Dr. Elizabeth Cloninger was born and raised in Southeast Texas and has been practicing in the ClearLake-League City area since 2013, most recently coming to UTMB from Houston Methodist in Clear Lake, where she saw patients and acted as the medical director from 2017-2019. Her areas of interest include high-risk obstetrics, family planning, well woman care, and management of heavy menstrual cycles.

Dr. Cloninger attended UTMB in Galveston for both medical school and later residency. While in residency, she received awards such as resident of the quarter, physician of the month, and the Golden Apple award for medical student teaching.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Cloninger graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M University in College Station with a degree in genetics.

Dr. Cloninger is happy to be rejoining the UTMB system that trained her. In her free time, Dr. Cloninger enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband.

Cynthia grew up in Delaware County Pennsylvania, attended and graduated from Temple University for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She started her career in an oncology unit at Temple University hospital while completing her graduate studies. In 2010 after graduate school, she and her family relocated to the great State of Texas where they have since made their home. She joined the 82nd Medical Group-Sheppard Air Force Base as a Family Practice Clinician-Civilian Contractor for about 3 years. There she was awarded the Outstanding Performance Award by the United States Air Force Medical Service's Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. In the 3 years at Sheppard Air Force Base, she started and completed a post graduate education earning her doctorate degree for which her research focus and publication was on diabetes management. Cynthia went on to serve as a Primary Care consultant for the next 6 years at the North Texas State Hospital where she received numerous recognitions for her work and her contribution to successful joint commission surveys. At this time, most of her family have moved from Pennsylvania to Houston, thus they relocated to the Houston area to be closer to family.

She enjoys spending time with family, serving at her local church and doing crossfit. Cynthia is honored to join the UTMB family at the Angleton Danbury Campus.

Samantha Green was born and raised in Galveston, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UTMB Galveston in April 2012 and with a Master of Science in Nursing from UT Health Science Center in Houston, Texas in December 2020. She worked as an RN in Labor and Delivery for 6 years and for 2 years as a circulating nurse in the Operating Room specializing in gynecological procedures.

Samantha has a passion for Women's health and is proud to serve the community in which she was raised.

Dr. Mariam Khan’s journey into medicine began with a passion for primary care, driven by the desire to build enduring relationships with patients from childhood through their golden years. While completing her medical degree at UTMB, she was initially drawn to pediatrics, and ultimately found her calling in UTMB’s Family Medicine residency program, influenced in part by her husband’s great experience within UTMB.

Dr. Khan's commitment to UTMB didn't end with her training; she chose to stay on as a practicing physician after completing her residency in 2023 and lives in the area. This decision was influenced by the camaraderie among UTMB graduates who have chosen to remain at the institution. She appreciates the stability and strong connections that come from this tight-knit community of medical professionals.

In her clinical practice, Dr. Khan's special interests lie in preventative health and evidence-based medicine, and during residency, was recognized for her dedication to compassionate care with the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence Teaching Award. She thrives on the daily challenges of her role and takes an approach involving motivational interviewing to empower her patients in managing various health issues, whether related to mental health or chronic conditions like diabetes. Her persistence and ability to connect with her patients shine through as she helps them navigate their health journey. Outside of her medical career, she cherishes family time, enjoys traveling, and has a passion for cooking.

Benjamin found his passion for healthcare while serving in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Shortly after moving back to Texas, he attended The University of Texas Medical Branch to obtain his Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Benjamin went on to earn his Master’s of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner from The University of Texas Medical Branch as well.

Benjamin is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. Benjamin also enjoys spending time as a Clinical Instructor for the School of Nursing at UTMB Galveston, where he is able to share his knowledge and experiences as a healthcare professional with future nurses.

Benjamin enjoys fishing, running, spending time with his wife and two rescue dogs, and staying active in church. He focuses on a holistic approach to patient care with an emphasis on disease prevention.

Ms. John joined the Department of Family Medicine in 2017.

Ms. John earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Leelabai Thackersey College of Nursing at SNDT Women's University in Churchgate, Mumbai, India. She also earned earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing, from the Prairie View A&M College of Nursing in Houston, Texas.

She is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and is licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Dr. Nicanord joined The UTMB Health Department of Family Medicine in 2017. Dr. Nicanord earned a Bachelors of Science in Biology from the Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, and a Doctorate of Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. Dr. Nicanord graduated from the UTMB Family Medicine Residency Program and continued his training by earning a fellowship in Geriatrics, also at UTMB.

Beverly Pennington completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. A few years later, she came back to UTMB to join the Geriatric Division as the Geriatric Nurse Practitioner serving the Galveston community. Beverly is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau which recognize superior achievements and developing leadership qualities. She is also an active member of organizations such as American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Texas Nurse Practitioners, and Texas Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Leslie Nabors was born in Mississippi and moved to Texas early in her childhood. She stayed in this great state and pursued a Bachelor's of Science in Health at Texas A&M University. After graduating from Texas A&M, she worked for a year in the Texas Medical Center where she prepared for enrollment into the physician assistant program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. She finished her training and graduated with a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies in August 2015. She is currently treating patients at the UTMB Health Family Medicine clinic in Angleton, Texas.

Katie Cotta is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has been in the medical field for 12 years. She was born and raised in Texas where she obtained her degree in nursing. Katie began her career in 2010 as an RN where she first worked on Tele units for 2 years. Then in 2012 she continued her educated and obtained her bachelors in nursing. From 2012 to 2018, she worked as an RN for UTMB in Galveston. While working, in 2016 she obtained her Master's degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner through UTMB. Since starting her career as an FNP she has had 2 years in GI and 1 year in Family Practice where she was seeing women, children, and adult patients. Katie is passionate about helping others and making a difference.