Healthiness Program Health Guides

Marisa R. Garcia, APRN, FNP-C

Family Medicine, Healthiness Program

Marisa grew up in Bastrop, TX. When she is not working, Marisa says, "My soul is happiest at the beach!" She loves spending time with her daughter, practicing hot yoga, walking at the lake near her home, and swimming in any body of water. Marisa also enjoys reading mystery books and watching comedies. She names the Hike & Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake as one of her favorite area locales.

"Obesity medicine is very close to my heart because carrying extra weight is something that many of my family members and I have struggled with throughout our lives. I enjoy working with people to develop a sustainable weight-loss and weight maintenance plan that makes sense for their lives. When working with patients, my approach is a judgment-free partnership."

Kir Jennings

Health Guide, Healthiness Program

Kir joined the Healthiness Team in 2019 with a Bachelor's in Exercise Physiology. Originally from Canada, where she formerly worked as a diabetes educator, she moved to Texas for the warmer weather. Kir is motivated by seeing patients reach goals, both small and big, she has supported multiple patients in losing over 100lbs.

Kir finds her strengths are support and listening to patients through all the facets of a weight management journey. On the weekends, Kir likes to be outside spending time with her family and two kids. She also loves house plants and spending time in her garden.

Destini Ratliff

Health Guide, Healthiness Program

Destini joined the Healthiness team in October 2020 with a Bachelor's in Health and Wellness Studies. She was promoted to Health Guide Team Lead in August 2024. Prior to joining ARC, she spent over 11 years working with pediatric and adult patients in physical therapy. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for wellness, especially in supporting adult patients with nutrition to enhance their healing through physical therapy. Destini is deeply committed to building strong, supportive relationships with her patients. She works hard to create a safe and welcoming space where individuals feel heard — especially when discussing sensitive topics like weight.

Outside of work, you'll often find Destini in her beginner pollinator garden, cultivating blooms to nourish the butterflies and bees. She also enjoys quality time with her daughter, listening to music, and singing to their dogs.

Xavier Butts

Health Guide, Healthiness Program

Xavier joined the Healthiness team in late 2021 after moving to Texas from Pennsylvania. Xavier holds a Bachelor's in Exercise Physiology and was previously certified under the American Council of Exercise. He has passion for providing help to those in need and doing his part to inspire others to be the best version of themeselves.

He finds it truly motivational and inspiring when his patients are invested in choosing to better themselves and making progress towards goals they set. Being healthy and happy is a mixture of internal and external components that fitness just touches the surface of, and he partners with his patients to help them reach their goals and gain confidence while emphasizing happiness and safety through their journey. Xavier loves the outdoors and playing sports.

Nicole Bridges

Health Guide, Healthiness Program

Nicole, a fitness professional with a strong medical foundation and certification from the International Sports Science Association, joined the Healthiness team in September 2024. Her passion for helping individuals reach their personal weight-loss and fitness goals is evident in her diverse background, which includes degrees in Respiratory Care and Kinesiology and Health.

Before joining the team, Nicole served for 10 years as a Certified Optometric Assistant, including her role as Lead Vision Therapist, further developing her skills in client support and guidance. Her commitment to fitness is also reflected in her extensive involvement in group exercise instruction, fitness coaching, and personal training. In her free time, Nicole enjoys strength training, spending time at the beach, and being active with her family.