By using a combination of integrative medicine and functional medicine, we strive to give our patients a better understanding of the beautiful ecosystem that occurs within our bodies. When our bodies are not functioning optimally, this ecosystem is compromised. It is our mission to provide accurate knowledge on how to improve their health and lifestyle choices by identifying the root cause of “dis-ease” and healing the body with a balance of science and holistic modalities.
Aven Clinic is an Integrative Primary Care and Functional Medicine clinic. We specialize in addressing a full spectrum of health conditions, including: sexual health, aging, weight gain, hormone imbalance, chronic viral illness, immune system regeneration, autoimmune conditions, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and more. Our treatment services help to promote healthier cells and tissues for a better quality of life. We achieve this by improving energy and promoting overall well-being.
Our goal is to offer personalized and accessible functional medicine strategies for motivated, coachable, and committed individuals seeking to restore their health. We are happy to provide care for Sarasota and its surrounding areas.
Dr. Karolina Baker is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician, Emergency Medicine-trained, and an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Provider with over 20 years of clinical experience. She has practiced across multiple healthcare systems — from emergency departments and urgent care centers to primary care practices and mental health facilities — in the USA, England, The Netherlands, Aruba, and Poland.
Early in her career as an Emergency Physician, Dr. Baker quickly recognized the limits of conventional medicine in treating chronic illness. While acute conditions could be stabilized in minutes, patients suffering from long-term, complex diseases often cycled back into the system with little resolution. This led her to pursue advanced training in Functional and Integrative Medicine, where she found a model focused on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease rather than managing symptoms.
At Aven Clinic, Dr. Baker leads a patient-centered, technology-driven practice that blends Functional, Integrative, and Regenerative Medicine. She provides comprehensive care for individuals facing chronic conditions such as:
Her approach includes advanced diagnostic testing to evaluate nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, gut health, toxin exposure, and genetic predispositions. Care plans are personalized and may integrate nutrition, lifestyle changes, targeted nutraceuticals, peptide therapy, regenerative treatments, and mind-body strategies.
Dr. Baker is recognized for her ability to combine scientific precision with compassionate care. Her philosophy emphasizes prevention, root-cause resolution, and patient empowerment. She often reminds patients that true wellness requires partnership: medicine provides the guidance, but active participation through nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management is essential for long-term healing.
Among her many success stories, she recalls patients once debilitated by chronic pain, depression, or fatigue who, after treatment, were able to reclaim their lives — resuming activities they once thought were impossible.
Fluent in English, Polish, Dutch, and Papiamento, with proficiency in Spanish, Dr. Baker draws on her multicultural background to deliver care that is personalized, inclusive, and culturally sensitive.
Dr. Karolina Baker brings a rare combination of global experience, advanced medical training, and human-centered care. Through her work at Aven Clinic, she is dedicated to helping patients not only recover from illness but also achieve optimal health, vitality, and longevity. Personally, Dr. Baker enjoys regularly working out at HotWorx and constantly reading. She also spends her free time with her husband and children, Ava and Aiden.
Dr. Monty Baker is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Florida with more than 30 years of distinguished military and clinical service. A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, he served 10 years in the U.S. Army and 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, culminating his career as Command Psychologist for the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Intelligence Brigade at Fort Bragg, NC. Over the course of his career, Dr. Baker completed more than 20 combat-related deployments and provided psychological expertise during pivotal moments, including the 9/11 Pentagon attack, the 2008 Colombian hostage reintegration, the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, and multiple critical incidents during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Dr. Baker earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and completed his clinical residency at Malcolm Grow Medical Center, Andrews AFB. He received advanced training in primary care, health psychology and biofeedback, behavioral medicine, military psychology, and time-limited psychotherapies. His diverse assignments included serving as Chief of Mental Health at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Director of Research and Trauma, Risk, and Resiliency Fellowship at San Antonio Military Medical Center, Flight Commander of the Behavioral Analysis Service at Lackland AFB, and Flight Commander of the Mental Health Clinic at RAF Alconbury/Molesworth in the United Kingdom. He also completed unique training opportunities with the FBI Behavioral Science Unit and NSA Psychology Services.
For the past 15 years, Dr. Baker has been an operational psychology consultant to U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), advising leaders on organizational development, leadership assessment, executive coaching, program development, and resilience strategies. He currently serves as the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) Psychologist to the U.S. Army Special Forces Underwater Operations (SFUWO) unit in Key West, FL, while also providing integrative psychological services at Aven Clinic. His clinical practice spans work with children, retirees, military families, first responders, and active-duty service members.
Dr. Baker’s academic contributions are equally notable. He has held faculty appointments as an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University’s Center for Psychological Studies and as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. An accomplished researcher, he has delivered over 175 academic presentations and publications, served as Principal Investigator on multiple Department of Defense grants, and continues to contribute as an Associate Investigator on several research projects.
Recognized for his leadership and service, Dr. Baker has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal, among many others. He was honored as Nova Southeastern University’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2009 and served as Commencement Speaker in 2019.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Baker values time with his family, enjoys relaxing at the beach, jogging, reading, and cheering for his hometown sports teams from Minnesota.
Rachel has been a Registered Nurse for over 8 years and has spent the last 3 diving deep into the world of Functional Medicine. As the Nurse Manager at Aven Clinic, she’s passionate about helping patients get to the root of their symptoms and feel truly supported on their healing journeyShe’s certified in IV Therapy, Ozone Therapy, EBOO, and IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback – and she’s your go-to for everything from advanced therapies to day-to-day care. Patients love Rachel for her calm, caring presence and her ability to make even the most complex treatments feel easy to understand and approachable.When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll probably find her hanging out with her friends or fiancé, curled up with a good book, or working on a crochet or painting project. She’s got a creative side and loves anything that lets her unwind and recharge.
Meet Ci’Anna, our Certified Medical Assistant. Ci’Anna brings a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and dedication to patient care. She is certified in Phlebotomy, Cercava Allergy Testing, FX 405 Laser, Nitronox, IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback, PNOE Metabolic Testing, and aesthetic treatments, making her an integral part of our functional and regenerative medicine services.Her passion lies in empowering patients to feel confident in their health and appearance, while supporting their overall well-being from the inside out. Known for her warm and caring personality, Ci’Anna helps create a welcoming environment where patients feel truly supported and understood.Beyond her work in medicine, Ci’Anna enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also has a unique reptile hobby – proudly caring for seven reptiles – which reflects her nurturing nature and love for all living things. Whether in or out of the clinic, Ci’Anna brings a spirit of kindness, dedication, and joy to everything she does.
