Meet the Team
Neighborhood Health’s care team provides personalized healthcare for seniors, families, and senior living communities in Prairieville and the Greater Baton Rouge area. Our physicians, nurse practitioners, and support staff work together to provide on-site healthcare, care coordination, remote patient monitoring, and other services designed around the needs of aging adults.
Meet the people committed to clear communication, compassionate support, and coordinated healthcare.
Mark Chris Laborde, MD
Internal Medicine | Supervising Physician
Ellison Abad, FNP
Lead Nurse Practitioner
Leslie Caruso, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
Heather Best Duplessis, RN, BSN
Director of Operations
Karlyn Summer
Billing & Coding Specialist

Mark Chris Laborde, MD
Internal Medicine | Supervising Physician
Dr. Mark Chris Laborde is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and supervising physician for Neighborhood Health. With experience in both outpatient and hospital-based care, he provides thoughtful, patient-focused treatment for complex and chronic medical conditions.
His background in hospital medicine gives him valuable insight into higher-acuity patient needs, care transitions, and reducing avoidable hospitalizations. Known for his compassionate approach and strong clinical leadership, Dr. Laborde works closely with patients, families, and care teams to deliver comprehensive, proactive care focused on long-term health, stability, and quality of life.
Ellison Abad, FNP
Lead Nurse Practitioner
Ellison Abad, FNP, serves as the Lead Nurse Practitioner for Neighborhood Health’s Senior Care program. With experience in emergency medicine, inpatient care, orthopedics, and psychiatry, he brings a well-rounded clinical background focused on caring for aging patients and managing chronic conditions.
Ellison specializes in geriatric care and chronic disease management, with an emphasis on improving quality of life, supporting independence, and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. Known for his attentive and compassionate approach, he works closely with patients, families, caregivers, and facility teams to provide personalized, consistent care.

Leslie Caruso, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
Leslie Caruso, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a clinical background in emergency medicine, primary care, and women’s health. Her experience in acute care, preventive medicine, and women’s healthcare has shaped a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to patient care.
She has a special interest in women’s health, hormone health, preventive care, and chronic disease management, with additional training in hormone health and menopause care. Leslie is committed to providing individualized, evidence-based care and is known for her compassionate approach, attention to detail, and dedication to helping patients feel informed, supported, and cared for.
Heather Best Duplessis, RN, BSN
Director of Operations
Heather Best Duplessis, RN, BSN, serves as the Director of Operations at Neighborhood Health, where she leads the development and day-to-day execution of clinical and operational systems that support high-quality patient care.
With a background in emergency medicine and nursing supervision, Heather brings strong leadership and experience managing fast-paced, high-acuity environments. Since joining Neighborhood Health, she has helped build and refine operational processes while supporting the launch and growth of the organization’s on-site assisted living care model.
Heather is known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to both patients and team members. She approaches her role with compassion, accountability, and a focus on creating care experiences families can trust.

Karlyn Summer
Billing & Coding Specialist