Doctors

Joseph Adu, MD completed his undergraduate education at Andrews University in 2011. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Physiology which he attained at Georgetown University in 2012. He received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 2017 and completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in 2021. Dr. Adu’s professional goal is to improve the health and well-being of the community he serves by practicing evidence-based medicine in obstetrics, gynecology, and minimally invasive surgery. When not working, Dr. Adu enjoys strength training, baking, and spending time with his wife and two pets

Muna T. Alam, DO did her undergraduate studies at NYU and graduated in 2001. She then continued her studies at Georgetown University and obtained her Masters in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2002. She then went to medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 2008 and completed her residency at Queens Hospital Center in affiliation with Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Alam is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and is on the faculty with America’s OB/GYN Board Review course. Dr. Alam’s professional interests includes the full scope general obstetric and gynecologic care including adolescent gynecologic care, PCOS, endometriosis, minimally invasive surgery, and obstetrical care. When Dr. Alam is not in the office or at the hospital, she loves being around animals (especially her cats), baking, traveling, exploring, and hiking. Dr. Alam speaks English and Bengali.

Emilynne Buchanan, DO graduated from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2014. After finding her passion of caring for women of all ages, she completed her residency at Inspira Health Network in Vineland, NJ in 2018. She then traveled back to her home state of Maine to practice obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Buchanan is a board certified OB/GYN and has a passion for adolescent medicine, robotic surgery and prevention of the primary cesarean section. If you are looking for a new provider, Dr. Buchanan will strive to work alongside you to achieve your health, wellness and pregnancy goals. You might see Dr. Buchanan and her husband exploring Carroll County on their motorcycles or walking their puppy.

Lennard Herbst, MD certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, brings over forty years of experience as a skilled and caring Obstetrician/Gynecologist to Capital Women’s Care. He has delivered more than 5,000 babies in his career and now focuses his practice solely on his patients’ gynecological health. He is trained in all aspects of both open and minimally invasive surgery, including DaVinci robotic procedures and is highly experienced in laparoscopic and urogynecological procedures. Dr. Herbst received his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara School of Medicine and completed his Fifth Pathway internship at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. His residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology was completed at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and he has served as Chief of Ob/Gyn and Program Director at Maryland General Hospital. Training future surgeons is a passion of Dr. Herbst’s and he plans to continue this at Carroll Hospital Center. In his spare time, Dr. Herbst enjoys traveling, golf and being PopPop to his four grandchildren.

Dr. Briana Kyne completed her undergraduate studies at University of Maryland. She then earned her medical degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2020. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Inova Fairfax in 2024. Dr. Kyne provides OBGYN care at the Westminster office and is dedicated to helping patients optimize their gynecologic health and achieve their pregnancy goals. In her spare time, Dr. Kyne enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and gardening.

Steven Miller, MD attended college at the University of Pennsylvania and Medical School at the University of the Maryland. He trained in OB/GYN at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and has been in practice for 36 years. Dr. Miller’s areas of interest include general gynecology. abnormal bleeding and post menopausal problems. He has been married for 42 yrs, has three grown children and two grandchildren.

Elissa Nagy, DO joined the team at Capital Women’s Care Westminster in 2022. Elissa Nagy completed her undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, earning a degree in 2011. She then earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from NYIT-COM in 2015. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga in 2019. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Elissa Nagy has a special interest in adolescent care and high risk obstetrics. She sees patient for routine OBGYN care in Westminster and Eldersburg. When not at work. Elissa Nagy enjoys exploring the area with her family.

Sarah Rivera, MD completed her undergraduate education at Brandeis University in 2006. She received her medical degree from Sackler School of Medicine/NY State American Program at Tel Aviv University in 2010 and she completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 2014. Dr. Rivera is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. When not working Dr. Rivera enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, baking, Zumba and swimming.

Showieb Shuja, MD, FACOG is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for women at every stage of life. He earned his medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Shuja has special interests in high-risk pregnancies, minimally invasive surgery, and the management of abnormal uterine bleeding. He is passionate about preventative care and health education, and takes pride in supporting his patients through all phases of reproductive health. Outside of medicine, Dr. Shuja enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.

Certified Nurse Practitioners

Emmerita Morris, CRNP obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD, and received her Master of Science in Nursing at West Virginia University and was awarded the designation of Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in 2009. Her extensive nursing background affords her the knowledge to rapidly diagnose and treat conditions across many different specialties. Her true passion is caring for women of Carroll County and the surrounding areas. Ms. Morris is now a prospective PhD student and will be starting Fall 2022 at West Virginia University, working toward obtaining her PhD in Nursing. Her personal interests include reading, playing tennis and teaching students and sharing knowledge.

Autumn Pefley, FNP-BC obtained her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Messiah University in 2018. She then went on to complete a one-year residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Women’s Health specializing in high- risk obstetrical care. Autumn then went on to work at Carroll Hospital in labor and delivery for just shy of 5 years caring for women and their infants. She completed her Master’s Degree from Simon’s University in 2022. Autumn was born and raised in Carroll County and cares greatly for this community. She is happily married to her husband and together they have 2 daughters. In her free time Autumn loves to spend time with family and friends, travel, read and exercise.

Emily Stem, CRNP graduated from Stevenson University in 2011 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has spend her 8 year nursing career in the Family Birth Place at Carroll Hospital Center, caring for women and their infants. She received her Master’s degree from Simmons University as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2019. Emily was born and raised in Carroll County and therefore has a special connection to the community. She is happily married and she and her husband have one daughter. Interests outside of work include spending time with family, traveling and yoga.

Midwives

Riley Forquer, CNM WHNP-BC graduated from Towson University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2019. Her nursing experience includes emergency room medicine as well as working in labor and delivery. She obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in 2023 and is now a board-certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Riley’s medical interests include family planning, family-centered maternity care, substance use disorders, and caring for individuals across the lifespan. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to build a strong rapport with her patients and their loved ones. Her personal interests include caring for her fur baby Phoebe, puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. Riley is a Carroll County native and is looking forward to serving the community.

Devi Gnimavo, CNM graduated for Georgia State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since then, she has been working in Women’s Health and completed her graduate studies at Shenandoah University with a Masters of Science in Nursing with Nurse Midwife specialty in 2014. Her medical interests include educating and caring for women throughout the life-span with evidence based practice. Her personal interests include traveling and spending time with her family. She is married with three children.

Chiamaka “Chi-Chi” Nwaneshiudu, DNP, CNM was born in Nigeria and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. After relocating to Maryland in 2014, she worked as an emergency room nurse at Sinai Hospital before transitioning to perinatal nursing at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. During her time at Bayview, Chi-Chi developed a deep passion for caring for underserved women, particularly those with substance use and mental health disorders. She pursued a Master’s in Midwifery at Frontier Nursing University, completing her clinical training at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. Furthering her commitment to patient education and advocacy, she earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Frontier University, focusing on contraception counseling and patient education. Chi-Chi is married with one daughter and a dog. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games with her husband, exploring nature trails when the weather allows, and experimenting with cooking dishes from various cultures.

Ajibola Olagunju, CNM is a dedicated advocate for women’s health, driven by her own empowering birthing experience and a desire to impact other women’s lives positively. Her journey into midwifery care began with a passion for providing compassionate care to women. Ajibola’s nursing career started with the completion of her associate/diploma degree in nursing at the College of Nursing Eleyele in 2008, where she obtained her license as a Registered Nurse. She furthered her education by earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Igbinedion University in 2013. Her commitment to advancing her knowledge and skills led her to Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky, where she received her master’s degree in nursing in 2024, specializing in midwifery, and also completed her midwifery clinical rotation at the University of Maryland St Joseph Medical Center, where she accumulated over 700 clinical hours, and attended 41 births. With over 15 years of nursing experience, Ajibola has honed her expertise in labor and delivery, postpartum care, and newborn care. Ajibola is an active member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, where she continues to stay updated on the latest advancements in midwifery care and best practices. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ajibola finds joy in her interests, including cooking, researching, and spending quality time with her family. She is happily married and the proud mother of two children. With her unwavering commitment to women’s health and compassionate approach to care, Ajibola Olagunju continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families within her community.

Hannah Potter, CNM graduated from Towson University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Hannah has been working as a labor & delivery nurse for seven years growing her skills and experience for a successful career in midwifery. From UPMC Western Maryland to Meritus Medical Canter, and most recently Holy Cross Health have shaped her into the provider she is today while completing her graduate studies. Hannah attended Shenandoah University and attained her Masters of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Midwifery post graduate certificate in 2023. Hannah is passionate about the phenomenon of labor and birth and the support of women throughout their life span. Her medical interests include educating and caring for women with evidence based practice and family-centered obstetrical care. While her personal interests include traveling, reading, exercising, riding her two horses, and spending time with her boyfriend, family, & three cats!

Kiersten Smith, CNM, WHNP-BC graduated from University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing in 2015 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her nursing experience ranges from Labor and Delivery to High-Risk Obstetrics. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse at University of Maryland Medical Center while obtaining her Masters in Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Georgetown University in 2020. Her medical interests include caring for childbearing families throughout their lifespan, family planning, family-centered maternity care, and substance use disorders. She is an active member of American College of Nurse Midwives and Evidence Based Birth Professionals. Kiersten was raised in Baltimore County, but is currently a local to Westminster. Her personal interests include exercising, white water rafting, traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband, Michael, and two fur babies, Meadow and Potter.

Hilles Whedbee, CNM received her Master of Science in Nursing Administration at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 1986. She completed her Certificate of Nurse Midwifery from Rutgers University in 1989. She has been practicing as a CNM in Maryland for over 32 years. Her professional interests include caring for women throughout the life-span and providing family-centered obstetrical care.