Meet The Team

Dr. Daniel J. Kraus is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park and Life College in Marietta, Georgia. He has extensive experience in structural rehabilitation, with a focus on spinal correction. His approach to treatment is to find the underlying cause of the problem, with each treatment program designed specifically for the individual in regards to pain management in College Park, MD. Advanced Certified Chiropractic Biophysics Practitioner, Dry Needling, Graston technique. Although, Dr. Dan does not currently treat patients at Terrapin Care Center, he remains an active member of the team and oversees the practice. 

Dr. Levy Riley III grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland and is a graduate of McDaniel College. In 2011 he graduated from Life University College of Chiropractic. Dr. Levy Riley is board certified by the National Board of Chiropractic of Examiners and the Maryland State Board of Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Examiners; He has built and established a practice outside of Jacksonville, FL. He has served as one of the primary chiropractors on an integrated healthcare team treating auto accident injuries as well as slips and falls where he recommended rehabilitative protocols based on diagnosis for 70 plus patients daily; and after realizing that home is where his heart was and is, he moved back to Maryland where he specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions of the spine and extremities. He is also certified in Chiropractic Biophysics, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Graston Technique, Active Release Technique Spine, and Myofascial dry needling. 

Dr. Riley has always been an avid sports and fitness enthusiast since childhood. He has played sports including football and track & field at the collegiate level. Dr. Riley has also recently enjoyed other sports including sky diving, zip lining, and riding ATVs. Dr. Riley is a firm believer that life is what you make it. He has faith, works hard, and enjoys life to the fullest. In that order.

Dr. Rachel Alfano was born and raised in College Park, Maryland with her three brothers and one sister. She graduated from the IB program at Parkdale High School where she received a full academic scholarship to Towson University. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, she furthered her education at New York Chiropractic College obtaining a Doctorate of Chiropractic. Upon graduating in December 2015, she moved back to Maryland to put her skills use. Dr. Rachel began dancing at the age of three and after high school taught many dance classes throughout the DC metropolitan area. As a dancer, she has a deep understand of the body and movement and is able to use that knowledge as a Doctor of Chiropractic. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, quilting, dancing, rock climbing, and going on adventures with her husband, Christian. Dr. Rachel has a passion for the structure and function of the human body and how Chiropractic can improve it. She is a firm believer in restoring the overall health of a patient; that’s why she takes an individualistic approach so that everyone has the ability to reach their optimal health. She truly believes Chiropractic can enhance the quality of life and looks forward to helping improve yours. She specializes in working with pregnant patients and babies. In addition to being a CBP provider, she is also certified in the Webster Technique. 

Dr. Malik Parker, PT, DPT completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland College Park in 2011 and went on to receive his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2016. Before finding his home in outpatient orthopedics, he has had diverse experience treating and rehabilitating patients ranging from the acute care setting at the St. Mary’s hospital of the Mayo Clinic to the collegiate level athletes returning to sport at Bowie State University and Howard University. Dr. Malik believes in empowering patients and focusing on maximizing function while teaching patient independence with symptom management. When not studying new treatment techniques or watching Netflix, Dr. Malik enjoys bouldering, playing flag football, and break dancing.

Itamar Simhon, FNP-C, ONC is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a certified Orthopedic Nurse. He joined the Terrapin Care Center to optimize patient health and wellness. Itamar graduated from The University of Maryland in 2008 with a Bachelor’s in Nursing. After graduating, he began his career in the Intensive Care Unit at Suburban Hospital – Johns Hopkins Medicine. In 2012, Itamar became the clinical nurse manager of the advanced wound care clinic at Washington Adventist Hospital. During his tenure, he earned the prestigious “Center of Excellence” award for wound healing rates and patient satisfaction. Itamar then went on to earn his Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons University in 2014. Itamar is currently furthering his career towards an orthopedic certification. When he isn’t studying and caring for his patients, Itamar enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, rock-climbing, and playing soccer.

Dr. Yuliya Chernyak, DAOM, is a dedicated licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, committed to improving quality of life through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Practicing in the Terrapin Care Center, Yuliya specializes in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping, leveraging these treatments to stimulate the body's biological responses and address a multitude of health concerns.

With a particular focus on women's health, Yuliya has profound experience in treating infertility, providing pregnancy support, and managing menstrual disorders and menopause symptoms. Acupuncture under her expert hands has proven to enhance both female and male reproductive systems, increasing the likelihood of natural conception and successful outcomes with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), such as IVF.

Yuliya is also skilled in the application of TCM for chronic pain relief, effectively treating conditions ranging from chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, to arthritis. Her expertise extends to treating various types of neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy, Bell's palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigeminal neuralgia, as well as mental health disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and stress management. At Terrapin Care Center, Dr. Yuliya Chernyak is proud of her high success rate and outstanding patient care. Her approach caters to those who prefer natural, holistic health care, as well as those seeking alternatives when conventional medical treatments have not provided desired results. With her expert treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, a new life of wellness and vitality awaits.