Physicians
We have five Obstetrician/
Gynecologists available for complete care of our female patients.
Byron B. Holt, M.D., F.A.C.O.G
Dr. Holt, a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist,
is a graduate of Baylor University and the University of Texas Medical Branch in
Galveston. Dr. Holt is a member of many medical organizations and is a Fellow of
the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He pioneered the concept of
bringing fathers in the delivery room, as well as designed the first birthing room
concept in Houston. Dr. Holt has helped to develop laser surgical techniques in
infertility and has established a reproductive and endocrine program to assist in the
research and treatment of premenstrual syndrome.
Born in Dallas, Dr. Holt grew up the son of a Baptist minister and has always been
called by the nickname, "Spike". Dr. Holt has been married to his high school
sweetheart, Sherley, for over 40 years. They enjoy family getaways to Rockport to
sail and fish with their children and grandchildren.
Dr. Holt is known by his patients as a very compassionate and understanding man,
with great regard to the well being and health of all his patients. For the past several
years Dr. Holt has been the organizer of a team of medical staff, which travel to the
mountains of Guatemala and Honduras, to perform surgeries for the people of the
indigenous Mayan Indians. His staff of volunteers perform multiple, complicated
surgeries in just a few days, with minimal equipment and medicines in very
limited facilities.
Recently, Dr. Holt was invited by the Ambassador of Kuwait to organize a team
of qualified Doctors to travel there and perform medcial procedures, typically
unavailable to the people of Kuwait. The trip was made earlier this year and with a
warm reception from their people, was a great success.
M. Elizabeth Hienaman, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Dr. Hienaman, a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, joined Women’s Health Care Center of Houston in July 1994. She completed her residency at Lyndon Baines Johnson General Hospital with the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Texas at Austin in Medical Technology, and earned her Doctorate from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in 1990.
Dr. Hienaman was raised in Rosenberg, Texas where she graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School in 1981. Now living in Katy, she enjoys sharing her spare time with her husband and son. Her interests outside of medicine include classic car shows, enjoying the outdoors, local fairs and festivals.
Michael D. Hold, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Dr. Hold, a native Houstonian from the Spring Branch area, comes to us from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston after serving as Chief Resident during his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He also received his Doctorate of Medicine at the same University, with an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology at Texas A & M University in Galveston.
Joining our practice in 2007, Dr. Hold was recently nominated as “Physician of the Year” at the Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital. He was very pleased with the opportunity to return to Houston and join our practice, as well as to be closer to his family and friends. Dr. Hold is very well liked by his patients and enjoys establishing and building lifelong relationships with his patients and their families.
Dr. Hold enjoys spending time with his new bride, who recently graduated from her Psychiatry residency program in Galveston. His favorite hobbies include outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and fishing. He also enjoys listening to live music and the arts. Dr. Hold is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Todd M. Holt, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Dr. Todd Holt, a Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, is a graduate of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in Austin.
He completed both medical school and his residency training in Obstetrics and
Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and served as
Chief Resident in his senior year.
Dr. Holt, (aka “Dr. Todd”) is a native Houstonian, and is thrilled to have the
opportunity to practice medicine with his father, joining the practice in 2005. Dr. Holt
is a family man, his wife a practicing Psychiatrist in the West Houston/Memorial City
area, and is a proud father to his son. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife
and family, teaching his son all about fishing, sailing and the importance of college
football.
Monique V. McKnight, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Dr. McKnight joined WHCCH in September 2008. She is a native Houstonian
who attended Lamar High School where she graduated in the top of her class. She received her
undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Grinnell College in Iowa . She attained her Doctorate of
Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia .
Dr. McKnight completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University
of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She also provided healthcare in South Africa to the
underserved natives. Needless to say, she is overwhelmingly excited to be back home serving her
community. During her youth, Dr. McKnight realized that her purpose and passion is to improve
the health of all women. She believes that preventive management, staying abreast of current
evidence based medicine, and prayer should always be the foundation of excellent patient care.
Dr. McKnight is married to Sedric Clark, who is a retired professional football player (Oakland
Raiders), and they enjoy spending time with their one year-old son. Dr. McKnight looks forward
to meeting you and your family, and wishes to offer you her surgical skills, medical expertise,
and compassionate care. She is especially passionate about educating your young adolescent
girls about how to love themselves and protect their health. So please bring your daughters,
granddaughters, nieces, and more to visit with her and she will definitely help you open up the doors
of communication and prevention.
Nurse Practitioners
Five registered Nurse Practitioners, working under the direct supervision of the physicians, are available for yearly PAP smear exams, breast screening, infection care, contraceptive
management, etc.
Mary Helen Tolentino, RN, WHNP-BC
Mary Helen Tolentino, a certified OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner, joined the staff of WHCCH in 1994. Prior to moving to Houston, she practiced in the "the valley" in South Texas at Los Ebanos Women's Clinic from 1992 to 1994.
Mary Helen received her Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas and her Associate in Nursing degree from the Pan American University in Edinburg. She speaks fluent Spanish as well as English, which is a great asset in Texas.
Her professional interests cover the whole range of gynecology and obstetrics including hormonal imbalance, teenager and post-menopausal concerns, as well as routine OB/GYN care.
Mary Helen is married and has three children. She enjoys fishing, gardening, and crochet.
Joni L. Pheigaru, RN, MSN, PNNP
Joni L. Pheigaru, a Perinatal Nurse Practitioner, joined our staff in July 1996. From January 1986 until June 1996, she was Director of Women's Services, Coordinator of Women's Services-MHCS Women's Health Services Council, Perinatal Nurse Specialist at Memorial Hospital-Memorial City, Houston, Texas. From 1980 to 1986, she has worked and taught at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, St. Elizabeth Community Health Center, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Park Plaza Hospital in Houston, UT Health Science Center in Houston, and American Healthcare Institute in Silver Springs, MD.
She received her Perinatal Nurse Practitioner degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 1996, Master of Science in Nursing, High Risk Perinatal-Administration from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston in 1988, and Bachelor of Science of Nursing in 1980 from University of Nebraska College of Nursing in Lincoln, Nebraska. Joni's field of expertise is perinatal and obstetrical care.
Lisa Elliott, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC
We are pleased to announce
the 2011 addition of Lisa Elliot, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC to our provider staff.
Lisa brings 17 + years of OB/GYN experience as nurse and a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. In addition to her many years in community based clinical practice she brings experience in both Nursing and Research at MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine and the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System.
Patricia Bruha, RN, BSN, WHNP-BC
Patricia Bruha joined our staff in 2003. Patty’s professional interest and career in OB/GYN began in 1978 while employed at The Duluth Clinic in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in her hometown of Duluth, Minnesota. She received her Bachelorette Degree in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica there in 1980, graduating summa cum laude.
Her certification as a Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner followed in 1985 from the University of Colorado, Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado. She was in practice at Kaiser Permanente in downtown Denver until her family transferred to Houston in 1988. She enjoyed life as a stay-at-home Mom throughout the 1990’s until re-entering the profession with WHCCH. Patty sees adolescent and adult obstetrical and gynecological patients for routine and urgent care. Her professional interests encompass the areas of wellness, infertility and reproductive endocrinology, nutrition, and mental health. She is currently preparing to become certified as a Menopause Clinician.
Patty has a son and daughter and enjoys her Shelties, interior decorating, music, sporting events, and traveling “up north” to spend time with family and friends.
Ruth Preece, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC
Ruth Preece has been a certified Woman’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner since 1998, and originally was part of our staff from 2000-2003. She has recently rejoined our staff as of July 2009.
Ruth received her Bachelor degree from University of Florida in 1980, and moved to Houston and began her nursing career at Methodist Hospital. She worked in labor and delivery for several years before returning to south Florida. She worked at Plantation General Hospital for 9 years as a labor and delivery nurse before returning to Houston once again in 1996. She received her Master’s degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston in 1998.
Her professional interests encompass the entire OB-GYN spectrum, including obstetrical patients, teens, and menopausal women. Ruth is married, has 2 children, and a new grandson. She enjoys traveling, skiing, music, college football, and spending time with friends and family.
Staff Members
Glenda Stallings, RN
OB Coordinator and Nurse Manager
Debra Carpenter, LVN
Surgery Coordinator
Cynthia Flanagan
Supervisor, Financial Department
Michael Strickler
Director of Operations / Administrator