Find the provider that best suits your needs.

Meet our team

 
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President, Founder, Board Certified Physician

Alex Afshar, MD, AVLS, ABFM

Dr. Afshar brings more than 15 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease to Vein Institute.

He began his professional pursuits at George Washington University in Washington DC, and Sheffield University in the United Kingdom, where he earned his Bachelor of Science. After graduation, Dr. Afshar enrolled at the Ross University of Medicine where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine.

  • Before entering private practice, Dr. Afshar completed a residency at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York and Stamford Hospital in Connecticut. He subsequently participated in medical research at the National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

    Throughout his career, Dr. Afshar has worked to augment his skills. He has extensive training in the field of phlebology, participating in research and clinical positions affiliated with some of the world’s renowned medical institutions.

    Dr. Afshar contributes his expertise to a number of professional organizations and proudly holds memberships in the American College of Phlebology, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Vein and Lymphatic Society and the American Medical Association. Dr. Afshar is also an affiliate of Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital.

    As a physician, Dr. Afshar offers a compassionate bedside manner and gives each patient one-on-one attention, addressing their unique needs and concerns. This attention to care hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. He’s obtained recognition as one of Connecticut’s top physicians year after year and was recently honored with the Patient’s Choice Award and Most Compassionate Physician Award.

    Dr. Afshar is also a skilled physician, having performed more than 14,000 procedures during his career. When Dr. Afshar isn’t working with patients, you can find him spending time with family, reading, gardening, or participating in two of his favorite sports: motocross and wakeboarding.

    Dr. Afshar welcomes any man or woman seeking high-quality vein treatment to Vein Institute.

 
 
Cristina DiMarte, PA-C | Vein Institute | Vascular Expert

Clinical Operations Director, Board Certified Physician Assistant

Cristina DiMarte,

PA-C

Certified physician assistant, Cristina DiMarte, PA-C, brings more than ten years of experience in emergency medicine and treatment of vein disease.

Cristina began her professional pursuits at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She earned her undergraduate degree in health and exercise science with a minor in Spanish and biology. She also studied abroad in Spain, allowing her to become fluent in Spanish. After graduation, Cristina decided to further her education and enrolled at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, where she obtained her master’s degree.

  • Before joining the team Cristina served as a certified physician assistant in the emergency department. Her hands-on training in the ED gave her the skills necessary to successfully treat vein disease.

    Cristina works closely with the team, offering minimally invasive surgeries to treat vein disease, varicose veins, and spider veins. Cristina works with patients at two of the Vein Institute’s locations, providing a professional and comfortable environment.

    Cristina always works to treat her patients in a safe and minimally invasive manner, allowing them to return to their favorite activities with minimal discomfort. She always sets aside plenty of time to work with each patient and gives them the attention and care they need to truly feel better.

    Cristina is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and proudly holds memberships in the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Vein & Lymphatic Society and the American College of Phlebology. When she isn’t working with patients or augmenting her professional skills, you can find Cristina spending time with her family, reading, traveling, cooking, or baking. She also enjoys staying physically active and relaxing with family and friends.

    Cristina welcomes any man or woman seeking comprehensive treatment for venous disease to Vein Institute.

 

Board Certified Surgeon

Christos Pappas, MD

Board-certified Surgeon Christos Pappas, MD, brings extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease to Vein Institute.

Dr. Pappas began his professional pursuits at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. After graduation, Dr. Pappas enrolled at the Tufts University School of Medicine, where he obtained his medical degree. Dr. Pappas completed his residency and fellowship at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA and George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC.

Dr. Pappas proudly holds memberships in the American Medical Association and Connecticut State Medical Society and is featured as a Top Doc in both Connecticut Magazine and Greenwich Magazine.  

Dr. Pappas welcomes any man or woman seeking high-quality vein treatment to Vein Institute.

 

Sclerotherapy Nurses

Renee Laboy | Sclerotherapy Nurse | Vein Institute | Vascular Experts located in Connecticut

Renee Brainard, R.N., B.S.N.

Amanda Borrero, L.P.N

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Alayna Freer, L.P.N.

 

Leadership

CFO/COO

J.C. Bender, MBA

J.C. Bender joined Vein Institute in 2023.

Most recently, JC served as Regional Director of Operations at MOTION PT Group, where he successfully optimized patient service while delivering on KPI's and financial performance. Through an aggressive growth phase, he played a key role in planning and executing end-to-end acquisition integration projects and launching new clinics from 6 to 60+.

  • JC's focus on talent has been integral to his success, as he believes in working with talented people and maximizing the value of human capital. He has an intense focus on learning and development to make his team as effective and successful as possible.

    JC's educational background includes an MBA and a Masters in Physical Therapy. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership roles, including Founder and Managing Director of Bender Rehabilitation Center. He conceptualized, planned, and launched the practice in collaboration with his partner, successfully growing the practice and establishing it as a quality and service leader in its marketplace. After a successful merger with Moore Physical Therapy & Fitness in 2007, he served as Clinical Director in Darien, CT, and Vice President of Operations across 7 locations, where he drove results for the entire enterprise.

    JC has also worked as a Business Consultant in the healthcare industry, where he helped clients achieve operational efficiencies, positioning their practices for growth, improved operational effectiveness, and go-to-market planning. He has expertise in enterprise-wide strategic planning, business plan development and validation, program and service line analysis, new market opportunity and strategic positioning assessment, market research, analysis and forecasting, pricing and reimbursement strategy, program design and implementation, B2B and referral source collaboration.


 

Vein Institute Practice Manager

Daniela Richardson

Daniela serves as a bridge between the administrative and clinical teams to best serve our patients. Having joined Vein Institute in 2014, she has aided in the growth and expansion of the company throughout Connecticut. She is a tremendous resource for all and oversees each office. Her willingness to collaborate and enthusiasm to cultivate solutions are unmatched.

  • With many years of experience in customer service, billing, and prior-authorizations, Daniela strives to deliver a top-notch experience for our patients from start to finish. She is well versed in all aspects of the treatment process and more specifically, insurance related matters. She is always happy to help answer any questions you may have, creating a smooth experience throughout your treatment.

    Daniela is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in Public Health and a minor in Nutrition. Outside of work, Daniela enjoys exploring the outdoors and traveling with her family, friends, and dog.

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