Our Story
Taino Wholelife Healthcare brings full-spectrum, integrated wellness back to the heart of the Caribbean. As a midwife-led and physician-collaborative practice, we are dedicated to providing accessible, culturally respectful, and evidence-based care across the lifespan. By honoring the mind, body, and community, we deliver academic-grade medical excellence right at the local level.
Our ultimate mission is to reduce healthcare barriers and foster sustainable, long-term relationships rather than mere transactions. Through compassionate clinical care, preventative education, and deep cultural responsiveness, we empower families throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. We proudly stand as the territory’s leading integrated healthcare model, protecting families across generations.
Our Team
Sascha James-Conterelli
Lead Practitioner, DNP, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, FNYAM
For Dr. Sascha James-Conterelli, healthcare is not simply a profession—it is a lifelong calling rooted in family, service, and community. A sixth-generation Virgin Islander, she proudly honors the legacy of her ancestors by returning home to serve the people and island that have shaped her family for generations. Inspired by her physician mother and raised among a long line of healthcare professionals, Dr. James-Conterelli developed an unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of others.
Born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, she attended Free Will Baptist and Good Shepherd Elementary Schools before relocating to Brooklyn, New York. Although her educational and professional journey led her around the world, the spirit, resilience, and culture of St. Croix have remained at the heart of everything she does.
Dr. James-Conterelli earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Howard University before completing both her Master of Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees at New York University. Today, she serves as Program Director of Midwifery and Clinical Associate Professor at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing and is also an Affiliate Associate Clinical Professor at Howard University College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.
Widely recognized as a national and international leader in midwifery, maternal health, nursing education, and health equity, Dr. James-Conterelli has devoted her career to advancing clinical excellence, educating future healthcare professionals, influencing policy, and improving maternal and family health outcomes. Her scholarship, leadership, and advocacy have impacted healthcare locally, nationally, and internationally.
Returning to St. Croix represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Through Taino WholeLife Healthcare, Dr. James-Conterelli is bringing world-class academic medicine home—combining cutting-edge, evidence-based care with the warmth, compassion, and cultural humility that define Caribbean communities. As a licensed Certified Nurse-Midwife and primary care provider, she is committed to expanding access to comprehensive, relationship-centered healthcare across the lifespan.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. James-Conterelli is honored to care for the diverse communities of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, ensuring that every patient receives exceptional care in the language and cultural context that best supports their health and well-being.
For Dr. James-Conterelli, Taino WholeLife Healthcare is more than a medical practice—it is a homecoming. It is an opportunity to honor the generations who came before her while creating a healthier future for generations to come. By blending academic excellence with compassionate, culturally responsive care, she is building a new model of healthcare for the Caribbean—one rooted in trust, innovation, and the enduring belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Karen L. Bruder MD
FACOG
Dr. Karen Bruder is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist with more than 30 years of experience caring for women through every stage of life. Currently practicing at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, she provides comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care for women of all ages.
Dr. Bruder believes that the foundation of excellent healthcare is listening. She is committed to understanding each patient’s concerns, answering their questions, and respecting their needs, culture, and goals. She believes that EVERY woman has the right to quality heath care throughout her lifetime.
Since her first visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1991, Dr. Bruder has hoped to one day care for the women of the islands whose strength and commitment to family has been an inspiration. While continuing her practice in Tampa, she is gradually transitioning her services to the Virgin Islands over the coming years through both telehealth and in-person care. She looks forward to collaborating with Dr. James-Conterelli and improving access to healthcare for the women of St. Croix.
Nicole Richards
Front Reception Manager
Taino Wholelife Healthcare, LLC
Born on St. Croix and raised in Philadelphia, Nicole Richardson brings nearly two decades of healthcare experience and a deep commitment to exceptional patient service. Since beginning her career in healthcare at the age of 19, she has developed a strong foundation in both clinical care and patient support.
Nicole is a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with experience in respiratory care as a MET testing technician. Her clinical background includes phlebotomy, EKGs, IV procedures, allergy testing, administering injections, and providing compassionate, high-quality care in fast-paced healthcare environments.
As Front Reception Manager at Taino WholeLife Healthcare, Nicole serves as the welcoming face of the practice, ensuring that every patient receives a warm, professional, and seamless experience from the moment they arrive. Her clinical knowledge, organizational skills, and dedication to patient-centered care allow her to effectively coordinate front office operations while supporting the healthcare team in delivering outstanding care.
Nicole completed her Certified Medical Assistant training at Prism Career Institute and earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certification from the St. Croix Educational Complex. She is passionate about serving the St. Croix community and is committed to creating a positive, respectful, and supportive environment for every patient who entrusts Taino WholeLife Healthcare with their care.
Sheila-Marie Hernandez
Lead Medical Assistant & Office Manager
Taino WholeLife Healthcare, LLC
Born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sheila-Marie Hernandez is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care while ensuring every individual who enters Taino WholeLife Healthcare feels welcomed, respected, and valued. As Lead Medical Assistant and Office Manager, she combines clinical expertise with strong leadership to create a seamless, compassionate, and patient-centered healthcare experience.
Sheila-Marie believes that outstanding healthcare begins with trust, kindness, and meaningful relationships. She is committed to fostering an environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions, actively participating in their care, and confident that their health and well-being are the practice's highest priorities.
With a passion for serving her community, Sheila-Marie takes pride in supporting both patients and the healthcare team to ensure the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and efficiency. Whether coordinating daily office operations or assisting with patient care, she is dedicated to making every visit a positive experience.
For Sheila-Marie, caring for others is more than a career—it is a calling. She is honored to serve the people of St. Croix and looks forward to partnering with patients on their journey toward lifelong health and wellness.
"Caring for others is not just my profession—it's my passion."
