Providers
The friendly, professional staff at Houston Fibroids is committed to your care. Our convenient, comfortable offices allow us to provide personalized, office-based care to patients across the greater Houston area, throughout Texas, and beyond. We are here to respond to your questions and your healthcare needs. Each member of our team is specially trained to support you in determining your best treatment option. Call or visit us soon to learn more about how we can help you to take back your life and avoid surgery!
Ryan Armstrong, M.D, Board-Certified Vascular Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Ryan Armstrong is Board Certified in Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology. Devoted to improving the lives of patients, Dr. Armstrong continually seeks new techniques within interventional radiology to improve the patient care.
Dr. Armstrong is a graduate of Brown University before returning to Texas to earn his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He completed the residency program at the University of Texas Health Science at Houston and earned his fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
With over 20 year’s experience in the medical field, Dr. Armstrong has been affiliated with the Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Hospital, West Houston Radiology Associates, and served as both the Radiology Medical Director and Chief of Staff Elect for Oakbend Medical Center in Richmond Texas.
In his spare time, Dr. Armstrong enjoys the outdoors. His passions include running, cycling, golfing, grilling, and coaching his three sons in various sports.
AJ Valenson, M.D., Board-Certified Vascular Interventional Radiologist
Dr. AJ Valenson is an Interventional Radiologist and vein specialist who has been practicing in the greater Clear Lake area for over 5 years. He is board certified in diagnostic radiology and completed additional fellowship training in vascular interventional radiology. He is also a member of the Society for Interventional Radiology, American Vein and Lymphatic Society, Harris County Medical Society, and the Texas Medical Association. Dr. Valenson is fluent in Spanish and enjoys working with Spanish-speaking communities in both professional and voluntary settings.
Dr. Valenson graduated with Honors from the University of Houston, before going to Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Here Dr. Valenson proudly did extensive amounts of volunteer work with under-served communities, as well as cancer and orthopedic research. He then completed surgical internship at Cook County Hospital and Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, before returning to Yale to complete residency training in diagnostic radiology. Dr. Valenson then returned to Chicago to receive advanced fellowship training in Interventional Radiology at Rush University Medical Center.
Dr. Valenson was born in New York City and raised in both Houston and Honduras, giving him a diverse and multicultural upbringing. He enjoys spending time with his extended family in Houston and going to his nephew’s baseball and basketball games. In his free time he enjoys traveling, is an enthusiastic fan and practitioner of numerous sports, running and nature, and an avid reader who enjoys interesting conversations and learning from his patients.
Sarah Applegate, Physician Assistant
Sarah Applegate is a native Houstonian and physician assistant with over 7 years of experience in treating vascular disease. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences and then completed a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. After graduating from Baylor, Sarah worked in internal medicine for two years before specializing in vascular and interventional radiology. Her areas of expertise include venous disease, peripheral arterial disease, uterine fibroid embolization, and cosmetic sclerotherapy.
Sarah lives in Katy with her husband, two kids, and two golden retrievers. Outside of work, Sarah loves spending time with her family, watching the Astros or Aggie sports, reading, and exercising.
Katie Connor, Physician Assistant
Katie is a Nashville native and moved to Houston after falling in love with the city’s culture and extensive food scene. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Tennessee. After completing her undergraduate degree, Katie attended Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Science where she graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
Katie has a background in emergency medicine, but has a special passion for the care and management of vascular diseases. Her areas of expertise include venous disease, peripheral arterial disease, and uterine fibroid embolization. Katie enjoys creating lasting relationships with her patients. You can find her at our Bellaire and Katy Texas Endovascular locations.
Katie lives in central Houston where she enjoys exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and staying active with friends.
Molly DiMola, Family Nurse Practitioner
Molly DiMola was born and raised amid a rich mosaic of cultural heritage in the foothills of North Carolina. Today she’s proud to call Houston home and share her skills and expertise with her local community.
She graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She completed her BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) and FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) degrees at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she graduated summa cum laude.
After graduating from George Washington University, Molly worked as an emergency room Registered Nurse and travel nurse for five years. During this time, she traveled to Africa to research HIV/AIDS as part of a public health study and worked in outbreak mitigation for Orange County, CA.
When she’s not working, Molly enjoys exploring Houston, traveling, running, baking, or achieving a new PR at her local CrossFit gym.
Keonna Parham, Physician Assistant
Keonna is a Louisiana native that is now proud to call Houston home. She received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Southern University and A&M College. She then went on to obtain a Master’s of Physician Assistant studies from Louisiana State University School Health Sciences Center.
Keonna has a background in Orthopedic Trauma and Interventional Pain Management, but has a special passion for the care and management of uterine fibroid and vascular diseases.
Keonna lives in Katy with her husband and son. When she’s not working, Keonna enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, volunteering with her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and supporting the Southern University Jaguars.
Christa Duarte, Family Nurse Practitioner
Christa Duarte received her Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health from Texas A&M University and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing from University of Texas Health Science Center.
She previously worked as a Nurse Practitioner in both Allergy and ENT setting as well as urgent care setting. Prior to that, she worked as a registered nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital in the OB/GYN setting. Christa’s passion lies in patient care, and she is driven by the opportunity to help her patients and enhance their quality of life.
Christa finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and two dogs. She enjoys exploring new restaurants, staying active with her Peloton, and cheering for her favorite teams, the Fightin’ Texas Aggies and the Houston Astros.