Meet the Team

“It is vital that all of us take charge of our health and actively pursue the means necessary to achieve and maintain wellbeing. I serve as a guide in helping a patient understand not only the importance of good health, but also whatever disease process may pertain to his/her case, what treatment measures are indicated, and what preventative measures would be needed for the future.”

“The rewards of the patient-doctor relationship are based on open communication. I am a very good listener and explainer. I work to understand the context of my patients’ experiences so the advice I provide is personal and clear. My goal is through working together my patients will have a better understanding of their health and healthy behaviors which includes the treatment options I recommend.”

Carmen Ayala joined Annandale Family Practice in August 2008. She graduated from George Mason University as a Family Nurse Practitioner in May 2008 and received the Graduate Nurse Practitioner Award for Excellence in Primary Care. She was raised in Annandale, Virginia, and currently, lives in Springfield. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked in critical care for 4 years as a Registered Nurse. After caring for critically-ill patients in the hospital setting, she now focuses on health promotion and disease prevention. She is fluent in Spanish, as well as some American Sign Language.

Born in Bombay, India, Chanda Athale graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992. She then pursued a Master of Science in Nursing at George Mason University, which she completed in 1996. Chanda is fluent in Marathi and Hindi and is also a Registered Nurse.