Your Health is Our Priority
Meet the Team
Our Story
At Caring Minds Medical, our mission is simple yet profound: to provide comprehensive, caring, and compassionate care to the community we proudly serve. We are dedicated to treating both medical and mental health conditions and recognize the importance of holistic wellness.
The journey to founding this clinic began with an eye-opening experience working within the Pennsylvania and Delaware prison systems. Here, we witnessed countless adults suffering in silence, unable to access proper care due to societal biases. Many clinics refused to treat individuals with criminal backgrounds or other stigmatized conditions. This lack of access to basic and compassionate healthcare inspired us to create a place where everyone is welcomed, valued, and cared for, free from judgment.
Our dedicated staff and providers work tirelessly to deliver care grounded in evidence-based practices, ensuring every patient receives the support they deserve.
Looking to the future, our long-term goal is to touch the lives of our community by delivering efficient, accessible care and working to erase disparities in healthcare. We believe that healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right, and we are committed to creating a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Our Care Team
Dr. Florence Akouegnon, DNP, APRN
Founder
Adult/ Gero BC-NP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, DOT certified. HEPATITIS C treatment certified, X- Waiver holder
Florence Akouegnon is a distinguished Nurse Practitioner and the visionary CEO of Caring Minds Medical Center in Delaware. Born and raised in Benin, West Africa, Florence's journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to her community.
After leaving Benin at the age of 21 and moving to France, Florence eventually relocated to the USA in 2002. She embarked on an academic journey that laid a robust foundation for her career. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Wilmington University in 2018, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 2013, and a Psychiatry and Mental Health Certification in 2021 from La Salle University in Pennsylvania. Her academic achievements also include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Holy Family University in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from the University of Lille 1 in France.
Florence is a double board-certified Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Adult Geriatric Primary Care and Psychiatry Mental Health. Her extensive education has broadened her professional vision and instilled in her the confidence to establish primary care practices in Wilmington and Bear, Delaware. Her dedication to her community is evident in her efforts to create employment opportunities and provide comprehensive healthcare services. As a board-certified Psychiatry and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Florence is passionate about addressing both medical and psychiatric conditions, significantly increasing the number of patients she serves.
Licensed to practice in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, Florence's commitment to mental health is driven by a profound understanding of vulnerability and the need for support. Florence's nursing career has provided her with a platform to make a meaningful impact, and she is dedicated to being a helping hand to those in need. Her ability to diagnose and treat both medical and psychiatric conditions has transformed her practice and the community she serves.
Florence's contributions extend beyond her practice. She actively gives back to her community by precepting students from Lasalle, Neumann, Walden, Widener, Perdue, Temple, and Wilmington universities at graduate and doctorate levels. She remains forever grateful to Wilmington University for the educational foundation that has empowered her to make a difference.
Melissa Collins, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
National Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Licensed in Delaware & Maryland
Melissa Collins is a National Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed to practice in both Delaware and Maryland. With over 13 years of broad healthcare experience, she has provided care across Skilled Rehabilitation, Long-Term Care, Urgent Care, and both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings.
Melissa began her nursing career in 2012, driven by a passion for helping others and improving community health. In pursuit of providing more comprehensive and autonomous care, she advanced her education and earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Widener University in 2023.
Her clinical approach is rooted in evidence-based, patient-centered care. She is committed to empowering patients through education, managing chronic illnesses effectively, and fostering strong provider-patient relationships. Melissa takes pride in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves, with a focus on promoting wellness and health equity in her community.
Outside of clinical practice, Melissa enjoys volunteering and staying active through walking and outdoor activities. She is a member of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
Edith Escobar, MA
Medical Assistant
As a Medical Assistant with two years of hands-on experience, I'm truly passionate about the healthcare field and the difference it makes in people's lives. I'm committed to delivering high-quality patient care, helping to bridge the gap between patients and medical providers, and ensuring every patient feels heard and supported. My work allows me to grow every day, and I'm constantly inspired by the opportunity to be part of a team that positively impacts the health and well-being of others. Outside of my professional life, l'm a proud cat lover who finds joy in snowy days and enjoys listening to podcasts that keep me learning and engaged. My dedication to healthcare drives me to continually expand my knowledge and stay at the forefront of best practices in the field.