People who care.

Founder & Medical Director, Valley Natural Health

Dr. Sonal Patel is a highly respected Naturopathic Doctor and the Founder of Valley Natural Health, where he has dedicated over a decade to helping thousands of patients achieve lasting wellness through integrative, patient-centered care. A graduate of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Patel combines the principles of sound medical science with the healing power of nature, creating an innovative model of care that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.

Since founding Valley Natural Health more than 10 years ago, Dr. Patel has guided the clinic’s remarkable growth into one of the Central Valley’s leading naturopathic medical practices—caring for over 5,000 patients in the past two years alone. His vision continues to drive the clinic’s statewide expansion, ensuring more communities have access to comprehensive, holistic healthcare.

Before becoming a physician, Dr. Patel was an educator—a foundation that continues to shape his approach as a doctor, mentor, and leader. He is passionate about empowering both patients and practitioners through education, prevention, and personalized treatment.

Supported by a dedicated team of medical doctors, nurses, and holistic practitioners, Dr. Patel leads Valley Natural Health in delivering exceptional, compassionate care rooted in balance, restoration, and whole-person healing.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Patel is a devoted husband and father of four, finding inspiration in family and the continual pursuit of growth—both personally and within his practice.

Marcine Schreckengost is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years in healthcare. She earned her BSN and MSN from California State University, Fresno and is a proud member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Throughout her career, Marcine has worked in cardiology, wound care, emergency and intensive care units, and trauma/critical care with SkyLife, giving her a broad and deep understanding of patient care across multiple specialties.

Marcine’s philosophy of healthcare is centered on assisting and guiding patients to maintain or restore balance, helping them achieve optimal health and facilitate the healing process. She has long embraced a holistic approach, integrating lifestyle medicine, complementary and alternative therapies, naturopathy, Western medicine, energy medicine, traditional and cultural practices, and spirituality. Her master’s thesis in 2004 focused on complementary medicine, and to this day she continues to weave these practices into her care, believing this is essential for maintaining balance in today’s chaotic and often toxic environment.

Her personal motivation for becoming a Nurse Practitioner grew from a desire to take her knowledge, skills, and compassion to the next level, empowering patients to stay out of the hospital while improving their overall wellness. Inspired by a family of nurses—including her mother, sister, and four aunts—Marcine became the first NP in her family, carrying forward their legacy of care while expanding her scope to make a deeper impact on patients’ lives.

Outside of the clinic, Marcine enjoys mountain biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, attending concerts, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and family. She is passionate about bringing balance, compassion, and expertise to every patient interaction, ensuring that each person feels supported and empowered in their health journey.

Sharon Templeton is an experienced Nurse Practitioner with over 40 years of combined experience as both an RN and NP. She holds credentials in Public Health Nursing (PHN), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), bringing a wealth of expertise to her care. Sharon has extensive experience in family medicine and pediatric medicine and has completed additional studies in functional medicine, allowing her to provide a comprehensive and integrative approach to health.

Her philosophy is simple yet profound—to provide the highest quality of care to every patient, helping them achieve wellness through compassion, education, and evidence-based practice. Sharon’s dedication to medicine is deeply rooted in her commitment to serving others, both professionally and through her community involvement and volunteer work with her church.

Outside of her clinical practice, Sharon enjoys gardening, painting, arts and crafts, and reading. She values spending quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Ollie, finding balance and joy in both her work and personal life.