Meet the Team
Cornerstone Health Centers
Dr. Derek Ferguson, CFMP,
PSc.D, D.C.
Dr. Derek Ferguson is leading a health transformation which revolves around educating the general public on Functional Medicine, using lifestyle as medicine to support longevity, energy, mental clarity and happiness to obtain health. Dr. Ferguson is owner and clinical director of Ferguson Life Health Centers located in New Jersey and Florida which focuses on patient centered care, that delivers hope and education for patients who feel lost when it comes to understanding true health. He teaches his patients not only how to obtain health, but how to sustain their health with minimal outside help.
Currently, Dr. Ferguson's research activities revolve around restorative and anti-aging therapies, all the while being one of the leading voices in Functional Medicine today. The common belief that as we age, it is “normal" to be on medication, has never sat well in Dr. Ferguson’s heart. His experience through proven methods of testing on his own body, while continuously exploring cutting edge methods and dispelling trends, is a continued passion to bring the best healthcare to his own patients. Through his Functional Medicine practice, Dr. Ferguson works with patients across the country to satisfy this core principle of sustaining health, in turn pioneering the principle of a Lifestyle Physician.
Dr. Ferguson was born and raised in Florida, received his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Life University, and has been awarded Top Doctor in NJ for the last 10 years. He works with Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus and has complementary private practices located in Whippany and Flemington NJ. Dr. Ferguson has provided unparalleled health care for Olympic Gold Medal athletes in fields such as Wrestling and Judo to help them achieve their highest accolades in the sporting world. However, his true passion is to serve every man, woman and child to truly excel at life through their in-born expression of health.
Dr. Ferguson serves on the board of Med Journal 360 as well as Acorn Montessori and serves as Acorn Montessori chief healthcare advisor. Dr. Ferguson also serves on the board for Hope Through Education which helps thousands of underprivileged students reach their full potential through the gift of a great education which he values as the most important gift in this world to the children.
A recognized author, speaker, leader, educator and advocate in the field of Functional Medicine, Dr. Ferguson has been featured on News 12 New Jersey and has authored a lifestyle cookbook, Eat Like Your LIFE Depends on It. Dr. Ferguson delivers the best care for his patients without putting a band-aid on their health, by working with the concept of lifestyle and that the little things add up over time making a big difference. He facilitates his patients to build on a solid foundation of lifestyle choices to improve and sustain their health. Dr. Ferguson considers it an honor to serve and be a health transformation provider in today’s field of medicine.
Dr. Nicholas Gregory, D.C.
Dr. Gregory earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Life University in 2019. While in school he participated in many technique clubs to broaden his knowledge of patient care including Applied Kinesiology, Functional Neurology, and even running the SacroOccipital technique club as President, a chiropractic technique specializing in neurology and soft tissue release. He was also nominated by his peers for the clinical excellency award, which is awarded only to the top student clinicians in school.
Dr. Gregory's experience with chiropractic began at 7 years old when he began to have excruciating low back pain, and after multiple diagnostic tests he was diagnosed with growing pains and told they will go away “eventually”. Having previous experience with chiropractic herself, his mother brought him to a chiropractor who examined and adjusted him, providing immediate relief and correcting the issue. Chiropractic was also an essential part of his life in his 10 years as a professional wrestler.
While in high school he worked on weekends in residential construction, then immediately after high school he began work in the sheet metal union. Dr. Gregory worked in commercial and residential construction for 10 years. His lifelong interest in healthcare peaked when his mother experienced a health scare, and had no health insurance. Fortunately, they found a doctor willing to meet, who clarified and resolved the issue. This act of humanity and kindness gave Dr. Gregory the motivation he needed to make the decision to completely uproot from his previous life and pursue healthcare.
In his spare time he enjoys strength training, exploring new areas, hiking, and biking with his wife Eileen, and their dog Maggie. His mission is to give back and pay forward the kindness shown to his family, by helping as many patients as possible to create a healthier lifestyle by finding and correcting the root cause of the issue.
Cris Amato, APN
Cris Amato is an accomplished medical provider with over 15 years of experience. She has worked in multiple specialties within the field of medicine. Currently she finds herself on the front lines of the ever-evolving field of Integrative, Functional, and Anti- aging medicine.
Cris started her career as a nurse in the Emergency Department of an inner city and continued her career in various disciplines of medicine including acute and critical care. She obtained her certification as a Nurse Practitioner in acute and critical care medicine for adults and the elderly population in 2016.
She has a mission to help clients achieve optimal health despite chronic health challenges or time restraints. In addition, Cris continues to refine her skills in the field of Aesthetic medicine with over 3 years’ experience. She brings an artistic eye and loves to help restore the natural beauty of her clients. Cris views each client as a whole and delivers comprehensive care in her treatments.
Mariella Nicoletti
Chiropractic Assistant
Mariella was born and raised in NJ. Mariella has her associates degree in Exercise Science as well as an Army National Guard soldier. Mariella joined the Army National Guard to further her education, learn new and different things, and to become the best person she can be while serving her country.
Samantha Ortiz,
Assistant
Samantha is one of the assistants that work closely with patients to assist in their journey to better health! She believes in the importance of healing from within to properly maintain the body. Samantha's background as a licensed massage therapist deeps her passion to help our patients throughout their trials and tribulations towards a discomfort free life. Rest assured that you'd be greeted with a smile every time and she will be at your service for any questions or concerns you may have.
Leticia Perez, Certified Yoga Instructor
Leticia Perez is a dedicated and passionate yoga instructor at Cornerstone Health Centers. With over a decade of experience in teaching yoga, Leticia is committed to helping her students achieve physical wellness, mental clarity, and a deeper connection to their inner selves.
Leticia began her yoga journey in 2012, discovering the profound impact it had on her physical and emotional well-being. Her practice soon evolved into a passion for teaching, leading her to complete her 200-hour yoga teacher training at [Insert School/Institute], where she honed her skills in various styles including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Restorative yoga.
At Cornerstone Health Centers, Leticia leads a variety of classes tailored to meet the needs of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Her teaching style is known for its emphasis on mindfulness, breath awareness, and alignment, ensuring that each student feels supported and challenged in their practice.
Leticia is particularly passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. She believes in the transformative power of yoga and is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all her students. Whether you're looking to improve flexibility, build strength, reduce stress, or simply find a moment of peace in your day, Leticia’s classes offer something for everyone.
Outside of the studio, Leticia is an avid traveler and lifelong learner. She continues to deepen her knowledge of yoga through ongoing training and workshops, and she enjoys exploring different cultures and philosophies that enrich her teaching.
Join Leticia at Cornerstone Health Centers to embark on a yoga journey that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit.