About
Carolina Longevity
Personalized, Preventive, Precision Medicine
Designed to Help You Live Your Strongest Decade.
Our Vision
We envision a world where people do not just live longer, but live better. A future where strength, clarity, and vitality are normal decades into life. A future where healthcare is proactive instead of reactive, personalized instead of rushed, and rooted in science instead of guesswork.
Your strongest years should not be behind you. We believe they can be ahead.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help people refuse passive aging by providing personalized, physician-led care that improves energy, strength, metabolic health, and long-term vitality. We use advanced diagnostics, thoughtful coaching, and expert medical guidance to help you feel and function at your best at any age.
Our Philosophy
Longevity is not a matter of luck. It is the result of intention, expertise, and consistent support.
Our philosophy is built on four pillars:
Clarity
Deep diagnostic testing that shows what your body truly needs.
Personalization
A tailored plan based on your biology, lifestyle, and goals.
Consistency
Ongoing support, structured follow-up, and measurable progress.
Partnership
A physician and team who know you, care about you, and think about you between visits.
How We Practice
Carolina Longevity was created to replace hurried, reactive primary care with a thoughtful, continuous partnership. Many of our members rely on us as their primary point of medical support for hormone health, metabolic care, preventive testing, and long-term optimization.
We intentionally limit the number of clients we serve. This allows your care team to think deeply about your biomarkers, your progress, and your goals, instead of rushing from room to room.
Meet Our Team
Experts in metabolic health, hormone optimization, performance, and preventive medicine.
The Team Behind Your Transformation
Longevity is a team effort. Your experience at Carolina Longevity is guided by skilled professionals who bring together medical science, performance training, nutrition, and recovery expertise under one roof.
Medical Team
Ryan D. Schulteis, MD
Founder and Medical Director
Dr. Ryan Schulteis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin, before pursuing biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earning a master’s degree in physiology and genomics. He went on to study medicine at Duke University, completing his residency in internal medicine at Duke University Hospital, where he was selected as Chief Resident.
Following residency, Ryan built his career in hospital medicine, where he cared for some of the most medically complex patients—individuals living with multiple chronic illnesses, long medication lists, and frequent hospitalizations. That work, combined with over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and his role as Chief of Clinical Informatics at the Durham VA Hospital, gave him a deep appreciation for the strengths of modern medicine—and a clear view of its shortcomings.
His perspective sharpened further through his own health challenges, including May-Thurner syndrome and cervical disc disease. These experiences underscored not only the lifesaving value of traditional medical and surgical interventions, but also the importance of complementary approaches such as physical therapy, strength training, and manual therapies. Together, they shaped his conviction that the best medicine blends prevention, optimization, and innovation.
At Carolina Longevity, Ryan is committed to helping patients go beyond simply avoiding disease. He believes that healthspan—the years lived in strength, vitality, and independence—is as important as lifespan. Every patient receives both a comprehensive medical and laboratory evaluation and an integrated assessment with physical therapy and manual therapy teams. The goal is not just to prevent decline, but to maximize function, resilience, and quality of life.
Allison Gibson, DNP, AGACNP-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice and Clinical Provider
Allison Gibson is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience treating adults across the lifespan—from primary prevention to complex critical care. She currently provides care in both inpatient and outpatient settings, managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.
Allison earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Science in Nursing from Duke University. She began her nursing career in 2010 and has spent the last decade at Duke University Hospital’s Neuro ICU, where she works closely with interdisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based care to critically ill patients. Her clinical expertise includes advanced procedures, detailed assessment skills, and patient-family counseling.
Beyond the bedside, Allison is an educator, mentor, and published researcher. She actively contributes to scholarly work in neurology and critical care and is passionate about integrating research with real-world care to improve patient outcomes and strengthen clinical practice.
In her free time, Allison co-owns a fitness studio with her husband, Cory. She is passionate about physical fitness and the many benefits achieved through bodies in motion. Integrating her clinical expertise with her passion for living an active lifestyle is what has driven Allison to work with Carolina Longevity. Through this role, she promotes health education, wellness, and prevention by helping patients align movement, mindset, and medicine to support long-term vitality.
Ann Clark, PA-C, RDN
Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian
Ann is a licensed Physician Assistant, Registered Dietitian, and Certified Personal Trainer whose approach to healthcare is rooted in treating the whole person. She combines a strong clinical foundation with a deep curiosity for integrative health and the science of human optimization.
Her care philosophy centers on individualization—recognizing that each person brings a unique story, physiology, and set of needs. She blends conventional medicine with complementary modalities such as functional lab testing, targeted nutrition, and lifestyle medicine to uncover root causes and restore balance.
Ann’s special interests include gut health, metabolic optimization, detoxification from environmental exposures, cognitive performance, and building lean muscle mass. She is particularly passionate about prevention at a time when chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension are at record highs. Through education and advocacy, she highlights root-cause solutions that intercept illness before it takes hold.
She is also an avid explorer of holistic “health hacks” popular among biohackers—ranging from mitochondrial support and circadian alignment to breathwork, cold exposure, and smart supplementation. In both one-on-one care and longevity-focused consulting, Ann delivers actionable, evidence-based insights with compassion and clarity.
Her mission is simple: to help people feel better, function better, and unlock their highest potential.
Steve Pappas, MD
Physician Partner
Steve Pappas grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where sports were part of everyday life—soccer, basketball, cross country, and track. His path has been anything but ordinary. After earning a degree in music from Harvard University, Steve enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served as a Force Recon Marine, deploying to Afghanistan. Those experiences ultimately redirected his life toward healing rather than conflict, leading him to a career in medicine.
He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, complete his residency in internal medicine at Duke University, and pursue fellowship training in infectious diseases. Today, Steve is double board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases and cares for veterans at the Durham VA Hospital.
Steve also brings a deeply personal perspective to medicine. In 2019, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent six cycles of chemotherapy, achieving remission in 2020. His own journey through cancer made him a passionate advocate for the role of exercise during treatment and recovery—something he champions for patients and lives out himself.
Now in his mid-40s, Steve continues to train and compete in triathlons, CrossFit, and a wide range of sports. Inspired by athletes from gymnasts to marathon swimmers, his philosophy emphasizes well-rounded fitness and resilience in both body and mind.
Performance, Movement,
and Rehabilitation
Chris Ecklund, MA, LMT, NKT, CSCS, CES, PES, USAW
Performance Therapist
Chris Ecklund has spent nearly 30 years immersed in the pursuit of performance—helping athletes, professionals, and organizations reach their full potential. From physical training and wellness to leadership and education, his mission has remained consistent: help people thrive. Whether working one-on-one or guiding teams, Chris focuses on practical strategies that drive meaningful, lasting results.
With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Kinesiology and numerous certifications—including Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, USA Weightlifting Coach, and Licensed Massage Therapist—Chris built a reputation as both a practitioner and educator. He founded and served as CEO of Prevail Conditioning Performance Center, taught kinesiology at the university level, and became a Master Trainer for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. His excellence in teaching earned him an Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award from Westmont College.
An international speaker and writer, Chris is known for translating science into actionable strategies. He has presented globally on movement, performance, and leadership, influencing athletes, executives, coaches, and health professionals alike. His work consistently integrates evidence-based practice with long-term sustainability in wellness and performance.
Chris has also expanded into leadership and business development, applying performance principles—assessment, strategy, discipline, and adaptability—to organizational growth. Today, through Integrated Performance, LLC, he works with C-suite executives, elite athletes, and high-performing individuals focused on healthspan as much as lifespan. Based in Pittsboro, North Carolina, Chris lives with his wife, Emily, and their two children. His faith and family anchor his philosophy that true wellness supports not just individual success, but vitality, relationships, and longevity.
Gabbi Benninger, PT, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Gabbi earned both her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Duquesne University, where she was also a Division I athlete competing in track and field as a heptathlete. Her background as a lifelong athlete fuels her passion for helping others move well and return to the activities they love.
Gabbi’s career has centered on outpatient orthopedic care with an emphasis on manual therapy. She has student experience in cardiac care, pediatrics, and acute care. She currently brings her expertise to Morgan Young Physical Therapy, where she values the individualized approach that allows her to provide the highest quality care and the best outcomes for her patients.
She has advanced training in dry needling, manual therapy, women’s health, myofascial release, spinal manipulation and mobilization, and specialized movement screening. Her treatment philosophy centers on making care practical and sustainable, ensuring patients can integrate their recovery into everyday life.
As a physical therapist, Gabbi’s greatest goal is to empower her patients to continue doing what they love without compromise. She enjoys working with patients of all ages—whether two or ninety-two—and believes every person has something unique to teach.
Outside the clinic, Gabbi’s love for athletics continues. She has participated in soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, softball, and track and field, and she has recently discovered a new passion for volleyball. She also enjoys watching and supporting all her Pittsburgh teams.
Matt Cialdini
Strength and Conditioning Coach
With over a decade of experience in the field of strength and conditioning, Matt Cialdini brings a dynamic, athlete-centered approach to coaching. Specializing in athletic development, Matt has trained numerous athletes who have gone on to compete at the Division I level. His philosophy blends data-driven insights with a creative, collaborative coaching style that keeps training both effective and engaging.
Originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Matt is passionate about helping athletes unlock their full potential—physically and mentally. Whether it's on the field, in the weight room, or in life he’s always pushing the boundaries of performance and fun.
Outside of work, you’ll find Matt staying active through CrossFit, Olympic lifting, and scuba diving—pursuing the same energy and challenge he brings to his coaching.
Brand, Vision, and Patient
Experience
Lara Casey Isaacson
Brand Vision and Experience Strategist
Lara Casey Isaacson is a bestselling author, seasoned entrepreneur, and visionary known for helping organizations and individuals bridge purpose with performance. As founder of Cultivate What Matters and creator of the bestselling PowerSheets® Goal Planner, Lara built one of the nation’s most trusted personal development brands, empowering thousands of people to align their habits and goals with what matters most.
After her company was acquired in 2022, Lara turned her focus toward the intersection of health, leadership, and purpose. Her background in goal psychology, habit formation, and client delight now informs her work with Carolina Longevity, where she helps shape the clinic’s brand story, client journey, and overall experience.
A former personal trainer in New York City, Lara is passionate about helping people transform and live on purpose. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Shape, The Wall Street Journal, and Southern Living.
Guided by a deep belief that transformation happens through clarity and consistency, Lara ensures that every element of the Carolina Longevity experience reflects its mission—to help clients live longer, stronger, and more intentionally.
Nicole Garabaya
Director of Client Experience
Nicole brings over a decade of experience in client consulting and coordination in longevity health, plastic surgery and aesthetics. She guides clients through personalized care journeys with clarity, professionalism, and compassion. Passionate about fitness, nutrition, and whole-person wellness, Nicole is dedicated to creating a seamless, supportive experience and helping clients feel informed, confident, and well cared for throughout their longevity journey.
Outside of the clinic, Nicole pursues an active lifestyle with a strong focus on CrossFit and strength training, and enjoys travel and home projects with her husband. She values structure, guidance, consistency, and partnership in lifelong wellness - principles that closely align with Carolina Longevity’s mission and the way she supports each client.
Together, this team forms a comprehensive ecosystem designed to support every aspect of your health span.
The
Carolina Longevity Experience
Our clinic is designed to feel restorative, private, and calm.
Every detail is intentional.
Longer physician appointments
Full diagnostic testing onsite
A high-end strength training and performance space
A recovery suite with red light, PEMF, compression, and sauna
A filtered hot water coffee bar
Thoughtfully curated retail and recovery tools.
Evidence-driven care in an environment that feels like a retreat.
What we Believe About Aging
Aging should not mean slowing down.
Losing muscle is not inevitable.
Fatigue is not normal.
Brain fog is not destiny.
And health span matters just as much as lifespan.
Why People Choose Us
Because they want real answers, not rushed visits.
Because they want to feel strong again.
Because they want measurable, scientific progress.
Because they want a trusted medical partner.
Because they want a future where they are capable, energetic, and fully alive.
Your physiology can be strengthened and supported at every age. Our role is to give you the clarity and structure to make that possible.
Our Location:
Address:
50101 Governors Dr, Ste 105, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone Number:
Health is your most valuable asset. Your future strength, clarity, and vitality are built on the choices you make today. Carolina Longevity gives you the clarity, care, and confidence to live a strong, purposeful, energized life for decades to come.