Meet the Team
Transformational Health Centers
Dr. Derek Ferguson, CFMP, PSc.D, D.C.
Dr. Derek Ferguson is leading a health transformation which revolves around educating the general public on Functional Medicine, using lifestyle as medicine to support longevity, energy, mental clarity and happiness to obtain health. Dr. Ferguson is owner and clinical director of Transformational Health Centers located in New Jersey and Florida which focuses on patient centered care, that delivers hope and education for patients who feel lost when it comes to understanding true health. He teaches his patients not only how to obtain health, but how to sustain their health with minimal outside help.
Currently, Dr. Ferguson's research activities revolve around restorative and anti-aging therapies, all the while being one of the leading voices in Functional Medicine today. The common belief that as we age, it is “normal" to be on medication, has never sat well in Dr. Ferguson’s heart. His experience through proven methods of testing on his own body, while continuously exploring cutting edge methods and dispelling trends, is a continued passion to bring the best healthcare to his own patients. Through his Functional Medicine practice, Dr. Ferguson works with patients across the country to satisfy this core principle of sustaining health, in turn pioneering the principle of a Lifestyle Physician.
Dr. Ferguson was born and raised in Florida, received his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Life University, and has been awarded Top Doctor in NJ for the last 10 years. He works with Hudson Regional Hospital in Secaucus and has complementary private practices located in Whippany and Flemington NJ. Dr. Ferguson has provided unparalleled health care for Olympic Gold Medal athletes in fields such as Wrestling and Judo to help them achieve their highest accolades in the sporting world. However, his true passion is to serve every man, woman and child to truly excel at life through their in-born expression of health.
Dr. Ferguson serves on the board of Med Journal 360 as well as Acorn Montessori and serves as Acorn Montessori chief healthcare advisor. Dr. Ferguson also serves on the board for Hope Through Education which helps thousands of underprivileged students reach their full potential through the gift of a great education which he values as the most important gift in this world to the children.
A recognized author, speaker, leader, educator and advocate in the field of Functional Medicine, Dr. Ferguson has been featured on News 12 New Jersey and has authored a lifestyle cookbook, Eat Like Your LIFE Depends on It. Dr. Ferguson delivers the best care for his patients without putting a band-aid on their health, by working with the concept of lifestyle and that the little things add up over time making a big difference. He facilitates his patients to build on a solid foundation of lifestyle choices to improve and sustain their health. Dr. Ferguson considers it an honor to serve and be a health transformation provider in today’s field of medicine.
Cris Amato, APN
Cris Amato is an accomplished medical provider with over 15 years of experience. She has worked in multiple specialties within the field of medicine. Currently she finds herself on the front lines of the ever-evolving field of Integrative, Functional, and Anti- aging medicine.
Cris started her career as a nurse in the Emergency Department of an inner city and continued her career in various disciplines of medicine including acute and critical care. She obtained her certification as a Nurse Practitioner in acute and critical care medicine for adults and the elderly population in 2016.
She has a mission to help clients achieve optimal health despite chronic health challenges or time restraints. In addition, Cris continues to refine her skills in the field of Aesthetic medicine with over 3 years’ experience. She brings an artistic eye and loves to help restore the natural beauty of her clients. Cris views each client as a whole and delivers comprehensive care in her treatments.
Samantha Ortiz Assistant
Samantha is one of the assistants that work closely with patients to assist in their journey to better health! She believes in the importance of healing from within to properly maintain the body. Samantha's background as a licensed massage therapist deeps her passion to help our patients throughout their trials and tribulations towards a discomfort free life. Rest assured that you'd be greeted with a smile every time and she will be at your service for any questions or concerns you may have.