Operators' Health Center
Merrillville, Indiana
Operators' Health Center –
Merrillville, Indiana*
8900 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 525-1150
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday & Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
*This location offers primary care, mental health, chiropractic care, and physical therapy services.
Meet your care team.
Dr. Kamaljeet Girn, MD
Dr. Girn is a local resident of Northwest Indiana. After graduating from Jagiellonian University School of Medicine in Krakow, Poland, he completed his residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. His specialty is Family Medicine, and he has passionately practiced for 20 years, gaining experience in chronic medical conditions and mental health. Dr. Girn’s patients say he is very thorough and pays great attention to detail. He is proud to have earned the Patient Choice Award for three consecutive years. He is married with three children. Outside of his work, Dr. Girn enjoys camping, traveling, and drawing.
Tonia Amaloo, FNP-C – Nurse Practitioner
Tonia Amaloo is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience in nursing. She graduated from Purdue University Calumet in 1991 with a degree in nursing. Tonia continued her academic journey, earning her master’s degree from Purdue University Calumet in 2009.
With 15 years of experience in primary care, Tonia has developed a strong passion for preventative care, weight management, and patient education. She is dedicated to helping individuals achieve and maintain healthier lifestyles through personalized care. Her extensive background in primary care and functional medicine enables her to take a holistic approach to health, addressing the root causes of illness and promoting long-term wellness.
Patient Care Philosophy:
Tonia empowers her patients through education, creating an environment where they feel heard and involved in their healthcare decisions. Her goal is to build lasting relationships founded on trust, compassion, and mutual respect.
Connie J. Ramirez, NP – Nurse Practitioner
Connie is a local resident of Northwest Indiana. She graduated with honors in 1989 from Purdue University. With over 25 years in practice, Connie has a broad range of experience, including the treatment of anxiety disorders, neck pain, spine problems and bronchitis. Connie’s patients love that she is so knowledgeable about many medical conditions, and they recognize her from serving them in the past at two of our largest local health systems. Connie is certified to perform DOT physicals. Outside of her work, she loves to spend time with her family and friends and enjoys reading a good book.
Melinda Pipik, MS, FNP-BC – Nurse Practitioner
Melinda completed her baccalaureate nursing education at Valparaiso University in 2001 and attended Purdue University Calumet for her family nurse practitioner training, graduating in 2013. Melinda has extensive experience in providing comprehensive care to the entire family, with a special interest in pediatrics and women’s health.
Melinda is married with three children and is an active Girl Scout Troop Leader. When not working, Melinda and her husband enjoy crossword puzzles and taking turns carting children to Girl Scout meetings, swim meets, and orchestra concerts.
Ashley Kuiper, RN MSN CDCES CHWC – Care Manager
Ashley is a Field Care Manager at the Operators’ Health Center in Merrillville. She has a Master’s Degree in Nursing and holds two certifications: Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She has a passion for working with patients living with diabetes, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to empower them to take part in their own diabetes management. She enjoys working with her patients and helping them become the best versions of themselves they can achieve.
She has lived in many places before planting her roots in Indiana. She is married to a USMC veteran and has a son. When she’s not at the health center, she can be found at her small business that she owns with her husband or at a dance class at the YMCA.
Dr. Joseph Little - Chiropractor
Dr. Joe Little, a proud Hoosier native of Delphi, Indiana, brings his expertise and passion for patient care to every individual he treats. After earning his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan University, he embarked on a journey across the country, honing his skills while addressing complex neurological and chronic pain conditions. With a career enriched by working alongside collegiate and professional athletes, Dr. Little is recognized for his innovative approach to rehabilitation.
Patient Care Philosophy:
By integrating cutting-edge techniques and a multi-modal strategy, he creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. His extensive clinical background spans spinal trauma, sports and orthopedic injuries, post-concussion care, and athletic performance training.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Little cherishes life’s simple joys, embracing the four F’s: Family, Friends, Fishing, and Football.
Diane Kolarczyk, PT – Physical Therapist
Diane Kolarczyk is a Physical therapist at the Operators’ Health Center at Merrillville. Diane grew up in Hammond and has spent her career working in hospitals and outpatient centers in Northwest Indiana. She is committed to partnering with you to help you live a healthier and more active life. Diane is a graduate of Marquette University. She is a certified Tai Chi for Health instructor. Diane also helps people learn to manage their money as a certified YNAB (You Need A Budget) Coach. For fun, she loves to travel and has recently begun to learn how to play pickleball.
Candy Isom, RN, HCM – Health Center Manager
Candy is the Health Center Manager for the Operators’ Health Center in Merrillville. She is pleased to be part of such a hard-working team to provide care for the Operators and their loved ones. Candy is onsite daily to help ensure positive day-to-day operations and workflows. She has worked in various locations and specialties during her 20+ years as a registered nurse, including management and leadership roles in orthopedics and pain management. As a transplant from Illinois, Candy is now a proud resident of Northwest Indiana.
