Primary Medical Care

Dr. Luther Walls is a board-certified family medicine physician passionate about making healthcare equitable, respectful, and accessible. As Chief Medical Officer, he leads with clarity and conviction‚ ensuring that every patient receives thoughtful, high-quality care rooted in trust and compassion.

Dr. Ernest Smoot is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 30 years of experience providing primary care to babies, children, teens, and young adults. He is dedicated to delivering compassionate, accessible, and high-quality care while fostering trusted relationships with the families he serves. Growing up in The Ville neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, home to the historic Homer G. Phillips Hospital, Dr. Smoot developed a deep appreciation for the power of education and community. He is a strong advocate for youth literacy and health literacy, believing that informed families are better equipped to make confident decisions about their health. Because he sees good health as a form of wealth, Dr. Smoot is committed to being your ally in care.

Charles Ondobo, FNP, is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner known for his commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. He earned his Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Indiana State University after completing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ursuline College. With a strong clinical background, Charles focuses on delivering high-quality healthcare while promoting wellness, preventive care, and healthy lifestyles.

Charles believes in building meaningful relationships with his patients through empathy, education, and open communication. He is committed to helping individuals make informed healthcare decisions and providing the support they need to achieve their health goals.

Working collaboratively with the healthcare team, Charles contributes to a care environment that values clinical excellence, respect, and personalized treatment. His professional approach is rooted in attention to detail, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for improving patient outcomes.

Roland Poku, APRN, CNP, MBA, is a Family Nurse Practitioner who earned his nursing education from the Youngstown State University School of Nursing. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and believes in taking a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses each patient’s unique needs and overall well-being.

Roland is committed to partnering with his patients to deliver high-quality, personalized care. He values taking the time to listen, understand each individual’s concerns, and work together to develop treatment plans that support better health outcomes. By building trusting relationships and encouraging open communication, he empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare journey.

For Roland, one of the most rewarding aspects of his work is seeing his patients achieve their health goals and sharing in their satisfaction. His dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence guide the care he provides every day.

Melissa Gramajo is a nurse practitioner who leads with compassion and cultural humility. She’s committed to removing barriers and providing holistic, affirming care. Through education and strong patient relationships, she helps individuals take empowered steps toward lifelong health.

Dr. James R. Brown is an internal medicine and gastroenterology specialist who blends traditional and holistic approaches to care. After more than 30 years at Kaiser Permanente, he founded Northeast Ohio’s first African American holistic health practice, integrating acupuncture, yoga, and Ayurvedic medicine with Western care. Since 2012, he has brought his wisdom and whole-person approach to Care Alliance, serving part-time with a steady commitment to healing and patient-centered care.

Kennedy Parries, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who earned her Master of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families across every stage of life.

As an experienced registered nurse and outreach provider, Kennedy is passionate about health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management. She brings healthcare directly into the community, expanding access to care and connecting patients with preventive services, healthcare resources, and ongoing support to improve long-term health outcomes.

Kennedy is committed to reducing barriers to care through patient education, advocacy, and meaningful community engagement. She values building trusting relationships with her patients and empowering them to take an active role in their healthcare decisions. By combining evidence-based practice with a responsive and individualized approach to care, she strives to improve the health and well-being of the individuals, families, and communities she serves.

Her special interests include pediatrics and women’s health.

Maureen Roheny brings decades of hands-on experience delivering care to those most often overlooked. Grounded in compassion and committed to dignity, she supports Care Alliance patients with steady presence, clinical excellence, and a deep belief in healthcare access for all.

Nur I. is a physician assistant driven by purpose and compassion. With a focus on personalized care and access for all, he supports patients across the Care Alliance system. His calm, collaborative style ensures individuals feel supported, respected, and informed at every step of their journey.

Dr. Edwina Simmons is a dedicated physician whose path to medicine has been shaped by curiosity, experience, and a genuine love for the communities she serves. After beginning her studies in nursing at Wichita State University, she discovered a calling to medicine and transitioned to pre-medical studies, graduating in 1979 with a degree in General Studies.

She went on to earn her medical degree from Yale University in 1984 before relocating to Cleveland to complete her residency through the combined Case Western Reserve University program at University Hospitals and Metro General Hospital. As part of the final class to train extensively at both institutions before the programs separated, Dr. Simmons values the broad perspective and exceptional clinical foundation that experience provided.

Over the years, she has cared for patients throughout Northeast Ohio, including in Rocky River and Westlake. Along the way, she fell in love with Cleveland and the people who call it home. Today, she is grateful to be back on the East Side at Care Alliance, where she continues to provide compassionate care and build meaningful relationships with the patients and families she serves.