Staff Credentials

The Vital Health Institute Staff
The physician is an important component of your health care but not the only aspect. We are very fortunate to have a highly credentialed, sympathetic and dedicated group of professional staff focused on meeting all your essential health care needs.

Andrew S. Cook, M.D.
Dr. Andrew S. Cook, M.D. FACOG is considered one of the best gynecologic and endometriosis surgeons in the country. He is an expert in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) treatment of even the most difficult cases of endometriosis and pelvic pain related conditions. A gynecologic surgeon and reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Cook has committed his life work to the comprehensive treatment of women with endometriosis and pelvic pain. He is certified in Advanced Operative Laparoscopy by the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy (1996) and was recognized by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists as a resident physician for "Special Excellence in Endoscopic Procedures" in 1989. Dr. Cook graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Northern Colorado in 1981, attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas (1985) and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita (1989). He finished his Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland (1991).

Dr. Cook returned to his native California and entered private practice with Fertility Physicians of Northern California and the Fertility and Reproductive Health Institute of Northern California (FRHI). He initiated and was Director of the Donor Egg Program at FRHI. In 1994, Dr. Cook moved to New Orleans to join forces with one of his professors from his residency to specialize in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis and advanced surgery. During this time, Dr. Cook was Director of the Omega Ambulatory Surgery Center and Co-Director of Omega's Center for Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain. In September 2000, Dr. Cook returned to California to continue his pursuit and vision of quality, cost effective health care for women. Recognized as the best in the country when he received the American Fertility Society's Associate Members Prize Paper in 1989, Dr. Cook created www.pelvicpain.com and www.drcook.com in 1996 to serve as a leading source of information and emotional support for woman suffering from pelvic pain diseases.

He also started the Athena Institute of Health, recently renamed the Vital Health Institute www.VitalHealth.com. Vital Health Institute provides a multitude of treatment options ranging from a natural and holistic approach to complete and comprehensive surgical treatment for the most difficult cases of pelvic pain and endometriosis diseases and conditions. Patients come to Vital Health Institute from around the world to visit Vital Health Institute for solutions to their sometimes confusing and complex pelvic pain issues. Dr. Cook is focused on really understanding pelvic pain, its symptoms and how to treat diseases such as endometriosis completely to remove the pain for good. In fact, many patients come to Vital Health Institute convinced that there is nothing that can be done about their pain and they are doomed to live a life of suffering. At Vital Health Institute, the doctor and his staff listen to patients, treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve, and correct their medical problem in the process.

Linda Mavity (formally Linda Howard-Smith), BSN, N.P. – Nurse Practitioner
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Care: San Jose State University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: San Francisco State University, Magna Cum Laude
Member: American College of Nurse Practitioners, American Heart Association, California Association for Nurse Practitioners

Linda has been dedicated to women’s health for over 20 years. In addition to providing patient care, Linda is a researcher and an educator for professionals and patients, alike. She has served as a Preceptor, teaching graduate-level nurse practitioners and Fellowship-track MDs at the University of San Francisco and UC San Francisco. Linda’s experience also includes clinical trial research and medical research at Stanford.

At Vital Health Institute Institute of Health, Linda is responsible for developing nurse practitioner protocols, standards of care and quality assurance programs, in addition to patient care and education.

Linda was married in 2004 and now uses her married name. Many of our patients know Linda by her former name, Linda Howard-Smith.

“I always excelled in the sciences, particularly the health sciences, so I gravitated toward medicine. I've always considered myself to be a nurturing, caring person, and I think that’s why nursing has come naturally to me.

“Women's healthcare is an exciting, rewarding area of medicine. There is always something new to learn and staying up-to-date is one of the best parts of what I do. As a researcher, a teacher and a nurse, I make it a point to stay "ahead of the curve". This is one of the primary reasons I enjoy my work with Dr. Cook. Vital Health Institute Institute of Health is known for being on the leading edge. We go beyond the standard-of-care and offer our patients all the quality options available to optimize their health.

“Of course, the best part of being a nurse practitioner is caring for patients. I provide medical care but my role is much more than that. I am counselor, advocate and friend to the women in my care.

“Our team makes it a priority to give our patients the level of attention they need to deal with complicated health issues like pelvic pain. I spend the time it takes to help you understand your situation, to prioritize and set goals for your health. I'm here to partner with you to optimize your well-being and to give you the care and compassion I feel all women deserve.

Kirsten Conrad, MSN, N.P. – Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing: Pace University, Leinhard School of Nursing, Pleasantville, NY
Baccalaureate in Nutritional Science: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA

Kirsten specializes in the evaluation and treatment of women with complex health issues, particularly endometriosis and hormonal imbalances. She has developed her specialization in health care for women with hormonal, fertility, dysfunctional bleeding and pelvic pain issues while practicing with an esteemed endometriosis gynecologist, the late Dr. Arnold Kresch during the 1990’s,and more recently at Vital Health Institute Institute of Health. Kirsten has now been involved in this specialty for 9 years.

“Our patients want answers about their health problems. They are motivated to optimize their health and quality of life, and are ready to do all they can to prevent problems in the future. I enjoy the range of people we care for here – women of all ages, from our area and from all over the country and the world. I see teens experiencing early symptoms, women throughout their reproductive years and beyond.”

“My interest and knowledge in bioidentical hormones allows me to help women who want options for their hormonal and menopausal health care. Treatment is always individualized to meet each woman’s unique needs.”

“Many patients seek us out for Dr. Cook’s surgical expertise in the treatment of endometriosis and other causes of pelvic pain, but not everyone needs surgery. We evaluate each case carefully to find the least invasive, but most successful treatment. When surgery is necessary, I help evaluate and educate surgical patients and provide support throughout the process. We have found that clear goals, expectations, and thorough mental and physical preparation lead to a positive surgical experience.”

“The excellent care you’ll experience at Vital Health is inspiring to me as a nurse practitioner. I very much enjoy my work with Dr. Cook and our team, and I especially enjoy working with clients who are dedicated to health, well-being, and improving their quality of life.”

Lene Joy – Registered Nutritional Practitioner & Health Coach
Lene is a graduate of The Institute of Holistic Nutrition, North York, Canada. She is a professional member of the national Association of Nutrition Professionals and Certified in FirstLine Therapy. Lene’s 25-year career in health care began as a board certified Respiration Therapy Technician, where she experienced first-hand the devastating effects of poor nutrition and lifestyle on her patients’ health. It was from these experiences that she developed a passion for understanding the effects of nutrition on human health, and helping her clients to prevent these devastating effects.

Lene brings a passionate and realistic approach to her counseling. Through personalized nutritional counseling and guidance, she wards closely with her clients to achieve their health goals. Her perspective is one that recognizes that every person is biochemically unique and therefore must be individually assessed for nutritional imbalances.

As a mother of two teenage children, she understands the importance of clients being able to realistically integrate her recommendations into their busy lives.

Michelle Waterstreet – Business Manager
Michelle joined Vital Health Institute as the patient coordinator in August of 2002. Michelle has personal experience dealing with women’s health issues and is skilled in helping other women successfully navigate their way on the road to better health. When she initially applied for the position with Vital Health Institute her resume included the following personal attributes: "dynamic self-starter ready to assume responsibility", "resourceful, creative and quick learner", "personable projecting a professional image, strong interpersonal and problem resolution skills", "highly organized". The experience of those at Vital Health Institute has been that she has lived up to these attributes and more. She is a tremendous asset for patients at Vital Health Institute. Part of her duty as the patient coordinator is to help patients with the logistics of scheduling surgery. She helps solve the problems patients may run into in trying to obtain treatment as well as any other issues that may arise.

Prior to her association with Vital Health Institute, Michelle was Project Manager for the Engineering Department at Zhone Technologies, Inc for three years. She also worked as Executive Administrative Assistant to the President and CEO of Premisys Communications, Inc beginning is 1998 prior to there acquisition by Zhone in December 1999. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish in 1992. She is a native Californian and has been living in the bay area for the last ten years.

Valerie Foster – Marketing and Business Development Director
Valerie brings over 20 years of marketing and business development experience to Vital Health Institute.

Recognizing an unmet need for quality information for women over 35, Valerie founded Eternelle magazine in 1994. Eternelle, a women’s lifestyle publication, focused on issues relating to health, fitness, beauty, family, finance, and career. In conjunction with the magazine, Valerie produced an annual, non-profit run and walk “Fitness Celebration” benefiting a number of charity and special interest groups. The event attracted nationally known celebrities, Olympic athletes, and multi-national corporate sponsors to support the event.

In 1998, Valerie was lauded as “Most Outstanding American Business Woman” by the American Business Women’s Association. In 1996, she was the recipient of the prestigious “Women of Achievement Award” for Excellence in Communications, awarded by the Women’s Fund and the San Jose Mercury News.

In 1999, Valerie co-founded Splash Marketing, a multi-spectrum marketing and consulting firm. Splash focused primarily on branding, messaging, new product launches, and public relations. Valerie’s past clients include:  Audi, Citibank, Collagen, Jaguar, NetLedger, Macy’s, Sprint, Suntrips, and Ryka. She has also worked with notable celebrities including: Lauren Hutton, Priscilla Presley, Peggy Fleming, Jenny Craig, Suzanne Somers, and Senator Jackie Speier.

“Throughout my life and career, I have been personally involved in fitness and health. My goal has always been to inspire and educate women about the importance of living healthy. Working with Vital Health Institute provides me with an exciting opportunity to be involved with a cutting edge, highly respected team of dedicated professionals."

Jennifer Lieu – Medical Assistant
Jennifer grew up in the south bay area. She has always been interested in the medical field and attended Bryman College to gain experience and training. She completed her externship in San Jose Medical Group's Family Practice and Acute Care. Jennifer received certification as a Medical Assistant in 2002 and certification in Phlebotomy in 2003.

Jennifer relates "Not only is this a great environment for the patients, it is also a great place for us employees. It is really great to see the difference in this practice. The providers really do spend more time with individuals to seek and work towards their treatment goal. I am proud to be a part of this team and will be furthering my education in healthcare to eventually become a registered nurse. I love working with people and enjoy making a difference in how much better they can feel."

Jessica Vehn– Scheduling Coordinator
Jessica looks forward to every day at Vital Health because she takes pleasure in meeting new patients and wanting to help them reach a healthy and happy decision about their life in regards to surgery. She is here to guide the patients through the process of scheduling surgery and give the best of her services to the patients and their families.

Jessica grew up in Santa Cruz with her parents and younger sister and found her way back to the bay area from Clovis where she had attended High School. She working on achieving her business degree. In her free time she enjoys snowboarding, jet skiing, and visiting her family.

Prior to Vital Health, Jessica worked at a spa in Los Gatos as a Manager as well as the Office Assistant. She had grown and learned as much as she felt that she could at the spa in the years she was there and knew it was time for something more professional that could reflect her personality better. She wanted a position that was more about really helping people who were in need.

“I think Vital Health has a wonderful team that is full of life, professional and really there to help our patients. Everyone is dedicated and loves their jobs. I am very proud to be part of such an amazing group of people.”

Jeanette Garcia– Front Desk
I joined Vital Health in April of 2007. I really enjoy working in this calm professional environment. I like how Dr. Cook as well as our Nurse Practitioners spend more time with the patients when addressing there medical concerns. Everyone here really makes every effort in helping each patient get better. I have always had a strong desire to learn and grow from the medical field. I enjoy helping others and I am very pleased to be a part of this great team.

I live in San Jose with my children, Alyssa and Daniel. I enjoy being a mother and spending time with my family and friends. Not only do I have a rewarding position at Vital Health, I have a rewarding job as a mother. I couldn't ask for anything better.

Erica Ante -Licensed Aesthetician
Erica Ante is a Licensed Aesthetician and skincare expert. Erica has extensive knowledge in medical grade skin care products and skin care treatments, including: chemical peels, pure oxygen facials, purifying and rejuvenation facials and the latest DermaSound™ UltraSonic facial. Erica specializes in treating hyper-pigmentation and acne skin types.

Under the medical supervision of Dr. Andrew Cook, Erica provides superior skin care services to both men and women of all ages to help them protect and prolong their skin care health. She us an expert in working with clients who have aging, damaged and/or problem skin.

Erica’s approach is to listen to her clients and work together with them to set realistic goals. Her goal is to create personalized skin care regimes to protect and maintain healthy looking skin.