Founded in 2013, Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief (AAIR) provides the most up-to-date treatment for patients across all areas of allergy and immunology. Owner Maeve O’Connor, M.D., FACAAI, FAAAAI, FACP, is board certified by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. She is one of only three specialists to have completed the University of Arizona Fellowship of Integrative Medicine. O’Connor is a fellow of the American College of Asthma Allergy and Immunology, where she currently serves on the board of regents, and as secretary of the house of delegates.

O’Connor’s global research on pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and allergy updates has made her a trusted resource in the worldwide arena of allergy/immunology. She lectures internationally on allergy/immunology topics.

She explains, “An allergist and immunologist physician is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease and asthma. They complete four years of medical school, complete a general residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, and must pass an exam to become board certified. Following this residency, these doctors spend two additional years of training, which is called a fellowship, learning about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of immune system problems such as asthma and other allergic conditions. Upon completion of an allergy/immunology fellowship, the doctor can practice allergy and immunology and can become a certified allergist after passing another exam sponsored by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.”

Allergy, immunology, integrative health and more are addressed within the AAIR of Charlotte practice. O’Connor says, “At AAIR, we offer the absolute best allergy, asthma and immunology care in the region. The staff includes Allison Freeman, M.D., FAAAAI, Amy Connolly, FNP-C, Leandra Tonweber, PA-C, Zachary Hurt, ND, Verla Lemmers, LE, and Jerra C. Cook, MPH, practice manager.

Freeman has chaired the allergy department at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. Over the last six years, her passion for introducing oral immunotherapy for severe food allergies resulted in winning the 2018 Pittsburgh Business Times Healthcare Hero Award.

Connolly has served in the medical field as a nurse for more than 18 years. With a background in emergency medicine, aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery, she brings a wealth of knowledge and an upbeat personality. Tonweber has been an asset to allergy and immunology for more than 20 years with a specialty in oral immunotherapy.

Hurt, a board-certified acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor, works diligently to use the least invasive treatment methods to treat the whole person by stimulating the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Lemmers uses the latest and most effective technology in laser treatment this region has to offer. As a licensed esthetician, she provides facials, Botox, Sculpsure and body contouring treatments for all patients. Cook has been in the healthcare field over 16 years and allergy and immunology administration for 10 years.

AAIR specializes in solving difficult-to-treat cases through the latest technology in testing and compassionate care. O’Connor notes, “We are often honored to treat patients that have been seen by multiple health care providers and feel that we are their ‘last chance.’ Board-certified AAIR providers are like detectives for our patients…we never leave a stone unturned!”

O’Connor is the only board-certified allergist in the region offering sublingual immunotherapy and provides immunoglobulin therapy for immunodeficiencies. She has published research articles on desensitization immunotherapy, asthma and food allergies. O’Connor has been selected by her peers to be included in the Best Doctors of America database from 2011 to date, and has been one of Charlotte Magazine’s Top Doctors for both Adult Allergy/Immunology and Pediatric Allergy/Immunology from 2007 to date. She is also listed in North Carolina’s Best Doctors.

O’Connor performs volunteer annual screening events to identify people with untreated asthma and participates in Physicians Reach Out, a nonprofit outreach program that provides free primary and specialty medical visits to eligible uninsured residents in Mecklenburg County. She is starting an aesthetics business with Connolly and Lemmers in the Elizabeth location in March.

 

Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief has three locations in Charlotte: 8810 Blakeney Professional Dr., Ste. 100; 1523 Elizabeth Ave., Ste. 200; and 10926 S. Tryon St., Ste. D. For appointments, call 704-910-1402 or visit AAIRofCharlotte.com.