About Mulberry Health
“Where Home & Healthcare Meet”
Our Mission
Mulberry Health was founded on a simple but powerful belief: every senior deserves access to exceptional medical care — regardless of mobility, circumstance, or location. Too many homebound patients fall through the cracks of a healthcare system built around office visits and clinic schedules. We set out to change that.
As a physician-led mobile medical group, we bring comprehensive primary care, palliative care, post-acute transitional care, and remote patient monitoring directly to the homes of seniors across Arizona. Our providers don’t just treat conditions — they build relationships, earn trust, and become a consistent, reliable presence in the lives of patients and their families.
With over 2,000 patients served and a clinical team covering four Arizona counties, Mulberry Health is redefining what home-based care looks like — with the clinical rigor of a health system and the personal touch of a trusted neighbor.
Leadership Team
Joseph Furtado, RN
Founder & CEO
Joseph Furtado is the Founder and CEO of Mulberry Health, a physician-led mobile medical group delivering high-quality, in-home primary care to seniors across Arizona. A board-certified RN with more than 20 years of healthcare experience, Joseph previously served as Vice President of a multi-state home health, hospice, and palliative care organization — where he led significant expansion efforts, forged partnerships with Arizona’s leading health systems, and drove over 400% growth in patient census. A dedicated healthcare advocate, Joseph has served as President of the Arizona Association for Home Care and as a national advisor to Medicare. He founded Mulberry Health to set a new standard in home-based care — defined by clinical excellence, deeply personalized service, and trusted local leadership.
Katina Hughes
Founder & Chief Growth Officer
Katina Hughes began her career in hospitality, where she mastered the art of making every interaction feel exceptional. Nearly a decade ago, she transitioned into healthcare — immersing herself in relationship-building and strategic partnerships that strengthen care delivery. As Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Mulberry Health, Katina brings a people-first philosophy to every aspect of the organization. She is a passionate advocate for dignified, personalized senior care, ensuring every patient and family who chooses Mulberry Health feels seen, supported, and valued — guided always by the mission: “Where Home & Healthcare Meet.”
Preston Ashby, DO
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Preston Ashby serves as Chief Medical Officer and founding partner of Mulberry Health. A board-certified internal medicine physician, Dr. Ashby specializes in preventive care, chronic disease management, and long-term wellness for adult patients. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University and his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Brigham Young University. A proud Mesa native, Dr. Ashby is committed to serving his Arizona community through thoughtful, evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Maria Hoertz, DO, MPH
Medical Director
Maria Hoertz, DO, MPH is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician.
She attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor for her undergraduate degrees, Temple University for her Master’s in Public Health and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
She completed her residency at Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center and specializes in Family Medicine.
A successful academic career gave Dr. Hoertz entrée to the Alpha Chi Honor
Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and she was recognized as Intern of the Year.
Dr. Hoertz has been working in healthcare for 25 years, during which time her roles have included Physician and Medical Director for Primary Care, Specialty and Oncology Services, Hospitalist and Nocturnist, Hospice, Assisted Living Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities in the United States as well as countries in Central America and Micronesia.
She has enjoyed her experiences with the Family Medicine Residency and having students and residents as part of her services throughout her career.
“Since I have worked in all areas of health care, I am able to assist with care at all levels of need,” she reports. Dr. Hoertz’ recipe for patient satisfaction is listening. “Everyone has their story and they want to make sure that they have someone who has the time to listen,” she adds.
As part of a professional medical team, she believes in delivering up-to-date, quality medical care that will enhance the student’s overall health and well-being.
Dr. Hoertz has two sons at home, and in her free time does homework and helps her middle school son with his membership in the Civil Air Patrol. She walks the dogs, goes camping through Arizona and still loves taking classes as a Certified Science teacher here in Arizona.
Christy Furtado
Director of HR & Finance
Kelly Ranahan
Director of Operations Officer
Erin Bond
Director of Palliative Care
Our Care Team
Board-certified physicians and advanced practice providers dedicated to delivering compassionate, in-home medical care across Arizona.
Dr. Jay Knox
Physician
Valley Wide
Dr. Emily Perez
Physician
Valley Wide
Erin
DNP, FNP, ACHPN
Director of Palliative Care
West Valley
Andy
PA
Physician Assistant
Pinal & Pima County
Tarah
MSN, FNP-BC, WCC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Greater Phoenix Area & West Valley
Rebecca
RN, ANP, AHCPN-BC
Board Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Adult NP
Central Valley
Charles
FNP-BC, CIMHP
Family Nurse Practitioner
East Valley
Joycelynn
FNP, PMHNP
Adult NP & Psychiatric Mental Health NP
East Valley
Marcia
ANP
Adult Nurse Practitioner
East Valley
Kelly
MSN, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
Queen Creek Area
Diana
FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
Pima County
Susan
RNP
Registered Nurse Practitioner
Yavapai County
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