatment journey. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors either at the river or beach.

Caitlin Meliagros – AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner

Caitlin Meliagros joined the Coleman Institute as a Nurse Practitioner in June 2021. Prior to her work in addiction medicine, she worked at VCU Health on the Progressive Care Medicine Unit, and then in the outpatient setting in the Sickle Cell Clinic. She received a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. Caitlin finds the many aspects of addiction medicine to be intriguing and enjoys assisting each individual on their path to success. When she is not working, Caitlin enjoys spending time outside with her husband, son, and dog, walking and staying active, and trying new recipes.

Johnnelle Shelton
Medical Assistant

Johnnelle Mayo has worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for 13 years and has been with the Coleman Institute since 2019. Johnnelle is a quiet force on our clinical team. She is a dedicated and highly skilled medical professional, who anticipates the needs of both practitioners and patients and always has a smile on her face. When you ask Johnnelle what she loves about her job, she answers: “As clichéd as it sounds, I simply love helping people. Seeing patients come out on the other side of whatever it is that they are going through is very gratifying. Serving this population in particular is so rewarding. Just offering them a smiling face and a kind word of encouragement can have such a positive impact. To be a part of their journey is a gift… you calm them and they teach you.”

When Johnnelle is not working with us, she is working at a local hospital Emergency Room as an ER Medical Technician. When at home, she loves spending time with family, reading, writing poetry, and listening to music. And she is a talented wreath maker!

Kimberly Perry
Receptionist

Kimberly Perry has worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for 12 years and has been with the Coleman Institute since 2013. In Kim’s tenure here, she has worked every area of the clinic. She currently works as our Front Desk Receptionist and greets every visitor with a big smile. Kim is passionate about her work and our patients and says: “Working in addiction medicine has been the most rewarding experience. It has allowed me to meet the most amazing people. My favorite part is helping our patients realize they can manage this disease and achieve their goals.”

Kim has a special way with patients and is often heard engaging in a big laugh with them. Her passion and compassion shine through every day. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with family, traveling, camping and drawing wildlife with pen and ink.

Kelsey Markel, QMHP-T
Recovery Support Specialist

Kelsey Markel is the Recovery Support Specialist for The Coleman Institute. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Roanoke College in 2021 and is working toward her Qualified Mental Health Professional-Adult Certification. Kelsey has worked as an Adult Mental Health Case Manager in Southwestern Virginia and was an intern for a facility that specialized in Equine Therapy. Kelsey is passionate about helping others with accomplishing their needs and goals. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and line dancing.

Jennifer Pius Gifford
Executive Director
jennifer@thecolemaninstitute.com

Jennifer Pius Gifford is the Director of Clinical Services for The Coleman Institute. Her main role is providing support and medical information for potential patients and their family as well as performing clinical assessments to ensure each patient is appropriate for our services. She is the guiding voice on the phone helping those who are struggling with addiction. Jennifer holds a Bachelors Degree in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. After several years of working as a therapist, she began her career at The Coleman Institute in March 2000.

During her spare time, Jennifer enjoys running, yoga, traveling and cheering on her favorite college basketball team, the VCU Rams. Her daughter also keeps her busy with gymnastics and cheerleading practices.

Jelisa Clanton
Admissions Coordinator

Jelisa Clanton is the Admissions Coordinator for the Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine. She has an associate’s degree in healthcare administration and has worked in the medical office setting for six years prior to joining our team. She finds fulfillment in helping others and loves being a part of helping them through their treatment journey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones and traveling.

Angela Wilson
Practice Manager
awilson@thecolemaninstitute.com

Angela Wilson is the Practice Manager for the Coleman Institute. She is responsible for daily operations and critical processes in the Richmond, VA, office. Before joining our practice, Angela worked in the medical and dental fields for almost 15 years, but her passion for helping others recover from addiction led her to join the Coleman Institute. In her free time, Angela loves to write, play piano, be outdoors, and spend time with her two almost-grown daughters.

LaTonya Patron, CMA
Medical Assistant

I am a veteran of the US Army and I worked as a CNA for 12 years, which led me to start my own company to provide in-home health to the elderly. I attended J. Sargeant Reynolds where I graduated with my associate’s degree in human services and became a certified CSAC – assistant. That is when I began working with addiction and recovery.

I worked at the Liberation Veterans Center where I mediated groups of recovering addicts, and addicts in recovery. From that job, I grew a new passion for that field of work.

I have a large amount of family members who have suffered from addiction, so working in this field means a lot to me. To help others help themselves and witness the success of the detox program makes my heart smile, and gives me hope for many. I am a natural helper in all aspects, and I love what I do.

Joseph A. Crowley
Director of Business Development

Joe is the Director of Business Development for the Coleman Institute. His professional expertise is in Business Development, Strategic Marketing, Branding and Marketing Campaigns. Joe’s broad based corporate and small business experience includes business development and strategic marketing for large and small companies in multiple industries.

Joe is a Volunteer with a number of Community groups and non-profits in the greater Richmond area. He is an avid networker who loves to connect people and help them achieve their goals. Joe lives in Glen Allen, Va with his wife and family. He is a native of Lynn, MA and a diehard Boston sports fan.