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IFAS Acquires Practice of Dr. Cherella and Bolsters Physician Roster with Top Regional Podiatrists

On April 13, IFAS completed the acquisition of the practice of Dr. Michael Cherella, a five-location platform serving Mullica Hill, NJ, as well as Center City, South Philadelphia, Fairmount, and Upper Darby, PA. Dr. Cherella has built an exceptional reputation as a provider in the market, supported by longstanding patient relationships and his affiliation with Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. The acquisition deepens IFAS’s presence across Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the surrounding suburbs, further strengthening its reputation for high-quality patient care in the region.

In recent months, IFAS has also deepened its physician roster through new hires. In addition to Dr. Cherella, IFAS is pleased to welcome:

  • Dr. Rhonda Cornell, recently named one of four 2026 Top Doctors in Philadelphia in podiatry, who brings nearly two decades of experience in diabetic limb preservation, wound management, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy and previously served as residency director at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
  • Dr. Jessica Charles, who trained at Temple University and completed her residency at Jefferson Health New Jersey.
  • Dr. Suraj Hansalia, who focuses on conservative care and minimally invasive treatment across wound care, orthotics, and surgical management.
  • Dr. Grace Kuzara, who trained at Temple University and has experience with leading regional institutions including Pennsylvania Hospital and Inspira Medical Center.
  • Dr. Edward Piskorski, who trained at Temple University and completed his surgical residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Piskorksi joins us with over twenty years of private practice experience and prior surgery center ownership.
  • Dr. Kirstyn Urbas, who trained at Temple University and completed her surgical residency at Virtua Health System with a concentration in rearfoot reconstructive surgery.
  • Dr. Mark Wintersteen, who brings decades of experience in nonoperative care, diabetic and wound management, sports injuries, and custom orthotics.

Following these additions, the IFAS network now includes 31 providers operating across 27 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As the platform continues to grow, IFAS remains focused on working alongside its physicians to provide high-quality care and a seamless patient experience across the full spectrum of foot and ankle services.

IFAS continues to seek opportunities to expand its network. For physicians interested in joining the platform—or to learn more about potential partnership opportunities—please visit https://integratedfootandankle.com/join-our-network/.

Phil Cooke

Phil Cooke

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Prior to Mereo, Phil completed his MBA in Finance and Management at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors and was recognized on the Director’s List. Previously, Phil worked at Binnacle Capital Services, a family office, and served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Elsevier and Director of Corporate Affairs of RELX Group, Elsevier’s parent company. Phil grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with a BA in Philosophy. He interned with Mereo during the summer of 2023.

SCOTTIE MILLER

ASSOCIATE

Prior to Mereo, Scottie was an Investment Banking Analyst in the Global Healthcare Group at Jefferies, where he executed on various mergers and acquisitions and capital raising initiatives. Notably, his deal experience includes the sale of Dental Care Alliance, a leading multi-specialty dental support organization, to Mubadala Investment Company.
Scottie graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University with his BS in Accounting and Finance.

JOHN MATTHEWS

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

John worked most recently at Hamilton Lane as a Direct Investment Analyst, evaluating equity and credit co-investment opportunities. John previously interned for Susquehanna Private Capital and LMZ Partners. John received his BBA from Temple University.

ADAM BOWIE

PRINCIPAL

Prior to Mereo, Adam worked for L2 Capital Partners executing control investments across a variety of industries in the lower middle-market and supporting portfolio companies on high-impact strategic initiatives. Previously, Adam was an investment banker covering diversified industrial companies in Citigoup’s Global Industrials Group. Before transitioning to a career in finance, Adam served as a Ground Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. Adam earned his MBA in finance and management from NYU Stern and his BBA from Temple University.

GIORGIO BOERO

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Giorgio most recently served as CFO of Silver Star Opportunity Partners and as a consultant for Financial Advisers Partnership. Previously, he worked at Silvermine Capital Management as the firm’s CFO. Prior to Silvermine, Giorgio was the CFO of TCW Advisors, Inc. Private Equity Fund, specializing in Latin American middle-market companies. Giorgio received his Master’s in Professional Accountancy from the University of Buenos Aires.
John O'Hare

JOHN O'HARE

CO-FOUNDER, PARTNER

Prior to Mereo, John was a senior professional at Tortola Advisors, where he provided operational turnaround services to middle-market companies. Previously, John was Co-Portfolio Manager at Saybrook Corporate Opportunity Funds. While at Saybrook, he served on the boards of directors of six portfolio companies. John received his BA from the University of Illinois and his MBA from Vanderbilt University.

RICH KURTH

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

Rich most recently served as Co-Head of the Man Group’s Leveraged Credit strategy. Rich previously sold Silvermine Capital Management, a credit hedge fund he co-founded, to the Man Group. Prior to founding Silvermine, Rich was founding member, portfolio manager, and head trader of TCW’s Senior Loan and Bank Debt Group. Rich received his BS in Business Administration from The Citidel, The Military College of South Carolina.

LEO HELMERS

CO-FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER

Leo is the founder of three investment strategies: Susquehanna Private Capital, a middle-market buyout fund; LMZ Partners, a family office focused on lower middle-market control buyouts; and Carlyle Mezzanine Partners, the mezzanine funds of The Carlyle Group. Previously, he worked at Crescent Capital, the Mezzanine investment platform of TCW. Leo has recently served on the boards of several portfolio companies, including McNally Ind., SPC Dermatology, Sunrise Transportation, LeverPoint Management and Long Island Veterinary Specialists. Also, Leo was recruited to chair the board of Plews, Inc. in a successful turnaround.